Abstract: A phase detecting circuit for use in phase-locked loops is provided with a pair of bistable circuits such as type D flip-flops. One of the circuits is clocked by a reference input signal and reset by the Q output of the other circuit. The other circuit is clocked by a second data signal and reset by the NOT Q output of the first circuit. The average value of the voltage appearing on the NOT Q output of the first circuit is proportional to the phase difference between the reference data signal and the second data signal.

Abstract: An iron-nickel-chromium age-hardenable alloy suitable for use in fast breeder reactor ducts and cladding which utilizes the gamma-double prime strengthening phase and characterized in having a morphology of the gamma-double prime phase enveloping the gamma-prime phase and delta phase distributed at or near the grain boundaries. The alloy consists essentially of about 40-50% nickel, 7.5-14% chromium, 1.5-4% niobium, 0.25-0.75% silicon, 1-3% titanium, 0.1-0.5% aluminum, 0.02-0.1% carbon, 0.002-0.015% boron, and the balance iron. Up to 2% manganese and up to 0.01% magnesium may be added to inhibit trace element effects; up to 0.1% zirconium may be added to increase radiation swelling resistance; and up to 3% molybdenum may be added to increase strength.

Abstract: A heat exchanger with an auxiliary cooling system capable of cooling a nuclear reactor should the normal cooling mechanism become inoperable. A cooling coil is disposed around vertical heat transfer tubes that carry secondary coolant therethrough and is located in a downward flow of primary coolant that passes in heat transfer relationship with both the cooling coil and the vertical heat transfer tubes. A third coolant is pumped through the cooling coil which absorbs heat from the primary coolant which increases the downward flow of the primary coolant thereby increasing the natural circulation of the primary coolant through the nuclear reactor.

Abstract: A system for spraying liquid sodium onto impurities associated with liquid dip seals of nuclear reactors. The liquid sodium mixing with the impurities dissolves the impurities in the liquid sodium. The liquid sodium having dissolved and diluted the impurities carries the impurities away from the site thereby cleaning the liquid dip seal and surrounding area. The system also allows wetting of the metallic surfaces of the dip seal thereby reducing migration of radioactive particles across the wetted boundary.

Abstract: A pipe support for high temperature, thin-walled piping runs such as those used in nuclear systems. A section of the pipe to be supported is encircled by a tubular inner member comprised of two walls with an annular space therebetween. Compacted load-bearing thermal insulation is encapsulated within the annular space, and the inner member is clamped to the pipe by a constant clamping force split-ring clamp. The clamp may be connected to pipe hangers which provide desired support for the pipe.

Abstract: A system for controlling the environment of an enclosed area in nuclear reactor installations. The system permits the changing of the environment from nitrogen to air, or from air to nitrogen, without the release of any radioactivity or process gas to the outside atmosphere.In changing from a nitrogen to an air environment, oxygen is inserted into the enclosed area at the same rate which the nitrogen-oxygen gas mixture is removed from the enclosed area. The nitrogen-oxygen gas mixture removed from the enclosed area is mixed with hydrogen, the hydrogen recombining with the oxygen present in the gas to form water. The water is then removed from the system and, if it contains any radioactive products, can be utilized to form concrete, which can then be transferred to a licensed burial site. The process gas is purified further by stripping it of carbon dioxide and then distilling it to remove any xenon, krypton, and other fission or non-condensable gases.

Abstract: A multi-position throttle mechanism is comprised of a link body having first and second servo devices secured thereto with the free end of the servo arm of one servo device connected to the engine frame and the free end of the arm of the other servo device connected to the throttle lever pivotally mounted on the engine whereby selective actuation of one or the other or both or neither of said servo devices results in at least three selectively different pre-set throttle positions.

Abstract: A support system for nuclear reactor pressure vessels which can withstand all possible combinations of stresses caused by a postulated core disrupting accident during reactor operation. The nuclear reactor pressure vessel is provided with a flange around the upper periphery thereof, and the flange includes an annular vertical extension formed integral therewith. A support ring is positioned atop of the support ledge and the flange vertical extension, and is bolted to both members. The plug riser is secured to the flange vertical extension and to the top of a radially outwardly extension of the rotatable plug. This system eliminates one joint through which fluids contained in the vessel could escape by making the fluid flow path through the joint between the flange and the support ring follow the same path through which fluid could escape through the plug risers.

