Abstract: A hairpin tube receiver includes a plurality of inependently rotatable receiver posts which have cavities in their upper ends for receiving the bends of hairpin tubes. The receiver posts can be independently rotated to selectable positions in order that the hairpin tube receiver can support the bends of hairpin tubes which are arranged in a variety of different configurations.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a tube end of a plate fin heat exchanger by a pair of coacting jaw grippers movable both longitudinally and radially with respect to the tube end. The coacting jaw grippers are positioned such that the tube ends of a multirow coil can be gripped along any row of the coil.

Abstract: A cooling device of the kind used in transportation vehicles, designed to maintain the transportation space of such vehicles cool over prolonged periods, includes an elongate housing of generally rectangular cross-section, having side walls and first and second end walls. The cooling device further includes a cooling pipe of elongate "U"-shape, having a curved portion and parallel arms. The ends of the cooling pipe are secured within one end wall, and the central portion of the pipe is supported in relation to the opposed wall by a supporting means.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing metallic heat exchanger tubes having a heat exchange surface that is increased by fins. A rotating tube has helically wound on its outer surface a strip that forms the fins, with this strip being fed to the tube surface under tension, and with the bottom edge of the strip being welded to the tube. The contact surface that exists between the tube and the bottom edge of the strip, and that extends helically on the surface of the tube, is fused exclusively at the surface of the tube with a laser beam that is directed in the region where the strip runs onto the surface of the tube, and that fuses a portion of the tube surface that in the axial direction of the tube corresponds at least to the width of the bottom edge of the strip and in the circumferential direction corresponds approximately to the same amount. At the same time, the laser beam fuses the bottom edge of the incoming strip in the region where the strip runs onto the surface of the tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for facilitating removal of spent tubes from boilers or heat exchangers in environments where access to one side of the wall through which the tube extends is limited. The apparatus includes a jaw assembly that is movable between a retracted position, at which it can be introduced within a tube to be removed, and an expanded position, at which it radially expands the tube so as to prevent longitudinal movement of the tube. The jaw assembly can be manipulated between the retracted and expanded positions solely through the tube interior so that a worker stationed at a proximal end of the tube to be removed can move the jaw assembly to the expanded position at which the distal end of the tube is fixed against longitudinal movement. After application of pulling forces to fracture the tube, the jaw assembly can be disengaged solely by access through the tube from the proximal end, whereby efficiency of tube removal in environments of limited access is materially enhanced.

Abstract: A tube pulling device for extracting a tube from a tube sheet includes a cylindrical housing having an operating chamber with an opening at the forward end thereof and the rear end of the operating chamber being closed. A front piston is reciprocally disposed in the operating chamber and provided with an axial passage therethrough. A tubular extension is slidably disposed in the operating chamber opening and is connected to the front piston. The tubular extension includes a plurality of spaced jaws for engaging the bore of the tube to be extracted. A rear piston is provided and reciprocally disposed in the operating chamber. The rear piston includes a piston rod disposed within the axial passage of the front piston and extends for slidable movement in the operating chamber opening. An expansion device is interconnected to the piston rod and extends through the tubular extension of the front piston.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, teaches a technique, and provides apparatus eminently useful for the installation/removal, from a remote and protected location, of nozzle dams onto and from nozzle holddown rings within the channel heads of certain steam generators, including the types typically used in conjunction with the operation of pressurized hot-water nuclear power plants.

Abstract: An improved robotic arm for effecting a tube plugging operation is disclosed herein. The improvement generally comprises the provision of a compliance coupling between the plugging tool and the guidance mechanism of the robotic arm that is compliant in three dimensions, thereby allowing the plugging tool to smoothly insert tube plugs into the mouths of heat exchanger tubes despite inaccuracies in alignment caused by sag and other factors. The improvement further comprises a length adjustment assembly for allowing the length of the base arm of the robotic arm to be easily and conveniently changed so that the robotic arm can service more than one particular type of nuclear steam generator, as well as an emergency release mechanism for remotely detaching the tool from the arm in the event of a jam.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the introduction of a repair sleeve into a tube of a steam generator, difficulties are encountered if the axes of the repair sleeve and the steam generator tube are not aligned. Furthermore, problems are encountered in positioning the repair sleeve exactly in its end position. In order to achieve a precise centering and positioning of the repair sleeve, an aperture is formed by a connecting sleeve which is resiliently supported in the axial direction. The repair sleeve is clamped between a first shoulder of a holding grip and a centering piece which has a variable outside diameter. In such a structure, the greatest diameter of the shoulder surface is less than the inside diameter of the connecting sleeve. The holding grip is associated with a second shoulder having an axial distance from the first shoulder which is further away from the tube sheet than the first shoulder by the height of the connecting sleeve.

