Patents by Inventor Kinichi Sugai

Kinichi Sugai 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).

  • Patent number: 5371769
    Abstract: A grid structure is presented in which grid cells are formed by orthogonally intersecting straps prefitted in the longitudinal direction with a plurality of slitted spring frame members. Therefore, when the straps are assembled, the spring frame members are also orthogonally intersected. The spring frame members are made of Inconel and provided with welding tabs while the straps are made of zircalloy and provided with their own welding tabs. Therefore, welding can be performed to firmly join the spring frame members to each other while the straps can also be welded firmly to weld the like metals. The spring sections are thus firmly joined and attached to the straps which are firmly joined. The grid of this configuration thus provides an excellent service life without the losing The fuel rod retaining power, which would result from neutron radiation and thermal damages on holding devices made of zircalloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Nuclear Fuel Co., Mitsubishi Genshiryoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiro Kato, Kinichi Sugai, Hiroaki Kadono, Masaji Mori, Yasunao Yamaguchi, Atsushi Baba, Toshiyuki Kawagoe, Masahiko Imaizumi