US PATENT SUBCLASS 376 / 171
.~.~.~ Breeder or converter reactor structures

Current as of: June, 1999
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376 /   HD   INDUCED NUCLEAR REACTIONS: PROCESSES, SYSTEMS, AND ELEMENTS

156  DF  NUCLEAR TRANSMUTATION (E.G., BY MEANS OF PARTICLE OR WAVE ENERGY) {4}
158  DF  .~ By neutron bombardment {10}
170  DF  .~.~ Actinides {3}
171.~.~.~ Breeder or converter reactor structures {4}
172  DF  .~.~.~.~> Fertile fuel assembly structure or arrangement {1}
174  DF  .~.~.~.~> Having particular coolant fluid flow path or pattern within reactor core {2}
178  DF  .~.~.~.~> Fuel assembly holddown or support
179  DF  .~.~.~.~> Coolant manipulated and used exterior of reactor core

DEFINITION

Classification: 376/171

Breeder or converter reactor structures:

(under subclass 170) Subject matter wherein the material bombarded with neutrons is a fertile material and this fertile material is a component of and positioned in, a nuclear fission reactor* comprised of two or more of the following structural elements: moderator structure, fuel structure, coolant structure (including primary coolant, per se), or fuel support structure.

(1) Note. The nuclear reactor will generally comprise a core of fissile fuel assemblies with or without moderator, and a coolant. The fertile material may be (1) positioned in the fissile fuel assembly either (a) mixed with the fissile fuel material itself, or (b) as a separate distinct component of the fissile fuel assembly; or (2) positioned in a nonfissile fuel assembly, i.e., a fertile fuel assembly.

(2) Note. Methods of operation directed refueling schemes are provided for in subclass 267.