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:
May. 26, 1998
Filed:
Jul. 10, 1996
Edward A Croteau, Hartland, WI (US);
Robert B Elkins, Wilmington, NC (US);
Thomas G Evans, Wilmington, NC (US);
Harold B King, Wrightsville Beach, NC (US);
David G Smith, Leland, NC (US);
Russell P Higgins, Wilmington, NC (US);
Gerald M Latter, Wilmington, NC (US);
General Electric Company, Schenectady, NY (US);
Abstract
The spacer comprises a plurality of strips interleaved with one another to form an eggcrate-type pattern defining essentially rectilinear cells for each fuel rod. Each strip includes a central body portion with cantilevered loop spring-like projections extending to opposite sides, with spring contact portions projecting inwardly. Stops are provided along each of the central body regions of the strips intermediate the loop springs that project to the opposite side of the strip. Adjoining walls have loop spring portions for biasing the rod into engagement with opposing stops whereby each fuel rod is supported at six contact points, i.e., four spring contact points and two hard stop contacts opposite the paired spring contacts.