Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
186 words
In a nuclear fuel bundle having a parallel array of fuel rods and a grid spacer having intersecting walls forming openings through which said fuel rods longitudinally extend with protrusions and coacting spring means extending from said walls of said grid spacer for holding said fuel rods in laterally fixed positions, a spacer capture system which secures said grid spacer in fixed position comprising: a. at least one hollow fuel containing spacer capture rod included in said parallel array of fuel rods positioned within said grid spacer; b. a pair of engaging lugs for engaging one of said protrusions extending radially from the exterior surface of said spacer capture rod and mounted longitudinally on said spacer capture rod so as to position said protrusion from said grid spacer walls between said pair of lugs and thereby prevent movement of said grid spacer in either longitudinal direction; c. a standoff lug extending radially from the exterior surface of said spacer capture rod and positioned 180° from said engaging lugs and of sufficient length to be disposed in surface contact with said spacer grid wall opposite said protrusions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
186 words
In a nuclear fuel bundle having a parallel array of fuel rods and a grid spacer having intersecting walls forming openings through which said fuel rods longitudinally extend with protrusions and coacting spring means extending from said walls of said grid spacer for holding said fuel rods in laterally fixed positions, a spacer capture system which secures said grid spacer in fixed position comprising: a. at least one hollow fuel containing spacer capture rod included in said parallel array of fuel rods positioned within said grid spacer; b. a pair of engaging lugs for engaging one of said protrusions extending radially from the exterior surface of said spacer capture rod and mounted longitudinally on said spacer capture rod so as to position said protrusion from said grid spacer walls between said pair of lugs and thereby prevent movement of said grid spacer in either longitudinal direction; c. a standoff lug extending radially from the exterior surface of said spacer capture rod and positioned 180° from said engaging lugs and of sufficient length to be disposed in surface contact with said spacer grid wall opposite said protrusions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The spacer capture system of claim 1 wherein said engaging lugs and standoff lug are fixed directly to said spacer capture rod.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The spacer capture system of claim 1 wherein said engaging lugs and standoff lug are mounted on a collar surrounding and attached to said spacer capture rod.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The spacer capture system of claim 2 wherein said spacer capture rod is filled with inert material in the region adjacent said engaging lugs and standoff lug, thereby preventing localized overheating of said rod.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The spacer capture system of claim 3 wherein said spacer capture rod is filled with inert material in the region adjacent said collar, thereby preventing localized overheating of said rod.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The spacer capture system of claim 1 including only one standoff lug.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The spacer capture system of claim 3 wherein said capture rod includes inert material in the region adjacent said collar, thereby preventing localized overheating of said rod.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The spacer capture system of claim 1 including only one pair of engaging lugs.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
The spacer capture system of claim 8 including only one standoff lug.