Abstract: A relatively rotatable coupling apparatus is disclosed for conveying fluid from a stationary reservoir to a rotatable member. An adjustable throttle valve is operably connected intermediate of the coupling apparatus and the rotatable member for controlling the flow of fluid from the reservoir to the rotatable member. The relatively rotatable coupling apparatus has a first conduit portion connected to the reservoir defining an inlet flow path and a second conduit portion connected to the rotatable member defining a discharge flow path for the fluid. The first and second conduit portions are interconnected in an overlapping radially spaced apart relation by rotatable interconnecting means to define a relative motion gap betwen the overlapping portions and to permit rotational movement of the second conduit portion relative to the first conduit portion.

Abstract: A sensing amplifier of half wave sensitivity has its trip level effectively changed without internal adjustment in the sensing amplifier by a circuit branch connected between respective points on the hot line conductor and the neutral conductor across the differential transformer core and containing a resistance for causing additional current flow vectorially added to differential current otherwise occurring between the primary windings.

Abstract: A series voltage regulator for producing a regulated direct output voltage from a direct input voltage that is subject to variations, such as gradually increasing with time upon application of source voltage, with first and second transistors of opposite polarity where the collector emitter path of the first transistor is in series relation between the input and output terminals and the emitter-collector path of the second transistor is in series relation between the input terminal and the base electrode of the first transistor. A voltage limiter such as a zener diode is connected between the base of the second transistor and a common input-output terminal. As source voltage increases from zero, the first transistor remains off until it is supplied base drive, which occurs only after the second transistor becomes conductive. The second transistor will conduct when the input voltage exceeds the sum of the second transistor's base emitter voltage drop and the voltage drop of the zener diode.

Abstract: A rotor for an axial flow, elastic fluid turbine apparatus. The rotor has a rotating shaft having a plurality of circumferentially spaced rotating blades thereon. Each blade has a platform portion having a convex arcuate surface and a concave arcuate surface. The convex arcuate surface has a radius greater than the radius of the concave arcuate surface so that individual rotating blades can be removed without removing the casing.

Abstract: A large starting motor is provided, especially for reversible, pumped storage water wheel generator-motor units, having a rotor member which comprises a relatively thin ferromagnetic rim and a closed container of cooling fluid disposed adjacent and radially inward thereof. Heat developed due to circulation of starting currents within the rim is conducted to the cooling fluid through the inside diameter surface of the rotor rim. Provision is made for venting and replenishing the cooling fluid which heats up and in extreme cases vaporizes in response to the thermal energy transferred from the rim.

Abstract: The terminal portion of a winding end turn conductor which projects from the core member of a dynamoelectric machine is encapsulated in an epoxy potting compound by means of a casting assembly which comprises a detachable conformable pad, a plastic sleeve mold, and a portable vise. The conformable pad is fitted about the terminal portion of the conductor to provide a temporary barrier to axial flow of the epoxy compound during casting. The plastic sleeve is disposed around the terminal portion in a spaced relationship therewith and in an abutting relation with the pad to provide a barrier to the radial flow of the epoxy compound during casting. Clamping means such as a portable vise is fitted about the conformable pad and is tightened to establish a compressive union at the interface of the conformable pad and the terminal portion of the conductor to prevent leakage. A pair of spring members hold the sleeve in abutting engagement with the surface of the conformable pad during the casting process.

Abstract: A unitary supporting structure for enclosing the superconducting field assembly of a dynamoelectric machine has a drive shaft portion for transmitting torque from a prime mover to the field assembly and a tubular portion integrally formed with the drive shaft portion. The tubular portion has a circumferentially extending outer wall which in combination with the drive shaft portion defines a chamber having a closed end with which the drive shaft portion is integrally formed and an opened end for receiving the field assembly. The field assembly is secured to the unitary supporting structure within the chamber in a cantilever mounting arrangement. The chamber is closed by means of an end plate to which a support shaft is affixed. The support shaft cooperates with the drive shaft portion to support the unitary structure for rotational movement within an annular stator member.

Abstract: A homopolar dynamoelectric machine is constructed with a magnetic field that is broken into segments along the axis of the machine. Liquid metal contacts are utilized to transmit electrical energy between the armature and current collecting members which have ducts for the transmission of cooling fluid located therein. Grouping armature conductors, and appropriately interconnecting the current collecting members to serially relate the voltages induced in the armature conductors in order to increase the magnitude of the output voltage, permits achievement of the desired output characteristics.

