US4046631A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Plugs
Assignee: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
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Filing: 1973-09-10
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Granted: 1977-09-06
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Expires: 1993-09-10
Abstract
Abstract Nuclear fuel is canned in metal cans which have sealed closures to maintain the cans leak tight. Failure of the seal due to the chemical reaction of free hydrogen within the can is a problem which is alleviated by incorporating within the can a mass of a material which will be selectively attacked by hydrogen. Zirconium alloy is such a material and in the case of fuel canned in this alloy the hydrogen trap needs special shaping and positioning to ensure that it, rather than the can wall, is preferentially attacked by any hydrogen present.
Inventors
- 👤 Leslie Clapham
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 11:12
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C3/00; G21C3/02; G21C3/04; G21C3/06; G21C3/10; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
A metal nuclear fuel can having a metal closure plug for closing an open end of the can, the plug having a closure portion dimensioned to engage the open end, a team of reduced cross-sectional area extending axially from the dimensioned portion into the can interior, the stem terminating in a flange of enlarged cross-sectional are, the flange being formed of a material which is selectively susceptible of attack by hydrogen, the surface of the flange remote from the closure portion having a surface roughness greater than that of the interior surface of the can wall.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
96 words
A metal nuclear fuel can having a metal closure plug for closing an open end of the can, the plug having a closure portion dimensioned to engage the open end, a team of reduced cross-sectional area extending axially from the dimensioned portion into the can interior, the stem terminating in a flange of enlarged cross-sectional are, the flange being formed of a material which is selectively susceptible of attack by hydrogen, the surface of the flange remote from the closure portion having a surface roughness greater than that of the interior surface of the can wall.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A metal nuclear fuel can as claimed in claim 1 in which the said surface of the flange has a series of annular grooves formed in its surface.
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) | 1980-09-05 | 1981-03-07 | 1981-09-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-09-05 | 1985-03-07 | 1985-09-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-09-05 | 1989-03-07 | 1989-09-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |