Primary Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
Date: Jun. 28, 2022
Status: Granted
Jurisdiction: U.S.
Assignee: Holtec International
Equipment Type: HI-STAR
Docket Number: HOL-135
Application Number: 17/181,439
Patent Number: US 11,373,775 B2

Prior Publication Data: US 2021/0272714 A1, Sep. 2, 2021

Related U.S. Application Data: Provisional application No. 62/979,640, filed on Feb. 21, 2020.

Abstract: A nuclear waste cask in one embodiment includes an axially elongated cask body defining a longitudinally-extending opening forming an entrance to an internal storage cavity of the cask configured for holding radioactive nuclear waste materials. A closure lid detachably coupled to the cask body at the top opening seals the cavity. A cask locking mechanism includes a plurality of first locking protrusions spaced apart on the lid which are selectively interlockable with a plurality of second locking protrusions spaced apart on the cask body to lock the lid to the cask body. The first locking protrusions may be disposed on slideable locking bars moveable between locked and unlocked positions while the lid remains stationary on the cask body. Hydraulic or pneumatic actuators may be used to change position of the locking bars. The cask and lid may include other features such as impact absorbers and lifting elements.