Abstract: Apparatus for overvoltage protection of the field winding of a synchronous dynamoelectric machine. A protective spark gap device is electrically connected in parallel across the field winding of the machine and is designed to weld itself into a short-circuit when the voltage across the field winding increases to an unacceptable value. The weldable spark gap provides a positive indication of problems in the field circuit and at the same time protects the field circuit from damage from continued operation. The protective spark gap is not self-restoring and therefore must be removed and replaced before operation is resumed.

Abstract: A composite tubular structure for shielding and supporting the superconducting field assembly of the rotor of a dynamoelectric machine. A plurality of elongated hollow metal cylinders are disposed one within another and are metallurgically bonded together by the high energy impact produced by the detonation of an explosive charge. The metallurgical weld produced thereby is formed substantially uniformly across the metal-to-metal interface of next adjacent cylinders. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the composite tubular structure comprises an outer cylinder formed of a non-ferromagnetic metal having high mechanical strength and ductility, and an inner cylinder formed of a non-ferromagnetic metal having an electrical conductivity which is high as compared with the electrical conductivity of the outer cylinder.

Abstract: Insulated wire coated with a bonding material is formed into cables and wound in an appropriate chamber. A pressurizing material is utilized to compress the wires in the chamber. The pressurizing material is then hardened to maintain the wires in the compressed state. Heat is then applied to cause the bonding material to bond the wires together and rigidly maintain them in the positions they occupy when compressed.

Abstract: A static control system for applying excitation to synchronous motors, especially of the brushless type, by firing a semiconductor switch to apply direct current excitation to the field of the motor. A post-synchronization firing circuit is provided for firing the switch in response to the voltage across the switch if the motor pulls into synchronism before the switch is fired. A control circuit is provided for inhibiting the operation of the post-synchronizing firing circuit during subsynchronous operation.

Abstract: Two parallel magnetic flux paths are provided in a dynamoelectric machine having a superconductive field winding. A first, or main, magnetic flux path includes at least one area of nonferromagnetic or diamagnetic material. A second, or shunt, magnetic flux path prevents the relatively low frequency AC flux present during starting or asynchronous operation of the machine, when used as an AC motor, from penetrating the superconductive winding.

Abstract: A homopolar motor and a homopolar generator are concentric and radially displaced from one another to provide a torque conversion arrangement. The motor and generator circuits are internally connected by stationary conductors to provide a closed loop current path.

Abstract: An excitation system for a synchronous generator includes a conventional brushless exciter for providing base excitation for rated power output and a controlled source of direct current interconnected with the conventional brushless excitation system to supplement the base excitation. The supplementary excitation is supplied to the rotating field winding of the synchronous generator to provide forcing excitation to permit operation of the generator at power levels which exceed the generator's base power output level.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for indicating whether friction forces within a position modulating valve are approaching a predetermined friction value. The invention includes pressure detectors which monitor the pressure forces required by the valve actuator to move the valve plug predetermined distances toward open and seated positions. Means are provided which generate signal proportional to the difference between opening and seating actuating pressures and which is functionally related to the friction force within the valve. Means for comparing the generated signal to a predetermined reference signal, and for indicating if the generated signal exceeds the reference, are also provided.

Abstract: A ramping circuit including a comparator and an integrator connected together in a source follower configuration. First and second operational amplifiers in the comparator and integrator sections, respectively, are used with the first having its negative input terminal supplied the input to the ramping circuit and its output terminal connected to the negative input terminal of the second, a feedback loop is provided from the output of the integrator stage to the positive input terminal of the comparator stage.

Abstract: A ventilation system is provided for dynamoelectric machines such as hydro generators having salient pole rotors and in which the rotor and stator have separate ventilation systems sealed from the air gap. The stator ventilation system includes radial vent ducts in the stator core with longitudinal ducts extending between adjacent radial vent ducts in the tops of the winding slots. The longitudinal ducts are formed by two radially spaced wedges in each slot defining an axial passage between them, and the ducts are sealed from the air gap by the wedges and by sealing members at the inner ends of the radial ducts. Ventilating air flows radially inward through the vent ducts, longitudinally through the longitudinal ducts from one vent duct to the next, and radially outward to the external circuit where it is circulated through coolers by means of a blower or otherwise.

Abstract: A free floating disc valve having a positive closure arrangement thereon. A containment vessel enclosing a volume communicable with a pressure chamber is disposed above the valve disc and permits introduction into the pressure chamber of a high pressure fluid entrapped within the containment volume to provide a force to assist the seating of the valve disc.

Abstract: A stator core is held at reference surfaces having a predetermined distance from a center line along which a rotor is supported at its shaft extensions without introduction of shims or other supports directly between the rotor and stator, in which position the end bells containing the bearings through which the rotor shaft extensions run can be secured to the stator core to provide a consistently reproducible air gap between the rotor and stator.