Abstract: In a steam turbine inlet which includes an annular steam strainer stationarily positioned therein for stopping the passage into the turbine of large metal particles, the improvement in the strainer which comprises a plurality of spaced through holes in a major portion of the strainer circumference, the through holes being of differing diameters, with holes of like diameter being positioned in longitudinally-extending, circumferential zones, holes of the largest diameter being disposed in zones where metal particles are least likely to enter the holes, holes of smaller diameter being disposed in zones where metal particles are most likely to enter the holes, and a longitudinally-extending zone in the strainer without holes where the particles velocity and direction of movement would be damaging to any holes located in such a zone.

Abstract: An improved bell seal arrangement for steam turbines wherein the bell seal is modified by the addition of a special, replaceable, cylindrical extension seal for sealing the leakage gap between the bell seal and the turbine inner shell, the extension seal being threadably attached and secured to the modified bell seal to insure against vibration, and when wear or damage occurs to the extension seal surface, being replaceable without requiring complete removal or replacement of the modified, existing bell seal.

Abstract: A stackable composite container consists of a cylindrical inner container having walls of a thickness capable of fully supporting the pressures of any contained liquid and an outer container enclosing the inner container and being of rectangular cross-section and of a strength adequate for withstanding stacking pressures but inadequate for withstanding the pressures of the contained liquid in the absence of the inner container. The outer container is provided with a plurality of spaced inwardly projecting ribs in supportive contact with the outer wall of the inner container. The base of the outer container has fork-lift tine pockets. There is a means for filling the inner container, and a means for emptying the inner container, both means being accessible from the outer container exterior.

Abstract: In a steam turbine having retractable, spring-loaded, segmented, arcuate packaging rings and holders suspended in the turbine casing and circumscribing the turbine rotor, the packing rings and holders being interengaged by a hook fit and the packing rings being movable by steam pressure between opened and closed position relative to the holders and the rotor, the improvement which comprises providing each of the packing rings and holders with identical mating, curved profiles for providing full contact between the packing rings and holders in the opened position of the packing rings.

Abstract: A body brace or orthotic device to be worn on the torso of a patient for the correction of spinal abnormalities and comprising a hard outer shell and a soft inner liner semi-permanently attached thereto and adapted for easy removal for cleaning, repair, or replacement, and permitting cutting away of openings at strategic locations wherein pressure on the torso of the patient is not desired, while retaining the soft integrity Of the liner to achieve desired control of pressure sensitive areas.

Abstract: In this apparatus for ice fishing, an upright grease tube is extendable through a hole in the ice. A trio of equispaced legs, pivotally mounted at their upper extremities, is mounted upon a circular sleeve. The legs circumscribe the grease tube and are slidably related relative thereto for spanning the ice hole in the extended position and are slidable lengthwise of the grease tube for spanning the ice surface when the grease tube is withdrawn. Apertured end caps at the opposite ends of the grease tube retain a charge of grease therewithin. An operating rod is extendable through the grease tube and the end caps and outboard thereof at each end of the grease tube. A reel support projects from and is secured relative to the grease tube. A payout reel is rotatively mounted on the reel support for reeling a fish line. A projection extends outwardly from the inboard face of the payout reel and contacts the operating rod as the reel is rotated upon the pull of a fish.

Abstract: An improved bell seal arrangement for steam turbines is provided that allows the bell to expand thermally without damage to the opposing seal surface of the inner shell by the addition of components that allow yielding of the seal surface without causing permanent distortion or surface damage.

Abstract: In a steam or gas turbine employing tip seals which are disposed between a stationary shell or spill strip holder and a rotating bucket cover or shroud to minimize steam leakage, the improvement for limiting particle damage to the tip seals and adjacent components comprising: a scoop plate mounted on the shell or spill strip holder from which the tip seals depend, circumferential openings in the tip seals, and expulsion scoops on the scoop plate adjacent the tip seals for deflecting particulate material through the circumferential openings in the tip seals for minimizing damage thereto.

Abstract: In a turbine inclusive of: a turbine shaft having a longitudinal axis, a steam pipe, a casing circumadjacent the pipe, the pipe and casing being shiftable in vertical and transverse and axial directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a seal assembly disposed between the pipe and casing and comprising a stack of interdigitated relatively large and small piston rings, each large ring loosely fitting inside the shell during nonoperative conditions and having teeth firmly and sealingly engaging the casing during operative conditions; and having a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than that of the casing for expanding at a rate faster than the expansion rate of the casing under a condition of increased temperature, each small ring loosely fitting around the pipe during nonoperative conditions and having teeth firmly and sealingly engaging the pipe during operative conditions; and having a coefficient of thermal expansion less than that of the pipe for expanding at a rate slower than the

Abstract: A multistranded conductor consists of a central bundle of nine strands of small diameter wire (insulated or non-insulated) in a twisted configuration and a series of six outer bundles each being of similar construction, the six outer bundles being equispaced as to each other and circumscribing around the central bundle and being covered with an outer electrically insulating protective covering.