Abstract: Method for the non-destructive removal of tubes or of portions of tubes from heat exchangers, comprising:(a) the lengthwise cutting along at least one generatrix of one tube or of a plurality of tubes of said exchanger, to a depth at least equal to the thickness of the tube plate and to a width of up to 2% of the outer perimeter of the tubes;(b) the approaching to each other of the edges of the so-obtained cut section up to the complete release of the tube, or of the tubes, from the tube plate;(c) the possible crossways cutting of the tube, or of the tubes, to a height at least equal to double the thickness of the tube plate; and(d) the recovery of the tube, or of the tubes, by sliding same out of the said plate.

Abstract: A method and control system for manufacturing externally enhanced evaporator tubes. A pressure signal indicative of the pore size on the external surface of the enhanced evaporator tube is provided to a microcomputer system which processes the signal indicative of the pore size and compares the signal to a predetermined pore size signal to determine when the pore size is within a selected tolerance. The microcomputer generates a control signal to adjust the enhancing process if the microcomputer system determines that the pore size of the manufactured tube is different than the selected pore size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling heat exchanger elements includes a pallet comprising a frame and a plurality of blocks slidably aligned on each side of the frame with opposed pairs of blocks slotted to receive pairs of plates dropped into the pallet. Lead screws driven by servomotors and engaging the blocks position the blocks at the loading station and control the block spacing (determined at each station by the screw pitch) to allow plate insertion or to allow insertion of fin elements between the plates. To quickly move the pallet into the station auxiliary lead screws connected to the main screws engage the blocks of the pallet outside the loading station to assert positive controlled advancement force on the pallet.

Abstract: A method for assembling heat exchanger plate pairs by snap fitting with counter-rotating rotors move heat exchanger plates two at a time through paths which converge in a vertical mating plane. Arcuate guides engage the plate ends to control the plate path. The rotors are servomotor controlled to synchronously index the rotor in increments separated by dwell periods. After assembly the merged pairs drop between spaced guides into an assembly fixture. At a subsequent brazing operation each plate pair becomes a tube for carrying refrigerant.

Abstract: The device comprises a handling arm (21) arranged inside the water box of the steam generator and permitting the assembly for fitting and withdrawing a plug (22) to be placed in the alignment of the tubes of the steam generator bundle. The device additionally comprises an endless screw (35) for moving the tubes in the axial direction, which is fastened to the handling arm (21), a support (44) fastened to the endless screw (35), movable in the axial direction, a linking member (51) carried by the support (44) for removable fastening to the plug body, and a sliding rod (55) actuated by a jack integral with the support (44). The rod (55) actuated by the jack permits, a thrust to be exerted on the plug held by the connecting member (51), in order to produce its extension and facilitate its withdrawal.

Abstract: A controller for an apparatus for installing a mechanical tube plug includes a controller having a controller console remote from the tube installation site and a solenoid assembly located proximate to that site. The console includes switches and indicators for providing a rotation control signal to the apparatus. The solenoid assembly includes a circuit for receiving a torque indication signal from the apparatus and an alarm circuit for setting the torque at a predetermined upper limit in response to a signal input at said controller console. The circuit operates to terminate rotation control and disable the apparatus when said limit is reached. Other features of the controller are also disclosed.

