Abstract: An illuminated sign comprises a housing containing a light source and having a sign face defining a side of the sign. The housing has upright end members and cross members extending between the end members, each member defining an inwardly directed locating channel and an undercut locating channel. The edge portions of the sign face are received in the locating channels. Right angle corner brackets are provided for location in the connecting channels to join the frame members.

Abstract: Eddy current probes for ferromagnetic tubes of relatively small diameters are disclosed. A probe housing is made of non-ferromagnetic material and shaped to be introduced into the tube for inspection. The probe housing includes at least two eddy current measuring assemblies either of these assemblies includes magnetic field generators for producing a maximum magnetization at a predetermined area of the tube and a minimum magnetization at a diametrically opposite area of the tube. At least one eddy current measuring coil is associated with each magnetic field generator to measure the eddy current generated in the tube and which has a relatively high sensitivity to an anomaly at the maximum magnetization area. Further the current measuring assemblies are spaced apart axially within the housing and are rotated about its central axis by a predetermined angle so that each assembly differs in sensitivity to an anomaly depending upon their location within the housing.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor system including a main heat transport path around which a first coolant is pumped by main circulation pumps to transport heat from the reactor core to a steam generator. A heat exchanger is located in the main heat transport path after the outlet from the steam generator, the secondary side of that heat exchanger being in a decay heat removal loop which contains a second liquid coolant. A vapor separator in the decay heat removal loop is connected to an outlet of the heat exchanger with the vapor separator's outlet being connected to an inlet of a further heat exchanger located in a large tank of water which forms a heat sink. The further heat exchanger's outlet is connected to the heat exchanger's inlet forming a closed loop. The further heat exchanger is located at a higher elevation than the heat exchanger whereby a natural convection flow can occur in the decay heat removal path.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor system including a heat transport path around which a coolant is pumped by main circulation pumps to transport heat from the reactor core to a steam generator. A further decay heat removal path is connected in parallel with the steam generator and main pumps and has a heat exchange component located at an elevation such that a natural convection flow will occur in the decay heat removal path when the main pumps are shutdown. Means are provided to mainain a small flow in the decay heat removal path during normal operation of the main pump. That small flow is in the intended direction of the natural convection circulation flow and maintains a temperature difference within the decay heat removal path that provides a buoyancy force to immediately start a natural circulation flow if the main pumps are shutdown. The main pumps are to be shutdown, as is the reactor, on loss of the steam generator as a heat sink.

Abstract: An eccentric face seal for rotary machines in which the closing force of the seal faces towards one another is asymmetric. The asymmetric closing force is utilized to produce corresponding variations in the face seal gap which tends to produce fluid flow across the seal face in a direction opposite to the leakage produced by the pressure difference, and thereby eliminate or reduce leakage. Closing forces can be applied by at least a pair of springs providing different compressive forces or by hydraulic actuation in which the total combined forces can readily be made to vary with fluid operating pressure. In one embodiment the hydraulic actuation is provided by asymmetric pressure responsive areas of the rotor or stator.

Abstract: The invention provides an intertube thermal conductance rate limiting device for a nuclear reactor fuel channel having an inner pressure tube and outer calandria tube. The device comprises a wire screen placed in the annular region between the pressure tube and calandria tube which limits the contact area between the two tubes. By reducing the contact area, the screen limits the thermal conductance rate to the calandria tube. This reduces or eliminates the potential for film boiling or "dryout" of the calandria tube.

Abstract: A retaining wall and a block for constructing the same. The retaining wall is constructed by superimposing rows of blocks upon each other. The blocks have side, rear, front, top and bottom faces. The side faces are parallel to each other and the rear and front faces are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the side faces. The top and bottom faces are perpendicular to the side, rear and front faces; and both the top and bottom faces are substantially identically Z-shaped. The top and bottom faces are divided into three surfaces, the second surfaces being inclined at an acute angle to the third surfaces. The first surface of the top face is longer than the first surface of the bottom face. Consequently, when the blocks are superimposed upon each other, the front face of each block lies slightly rearwardly with respect to the block immediately below it.

Abstract: Eddy current probes for detecting defects in a ferromagnetic tube are disclosed. The probe uses partial magnetic saturation and includes two or more eddy current measuring coil assemblies in a probe housing. The coil assemblies are spaced apart from each other and located at positions of different magnetic saturation.

