Abstract: A lift beam assembly for lifting heavy objects having a main support body and a pair of lift arms pivotally suspended at each end of the body. The free end of each lift arm has an aperture which is sized to fit over and engage lifting trunnions or bosses provided on the object. A latching mechanism is provided for each lift arm whereby through the latching mechanism, each arm can be independently moved from a first outwardly extended, open position to a closed, vertical lifting position. The latching mechanism includes a locking arrangement to hold the lift arms in their desired position. The lift assemblies can be arranged for redundant operation whereby two assemblies are suspended in crossed, perpendicular arrangement from a single lifting hook. An elongated tool is provided for engaging the latching mechanisms so they can be operated from a remote location either above or below the lift assembly.

Abstract: Total apparatus includes extensible and retractable means for moving a load linearly between two or more spaced positions, the load having a fluid pressure operated motor, and means for delivering fluid from a pressure source to the motor at selected stages of extension. A cylinder having a head end and a shaft bearing end houses a piston rod and piston which are reciprocated by fluid pressure through a pair of actuation ports. A passage extends through the length of the piston rod and through the piston to a marginal wall. Fluid pressure power ports extending through the cylinder wall are spaced longitudinally at selected stations and the piston may be moved to any station, where its passage registers with the corresponding power port. Fluid from the pressure source may then be delivered through the piston and rod and by conduit means from the outer end of the rod to the motor on the load. There are no swivel joints or hoses in the fluid path to leak or deteriorate in use.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a single mast assembly which accomplishes all of the functions which presently require the use of three handling masts, one for fuel assemblies, one for control rods and other long rods, and one for orifice rods. The assembly, in its preferred form, includes a long primary mast secured at its upper end to a handling bridge to depend vertically therefrom, a much shorter working mast vertically movably mounted within the primary mast, and a control rod grapple shank vertically movably mounted within the working mast and of about the same length. The working mast can be lowered onto a fuel assembly and connected to it by gripper latches to lift the fuel assembly and move it to or from the reactor core or other locations, after raising it within the primary mast for protection.

Abstract: There is provided a rotary dryer having an elongated rotatable tubular shell, the shell being axially subdivided into zones including a feed zone, a material distribution zone and at least one drying zone. In the drying zone there is provided a plurality of radially inwardly extending flight support members, the leading edges of which face the inlet end of the shell and extend inwardly and rearwardly from the inner surface of the shell toward the central axis thereof whereby hang up of fibrous material on the leading edges thereof is minimized. A plurality of longitudinally extending flights is secured to each of the support members.