Abstract: A bottom bracket assembly with interconnected axle and crank arms. Each end of the axle has a plurality of angled surfaces and a recess formed with a depth through at least the axle perimeter and at least partially around the perimeter of the axle. Each crank arm has a slot formed a distance along the length such that the end of the crank arm is separated into two deflectable jaws. A bore is formed orthogonal to the slot and a fastener is installed in the bore, wherein the fastener has a length to span the slot in the crank arm to engage both deflectable jaws. The fastener has a shank radius that extends to a depth of the recess. Removal of the crank arm from the axle end is opposed when the fastener is in the bore.

Abstract: The core support barrel and upper guide structure of a nuclear reactor are hung from the upper internal ledge of the reactor vessel and clamped to the ledge with spring structure actuated from the vessel closure.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing "floating" of nuclear-reactor fuel assemblies due to hydraulic forces is disclosed. The apparatus uses a holddown column made of the same material as the core barrel. The column is positioned in a center guide-tube location in the fuel assembly in such a manner as to enable it either to slide within the center guide tube or, if the center guide tube is replaced by the column, to slide through openings in the spacer grids. The lower end of the holddown column engages the lower end fitting of the fuel assembly, and the upper end of the column engages a flow plate to which holddown force is applied. As a consequence of this arrangement, holddown force is transmitted from the flow plate through the holddown column to the lower end fitting. Movement of the fuel assembly is thereby prevented without a compression load being applied to the fuel-assembly structure.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making a ring for sealing the opening between a reactor vessel and the wall of the cavity in which it sits. The method permits forming the sealing ring in segments at an off-site location, thereby eliminating the transportation problems encountered with an integral sealing ring. According to the method, seals and coatings can be applied to the individual segments before the segments are shipped, and the seals and coatings are completed when the sealing ring has been assembled at the site. This allows a segmented ring to be provided without high on-site fabrication costs.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor fuel assembly having an easily disassembled threaded connection between the end fitting and the control rod guide tubes. More specifically, the threaded connection is formed between the upper and/or lower alignment posts and the guide tubes and clamps the fuel assembly end plate therebetween. The sizing and arrangement of the connections is such that the assembled joint may be subjected to thermal cycling without incurring excessive stresses or deformations.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor fuel assembly having an easily dissassembled threaded connection between the end fitting and the control rod guide tubes. More specifically, the threaded connection is formed between the upper and/or lower alignment posts and the guide tubes and clamps the fuel assembly end plate therebetween. The sizing and arrangement of the connections is such that the assembled joint may be subjected to thermal cycling without incurring excessive stresses or deformations.