Device for controlling the dimensions and spaced apart relationship of rigid pieces disposed in a bundle

Patent 4464332 Issued on August 7, 1984. Estimated Expiration Date:

November 16, 2001. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

3922094

Stabilized fiber optical measuring apparatus Patent #: 4275296
Issued on: 06/23/1981
Inventor: Adolfsson

Inventors

Assignee

Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique

Application

No. 06/322011 filed on 11/16/1981

US Classes:

376/215, By electronic signal processing circuitry (e.g., plural redundant circuits)250/227.28, With specific configuration of light conductor components with respect to each other356/638, Shadow or beam blocking376/245, TESTING, SENSING, MEASURING, OR DETECTING A FISSION REACTOR CONDITION376/248, Optics376/251Fuel element leak detection

Examiners

Primary: Walsh, Donald P.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Pearne, Gordon, Sessions, McCoy, Granger & Tilberry

International Classes

G02B 23/24 (20060101)
G01B 11/14 (20060101)
G01B 11/08 (20060101)
G21C 17/06 (20060101)

Foreign Application Priority Data

1980-11-26 FR

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for controlling the dimensions and spaced-apart relationship of rigid pieces disposed in a bundle. Said device comprises: two supple probes adapted to transmit a light beam and insertable between rows of pieces so as to surround one of these rows; means for positioning and displacing these probes; a source of light emitting a light beam transmitted by the first probe then picked up by the second transmitting it to a photodetector producing an electrical signal; electronic means for processing this signal, furnishing information making it possible to control, from reference values, the dimensions and spaced apart relationship of the pieces, due to the modulation of said signal, provoked by the successive occultations of the light beam by the pieces, during the displacement of the probes along the row of pieces. The invention is applicable to the control of the pencils of a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor.