Patents by Inventor Akio Obiuchi

Akio Obiuchi has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Grid for nuclear fuel assembly
    Patent number: 5133927
    Abstract: There is disclosed a grid in a nuclear fuel assembly for supporting fuel rods and thimbles, which includes a plurality of elongated straps intersecting perpendicularly with each other to define a plurality of grid cells. A plurality of engaging units are provided on the grid cells for supporting thimbles, respectively. Each engaging unit includes at least one engaging member provided on at least one of the opposite ends of the straps of the grid cell and defining an engaging portion. A plurality of cylindrical sleeves are arranged in the grid cells for supporting thimbles, respectively. Each sleeve has at least one engaging projection associated with the engaging portion of the engaging member. The engaging projection of the sleeve and the engaging portion of the engaging member are formed such that when the sleeve is turned circumferentially, the engaging projection is held in engagement with the engaging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Nuclear Fuel Co.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kadano, Akio Obiuchi, Koichi Tominaga