Abstract: A fuel transfer system for moving nuclear reactor fuel assemblies from a new fuel storage pit to a containment area containing the nuclear reactor, and for transferring spent fuel assemblies under water from the reactor to a spent fuel storage area. The system includes an underwater track which extends through a wall dividing the fuel building from the reactor containment and a car on the track serves as the vehicle for moving fuel assemblies between these two areas. The car is driven by a motor and linkage extending from an operating deck to a chain belt drive on the car. A housing pivotally mounted at its center on the car is hydraulically actuated to vertically receive a fuel assembly which then is rotated to a horizontal position to permit movement through the wall between the containment and fuel building areas. Return to the vertical position provides for fuel assembly removal and the reverse process is repeated when transferring an assembly in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A coupling indicator for use with nuclear reactor control rod assemblies which have remotely disengageable couplings between the control rod and the control rod drive shaft. The coupling indicator indicates whether the control rod and the control rod drive shaft are engaged or disengaged. A resistive network, utilizing magnetic reed switches, senses the position of the control rod drive mechanism lead screw and the control rod position indicating tube, and the relative position of these two elements with respect to each other is compared to determine whether the coupling is engaged or disengaged.

Abstract: A radiator assembly having several radiator sections connected together by integral flanges which are telescoped together. Each radiator section is constructed of two metal panels which are identical and which are mated together and welded. Corrugated surfaces on each panel define ducts through which the fluid flows. The corrugation ridges on one panel are aligned with the corrugation furrows on its mating panel. The ridges on the panels are also aligned with the furrows on the facing panels of the adjacent radiator sections.

Abstract: A plurality of non-conductive rings are positioned around the outside surface which is defined by the end-winding conductors. A plurality of non-conductive flexure plates are secured to the rings and extend radially outward therefrom. The flexure plates are also secured to the generator frame by a coupling assembly which permits tangential movement and prevents axial and radial movement of the outermost flexure plate end. The plates flex in the axial direction to compensate for temperature responsive dimensional changes of the end-winding assembly.

Abstract: Tap changing apparatus for connection to the windings of a three-phase power transformer. The tap changer includes a mounting board on which three sets of stationary contacts, arranged in a circular pattern, are mounted. A rotating contact assembly is associated with each set of stationary contacts and may be pivoted around the center of the stationary contact set for engagement with one of the stationary contacts. An operating bar extends across each set of stationary contacts and is coupled to the rotating contacts by rack and pinion assemblies. When the operating bar is moved in one direction, the rotating contacts are turned in a counterclockwise direction. When the operating bar is moved in the other direction, the rotating contacts are turned in the clockwise direction. The operating bar is moved by a rack and pinion assembly which is connected to a rotating shaft.

Abstract: A plurality of conductors are surrounded by a continuous, flexible belt which is doubled over to provide loops at each end thereof. Non-metallic rods are disposed through the loops for providing surfaces to which a non-metallic buckle or strap is connected for securing the belt. The belt consists of a plurality of glass fiber cords which are surrounded by a cured elastomeric material. The cords are formed from glass fiber strands which are twisted sufficiently to provide the desired amount of belt strength and flexibility.

Abstract: Cylindrical tap terminals are attached to a base plate and are positioned symmetrically around an opening in the base plate. A contact carrier is positioned in the base plate opening and is dimensioned for rotation therein. A movable contact blade is disposed in a radial opening in the contact carrier and is dimensioned to connect together two adjacent tap terminals. A shaft with an inclined surface thereon extends into another opening in the contact carrier and is coupled to an operating handle. The handle may be pulled to move the inclined surface and permit movement of the contact blade away from the tap terminals. Rotation of the handle rotates the shaft, the contact carrier, and the contact blade to another position. When in position, a coil spring forces the inclined surface against the contact blade to maintain adequate electrical contact pressure between the blade and the tap terminals.

Abstract: End winding conductors are attached to bracing rings which are connected to a plurality of support brackets positioned around the outside of the conductors. The support brackets are attached to a ring-shaped member which has its radial movement restrained by a plurality of blocks which are positioned around the outside of the ring-shaped member. The blocks are adjustably attached to another ring which is fixed to the stator iron core. Springs are positioned between the ring-shaped member and the stator iron core to provide an axial load on the support brackets. Conductor movement due to thermal changes is prevented in the radial direction but permitted in the axial direction due to the axial movement of the ring-shaped member with respect to the blocks.

Abstract: 5. A grid structure for a nuclear reactor fuel assembly comprising a plurality of connecting members forming .[.at least one.]. longitudinally extending .[.opening.]. .Iadd.peripheral and inner fuel element openings .Iaddend.through .Iadd.each of .Iaddend.which .Iadd.openings .Iaddend. at least one nuclear fuel element extends, said connecting members forming wall means surrounding .[.said.]. .Iadd.each peripheral and inner fuel element .Iaddend.opening, a pair of rigid projections .Badd.longitudinally spaced from one another .Baddend.extending from a portion of said wall means into .[.said.]. .Iadd.each peripheral and inner .Iaddend.opening for rigidly engaging .[.said.]. .Iadd.each .Iaddend.fuel element, .Iadd.respectively, yet permit individual longitudinal slippage thereof, .Iaddend.and resilient means .Badd.formed integrally on and from said wall means and .Baddend.positioned in .[.said.]. .Iadd.each peripheral and inner .Iaddend.