Abstract: A patient support stretcher for X-ray units is formed by curing a multiple layered composite in situ on a balsa wood core.

Abstract: A vapor generating unit having a U-shaped tube bundle is provided with an orificed downcomer shroud and a fluid flow distribution plate between the lower hot and cold leg regions to promote fluid entrained sediment deposition in proximity to an apertured blowdown pipe.

Abstract: The invention provides means for inserting tubular members into a grid structure without mutual contact between the tubular members. After the tubular members are inserted, a movable strap is slid into position, thereby engaging, locating, and supporting the tubular member in a fixed location.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved system of providing power having a unique generating means of the nuclear reactor variety adapted with a plurality of steam generators in the form of replaceable modular units of the expendable type for the attainment of the optimum in effective and efficient vaporization of fluid during the process of generating power.

Abstract: A grid structure for holding a plurality of nuclear fuel rods. The grid structure is of the type having wall means, including rigidly interconnected generally rectangular metal strips, forming a plurality of passageways and adapted to support nuclear fuel rods within some of the passageways. The improvement comprises providing elongated slots intermediate and normal to the longitudinal edges of each of the strips at each intersection of the strips whereby the slots form openings in each corner of each passageway.

Abstract: A link and pin support system provides the primary vertical and lateral support for a nuclear reactor pressure vessel without restricting thermally induced radial and vertical expansion and contraction.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the invention provides a control rod system locking device adapted to engage an elongated extension shaft, releasably coupled at one end to the control rod assembly and releasably coupled at its other end to the control rod drive, to prevent rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis with respect to the control rod assembly.

Abstract: A flexible insulating blanket attached to a metal backing with adjustable panels about the backing is used to cover the opening of a carbon anode baking furnace to bring about sealing contact between the cover and the furnace walls so as to minimize thermal requirements and losses from the furnace.

Abstract: A hydraulically balanced face type shaft seal is provided in which the opening and closing seal face areas retain concentricity with each other in the event of lateral shaft displacement. All of the areas affected by the hydraulic force balance are embodied either by the rotating or stationary seal member, and the radial width of the sealing face of a second seal member is sufficiently wider than that of the first member so as to preclude runoff at maximum lateral displacement of the shaft at the seal.

Abstract: A heat exchanger in which mutually reactive heat transfer fluids are utilized. Tubes are interposed coaxially with other tubes so as to form a limited volume, wherein these fluids can mix and react in a controlled manner, permitting detection of leakage across the boundaries separating the reactive fluids before a major chemical or physical reaction can occur.

Abstract: A high temperature non-conducting inorganic refractory adhesive suitable for use in conjunction with a number of substances including conducting elements metallic in nature.

Abstract: A typical embodiment of an integral pressurized water nuclear reactor and straight-tube steam generator combination in accordance with the invention includes a generally cylindrical pressure vessel that is assembled from three segments which are bolted together at transverse joints to form a fluid and pressure tight unit that encloses the steam generator and the reactor. This novel construction permits primary to secondary coolant heat exchange and improved control rod drive mechanisms which can be exposed for full service access during reactor core refueling, maintenance and inspection.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the invention provides pressure relief valve means for the core support cylinder of a nuclear reactor vessel during a failure or accident of the nuclear reactor system. The valve means is responsive to differential pressure across the valve which in one direction sealably seats the valve plate against the valve body, and which, in the other direction opens the valve for pressure relief of the cylinder. Moreover, the valve means is provided with energy absorbing means which limit the impact load of an "explosively" opening valve on the reactor vessel wall.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the invention discloses a technique for disassembling a nuclear reactor fuel element without destroying the individual fuel pins and other structural components from which the element is assembled. A traveling bridge and trolley that span a water-filled spent fuel storage pool support a strongback. The strongback is under water and provides a working surface on which the spent fuel element is placed for inspection and for the manipulation that is associated with disassembly and assembly. To remove, in a non-destructive manner, the grids that hold the fuel pins in the proper relative positions within the element, bars are inserted through apertures in the grids with the aid of special tools. These bars are rotated to flex the adjacent grid walls and, in this way relax the physical engagement between protruding portions of the grid walls and the associated fuel pins.

Abstract: The tubes of a heat exchanger tube bank have a portion thereof formed in the shape of a helix, of effective radius equal to the tube radius and the space between two adjacent tubes, to tangentially contact the straight sections of the tubes immediately adjacent thereto and thereby provide support, maintain the spacing and account for differential thermal expansion thereof.