Patent Number: 052727432
Section: claims

1. A key member for use in insertion and removal of a fuel rod into and from a nuclear fuel assembly grid which includes a plurality of elongated straps intersecting generally perpendicular with each other to define a plurality of grid cells therein, and a plurality of pairs of dimples and springs formed on the straps for supporting a plurality of fuel rods such that each pair of dimple and spring are disposed in facing relation to each other, and which includes key member accommodating openings formed at the intersections of the straps so as to define peripheral ends therearound, said key member comprising an elongated key body having a pair of opposite surfaces, said key body including a plurality of first projections adapted to be held in engagement with said peripheral end of said opening of said strap and a plurality of second projections adapted to be held in engagement with said spring to deflect the spring away from the dimple facing thereto, said first projections and said second projections being formed on said opposite surfaces alternately in a staggered relation to one another.