Edward P Shields

US Patent:

46514007, Mar 24, 1987

Filed:

Dec 21, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/564053

Inventors:

Edward P. Shields - North Huntingdon PA

Assignee:

Westinghouse Electric Corp. - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

B23P 1900
B66C 100

US Classification:

294265

Abstract:

Both an apparatus and a process for removing fuel rods from spent fuel assemblies is disclosed herein. The apparatus of the invention includes a locking plate having a plurality of tapered holes registrable with the rods of a fuel rod assembly, a plurality of tapered collets, each of which includes a hollow portion for receiving the ends of the fuel rods, and a plurality of hydraulically operated plungers for withdrawing each of the tapered collets into its respective tapered hole in the locking plate, thereby contracting the hollow portion of the collet around its respective rod in gripping engagement. The use of hydraulic plungers causes each of the collets to apply substantially the same gripping force onto its respective fuel rod. Additionally, the apparatus includes a means for confirming whether each of the collets has grippingly engaged its respective rod.

US Patent:

44252986, Jan 10, 1984

Filed:

Apr 8, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/252116

Inventors:

Edward P. Shields - North Huntingdon PA

Assignee:

Westinghouse Electric Corp. - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

G21C 1700

US Classification:

376249

Abstract:

The baffle inspection apparatus comprises a gauging mechanism mounted on a movable support for determining the width of a gap between two adjacent baffle plates in a nuclear reactor. The gauging mechanism comprises a rotatable member with a plurality of feeler gauges disposed thereon that is capable of remotely rotating and laterally aligning each feeler gauge with the selected gap to determine the size of the gap. The apparatus may be equipped with underwater camera and lights for remotely viewing the inspection operation.

US Patent:

45512990, Nov 5, 1985

Filed:

Sep 15, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/418141

Inventors:

Edward P. Shields - North Huntingdon PA

Assignee:

Westinghouse Electric Corp. - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

G21C 1900

US Classification:

376261

Abstract:

The multiple fuel rod gripper comprises a plurality of split tube collets arranged to be inserted into corresponding tapered holes in a locking plate. When the gripper has been positioned to have a plurality of fuel rods disposed in the holes of locking plate, an actuating mechanism causes the collets to be inserted into the tapered holes thereby causing the fuel rods to be inserted in the collets. The taper of the holes forces the collets into locking engagement with the fuel rods so that the fuel rods may be extracted from the fuel assembly.

US Patent:

48072621, Feb 21, 1989

Filed:

Apr 29, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/188720

Inventors:

Edward P. Shields - North Huntingdon PA

Assignee:

Westinghouse Electric Corp. - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

G21C 1300

US Classification:

376203

Abstract:

Apparatus for sealing the seam between two conduits which includes two cooperatively threaded members for applying relative axial clamping forces to the conduits. When the two cooperatively threaded members are relatively rotated, they apply relative axial force to the conduits thereby causing a sealing means to be disposed in tight contact between the conduits.