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:
Jan. 30, 2018
Filed:
Jan. 21, 2013
Applicant:
Bwxt Mpower, Inc., Charlotte, NC (US);
Inventors:
Andrew W Doan, Lynchburg, VA (US);
Lewis A Walton, Forest, VA (US);
George S Pabis, Lynchburg, VA (US);
Assignee:
BWXT mPower, Inc., Charlotte, NC (US);
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G21C 3/352 (2006.01); G21C 3/356 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
G21C 3/352 (2013.01); G21C 3/3563 (2013.01); Y02E 30/40 (2013.01);
Abstract
A spacer grid includes intersecting straps defining cells with springs and dimples arranged to hold fuel rods passing through the cells. The springs are dual cantilevered springs with a bridge section between the distal end of the spring and the base. The distal portion of the spring is less stiff than the bridge section. The bridge section creates a bump which acts as a stop or travel limiter to prevent loss of grip force due to excessive spring deflection.