Abstract: A high thermal efficiency multi-wall heat exchange tube is sealed at one end and has the gap between the tube walls filled with a silicon liquid oil that is nontoxic, has a boiling point above that of water, and increases heat transfer efficiency between the inner and outer walls of the tube. The liquid oil is inserted into the gap between the tube walls by placing the tube into a fixture which receives ten tubes simultaneously, heating the tube and the oil, evacuating the gap and inserting oil into the evacuated gap. The fixture includes a manifold connector assembly which is sealingly positioned over the open end of the one or more tubes to provide a manifold connection between the gap of each tube being filled and a source of vacuum as well as a source of oil and a drain. A hydraulic ram facilitates connection and removal of the manifold connector assembly.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for pulling a plurality of fuel ds out of a fuel element structure and has a gripping device which is capable of clamping the fuel rods. To reliably pull the fuel rods from an irradiated nuclear reactor fuel element, the apparatus includes an upper guide rod and a lower tension rod which lie horizontally and are arranged one above the other. The rods extend through a plurality of clamping plates in a direction perpendicular to the latter. The clamping plates are mounted so as to be parallel to each other and spacers are arranged between each two mutually adjacent ones of the clamping plates. The spacers are arranged on both rods with the width of the spacers on the lower rod beign slightly less than the diameter of a fuel rod. The clamping plates are pressable together by means of a tensioning device. The apparatus of the invention enables the gripping device to be placed on the fuel element in a simple manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing metallic heat exchanger tubes having a heat exchange surface that is increased by fins. A rotating tube has helically wound on its outer surface a strip that forms the fins, with this strip being fed to the tube surface under tension, and with the bottom edge of the strip being welded to the tube. The contact surface that exists between the tube and the bottom edge of the strip, and that extends helically on the surface of the tube, is fused exclusively at the surface of the tube with a laser beam that is directed in the region where the strip runs onto the surface of the tube, and that fuses a portion of the tube surface that in the axial direction of the tube corresponds at least to the width of the bottom edge of the strip and in the circumferential direction corresponds approximately to the same amount. At the same time, the laser beam fuses the bottom edge of the incoming strip in the region where the strip runs onto the surface of the tube.

Abstract: A system is provided for easily replacing a single tube in shell and tube heat exchangers without removing the bundle. The system comprises: (1) a rod which is inserted into the tube to be replaced and left in place when the tube is removed and (2) a special tool which is adapted to fit into the end of a replacement tube and over the rod.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for remotely inserting and positioning a sleeve-loaded mandrel within a damaged tube mounted in the tubesheet of a nuclear steam generator is disclosed herein. The apparatus of the invention generally comprises a frame, a mounting mechanism for detachably and pivotally mounting the frame to the open end of one of a first tube in the tubesheet, an advancing assembly supported by the frame for remotely inserting and advancing the sleeve-loaded mandrel to a position across a damaged section of the selected tube, and a drive train for pivotally positioning the advancing assembly into alignment with the open end of the selected tube. In the preferred embodiment, the advancing means is formed from the pair of hydraulically operated grippers, one of which is reciprocably movable with respect to the other.

Abstract: A support apparatus for use during disassembly and reassembly of a vehicular radiator is provided. The support apparatus includes vertically adjustable and rotatable generally horizontal supports and rotatable supports. Adjustable heating elements provide for use of the support apparatus with various size radiators.

