Abstract: To transport fuel assemblies through a lock leading into a reactor containment, reciprocatory rods are used which releasably engage a sliding carriage carrying the fuel assemblies, at longitudinally interspaced points. This eliminates special transport equipment in the vicinity of the lock. The invention is of interest particularly for pressurized-water reactor installations.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor installation has a containment wall through which a fuel element transfer tube extends and through which fuel elements are passed endwise. The elements are carried by an elongated carrier provided with guide means which at the opposite ends of the tube turn the carrier, and therefore the elements, to vertical positions. Force must be applied to the carrier to cause it to travel back and forth through the tube and to be erected by the guide means. For this purpose, the tube is positioned at an angle from horizontal, the angularity being sufficient so that the force of gravity causes the travel and erection of the carrier in one direction, travel in the opposite directing being effected by a cable which, when tensioned, forces the travel and erection of the carrier and fuel element, in the opposite direction.