Terminal elements for coupling connecting rods and control rods in control rod assemblies for a nuclear reactor

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 8526563
SERIAL NO

12862124

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

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Abstract

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A nuclear reactor includes a pressure vessel, and a control rod assembly (CRA) including at least one movable control rod, a control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) for controlling movement of the at least one control rod, and a coupling operatively connecting the at least one control rod and the CRDM. The coupling includes a connecting rod engaged with the CRDM and a terminal element connected with a lower end of the connecting rod and further connected with the at least one control rod. In some embodiments the terminal element includes a first portion comprising a first material having a first density and a second portion comprising a second material having a second density that is greater than the first density. In some embodiments the terminal element has a largest dimension parallel with the connecting rod that is greater than or equal to a largest dimension transverse to the connecting rod.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
BWXT NUCLEAR ENERGY INC109 RAMSEY PLACE LYNCHBURG VA 24501

International Classification(s)

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Ales, Mathew W Forest, US 13 151
Shargots, Scott J Lynchburg, US 44 137

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