Abstract: A plug removal apparatus for removing a mechanical plug fixed in an end of each heat exchange tube of a heat exchanger includes a plug removing mechanism which engages with and pulls out a cylindrical member of the mechanical plug. The plug removing mechanism includes a mandrel insertable into and threadedly engageable with the cylindrical member, a push rod coaxially extending through the mandrel for pushing a cone member of the mechanical plug, an actuating means for selectively moving the mandrel and the push rod towards and from the mechanical plug, and a drive means for selectively rotating the mandrel into engagement with the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A servicing machine for a steam generator is accurately set up in the generator channel head with a pivoted arm mounted for rotation in a plane parallel to the tubesheet. The angular position of the arm, the longitudinal position of a carriage mounted on the arm and the vertical position of a platform on the carriage are remotely controlled to maneuver a probe used in mapping the precise location of the thousands of holes in the tubesheet. Various operations are then performed at each precise hole location by tools carried by the arm mounted carriage to prepare for installation of new tubing. The operation of a pair of remotely controlled pivoted arms, one on each side of the channel head divider plate, is coordinated to automatically position the ends of U-shaped tubes in corresponding holes in the tubesheet on opposite sides of the divider plate and to secure the same in place.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting tubes (20) into openings in tube sheets or baffles (13) in a heat exchanger such as a steam condenser (12), includes at least one, preferably two, drive members (97,103) such as air inflated tires mounted on wheels, in cooperating relationship on opposite sides of the tube for advancing the tube (20). The tires (97,103) are canted in opposite directions at acute angles for simultaneously rotating the tube (20) on its own axis, whereby the tube (20) rotates as it advances through the baffles (14). The rotation distributes stresses on the tube (20) to help prevent damage to the tube and assist in clearing the tube openings (18) within the condenser (12). The tube (20) is firmly frictionally engaged by the tires (97,103) and a predetermined amount of friction is selected and maintained to allow the tires to slip on the tube when an obstruction is encountered to help reduce damage to the tube and to facilitate passage of the tube into the condenser.

Abstract: A tool for inserting sleeve blanks in damaged steam-generator tubes of light weight capable of being manipulated by ROSA, a remotely operated service arm. ROSA permits the tool to be attached externally of the channel head of the steam generator.The tool includes a fixed gripper and a moveable gripper. The gripping member of each gripper is a flexible sheet or bladder which conforms readily to the surface being engaged. For insertion, the sleeve blank is mounted on a mandrel. The insertion is carried out by operating the grippers repeatedly through the following cycle until the sleeve blank is inserted into the damaged tube:(a) The moveable gripper is set in the lowermost position.(b) The fixed gripper is open.(c) The moveable gripper engages the sleeving assembly.(d) The moveable gripper raises the sleeving assembly to the uppermost position.(e) The sleeving assembly is engaged by the fixed gripper.(f) The moveable gripper is disengaged from the sleeving assembly.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for repair of automotive radiators is disclosed, usable for recoring of either brass or plastic tank radiators, including clamping gates providing parallel rails adjustably spaced to receive the radiator header with an air cylinder exerting clamping pressure on the tank top. The radiator sits atop the rails of a first set of clamping gates when resoldering conventional tanks and is recessed between the rails of a second set of clamping gates which are alternatively installed for decrimping and crimping of the header tabs of plastic tank radiators. Decrimping and crimping hand tools of special configuration are also disclosed, cooperating with the rails during use.

Abstract: An assembly device for assembling a member having plural and spaced end segments thereon to a workpiece having plural and spaced sets of end segment receiving openings thereon, the spacing between the end segment receiving openings in each set corresponding to the spacing of the end segments from each other. The assembly device includes a frame on which is mounted a transport device for transporting the member from a supply thereof to a workpiece mounted on a workpiece holder. The member is oriented so that the end segments thereon are vertically aligned with the end segment receiving openings on the workpiece to facilitate an insertion of the end segments into the end segment receiving openings upon a movement of the transport structure into a working zone. Thereafter, the member is released by the transport mechanism to enable the transport mechanism to return back to its initial position thereof to await the receipt of a new member therein.

Abstract: A gravity-operated tube gripper and puller actuated by a rotatably-operated latch is disclosed herein. The gripper includes a gripping means having a collet assembly with a threaded collet which is expandable by means of a frustro-conical body. The gripper further includes a suspension member connected to the frustro-conical body, and detachably connected to the expandable collet. The rotatably-operated latch of the gripper selectively disconnects the collet assembly, so that the weight of the frustro-conical body engages the mouth of the expandable collet, and expands the threaded exterior of the collet into the inner walls of the tube. The invention provides a tube gripper which is easily manually operated through a simple extension rod. It is particularly useful in removing sample tubes from areas of limited accessibility in the secondary sides of nuclear steam generators.

