Abstract: The invention is directed to a dock system that can be removably attached to fixed piers. Specifically, the system can include a series of deck sections and an optional railing that extend from a footing on the shore. The deck sections are releasably secured together by pins. The system can be installed on a series of fixed piers that are built and constructed in place to be permanent. Advantageously, the deck sections of the disclosed system can be added or removed from the fixed piers when desired by the user, such as prior to exposure to hurricanes and other severe weather conditions. Thus, the disclosed system includes modular deck sections and railing sections that can be assembled or disassembled as desired by a user.

Abstract: A control rod assembly for a nuclear reactor, wherein a plurality of absorber tubes are arranged and welded in a side-by-side array, the improvement wherein each absorber tube is formed with an elongated slot extending substantially the entire length of the absorber tube on one side of the tube, and with an elongated tab extending substantially the entire length of the absorber tube on a diametrically opposed side of the tube such that, for adjacent absorber tubes, a joint is formed wherein the tab of one tube is located within the slot of the other.

Abstract: The control rod includes a plurality of elongated tubes containing neutron-absorbing material in a planar array to form wings on opposite sides of a central axis of the control rod. Each tube is formed with a plurality of protuberances in excess of four such that the tubes can be welded to adjacent tubes with the weld lines disposed inwardly of the side surfaces of the wings to improve the flexibility of the control rod. The wings of each planar array have connecting elements of each other planar array thereof, enabling lateral movement of the planar arrays of wings relative to one another to further enhance flexibility and movement of the control rod between the fuel channels of the nuclear core.

Abstract: A control rod for a nuclear reactor incorporates a plurality of neutron absorber tubes containing neutron absorbing materials. The absorber tubes are substantially rectangular inside and outside, each tube containing at least one axial stack of substantially round neutron absorbing material segments or capsules.