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. 11, 2017
Filed:
Feb. 02, 2012
Lewis A. Walton, Forest, VA (US);
Andrew W. Doan, Lynchburg, VA (US);
George S. Pabis, Lynchburg, VA (US);
James G. Hatmaker, Lynchburg, VA (US);
Lewis A. Walton, Forest, VA (US);
Andrew W. Doan, Lynchburg, VA (US);
George S. Pabis, Lynchburg, VA (US);
James G. Hatmaker, Lynchburg, VA (US);
BWXT Nuclear Energy, Inc., Charlotte, NC (US);
Abstract
A spacer grid includes interlocked straps comprising metal sheets or plates welded together to define a spacer grid having a top and bottom. The interlocked straps define a plurality of cells comprising vertical passages connecting the top and bottom of the spacer grid. The cells include: upper dimples proximate to the top of the spacer grid and distal from the mid-plane of the spacer grid; lower dimples proximate to the bottom of the spacer grid and distal from the mid-plane of the spacer grid; cantilevered upper springs having fuel rod engagement surfaces proximate to the top of the spacer grid and distal from the mid-plane of the spacer grid; and cantilevered lower springs having fuel rod engagement surfaces proximate to the bottom of the spacer grid and distal from the mid-plane of the spacer grid.