Abstract: The tube plug removal machine removes any type of tube plug by drilling into a plug portion with a tap drill bit, engaging that plug portion with a threaded section of the tap drill bit after the drilled hole has been threaded by a tapping section thereof, and removing a portion of the tube holding the plug in the tube with a counterbore drill bit mounted concentrically about the tap drill bit. A trip pin and trip spline enable the tap drill bit to be automatically disengaged from the motor once the tap drill bit has been threaded into engagement with the plug. The conterbore drill bit is thereafter self-centered with respect to the tube and plug about the now stationary tap drill bit. After a portion of the plug has been removed by the counterbore drill bit, pulling on the tap drill bit will remove the remaining plug portion from the tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lacing hairpin tubes into plate fin bundles by the continuous movement of plate fins from one end of horizontally supported guide rods to the other end thereof where they pass onto aligned tubes. The horizontal guide rods are precisely positioned by a number of clamps applied along their lengths. Provision is made to successively remove and reapply the clamps in such a way as to permit the selective movement of the fins along the guide rods while maintaining the guide rods in their fixed positions. The guide rods are graduated in various diameters to facilitate the easy movement of the plate fins and hairpin tubes thereon while providing for precise relative placement of the plate fins and the hairpin tubes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a mechanical tube plug 74 to assure the integrity of the seal between the tube plug 74 and tube 66. The actual torque applied in accomplishing each step in the tube plug installation process is monitored and recorded to assure that the integrity of each step of the tube plug installation process is maintained and, therefore, the integrity of the seal is assured.

Abstract: A steam generator for nuclear power plant applications. U-shaped heat exchanger tubes within said steam generator are provided with compliant antivibration bars at the U-shaped portion of the tubes. Flexible plates located at opposite sides of the antivibration bars are placed in contact with the opposite sides of the rows of tubes. Support ribs spaced along the length of the compliant bars limit the deflection of the flexible plates and establish the effective length of the flexible plates. The ribs in successive columns of antivibration bars are located between the ribs of the bars of each preceding and following row.

Abstract: For the purpose of compressing by hammering a steam generator tube (1), there is directed a stream of gas at high velocity charged with particles having a particle size of between 50 and 500.multidot.10.sup.-6 m, onto the inner surface of the tube (1). The jet of gas is directed onto the inner surface of the tube (1) in radial directions and onto the whole of the periphery of the tube. The flow of the mass of the particles is higher than 0.008 kg/sec for tubes having an inside diameter of around 0.020 m. The device comprises a flexible sheath (20) movable inside a case (16, 18) fixed in a sealed manner under the tube plate (2) around the tube (1). An injection nozzle (21) is disposed at the end of the sheath (20) receiving the gas charged with particles.

Abstract: A crash protection apparatus for a pulling device having a hollow piston cylinder and a pulling claw for pulling a tube out of a tube sheet of a heat exchanger chamber in which the pulling device is disposed, the crash protection apparatus includes another cylinder without a piston rod having an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the hollow-piston cylinder and being fixed relative to the tube sheet in the chamber, a piston of the other cylinder, a bracket extending from the piston substantially at a right angle to the axis of the other cylinder for supporting the pulling device with a supporting force provided by the other cylinder, and a device for controlling the supporting force for compensating only the weight of the pulling device in each position of the pulling device.

Abstract: A detachable clip is disclosed separately fixturing each of two reinforcements extending along opposite sides of a heat exchanger core to one of two headers at opposite ends of the core during brazing of the core and the reinforcements to the headers at junctures thereof and wherein the reinforcements may be assembled prior to brazing with substantial air space at their junctures with the headers but not exceeding a prescribed limit. The clip is made of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially less than the reinforcements so as to draw the reinforcements and headers together during brazing through a distance at least equal to the prescribed air space limit to thereby assure contact at all the junctures between the reinforcements and headers during the brazing thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing various heat exchangers is disclosed in which a plurality of heat exchangers disposed side by side are formed at once. A series of manufacturing stations for working heat exchanger components such as fins and tubes and for opening the tubes are arranged in an endless manner to thereby automatically carry out the production steps with a high productivity while meeting various requirements of the specifications of the heat exchangers with a high flexibility.

