Abstract: A method and apparatus measure squareness of an end of a rod relative to a longitudinal centerline axis thereof without requiring rotation of the rod. The apparatus includes a flat plate mounted substantially perpendicularly to the rod centerline axis. The method positions the plate in abutting contact with the rod end, and a tilt angle of the plate in abutting contact with the rod end is measured for determining squareness of the rod end.

Abstract: A nuclear fuel pellet loading system includes pellet handling apparatus and cladding tube handling apparatus functionally interfaced by a bushing assembly. Pellet rows of varying zone lengths are alternately built up on two tracks, measured for zone length, weighed and then loaded by separate pusher carriages through separate bushing assembly passageways into a pair of empty cladding tubes indexed into loading positions by the tube handling apparatus. Separate zone interface tapes affixed to the pusher carriages indicate to an operator the length each pellet zone is to be built to. The tube handling apparatus accommodates cladding tubes of varying lengths and is equipped to automatically read a serial number imprinted on each tube endplug.