Abstract: A lifting fixture includes a housing; a plurality of jaws movable radially in and out of the housing to secure the fixture to a component to be lifted; at least one lifting bail extending from on end of the housing; and a screw mechanism operatively connected to the plurality of jaws for moving the jaws radially between an inward retracted position and an outward locking position. A related lifting and flipping process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter for a control rod drive of a nuclear reactor is adapted to be attached to a connector extending upwardly from a piston. The filter includes a base portion and a perforated filter portion, the base portion having a radially open recess adapted to receive the connector in a sideways movement. The recess is bordered by a pair of spring arms of substantially square cross-section which are adapted to resiliently grip the connector upon installation.

Abstract: A tool for checking the length of a control rod drive measured from the top of the control rod drive flange to the end of the uncoupling rod. The tool is a GO--NO--GO gauge with tight tolerance. The top of the tool supports a gage which has an arm that pivots about an axis parallel to the tool axis. The arm has a stepped notch with a predetermined height equal to the length tolerance range (e.g., 0.0625 inch). The length is considered acceptable when the gage is rotated and the first edge of the stepped notch on the arm just clears the end of the uncoupling rod but the second edge stops the gage from pivoting any further. The length is not acceptable if the first edge of the stepped notch on the arm abuts the uncoupling rod, preventing the gage from pivoting any further, or if the gage misses the uncoupling rod entirely.

Abstract: A tool for checking the required spacing between adjacent fingers of the spud in a control rod drive. The tool is a GO-NO-GO gauge with tight tolerance. The spud finger gauge has two circular cylindrical pins of different diameter. One pin (i.e., the GO pin) has a diameter less than the required spacing between adjacent fingers of the spud. The other pin (i.e., the NO GO pin) has a diameter greater than the required spacing between adjacent fingers of the spud. The spacing is correct if the GO pin passes through the spacing and the NO GO pin does not.

Abstract: A multi-port tool which tests for leaks in the seals of a control rod drive that has been removed from its housing. The fixture is attached to the flange of the control rod drive using quick-release clamps. Two ports of the fixture are respectively coupled to the insert and withdraw ports of the control rod drive. A source of demineralized water at a constant pressure is applied to an inlet port of the leak test fixture. The pressurized water is applied to the control rod drive while the index tube is restrained by a restraining rig. A number of valves are selectively opened or closed to provide a flow path for the pressurized water to either the insert port or the withdraw port. The leakage rate at each of a number of leakage points is determined when the pressurized water is applied at the insert port only and again when the pressurized water is applied at the withdraw port only.

Abstract: An effluent container has two halves which fit together to form a cylinder, open at the top, for catching residual contaminated water falling from the control rod drive (CRD) housing under the influence of gravity when the seal between the CRD housing and the CRD is broken. The container has an aperture which fits around the extension rod that supports the CRD when the mounting bolts are removed. The container halves are held together by elastic cords stretched between hooks on the side-walls. The effluent container has L-shaped slots which hook onto the bracing bolts of the sway brace system to support the container in position for catching falling water. Spilled water drains out of the container to a sump.

Abstract: A continuous alignment system for preventing rotation of a missile during on-loading in a launching tube, while permitting a controlled translation of the missile in the launching tube when subjected to external seismic shocks.

Abstract: A fine-motion control rod drive for a nuclear reactor, which can be disassembled in sections. The drive includes a spindle defining a sealing surface to prevent spillage after the drive motor is removed. A spline connection with a sliding key arrangement permits the shaft of the drive motor to be separated from the spindle during disassembly. The drive motor is effective for uncoupling the control rod drive piston from the control rod prior to disassembly.

Abstract: Nuclear reactor core safety rod release apparatus comprises a control rod having a detent notch in the form of an annular peripheral recess at its upper end, a control rod support tube for raising and lowering the control rod under normal conditions, latches pivotally mounted on the control support tube with free ends thereof normally disposed in the recess in the control rod, and cam means for pivoting the latches out of the recess in the control rod when a scram condition occurs. One embodiment of the invention comprises an additional magnetically-operated latch for releasing the control rod under two different conditions, one involving seismic shock.

Abstract: Nuclear reactor safety rod release apparatus comprises a ring which carries detents normally positioned in an annular recess in outer side of the rod, the ring being held against the lower end of a drive shaft by magnetic force exerted by a solenoid carried by the drive shaft. When the solenoid is de-energized, the detent-carrying ring drops until the detents contact a cam surface associated with the lower end of the drive shaft, at which point the detents are cammed out of the recess in the safety rod to release the rod from the drive shaft. In preferred embodiments of the invention, an additional latch is provided to release a lower portion of a safety rod under conditions that may interfere with movement of the entire rod.