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Title: Method and apparatus for reading lased bar codes on shiny-finished fuel rod cladding tubes

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6344808

This patent describes, in a nuclear fuel rod identification system, a method of reading a bar code etched directly on a surface of a nuclear fuel rod. It comprises: defining a pair of light diffuser surfaces adjacent one another but in oppositely inclined relation to a beam of light emitted from a light reader; positioning a fuel rod, having a cylindrical surface portion with a bar code etched directly thereon, relative to the light diffuser surfaces such that the surfaces are disposed adjacent to and in oppositely inclined relation along opposite sides of the fuel rod surface portion and the fuel rod surface portion is aligned with the beam of light emitted from the light reader; directing the beam of light on the bar code on fuel rod cylindrical surface portion such that the light is reflected therefrom onto one of the light diffuser surfaces; and receiving and reading the reflected light from the bar code via the one of the light diffuser surfaces to the light reader.

Assignee:
Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (USA)
Patent Number(s):
US 4960984; A
Application Number:
PPN: US s 7-152288; TRN: 90-037619
OSTI ID:
6344808
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 4 Feb 1988
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English