Abstract: A stopping member located within an air driven rotor and designed to respond to a magnetic field generated within the rotor housing, causing the completer stoppage of the rotor subsequent to its high speed centrifugation. The stopping member is comprised of a ferrous metal element positioned within the rotor for alignment with the poles of a magnet to facilitate sufficient attractive forces between the magnet and the metal element to completely stop the rotative motion of the rotor on a support cushion of air.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for braking the rotation of a centrifuge rotor is disclosed comprising magnet means operable in a first position wherein substantially no eddy currents are induced in a rotating rotor made of electrically conductive material by the magnetic flux of the magnet means and a second position wherein eddy currents are induced into the rotating rotor sufficiently to slow the rotor. In the preferred embodiment, the magnet means is movable by fluid pressure from the second position to the first position and movable by a bias force from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: The primary coolant pump of a nuclear reactor, which is usually driven electrically, can be accelerated in the event of a line break by the escaping coolant to such an extent that its mechanical strength is in jeopardy due to overspeed. According to the invention, a brake and/or shut-off means, which can be controlled by the pump pressure differential or the pump speed, are associated with the pump. The invention is of interest particularly for pressurized-water reactors.

Abstract: A cutter ring operable to sever the blades of a turbine wheel in a gas turbine engine upon failure of a thrust bearing carrying the wheel in the turbine. Severance occurs while the blades are within the confines of a containment ring to prevent fragments from being ejected out of the turbine housing. The cutter also presents a friction pad of high heat absorption characteristics for reducing maximum temperature developed in the engine upon bearing failure.

Abstract: A sequential cycling high speed continuously operating skin packaging machine for encasing an article on a porous base pad or substrate in a thin film of thermoplastic material, in which the machine is provided with novel film and substrate drive mechanism providing accurate substrate indexing, novel film tucking during package evacuation, and improved film heating, all providing a simplified construction coupled with improved high speed performance.

Abstract: A boost pump incorporates a low-flow impeller pump for charging the inlet of a gas producer fuel pump and a high-flow impeller pump for charging the inlet of an augmentor fuel pump. The low-flow pump is connected to a drive shaft so as to be continuously driven thereby. The drive shaft may be placed in driving connection with the high-flow pump through the medium of a friction clutch which is engageable by the application of a fluid pressure. Disengagement of the high-flow impeller, when augmentation is not required, significantly contributes to an increase in pump efficiency and a reduction in heating of the fluid being pumped.

Abstract: A turbine type air motor including a rotor and driven spindle having automatic speed regulation. The spindle and rotor have cooperating ports to control the flow of air to the rotor, and the spindle has provision for limited twisting movement within the rotor for moving the ports into and out of register. A biasing spring interposed between the spindle and rotor urges the ports normally out of register when the tool is lightly loaded. An increase in the load imposed upon the spindle causes the spindle to retreat relative to the rotor and against the force of the spring to bring the ports into register, thereby to increase the flow of air so that the torque developed by the rotor increases in step with the torque loading imposed on the spindle to maintain speed. In the preferred embodiment the spindle is of hollow construction and compressed air is fed axially into the hollow for transmission into the rotor through radial ports.