Patent Number: 050646060
Section: abstract

A channel box removing apparatus which permits a removal of the channel box from a nuclear fuel assembly while being placed on a fuel rack in a spent fuel storage pool without transferring to a preparation machine. The apparatus includes a pair of pivotally mounted, releasable hooks movable between a latched position where the hooks are in lifting engagement with the undersurfaces of clips provided on a pair of diagonally opposed top corners of the channel box and an unlatched position where the hooks are out of engagement with the associated clips. The apparatus also includes a bail cap mounted thereon for vertical movement and adapted to cooperate with a bail of the fuel assembly to guide the apparatus into an operative position with the fuel assembly during lowering of the apparatus. A locking mechanism is provided for preventing accidental disengagement of the hooks from the associated clips when the channel box is being lifted. A first indicator mechanism is also provided for providing a visual indication that the hooks are in the latched position. The apparatus also includes a second indicator mechanism for providing a visual indication that the hooks are in the latched position and also that the channel box alone can be lifted as it has been separated from the fuel assembly.