Patent ID: 6356614
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: G21C,Y02E

Abstract:
Anchor assembly apparatus for improving the structural integrity of a guide tube in a nuclear fuel bundle, comprising:a. a sleeve having a proximate end, and a distal end adapted for insertion into a receiving end guide tube; b. a pin having a near end, and a far end adapted for insertion into said sleeve at said proximate end; and c. said pin having an external surface adapted to apply a radial force to an inner surface of said sleeve when said pin is inserted into said sleeve, the force being sufficient to cause a locking surface on said sleeve to expand radially outward; whereby, when said sleeve is installed into the guide tube, and said pin is installed into said sleeve, said locking surface bears against the guide tube to retain said sleeve in the guide tube, and said external surface bears against said inner surface to retain said pin in said sleeve.