US3828518A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fuel rod fabrication
Assignee: Babcock International Ltd
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Filing: 1971-01-12
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Granted: 1974-08-13
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Expires: 1991-01-12
Abstract
Abstract A process of sealing the external junction between an endclosure and a long fuel rod of a slender nature in a controlled gaseous environment by a rotating electrode passing through a predetermined path around the periphery of the junction. A device for accomplishing the aforesaid process wherein the fuel rod is held in a horizontal attitude at a predetermined position while a rotating electrode operatively fuses the endclosure to such fuel rod.
Inventors
- 👤 E Silk
- 👤 C Moore
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 02:20
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C3/00; G21C3/02; G21C3/04; G21C3/06; G21C3/10; B; B23; B23K; B23K9/00; B23K9/16; B23K9/162; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
190 words
A device for sealing an open-end nuclear reactor fuel rod comprising an enclosure having a pair of aligned openings, sealing means associated with said openings for engaging the fuel rod when the rod is received within said enclosure and for maintaining a vacuum and a gas under pressure within the enclosure, means for controlling the environment within said enclosure, a rotatably mounted shaft within said enclosure having a longitudinally disposed passageway in alignment with said pair of enclosure openings, a plate secured to one end of said shaft for rotation therewith, said plate having an opening in further alignment with said passageway and said enclosure openings, welding means secured to said plate for rotation with said plate, drive means for rotating said plate and said welding means in a generally circular path about the fuel rod, an end closure for plugging the fuel rod open end, and an arm pivotally mounted within said enclosure to temporarily restrict the movement of the fuel rod through said passageway and engage said end closure on the fuel rod and to align the fuel rod and said end closure with said rotatable welding means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
190 words
A device for sealing an open-end nuclear reactor fuel rod comprising an enclosure having a pair of aligned openings, sealing means associated with said openings for engaging the fuel rod when the rod is received within said enclosure and for maintaining a vacuum and a gas under pressure within the enclosure, means for controlling the environment within said enclosure, a rotatably mounted shaft within said enclosure having a longitudinally disposed passageway in alignment with said pair of enclosure openings, a plate secured to one end of said shaft for rotation therewith, said plate having an opening in further alignment with said passageway and said enclosure openings, welding means secured to said plate for rotation with said plate, drive means for rotating said plate and said welding means in a generally circular path about the fuel rod, an end closure for plugging the fuel rod open end, and an arm pivotally mounted within said enclosure to temporarily restrict the movement of the fuel rod through said passageway and engage said end closure on the fuel rod and to align the fuel rod and said end closure with said rotatable welding means.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
129 words
A method for sealing an open-ended nuclear reactor fuel rod comprising the steps of inserting the open end of the rod entirely through an enclosure, loading the rod with nuclear fuel, evacuating the atmosphere within the enclosure, establishing a predetermined gaseous environment within said evacuated enclosure, placing a fuel rod end closure on the open end of the fuel rod, drawing the loaded fuel rod back into the enclosure, pivoting a pivotable arm into engagement with the loaded fuel rod to align the end closure with a welding assembly, clamping the loaded fuel rod in said aligned position, driving said welding assembly in a generally circular path about the end closure and the loaded fuel rod to weld the closure to the rod, and releasing the clamped fuel rod.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
129 words
A method for sealing an open-ended nuclear reactor fuel rod comprising the steps of inserting the open end of the rod entirely through an enclosure, loading the rod with nuclear fuel, evacuating the atmosphere within the enclosure, establishing a predetermined gaseous environment within said evacuated enclosure, placing a fuel rod end closure on the open end of the fuel rod, drawing the loaded fuel rod back into the enclosure, pivoting a pivotable arm into engagement with the loaded fuel rod to align the end closure with a welding assembly, clamping the loaded fuel rod in said aligned position, driving said welding assembly in a generally circular path about the end closure and the loaded fuel rod to weld the closure to the rod, and releasing the clamped fuel rod.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-08-12 | 1978-02-11 | 1978-08-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-08-12 | 1982-02-11 | 1982-08-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-08-12 | 1986-02-11 | 1986-08-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |