The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 22, 1985
Filed:
Nov. 30, 1982
Applicant:
Inventors:
David W Christiansen, Kennewick, WA (US);
William F Brown, West Richland, WA (US);
Jim M Steffen, Richland, WA (US);
Assignee:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G21C / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
228 48 ; 29723 ; 1983391 ; 228 47 ; 376261 ; 414748 ; 414146 ;
Abstract
An automated loading system for nuclear reactor fuel elements utilizes a gravity feed conveyor which permits individual fuel pins to roll along a constrained path perpendicular to their respective lengths. The individual lengths of fuel cladding are directed onto movable transports, where they are aligned coaxially with the axes of associated handling equipment at appropriate production stations. Each fuel pin can be reciprocated axially and/or rotated about its axis as required during handling steps. The fuel pins are inserted as a batch prior to welding of end caps by one of two disclosed welding systems.