Abstract: A drum brake service tool and a method of using the same is disclosed. The tool comprises a lever having a pair of spaced, parallel arms disposed at one end thereof, the arms being adapted to receive a brake spring substantially perpendicularly therebetween. A brake-spring retaining mechanism is disposed proximate the free end of each of the arms. One of the free ends of the brake spring is passed over the brake-spring pin of one of the first or second brake shoes. The brake-spring is then engaged in between the arms of the lever. The lever is pivoted on the cam to extend the brake-spring to the point that the other free end of the spring lies proximate the brake-spring pin of the second brake shoe. The free end of the spring is then engaged with the pin of the second brake shoes. The tool may also be used to remove or install a brake roller in the brake shoes.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the stalk-receiving gaps between stripper plates in a produce harvester. The mechanism is adapted for use in harvester where a number of pairs of stripper plates are utilized, and where a space is formed between adjacent pairs of stripper plates, and a stalk-receiving gap is formed between the stripper plates within each pair. The mechanism permits all stalk-receiving gaps in the harvester to be adjusted simultaneously and to the same degree. These gaps are adjusted from both sides allowing for optimum centering of the gap to engage the stalks. The mechanism comprises a reciprocating shaft disposed so as to move substantially perpendicular to the movement of the harvester. A number of rotating shafts are connected to the reciprocating shaft and these are disposed within the spaces between adjacent pairs of stripper plates. The rotating shafts are disposed substantially at right angles to the movement of the harvester.

Abstract: Eddy current probes for detecting internal defects in a ferromagnetic tube are disclosed. The probe uses a plurality of eddy current measuring means, each being operated at a different operating point on the impedance diagram. By operating more than one such eddy current measuring means simutaneously, noises by, for example, permeability variation of a ferromagnetic material and internal magnetic deposit, can be made less influential.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for transfer of workpieces such as stacks of sliced sausage from a band conveyor into the cavities of a molded package, the latter being advanced transversely of the movement of the band conveyor. The device utilizes a system of stems protruding between the bands of the band conveyor to raise the product upwardly from the band conveyor, whereupon a shuttle engages two workpieces by two finger systems having spring-loaded transverse fingers moving transversely of the movement of the band conveyor. The stems are then lowered below the level of the band conveyor. The shuttle is shifted to a position above the particular packaging cavities, whereupon a plunger strikes each workpiece in a downward direction, whereby the spring-loaded, normally generally horizontal fingers of the finger systems are forced to swing downwardly into open position to allow discharge of the workpieces.

Abstract: A motorcycle mounting for a radar speed monitor in which the monitor can be readily mounted and removed. The motorcycle mounting includes a first support member with releasable strap for holding a radar monitor in position, second support members extending from each side of the first support member, each being attached at its upper end to the first support member, clamps may be used at the lower end of each second support member for attachment of the lower end of each second support member to the handlebar of a motorcycle; a further support member connected at one end to the first support member and including a pivotable connection at the other end for attachment to a structural member of a motorcycle forward of the handlebar; and a mounting bracket for mounting a radar transmitter/receiver on a motorcycle.

Abstract: A process was developed for modification of the surface of poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) fibres so that these fibres function as a reinforcing agent in a cold-molded cementitious composite at levels below 1% by weight. The surface modification treatment involves treatment of the fibres with aqueous alkaline hydroxide between 20.degree. C. and 95.degree. C. for between 20 minutes and 7 hours. The modified fibre is used to replace asbestos in the cementitious composite and it has been found that this improves both the green strength and the flexural strength of the autoclaved material.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing foam-filled stud walls. The apparatus has a main frame, including a substantially vertical backplate against which the sheathing bears, a carrier unit moveable vertically on the main frame, and a dam carried on the carrier unit parallel to the backplate, moveable towards and away from the backplate. Hydraulic actuators are located between the carrier unit and main frame, and between the dam and the carrier unit, to hold the dam against the stud wall when the stud wall is positioned with its sheathing against the backplate, and to move the carrier unit and thus the dam vertically while it is so held against the stud wall.

Abstract: A padlock shield for protecting padlocks from exposure to rain and snow is disclosed. The shield is comprised of a cover which is made up of a plurality of walls, one of which includes a mechanism for accepting a staple therethrough at any one of a plurality of orientations.

Abstract: Hydraulic control system for controlling the movement of the movable jaw of a rock crusher between a first set position and a retracted position. The control system includes a double acting hydraulic ram having first and second ends mounted on the frame of the rock crusher and movable jaw respectively. A source of high pressure hydraulic fluid provided. A first fluid supply conduit communicates between the source of high pressure fluid and a first fluid chamber of the ram. A second fluid supply conduit communicates between the source of high pressure fluid and the second fluid chamber of the ram. A flow control device is provided in the first and second fluid supply conduits for simultaneously locking hydrulic fluid in the first and second fluid supply conduits to hold the extensible ram in a substantially rigid fixed length condition when in the set position during normal operation of the crusher.