US4057468A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Nuclear reactor fuel element sub-assemblies
Assignee: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
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Filing: 1976-02-23
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Granted: 1977-11-08
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Expires: 1996-02-23
Abstract
Abstract An elongate fuel element sub-assembly for use in a liquid metal cooled fast breeder nuclear reactor is adapted at a base end region for plugging into core support means and at the upper free end there is inertia damping means to prevent excessive vibration.
Inventors
- 👤 Anthony Randle Lunt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 17:47
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C3/00; G21C3/30; G21C3/32; G21C3/324; G21C1/00; G21C1/02; G21C11/00; G21C11/02; G21C11/022; G21C11/024; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
A fuel element sub-assembly for a liquid metal cooled fast breeder nuclear reactor, the fuel element sub-assembly being elongate and having a base end region adapted for plugging into fuel assembly support means, and inertia damping means disposed at an upper end region of the sub-assembly, the inertia damping means comprising: a lower sleeve rigidly attached to the fuel element sub-assembly; a tubular spine rigidly and co-axially attached to the lower sleeve; an upper sleeve mounted co-axially on the tubular spine with a radial spacing therebetween and resiliently coupled to the lower sleeve, the upper sleeve having coolant flow ducts extending therethrough to the radial clearance.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
A fuel element sub-assembly for a liquid metal cooled fast breeder nuclear reactor, the fuel element sub-assembly being elongate and having a base end region adapted for plugging into fuel assembly support means, and inertia damping means disposed at an upper end region of the sub-assembly, the inertia damping means comprising: a lower sleeve rigidly attached to the fuel element sub-assembly; a tubular spine rigidly and co-axially attached to the lower sleeve; an upper sleeve mounted co-axially on the tubular spine with a radial spacing therebetween and resiliently coupled to the lower sleeve, the upper sleeve having coolant flow ducts extending therethrough to the radial clearance.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A fuel element sub-assembly according to claim 1 wherein the upper sleeve is of massive steel neutron shielding.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A fuel element sub-assembly according to claim 1 wherein the resilient coupling of the upper and lower sleeves comprises an expandible bellows unit.
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) | 1980-11-07 | 1981-05-09 | 1981-11-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-11-07 | 1985-05-09 | 1985-11-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-11-07 | 1989-05-09 | 1989-11-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |