US4171002A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Nuclear fuel transportation containers
Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels Ltd
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Filing: 1977-10-20
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Granted: 1979-10-16
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Expires: 1997-10-20
Abstract
Abstract An inner container for a nuclear fuel transportation flask for irradiated fuel elements comprising a cylindrical shell having a dished end closure with a drainage sump and means for flushing out solid matter by way of the sump prior to removing a cover.
Inventors
- 👤 Alfred J. Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 18:59
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21F; G21F5/00; G21F5/005; G21F5/008; G21F5/012
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
An inner container for use inside a transport flask for irradiated nuclear fuel elements, the inner container comprising: a generally cylindrical shell having a dished closure with a drainage sump at one end, a detachable lid at the other end, a partitioning structure defining compartments in the shell each for receiving an elongate nuclear reactor fuel element disposed with axis parallel to the axis of the shell, and sealable ducts extending through the lid arranged for injecting streams of flushing liquid through the inner container, at least one of the ducts being arranged for discharging matter from the sump through the lid of the inner container.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
An inner container for use inside a transport flask for irradiated nuclear fuel elements, the inner container comprising: a generally cylindrical shell having a dished closure with a drainage sump at one end, a detachable lid at the other end, a partitioning structure defining compartments in the shell each for receiving an elongate nuclear reactor fuel element disposed with axis parallel to the axis of the shell, and sealable ducts extending through the lid arranged for injecting streams of flushing liquid through the inner container, at least one of the ducts being arranged for discharging matter from the sump through the lid of the inner container.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
An inner container according to claim 1 wherein the lid of the container carries flushing pipes having open ends arranged for discharging streams of flushing liquid over the dished surface of the integral end closure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
An inner container according to claim 2 wherein the open end flushing pipes are angularly formed to effect discharge of spiral streams of flushing liquid over the dished surface thereby to impart a swirling component to the streams for scouring the dished surface of the closure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
An inner container according to claim 3 wherein the flushing ducts are arranged to discharge jet streams of flushing liquid through nozzles and along the longitudinal axes of the compartments.
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) | 1982-10-15 | 1983-04-16 | 1983-10-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-10-15 | 1987-04-16 | 1987-10-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-10-15 | 1991-04-16 | 1991-10-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |