Importance

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Abstract

A control rod drive mechanism includes a first tubular member having a first threaded portion and a first generally cylindrical outer surface, the first tubular member including a first plurality of slots spaced circumferentially on the first outer surface and extending in a direction parallel to the axis of the first tubular member, and a second tubular member having a second threaded portion and a second generally cylindrical outer surface, the second tubular member including a second plurality of slots spaced circumferentially on the second outer surface and extending in a direction parallel to the axis of the second tubular member. The first and second tubular members are axial aligned with the first and second threaded portions being engaged with each other to form a threaded joint therebetween. A locking sleeve overlaps at least a portion of the first outer surface of the first tubular member and at least a portion of the second outer surface of the second tubular member. The sleeve includes a generally cylindrical interior wall with deformed portions of the wall extending into said first and second plurality of slots. The deformed portions of the wall conform to an internal surface of each of the slots to evenly distribute circumferential loads on the locking sleeve. The invention also encompasses the method of assembling the control rod drive mechanism.

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First Claim