Abstract: An independently steerable idler pulley is operable by the means of a non-concentric adjustable inner sleeve bushing mounted interiorly of a radial ball bearing fitted within the ID of the pulley, with the sleeve bushing and bearing and pulley press fitted as an assembly for mounting on an idler shaft. The sleeve is movable in defining the angular alignment adjustment of the assembly with respect to the shaft upon which it is mounted. With the desired angular adjustment determined the sleeve is locked upon the shaft. Plural of such pulleys supported on a common shaft can be individually positioned.

Abstract: Animal trap which provides an electrically conductive base plate, an animal attractant substance supported above the base plate and an electrically conductive ladder or similar means arranged between the animal attractant and the base plate, but not electrically connected to the base plate; a power source capable of generating electric current is connected to the ladder and is arranged to release an electric current of sufficient strength to kill the animal when the animal is touching both the base plate and the ladder.

Abstract: A plunger or scraper for use in moving waste substances, mainly food, into and down a disposal outlet. This outlet can be a type connectable to a waste disposal unit. The plunger also can be use to sit in the drain while the unit is in use, with water running through the plunger, or it can be used as a plug. The plunger comprises a handle, two or more scraper blades, and two collars, the lower of which is slotted. Each collar is fitted with a replaceable washer for sealing the plunger in the drain. The plunger, with the exception of the washers, is integrally formed.

Abstract: A steering device for a jet boat including a housing securable over the water exit at the rear of the jet boat, a steering nozzle movably secured to the housing so that water leaving the housing passes through the nozzle to leave the boat through the nozzle outlet, and means for moving the steering nozzle relative to the housing so as to direct the water leaving the nozzle outlet in a predetermined direction, the steering nozzle being movably secured to the housing by a pivotal connection which permits pivotal movement of the nozzle relative to the housing about a plane which lies at an acute angle to a longitudinal line through the center of the housing.

Abstract: An annular conductor consists of a central core (dielectric), circumscribed by a tubular helically wound braid of sets of pairs of strands (insulated or uninsulated), with an electrically insulating protective covering around the braid, and an outermost aluminum foil wrapping circumscribing the protective covering.

Abstract: A hot water heater comprises a vessel, a heating means for heating water in the vessel, and a control conduit for diverting cold water from the cold water inlet to the hot water outlet so as to reduce the temperature of the hot water delivered from the vessel but to increase the volume. The heater includes a control means for selectively energizing the number of heating elements in accordance with the temperature of the water in the vessel. When the heating means comprises a gas burner, it is arranged to direct combustion gases towards one side of the vessel so as to establish a convection current within the vessel. A novel flue arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: In an elastic fluid turbine employing packing rings and spill strips or tip seals to minimize leakage between rotating and stationary components, an improvement in the packing rings and spill strips utilizing the combination of: interconnected first and second half parts, the first half part being disposed in an annular groove formed in a stationary component of the turbine, the second half part being partially disposed in a clearance area between the stationary and rotating components, the second half part having at least one seal tooth extending therefrom and contacting the rotating component, shims for selectively varying the spacing between the half parts for adjusting the sealing dimensions of the packing ring and seal strip, and bolts for interconnecting the half parts to form an integral, inseparable unit.

Abstract: The invention comprises a measuring device for turbine packing rings which may be used for measuring the critical distance from the free ends of the packing ring teeth to the packing ring hook fit slot.

Abstract: A rotary power transformer employing the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine as the fluid medium for transforming pressure into a rotative motion. It includes a circular housing and a central hollow driven shaft extendable through and rotatable relative to the housing. A central rotor of generally cylindrical shape has a plurality of equispaced vanes on the outer periphery thereof. A rotor boss is nestably received at opposite sides of each vane of the rotor. The rotor side walls are fixed to the driven shaft. An outer stator circumscribes and is in spaced relationship with the rotor for defining a circular expansion chamber between the stator and rotor and has a plurality of equispaced inwardly facing vanes defining on the inboard periphery of the stator.