Abstract: A single use syringe wherein the essential concept is to create a valve within the orifice that leads from the drug chamber into the chamber leading to the needle. The valve consists of a conical washer supported within the chamber by inclined barbs formed on its outer perimeter. The barbs will only allow the washer to move in one direction; toward an orifice at the needle end of the chamber. Initially the washer is positioned so that it does not impede fluid flow in either direction. Engaging the washer but not attached to it is an expansion plug. The expansion plug can absorb fluid and expand to force the washer against the opening leading to the needle, to thereby occlude fluid flow. The process is slow, taking at least several minutes, thereby permitting the syringe to be used once for its intended purpose before occlusion occurs.

Abstract: A water cannon, having an air gun disposed within its breach, for explosively discharging a quantity of water from the muzzle, which may include a constricted directional nozzle, to dislodge sludge from the tube sheet of a heat exchanger, and a method of cleaning the tube sheet of a heat exchanger are disclosed.

Abstract: A compact device for absorbing kinetic energy generated by, for example, broken electric power lines on electric power transmission towers. The device consists of a non-spring helix, or in or out of plane flat coils that are placed between an electric transmission tower and the conductor insulator. The device deforms by plastically uncoiling in response to forces greater than a predetermined force. The device is a single-event device, designed to be replaced after one extraordinary dynamic event. The device can also be used in other structures or machinery requiring compact long stroke energy absorption.

Abstract: A water cannon, having an air gun disposed within its breach, for explosively discharging a quantity of water from the muzzle, which may include a constricted directional nozzle, to dislodge sludge from the tube sheet of a heat exchanger, and a method of cleaning the tube sheet of a heat exchanger are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of cleaning a nuclear steam generator by removing the buildup of deposits which accumulate on the upper tube support plates, on the heat exchanger tubes, on flow holes in the support plates and between the support plates and heat exchanger tubes, and on other secondary side surfaces of a heat exchanger vessel through utilization of a repetitive shock wave induced in the deposits. The shock wave serves to effectively and safely loosen the products of corrosion and other elements which settle on these surfaces of the heat exchanger vessel and thereby facilitiates their easy removal through flushing and vacuuming the vessel. The shock waves are induced by air-gun type pressure pulse shock wave sources or pressurized gas-type pressure pulse shock wave sources.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for magnetically measuring the amount and location of magnetite (Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4) debris adhering to the exterior of heat exchanger tubes which can be made of Inconel. A probe containing one or more coils of electrical wire is used to traverse the interior of the subject tube. One of the probe coils is energized with direct electric current to magnetize the magnetite coating on the tube exterior as the probe traverses the tube. The thickness of the magnetized coating is deduced from measurement of the voltage generated across a second coil of wire on a probe which traverses the tube at constant velocity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of cleaning a tube bundle heat exchanger by removing the buildup of sedimentation or "sludge" which accumulates in the bottom or at other elevations of a heat exchanger vessel through utilization of a repetitive shock wave induced in the liquid layer above the sludge. The shock waves are induced by air-gun type pressure pulse shock wave sources or pressurized gas-type pressure pulse shock wave sources. The shock wave serves to effectively and safely loosen the products of corrosion and other elements which settle at the bottom of the heat exchanger or steam generator and thereby facilitates their easy removal through flushing and vacuuming the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of cleaning and removing the products of corrosion, oxidation and sedimentation which occur within and become attached to the walls of the interior of heat exchanger tubes which are located within a pressure vessel such as a tube bundle heat exchanger, boiler, condenser or the like, through utilization of a repetitive shock wave induced into a liquid which is placed within the tubes and then subsequently flushing the tubes. The shock wave serves to effectively and safely loosen the products of corrosion, oxidation and sedimentation which are located within or settle on the walls of the interior of the heat exchanger tubes, and thereby facilitates their easy removal through flushing and vacuuming the vessel. The shock waves are induced by air-gun type pressure pulse shock wave sources or pressurized gas-type pressure pulse shock wave sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for cleaning and removing the buildup of products of corrosion, oxidation, sedimentation and comparable chemical reactions from various portions of heat exchanger systems such as the location wherein the primary heat exchanger tubes come in contact with support plates for those tubes, and the base of said heat exchanger. The corrosive scale, oxides and other materials can cause denting of the primary heat exchanger tubes due to the compressive force of the oxides, scale, and other materials, and therefore adversely affects the heat exchanging ability of the heat exchanger system.