Abstract: A fiber optic transducer system to measure the pressure within a vibrating tube is disclosed. Light pulses produced by a laser diode are transmitted through an optical fiber to a photo diode which converts same into current pulses which are, in turn, converted into magnetic pulses by an electromagnet. A permanent magnet attached to the vibrating tube is caused to vibrate in response to the magnetic pulses applied thereto. A mirror attached to the vibrating tube intercepts continuous light transmitted by a second optical fiber and reflects same to a detector which measures displacement of the mirror via intensity modulation or phase differences between the transmitted light and the reflected light.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously acquiring a plurality of samples of ionic and particulate impurities from a fluid stream by means of a plurality of filter pairs.

Abstract: An autoacceleration control for a catalytic hydrocracker wherein, by means of a model of the reactor, there is generated a signel predicting the reaction temperature and means under the control of the signal adjusting the rate of application of a corrective agent to thereby inhibit auto acceleration of the hydrocracker.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor coolant system pressure/temperature system based on real-time data is disclosed. An input subsystem receives and performs initial processing of real-time plant analog and digital signals, and transmits same to a processing subsystem which develops real-time, nuclear reactor coolant system pressure/temperature limits. The real-time, pressure/temperature information is transmitted to an output subsystem for display purposes, for recording operating results, and for control and/or protection system setpoint generation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the delignification process by monitoring and minimizing variations in the Kappa Number and the digester residual chemical concentration. A parameter representative of the H factor for the delignification process and a measurement of the initial chemical concentration are utilized to produce signals representative of the actual Kappa Number and the residual acid concentration in the digester. The expected perturbations in Kappa Number and the residue chemical concentration are compared with target values for same to produce estimated errors due to mismatch which are compared with actual measured errors for these parameters to produce compensated control errors for same.

Abstract: A low temperature method of producing beryllium chloride dietherate through the addition of hydrogen chloride gas to a mixture of beryllium metal in ether in a reaction vessel is described. A reflux condenser provides an exit for hydrogen produced form the reaction. A distillation condenser later replaces the reflux condenser for purifying the resultant product.

Abstract: A fluid flow circuit for a boiler having a combustion chamber and an exhaust passage. In one embodiment there is provided at least one upflow evaporative generating bank module in the exhaust passage and at least one downflow evaporative generating bank module in the exhaust passage, positioned downstream of the upflow module. One or more upper downcomers are connected to a steam drum and supply water to the lower header of the upflow module and to the upper header of the downflow module. If needed, the convection pass wall enclosures can also be fed by the upper downcomers to their upper inlet headers. One or more lower downcomers may be connected to each lower header of the downflow module (and to the lower outlet headers of the convection pass wall enclosures) for supplying the water to a plurality of furnace circuits which extend along the combustion chamber in the boiler. The opposite end of each furnace circuit is connected to one or more risers which, in turn, are connected to the steam drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for spraying an atomized mixture into a gas stream comprises a stream line airfoil member having a large radius leading edge and a small radius trailing edge. A nozzle assembly pierces the trailing edge of the airfoil member and is concentrically surrounded by a nacelle which directs shielding gas from the interior of the airfoil member around the nozzle assembly. Flowable medium to be atomized and atomizing gas for atomizing the medium are supplied in concentric conduits to the nozzle. A plurality of nozzles each surrounded by a nacelle are spaced along the trailing edge of the airfoil member.

Abstract: An articulated lance for cleaning sludge located between steam generator tubes is disclosed. A plurality of radius blocks are attached to the end of manipulator member and are actuatable by a cam assembly to form an arc permitting the lance to be received between adjacent tubes within a tube bundle. A plurality of fluid passageways interconnect a fluid inlet on the manipulator member with one or more outlet orifices adjacent the end of the lance. The outlet orifices are positioned outwardly with respect to the end of the manipulator member so that fluid passing therethrough can be directed to impinge upon sludge surrounding the tubes. A spring backing place biases the radius blocks and the manipulator member back into the same plane upon deactuation of the cam assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the delignification process by monitoring and minimizing variations in the Kappa Number and the digester residual chemical concentration. A parameter representative of the H factor for the delignification process and a measurement of the initial chemical concentration are utilized to produce signals representative of the actual Kappa Number and the residual acid concentration in the digester. The expected perturbations in Kappa Number and the residual chemical concentration are compared with target values for same to produce estimated errors due to mismatch which are compared with actual measured errors for these parameters to produce compensated control errors for same.

Abstract: A fiber optic flow sensor situated transversely in a conduit wherein two fiber optic cables are enclosed with a holding mechanism or tube. The fiber optic cables are axially aligned but separated by a gap. Fluid flow in the conduit produces a deflection in the tube and attenuation of light transmitted from one fiber to the other which is proportional to the flow rate.

Abstract: A connector for a power module to selectively engage metallic pads positioned on the backplate printed circuit board is disclosed. The connector includes a first set of contacts and a second set of contacts positioned such that the first set of contacts makes engagement with the metallic pads before the second set of contacts make such engagement. The contacts are capable of carrying relatively high current.

Abstract: A superheater spray water control system for variable pressure applications produces an output signal representative of expected superheater absorption as a function of measured steam flow, compensates the signal for temperature variations within the superheater and adjusts it for over/under fire transients. An output signal representative of required superheater absorption from the drum to the superheater outlet, together with a spray water enthalpy signal obtained as a function of measured stem flow, is used with the compensated and adjusted actual superheater absorption and measured steam flow signals to produce a spray quantity demand signal.

Abstract: A system for determining the relative positions of control rods within a nuclear reactor is disclosed. When the position signal associated with the highest control rod in a group exceeds the position signal associated with the lowest control rod in the same group by more than a predetermined limit, an alarm and a fault indicator are activated.

Abstract: An identification technique that includes a closed loop parameter estimation algorithm for process gain, time constant and deadtime. The estimation algorithm uses time integrals of system variables responding to a step input. Proper selection of the integrals (control areas) results in a set of equations which are solvable for desired process parameters.

Abstract: A compact and highly flexible spring wire prosthestic device is provided for ossicular reconstruction. This prosthesis provides a solution not only to probelms associated with lateral retraction of the Tympanic graft and slippage of the prosthesis but to some other ossiculoplasty problems as well. The device has an oval shaped spring member locatable between the tympanic membrane and the footplate of the stapes with the major axis or diameter substantially parallel to the tympanic membrane making the device easily mountable. Obliquely extending from the oval spring member is an arm terminating in an ampersand shaped member for connecting the device to the tympanic membrane when the handle of the malleus is still present. Where there is no malleus handle, the prosthesis is provided with a freely mobile biocompatible disc equally distributing the tension pressure to the undersurface of the tympanic membrane. The spring also acts as a shock absorber.

Abstract: A digital controlling system for fiber optic vortex shedding flowmeters which provides a new and improved preamp circuit and a computer for correcting temperature, linearity and hysteresis effects. The controlling system overcomes the inherent non-linearity of the vortex shedding phenomena and also provides two-way communication between a central control unit and the fiber optic vortex shedding flowmeter. The improved preamp circuitry increases the low-end range of fiber optic vortex shedding flowmeters.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for validating monitoring instruments whereby the validating solution contains other analytes normally present in an industrial liquid. The solution is checked for water purity prior to addition of other analytes and is checked for homogeneity after mixing the analytes.