Abstract: Apparatus (16) for gripping the inner surface of a plug (14) so that it can be removed from a tube (12). The apparatus includes a shaft (18) having an enlarged frustoconical head (20) with a collar member (24) surrounding the shaft. The collar has a plurality of flexible fingers (22) extending up therefrom, which are forced radially outwardly into contact with the inner wall of the plug when the head is moved longitudinally outwardly from the plug. Each finger has an end portion which is tapered and forms first (10 degrees) and second (5 degrees) angles on its inner (32) and outer (30) surfaces, respectively; and the frustoconical surface (34) of the enlarged head forms a third angle (15 degrees), with the sum of the first and second angles being equal to the third angle. The end portions of the fingers are thus moved radially outwardly, such that their outer surface lies parallel with the inner surface of the plug and thus, the plug is gripped over a large surface area by the gripping mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger, especially for motor vehicles, which consists of a plurality of fins disposed in a parallel, spaced relationship, having openings and collars of oval or planar cross section adjoining the openings, and of a plurality of tubes of corresponding cross section disposed perpendicularly thereto and passing through the openings and collars. The tubes are joined to the fins by expanding their cross section after they have been inserted into the openings and collars thereby forcing their walls against the margins of the openings and collars.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing the damaged tubes of a steam generator. This apparatus includes a sleeving tool for inserting sleeves in the tubes, a high-roller tool for rolling the sleeves at their upper ends where they have been expanded, and a low-roller tool for rolling the sleeves at their lower ends in the tube sheet. Each tool is provided with locking pins which engage tubes adjacent to a tube to be processed and suspend the tool in processing position. The sleeves are inserted in the tubes and are rolled by rolls driven by a hydraulic motor. For sleeve insertion and for high and low rolling, the motor is controlled by a servo control valve. The feedback signal to this valve is derived from a flow transducer in the feed line for the motor. The feedback for the force of sleeve insertion is the pressure across the motor derived from pressure transducers in the conductors through which the motor is supplied. For insertion speed and for rolling speed, the feedback is derived from a fluid-flow transducer.

Abstract: An arrangement for drawing transverse ribs onto smooth pipes, comprises a punch arranged to produce transverse ribs; a drive provided for driving the punch; a drawing bank carrying smooth pipes to be provided with ribs; driving chain means movable from the punch drive and including at least two continuously rotatable endless driver chains extending at a distance from one another and driving the transverse ribs; driving chain wheels arranged for driving the driver chains at their one end, the driving chain wheels having a driving shaft; and a coupling provided between the punch drive and the driving chain wheels at a drawing bank end which is opposite to the punch, the coupling including two claw discs which are bringable in form-locking and force-transmitting engagement with one another, one of the claw discs being freely rotatably arranged on the driving shaft on the driving chain wheel and at least indirectly actuatable from the punch drive, the other of the claw discs being connected with the driving shaft

Abstract: An assembly device for assembling a member having plural and spaced end segments thereon to a workpiece having plural and spaced sets of end segment receiving openings thereon, the spacing between the end segment receiving openings in each set corresponding to the spacing of the end segments from each other. The assembly device includes a frame on which is mounted a transport device for transporting the member from the supply thereof to a workpiece mounted on a workpiece holder. The member is oriented so that the end segments thereon are vertically aligned with the end segment receiving openings on the workpiece to facilitate an insertion of the end segments into the end segment receiving openings upon a movement of the transport structure into a working zone. Thereafter, the member is released by the transport mechanism to enable the transport mehanism to return back to its initial position thereof to await the receipt of a new member therein.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator (26) for removing a plug (14) from a tube (12) including tube gripping means (28, 32), the actuator having a double piston arrangement (38, 52), which when energized quickly and efficiently first causes the gripping means to positively grip the plug, and then thereafter remove the plug from the tube, all in one continuous motion.

