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:
Apr. 07, 1998
Filed:
Feb. 05, 1996
David J Stefko, Jeannette, PA (US);
Robert M Blumstein, Hempfield, PA (US);
Robert E Meuschke, Monroeville, PA (US);
William J Smoody, North Huntingdon, PA (US);
John A Klimek, Oakdale, PA (US);
Edward H Smith, Brave, PA (US);
Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Abstract
A camera mast system permits remote inspection of nuclear fuel assemblies and other components of nuclear reactors. The system includes a camera mast assembly mounted on a refueling mast which may be positioned over a selected fuel assembly in the reactor core. An extendable camera mast having a camera mounted thereon moves vertically with respect to a stationary camera mast and the refueling mast in order to allow for visual inspection of various components in the reactor core. The camera mast assembly preferably includes a video cable take-up mechanism for handling the camera video cable as the extendable camera mast is moved up and down. The camera mast assembly is preferably removably mounted on the refueling mast in order to aid in installation and removal. The removable mounting also allows the camera mast assembly to be used independently of the refueling mast. The camera mast assembly may optionally include an extendable fuel assembly guide mast including a guide member which facilitates placement of fuel assemblies within the reactor core. The extendable guide mast is preferably rotatably mounted on the refueling mast. In another embodiment, a guide mast assembly is mounted on the refueling mast, including an extendable guide mast having a fuel assembly guide member mounted thereon for aligning the fuel assemblies in the reactor core.