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US3868302A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Thermal shield of a nuclear reactor
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Filing: 1971-05-12
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Granted: 1975-02-25
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Expires: 1991-05-12
Abstract
Abstract The thermal shield for the core of a nuclear reactor in which the core has portions closer to the inner wall than other portions has an increased thickness adjacent the portions closer to the wall.
Inventors
- 👤 Norman R Singleton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 14:48
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C11/00; G21C11/08; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
A nuclear reactor including, in combination: an elongated upstanding pressure vessel; an elongated upstanding nuclear core within said pressure vessel comprising a plurality of fuel assemblies, said fuel assemblies being situated in side-by-side relationship such that the core has a generally rectangular configuration in plan view with some portions of the core closer to the inner side wall of the pressure vessel than other portions; supportive and shielding structures being interposed between the nuclear core and the pressure vessel and coextending at least in part with the longitudinal dimension of said elongated core, the coextending parts of said interposed structures having an increased thickness adjacent said some portions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
108 words
A nuclear reactor including, in combination: an elongated upstanding pressure vessel; an elongated upstanding nuclear core within said pressure vessel comprising a plurality of fuel assemblies, said fuel assemblies being situated in side-by-side relationship such that the core has a generally rectangular configuration in plan view with some portions of the core closer to the inner side wall of the pressure vessel than other portions; supportive and shielding structures being interposed between the nuclear core and the pressure vessel and coextending at least in part with the longitudinal dimension of said elongated core, the coextending parts of said interposed structures having an increased thickness adjacent said some portions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The nuclear reactor of claim 1 wherein the interposed structure includes a cylindrical core-barrel supported by said pressure vessel and surrounding said nuclear core and wherein the core-barrel is of an increased thickness adjacent said some portions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The nuclear reactor of claim 2 wherein the increased thickness of the core-barrel is achieved by affixing plates to the core-barrel adjacent said some portions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The nuclear reactor of claim 3 wherein blocks are interposed between the core-barrel and the plates to provide coolant channels therebetween.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
144 words
A nuclear reactor including, in combination: an upstanding pressure vessel; an elongated upstanding nuclear core within said pressure vessel comprising a plurality of fuel assemblies, said fuel assemblies being situated in side-by-side relationship such that the core has a generally rectangular configuration in plan view with some portions of the core closer to the inner side wall of the pressure vessel than other portions; means for supporting and positioning said nuclear core within said vessel; thermal shield means interposed between said vessel and said core and positioned outwardly of the periphery of said core, said thermal shield means coextending with the longitudinal dimension of said core and said thermal shield means having portions of increased thickness along its dimension which coextends with said longitudinal dimension of said core, said portions of said thermal shield means being positioned adjacent said some portions of said core.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
144 words
A nuclear reactor including, in combination: an upstanding pressure vessel; an elongated upstanding nuclear core within said pressure vessel comprising a plurality of fuel assemblies, said fuel assemblies being situated in side-by-side relationship such that the core has a generally rectangular configuration in plan view with some portions of the core closer to the inner side wall of the pressure vessel than other portions; means for supporting and positioning said nuclear core within said vessel; thermal shield means interposed between said vessel and said core and positioned outwardly of the periphery of said core, said thermal shield means coextending with the longitudinal dimension of said core and said thermal shield means having portions of increased thickness along its dimension which coextends with said longitudinal dimension of said core, said portions of said thermal shield means being positioned adjacent said some portions of said core.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
The nuclear reactor of claim 5 including: means for supporting and positioning said nuclear core within said vessel; said thermal shield means being formed at least in part by said supporting and positioning means to shield said vessel from said core.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
The nuclear reactor of claim 3 wherein said plates are metallic.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-24 | 1978-08-26 | 1979-02-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-24 | 1982-08-26 | 1983-02-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-24 | 1986-08-26 | 1987-02-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |