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:
Jun. 07, 1994
Filed:
Nov. 13, 1992
Mitsubishi Nuclear Fuel Co., Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
A welding apparatus for welding an end plug on the end of a pellet filled nuclear fuel rod includes a holding mechanism, an abutting member, a torch and a pressing mechanism. The holding mechanism is for holding the external periphery of the fuel rod with the end plug attached thereto. The abutting member is disposed opposite to the holding mechanism, and the end plug of the fuel rod butts up against the abutting member. The torch is disposed between the holding mechanism and the abutting member, and is placed diametrically opposite to the external surface of the fuel rod. The holding mechanism and the abutting member are made so that the distance therebetween can be adjusted, and the pressing mechanism is provided on one of the holding mechanism or the abutting member, and operates to move the holding mechanism and the abutting member to approach each other. In a welding apparatus of such a design, the fuel rod is held by the holding mechanism, and the pressing mechanism pushes the holding mechanism toward the abutting member, and while retaining such a position at a constant compressive force, welding of the end plug is performed. Therefore, the welding is performed without being affected by the variations in the compressive force caused by welding heat distortions, thereby providing a weld of high integrity and quality.