US4436694A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Nuclear reactor cavity decontamination machine
Assignee: Automation Industries Inc
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Filing: 1981-08-31
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Granted: 1984-03-13
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Expires: 2001-08-31
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus is disclosed for decontaminating the wall of a boiling water reactor cavity. A chassis on wheels is rollable on the refueling floor along the cavity curb. A pair of horizontal wheels roll against the curb. A support member extends upwardly and laterally from the chassis to clear the personnel handrail. A mast depends from the support member into the cavity and includes a horizontal reaction wheel bearing against the cavity wall. A vertically positionable carriage is mounted on the mast and carries water spray nozzles directed against the wall.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Vassalotti
- 👤 Alvaro Obligado
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 09:29
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21F; G21F9/00; G21F9/001; B; B05; B05B; B05B13/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
Apparatus for decontaminating the inside walls of a nuclear reactor cavity in a refueling floor, having a raised curb around its periphery which comprises: a chassis having wheels in rolling contact with said floor; first and second curb wheels mounted on said chassis in horizontal rolling contact with said curb; a support member extending upwardly and laterally from said chassis; an elongated mast depending from said support member and into the reactor cavity; at least one reaction wheel carried by said mast for horizontal rolling engagement with the cavity wall; a carriage vertically positionable along said elongated mast; and means carried by said carriage for spraying decontaminating fluid on said cavity wall.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
112 words
Apparatus for decontaminating the inside walls of a nuclear reactor cavity in a refueling floor, having a raised curb around its periphery which comprises: a chassis having wheels in rolling contact with said floor; first and second curb wheels mounted on said chassis in horizontal rolling contact with said curb; a support member extending upwardly and laterally from said chassis; an elongated mast depending from said support member and into the reactor cavity; at least one reaction wheel carried by said mast for horizontal rolling engagement with the cavity wall; a carriage vertically positionable along said elongated mast; and means carried by said carriage for spraying decontaminating fluid on said cavity wall.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said chassis includes a motor connected to drive at least one of said floor contacting wheels.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said curb wheels include adjustable mounting means for varying the distance between each of said curb wheels and said chassis.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said mounting means comprises a scissors jack.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said mast includes means for raising and lowering said carriage.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said raising and lowering means comprises a cable.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said spraying means comprises water nozzles.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said carriage includes a protective shroud surrounding said nozzles.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said curb wheels include adjustable mounting means for varying the distance between each of said curb wheels and said chassis.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said chassis includes a motor connected to drive at least one of said floor contacting wheels.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-03-13 | 1987-09-12 | 1988-03-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-03-13 | 1991-09-12 | 1992-03-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-03-13 | 1995-09-12 | 1996-03-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |