Channel-Lifting Tool and Method
OwnerDavid Francis Wazybok, David Grey Smith +1inventors
InventorsDavid Francis Wazybok, David Grey Smith, Edward G. Apple
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A lifting tool is used for lifting a channel on and off of a nuclear fuel bundle. The lifting tool includes a lifting bail and a leg assembly secured to the lifting bail. The leg assembly has an adjustable width, adjustable between a narrower pre-lifting position and a wider lifting position. The lifting legs are engageable with the channel clips in the lifting position.
Claims24
A lifting tool for lifting a channel on and off of a nuclear fuel bundle, the channel including channel clips, the lifting tool comprising:
- a lifting bail;
- and
- a leg assembly secured to the lifting bail, the leg assembly being selectively displaceable between a pre-lifting position and a lifting position, and wherein the leg assembly is lockable in the lifting position,
- wherein in the pre-lifting position, the leg assembly is insertable within the channel, and wherein in the lifting position, the leg assembly is engageable with the channel clips.
A method of lifting a channel on and off of a nuclear fuel bundle with a channel-lifting tool that is positionable in a pre-lifting position and a lifting position, the channel including channel clips, the method comprising:
- (a) manipulating the lifting tool into the pre-lifting position;
- (b) inserting the lifting tool into the channel;
- (c) expanding the lifting tool into the lifting position such that the lifting tool engages the channel clips;
- and
- (d) lifting the channel with the lifting tool.
A lifting tool for lifting a channel on and off of a nuclear fuel bundle, the channel including channel clips, the lifting tool comprising:
- a lifting bail;
- and
- a pair of lifting legs secured to the lifting bail, the lifting legs having an adjustable width, adjustable between a narrower pre-lifting position and a wider lifting position, wherein the lifting legs are engageable with the channel clips in the lifting position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.