Abstract: A plurality of threaded studs are rigidly connected to the turbine head cover about each wicket gate shaft. A packing ring is adjustably connected to the threaded studs to hold the wicket gate shaft packing between the head cover and the wicket gate shaft. A thrust ring is also adjustably attached to the threaded studs to provide thrust clearance adjustment between the thrust ring and the wicket gate.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the delivery of fuel and air to a rotary reduction kiln wherein both the fuel and air flow through the same fluid distribution nozzle. Separate fuel and air valves control the flow through the nozzles. Two separate means are provided about the kiln for operating each valve as the kiln rotates. Each of these means is individually adjustable to a first position where the valve setting is sequentially altered as the kiln rotates and to a second position where the valve setting is unaltered as the kiln rotates.

Abstract: Method of fabricating a crown plate for a Francis-type hydraulic turbine runner. The crown is fabricated from an integrally formed inner circular portion and a pair of outer semi-circular portions welded thereto. The inner circular portion provides a rigid section of high integrity to which the runner shaft is connected.

Abstract: A seal is provided between the turbine runner and the stationary structure which permits expansion of the runner without danger of contacting the stationary structure and thereby causing the seal to seize. The portion of the runner which defines the sealing passage faces radially inwardly. Therefore, if the runner expands, the sealing clearance will enlarge rather than decrease thereby overcoming the possibility of seizure.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for admitting high pressure air to the seals of a hydraulic turbine runner which is rotating in a gas such as air. The high pressure air reduces the temperature of the seal and at the same time maintains a desired air pressure in the runner casing. Means are also provided to permit evacuation of air or gas from the runner casing to reduce the pressure therein below atmospheric pressure to decrease the windage losses of the rotating runner and permit lower pressure cooling air or gas to be applied to the runner seals.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a butterfly valve from plate steel which comprises flame cutting the outer configuration of the valve body and flame cutting a circular disc from the center of the body resulting in a water opening through the body and utilizing the disc as the closure member. The valve is constructed in such a manner that no castings or welding is required.

Abstract: A fabricated crown for a Francis-type hydraulic turbine runner. The crown is fabricated from an integrally formed inner circular portion and a pair of outer semi-circular portions welded thereto. The inner circular portion provides a rigid section of high integrity to which the runner shaft is connected.

Abstract: A hydraulic turbine having means for admitting air to the turbine draft tube. An annular air chamber about the draft tube has a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings into the interior of the draft tube. The pressure of the air in the air chamber is maintained below the maximum pressure of the water in the draft tube and above the minimum pressure of the water in the draft tube. This results in air entering the draft tube only at the areas of lowest water pressure and water entering the air chamber at areas of highest water pressure.

Abstract: A rotary kiln coal gasification process capable of processing caking coals wherein controlled agglomeration of the coal is permitted without adverse process effects. Caking coals have an agglomerating temperature range and while in this range the coal is in a semi-plastic state which causes individual particles to stick together on contact and form agglomerates. After passing through this agglomerating temperature range, during which most volatiles and tars are removed, a temperature is reached where the coal particles become less sticky and, with sufficient agitation and maintenance of bed temperature, the agglomerates will break up. In this process the temperature of the coal is increased at an accelerated rate to cause it to quickly pass through the agglomerating temperature range before excessive agglomeration occurs and adversely affects desired material flow through the kiln.

Abstract: A hydraulic turbine is disclosed having wicket gate vanes which are rotatable between extreme positions to interrupt and permit the flow of water through a substantially cylindrical water passageway. In order to effectively block the flow of water through the passageway, the outer peripheral surface of the vanes must have a spherical configuration to match the circular cross-section of the cylindrical passageway. However, with this configuration, when the vanes are in an open position, a vee-shaped space is defined between the ends of the vanes and the water passageway. Baffles are provided to fill this space so that debris cannot collect therein.

Abstract: A runner hub for a propeller type hydraulic turbine wherein the hub is constructed of at least a pair of arcuate segments. When the arcuate segments are assembled together, they form a hollow hub. Turnbuckles are provided within the hub attached to opposite hub segments and are adjustable to forcibly hold the hub segments in the assembled position.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for delivering fuel and air to a rotary reduction kiln wherein both the fuel and air alternately flow through the same fluid distribution nozzle. Means are provided about the kiln for operating means to alternately deliver of fuel or air through the same nozzle. At least one of the operating means is selectively movable into and out of the position of operating said valve.

Abstract: A U-shaped slot liner is provided with a porous spongy longitudinal rib on each leg. The ribs mate with complementary grooves in the dynamoelectric machine coil slot, side walls and the conductor bar side walls. When the assembled machine element is impregnated by a thermosetting liquid, the ribs absorb the liquid and become hard when heated.

Abstract: A closure for securing conductor bars in the coil slots of a dynamoelectric machine consisting of a U-shaped clip which is inserted into the coil slots over the conductor with the legs of the clip extending between the sides of the conductor and the winding slot. Spring-like tabs which, in the preferred embodiment, are the lower portion of the legs bent upward, snap into longitudinal grooves provided in the side walls of the conductor slot when the top portion of the U-shaped clip contacts the top of the coil sides. This permits insertion of the slot closure from the top of the slot by merely pushing downward until the tabs snap into the side grooves.