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:
Jul. 02, 1996
Filed:
Feb. 22, 1995
Applicant:
Inventors:
Eric B Johansson, Wrightsville Beach, NC (US);
Edward S Walker, Wilmington, NC (US);
Assignee:
General Electric Company, Schenectady, NY (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G21C / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
376434 ; 376457 ; 376415 ; 376451 ;
Abstract
An improved method for assembling bundles of nuclear fuel rods which reduces damage to the fuel cladding surface as the fuel rods are passed through an array of spacers. In particular, the invention prevents or greatly reduces the severity of longitudinal scratches on the fuel rods. The method uses thin-walled metallic tubes having a wall thickness of 0.003 to 0.006 inch and a yield strength in excess of 140,000 psi. The predetermined tube thickness ensures that the tube remains elastic. The tube deflects the cell springs when inserted in the spacer cells and reduces the load exerted on the fuel rods.