Fuel rod loading apparatus

U.S. Patent Number: 5386444

Abstract: An apparatus for loading nuclear fuel rods through spacer grid cells of a fuel bundle includes a handle having at least one elongate clip joined thereto, and a flexible tubular sleeve joined to the clip. The clip rigidly supports the sleeve along its longitudinal axis while allowing the sleeve to unfurl perpendicularly thereto for disassembly from a fuel rod. In several embodiments of the invention, the clip may include a slot for bridging adjacent grid cells during assembly, or the clip may be removably fixedly joined to the handle for allowing easy replacement of the sleeves.

Inventors: King, Jr.; Harold B. (Wrightsville Beach, NC), Johansson; Eric B. (Wrightsville Beach, NC), Harmon; John L. (Wilmington, NC)

Assignee: General Electric Company (San Jose, CA)

Application Number: 08/004,012

Issued: 1995-01-31

Expired: 2007-01-31

Classes: 376/261

Field of search: 376/260,261,446 29/238,723,906

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