Abstract: A steel tube working apparatus is composed of a clamping device consisting of a pair of clamps, a pair of projecting plates, means for actuating the clamps and the projecting plates, a pair of guide bars and a main body frame; a base plate having a pair of guide rollers fitting to the guide bars fixedly secured to its opposite ends; and working means connected to the base plate in a movable and rotatable manner. A cutting device, a beveling device, a welding device, etc. are selectively connected to the base plate as the working means.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving and positioning a tool for plugging a defective heat exchanger tube of a steam generator in a nuclear reactor includes a base, a plug magazine supported on the base, a guidance mechanism mounting the plugging tool and a positioning mechanism supported on the base and mounting the guidance mechanism. The guidance mechanism is operable to align and position the tool relative to the plug magazine and the defective heat exchanger tube to correspondingly effect, upon operation of the tool, plug loading when the tool is located in a plug dispensing position adjacent to the plug magazine and plug unloading when the tool is located in a plug applying position adjacent to the defective tube. The positioning mechanism is operable to assume folded and unfolded conditions to transfer the guidance mechanism and the plugging tool therewith respectively between the plug dispensing and applying positions.

Abstract: A tool for pulling heating tube sections from a tube sheet of a steam generator, includes a threaded pulling mandrel screwed to the heating tube section, a mounting plate fixed to the tube sheet, a hydraulic linear drive having a cylinder fastened to the mounting plate and a first lifting piston, a hydraulic clamping means having a cylinder surrounding the mandrel and being fastened to the first lifting piston, wedge-shaped clamping jaws having wide and narrow ends and being movable in longitudinal direction of the mandrel for engaging the clamping piston with the mandrel, and second and third hydraulic lifting pistons of the clamping piston, the second lifting piston resting against the narrow ends and the third lifting piston resting against the wide ends of the clamping jaws.

Abstract: A cutter guide fixture for use in removing a top nozzle from the guide thimbles of a fuel assembly includes upper and lower plates coupled to one another for movement of the upper plate relative to the lower plate between upper and lower positions. The plates include aligned pairs of holes within which are mounted a plurality of cutters such that the cutting elements of the cutters are disposed in a common cutting plane. A pair of expansion locking pins are provided at a pair of diagonal corners of the lower plate for releasably attaching the fixture to the top nozzle and positioning the cutters in general alignment with a plurality of passageways defined in the adapter plate of the top nozzle and with a plurality of hollow upper end portions of the guide thimbles inserted and attached in the passageways.

Abstract: A furnace heat exchanger and support plate assembly are joined together by a cooperating oval rim defining an opening in the heat exchanger and an opening formed by a mating flange on a partition plate and extending perpendicular to the plane of the plate. The flange on the partition plate is inserted in the opening in the heat exchanger unit and expanded radially outward with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the openings by a multiple jaw expander mechanism which is inserted through the opening in the plate into the interior of the heat exchanger. A second expander apparatus is inserted in the opening after withdrawal of the first expander to engage and expand portions of the flanges which were not fully displaced by the first expander. The expander mechanisms include radially and axially movable jaws comprising plural oval shaped jaw segments which are engaged by an axially movable mandrel.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing a set of linear objects such as helically coiled turbolaters (11) from a container (12) of objects, comprising a cover (17) including holes (37) from which air is drawn to cause some of the objects (11) to engage the underside of the cover (17) and an obturator plate for reducing the air flow through the holes (37) so that the objects (11) correctly engaged with the cover will detach from the cover (17). A feed mechanism is also provided to insert the helically coiled objects (11) into the tubes (13) of a radiator (14).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the automatic assembly of nuclear fuel rod bundles in a predetermined coordinate array. Each fuel rod is identified during its travel and positioned according to an identifying code carried on its lower end plug which designates the fuel enrichment and additive level of the rod.

Abstract: A device for enabling the changeover of the shell or casing or a roller in a calender, the ends of the roller being journalled to rotate in bearings, means being provided for retaining the journal at one end in a desired position while the bearing body surrounding the roller bearing at the other end is removed. A yoke-shaped hinged support member is provided with means for removing the bearing body and is pivotally mounted at one of its ends so as to be pivotable into a position, after the bearing body has been removed to reveal the free annular space around the roller bearing through which the roller casing can be removed and interchanged.