Abstract: A connector for a pressure vessel includes a connector assembly having a first plurality of contacts, and a receiver assembly configured to be positioned within a receiver aperture formed in a closure of the pressure vessel and having a second plurality of contacts. The receiver assembly is configured to receive the connector assembly and place each of the first plurality of contacts in electrical contact with a corresponding one of the second plurality of contacts. A seal is provided between the connector assembly and the wall of the pressure vessel, for substantially sealing the receiver aperture from pressure within the vessel. The connector assembly is configured to be coupled to a product carrier, and sensors positioned in the vessel are coupled via the connector assembly to a data acquisition unit. When the closure is lowered onto the vessel, the receiver assembly contacts the connector assembly coupled to the carrier, closing the electrical contacts connecting the sensors to the acquisition unit.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and apparatus for milling objects by means of high velocity abrasive waterjet. The apparatus includes means for holding and producing relative motion in three dimensions of both the workpiece and the jet. Control means are provided to allow uniform and variable depth milling of complex shapes and automatic variations in relative speed, standoff distance, angle and pressure. The method includes the use of a resistant mask for facilitating milling and production of masks by the same tool used for milling.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning inlet mixers while they remain in their operating position within a nuclear reactor. A cleaning tool is inserted by remote control into the inlet mixer via a secondary inlet opening. Following insertion of the cleaning tool, the internal surfaces of the inlet mixer are cleaned with a waterjet created from an ultra-high-pressure source and directed by controlled positioning of a cleaning head having a nozzle which scans the cleaning waterjet across the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning system includes a nozzle cleaning tool, a throat/barrel/flare cleaning tool, pumping systems for supplying ultra-high-pressure equal to at least 20,000 psi and low-pressure water to an installed cleaning tool, a launching system located at the top of the opened reactor vessel for feeding the water conduits (power), control cables, monitoring cables (instrument) and cleaning tool into and out of the inlet mixer, and a computerized process monitoring and control system.

Abstract: A method for cleaning inlet mixers while they remain in their operating position within a nuclear reactor. A water-powered cleaning tool is inserted by remote control into the inlet mixer via a secondary inlet opening. Following insertion of the cleaning tool, the internal surfaces of the inlet mixer are cleaned with a waterjet created from an ultra-high-pressure source and directed by controlled positioning of a cleaning head having an nozzle which scans the cleaning waterjet across the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: An inlet chamber receives fluid from a small high pressure pump, such fluid flowing through a flow restrictor and one-way valve into an accumulator, until very high pressure is established in the accumulator. At the same time, a sealed poppet is pushed against a poppet seat by the high pressure within the inlet chamber to prevent fluid flow into an output chamber coupled to a bore hole. When the high pressure fluid in the accumulator is to be discharged into the output chamber, the inlet chamber is vented to the atmosphere to rapidly separate the poppet from the poppet seat. The poppet has an end portion having an area greater than the sealing area occupied by the poppet seat which permits the fluid under high pressure within the accumulator to rapidly separate the poppet from the valve seat so that a very large fraction of the energy in the accumulator is discharged through the outlet portion of the apparatus, to be injected into a bore hole for the purpose of fragmenting rock or the like.