Patent US4198272A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4198272A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fuel sub-assemblies for nuclear reactors
Assignee: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
•
Filing: 1978-05-18
•
Granted: 1980-04-15
•
Expires: 1998-05-18
Abstract
Abstract In a fuel sub-assembly for a liquid metal cooled fast breeder nuclear reactor comprising a bundle of spaced fuel pins within a tubular wrapper having a spike extension for plugging into fuel assembly support structure the wrapper is pivotally connected to the spike extension.
Inventors
- 👤 Jonathan S. Salmon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 10:57
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21C; G21C5/00; G21C5/02; G21C5/06; G21C3/00; G21C3/30; G21C3/32; G21C3/322; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E30/00; Y02E30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
In a liquid metal cooled fast breeder nuclear reactor having a fuel assembly support structure, and a peripherally restrained up-standing fuel sub-assembly, the improvement wherein said sub-assembly comprises: a bundle of spaced nuclear fuel pins; a tubular wrapper enclosing said bundle of fuel pins; a spike extension for the tubular wrapper for plugging the fuel sub-assembly into said fuel assembly support structure, said spike extension comprising a sleeve having axially spaced cylindrical surfaces defining spigots for engaging vertically spaced sockets in the fuel assembly support structure; said sleeve being spaced from said wrapper and having an end region enclosed by an end region of the wrapper to define an annular clearance therebetween; and an elongate resilient tie member pivotably connecting the tubular wrapper and sleeve, the tie-member extending through the sleeve and having one end rigidly secured to the wrapper and another end rigidly secured to the sleeve.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
In a liquid metal cooled fast breeder nuclear reactor having a fuel assembly support structure, and a peripherally restrained up-standing fuel sub-assembly, the improvement wherein said sub-assembly comprises: a bundle of spaced nuclear fuel pins; a tubular wrapper enclosing said bundle of fuel pins; a spike extension for the tubular wrapper for plugging the fuel sub-assembly into said fuel assembly support structure, said spike extension comprising a sleeve having axially spaced cylindrical surfaces defining spigots for engaging vertically spaced sockets in the fuel assembly support structure; said sleeve being spaced from said wrapper and having an end region enclosed by an end region of the wrapper to define an annular clearance therebetween; and an elongate resilient tie member pivotably connecting the tubular wrapper and sleeve, the tie-member extending through the sleeve and having one end rigidly secured to the wrapper and another end rigidly secured to the sleeve.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
An improved nuclear reactor according to claim 1 wherein the sleeve carries resilient split rings for sealing against liquid metal cooling flow between the wrapper and sleeve.
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) | 1983-04-15 | 1983-10-15 | 1984-04-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-04-15 | 1987-10-15 | 1988-04-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-04-15 | 1991-10-15 | 1992-04-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |