Abstract: An non-destructive testing method employs an ultrasound generator which provides a beam having an axis which intersects the outer surface of an object to be tested at an angle relative to a line normal to the surface which is in the range of 23.degree. to 28.degree.. A longitudinal mode wave and a shear mode wave are propogated within the object and the shear wave is converted into longitudinal mode waves by reflection from an opposite surface of the object. The propogated and mode converted waves are reflected from different portions of a defect and the echos arrive serially in time at a receiver transducer. The ultrasound generator and receiver transducer are sonically isolated. The received signals have a favorable signal-to-noise ratio and the times of receipt thereof are employed to determine the dimensions of a detected defect.

Abstract: A grid structure (42) is mounted within the upper portion (24) of a tapered canister (24), for receiving a relatively loosely packed rectangular array of rods (22) and rearranging the rods into a relatively tightly packed rectangular array at the lower end of the grid. The grid structure comprises a multiplicity of flat, vertically oriented trapezoidal segments (78, 80) interconnected to form a plurality of vertically overlapping grid layers (74, 76). The layers alternate between a row orientation and a column orientation, and thus form a substantially continuous honeycomb of longitudinal cells (64) for guiding individual rods. The cross-sectional area of each cell decreases from the uppermost layer (74a) to the lowermost layer (74i) such that the rods are funneled by the cells to form the tightly packed array.

Abstract: Emissions of sulfur oxides produced during combustion of a sulfur-bearing fossil fuel in a furnace chamber 10 are reduced by injecting a sulfur oxide absorbing particulate into the product gases in an upper region 60 of the furnace chamber. The sulfur oxide absorbing material is dispersed into a quantity of air which is introduced in the furnace chamber through a plurality of nozzles 80, 82 and 84 disposed at different elevations. The air streams with entrained absorbent are introduced at each elevation tangent to an imaginary circle, with the radii of the circles of the elevations being different, thereby distributing the sulfur oxide absorbent over a wide volume of the furnace chamber.

Abstract: A connector device to provide a primary pressure boundary between a flanged nozzle (18) and a column (20) concentrically disposed therein, including a closure member (26) for compressing a seal ring (22) against the nozzle flange (18). The closure member (26) includes a hub portion (34) defining an annular space (36) between the closure member and the column. Graphite gasket rings (40) are inserted into the annular space (36), and drive unit including a sleeve (42) actuator nut (50), and collar (54) is attached to the column at the collar location. Actuation of the nut (50) against the collar (54) draws the column (20) into rigid engagement with the closure member (26), and then advances the drive sleeve (42) along the annular space (36) to compress the gasket ring (40), thereby completing the fluid-tight connection.

Abstract: A transistorized power switching circuit for controlling the conductive state of a Darlington transistor. The circuit, driven by a single signal driver, operates to switch the Darlington transistor from a conducting state to a nonconducting state as well as from a nonconducting state to a conducting state. The circuit minimizes the number of components in the circuit that introduce time delays in switching the Darlington transistor. To further enhance switching the Darlington transistor from a conducting state to a nonconducting state, a reverse bias is employed to sweep the charge back out through the base of the Darlington transistor rather than permitting the charge to pass through the Darlington transistor then to the load. The reverse bias is maintained on the Darlington transistor for the duration of the off time regardless of the duration of the off period.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor vessel has an electromagnet positioned within to generate the predetermined temperature for the vessel wall for a predetermined time to anneal the vessel.

Abstract: A control rod for a nuclear fuel assembly has structures formed of boron carbide mounted inside it. The boron carbide structures are provided deformable members between them which will deform at operating temperatures to accommodate the dimensional increase of the boron carbide structures and reduce the level of deformable stress on the rod cladding.

Abstract: A furnace (10) having burner means (12) associated with it for burning a sulfur-bearing fuel. Sorbent material, such as limestone, is introduced through nozzles (34) along a pipe (32) extending across the width of the furnace above the nose (31) in the upper portion of the furnace, so that the pipe and the sorbent are protected from heat radiation from the combustion within the furnace.

Abstract: An elongated canister (86) into which the fuel rods (42) from, preferably, two nuclear fuel assemblies (32) are inserted from above, and then passively consolidated within the canister such that at the lower end (88) the effective density of the rods is approximately double that of each fuel assembly. The canister includes a straight vertical back panel (308), side panels (312) having straight upper (310) and inwardly oriented, tapered lower portions (314), and a front panel (300) having straight upper (302) and tapered lower (304) portions. Spaced apart plates (90) extending between the front and back panels, and a temporary base (320), preferably titled from front to back, in conjunction with the generally funnel-shaped canister, operate to urge the rods close together while the rod pattern is transformed from square to triangular pitch.

Abstract: A neutron streaming shield comprising a plurality of wire mesh baskets, each basket located between two adjacent vessel nozzles, the total area of the nozzles and baskets being sufficient to intercept any streaming neutrons. The baskets are substantially filled with a multiplicity of randomly packed lumps of a neutron attenuating material, preferably a borated-hydrogenated-argillaceous media. Since the basket is somewhat flexible, it can be inserted in the annulus above the nozzles and then filled with the lumped material, forming a plurality of barriers to compliment the attenuating affect of the nozzles, such that any streaming neutrons will be stopped either by the nozzles or the lumped material in the baskets.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing an opening (12) in the end face (13) of a rotating drum (10), including a stationary backing plate (24), annular seal ring (20), surrounding the opening and extending in a sealing manner between the backing plate and the end face, resilient means (30 or 52) biasing the sealing ring into contact with the end face, and adjustable means (36 or 56, 58) for varying the force exerted by the resilient means.

Abstract: An integral gas compressor-prime mover utilizes the prime mover power shaft (18) to drive a crank plate (20). The plate (20) includes a plurality of securing sites (40) among which a crank pin (24) is selectably securable for changing the stroke length of the reciprocating compressor piston (56). A crosshead connector asembly (32) is provided to linearize the motion of the crank pin (24).

Abstract: A canister for the consolidation of nuclear fuel rods (22) comprises an elongated, tapered box (24) of generally rectangular cross-section having upper (42) and lower (44) internal sections, the upper section having rectangular grid structure (46) and the lower section having vertically extending plate members (48). The upper section receives individual fuel rods in a relatively loosely packed rectangular array of rows and columns and urges the rods closer together as they are lowered into the box, such that the rods emerge through the lower end of the grid section in a relatively tightly rectangular array. The number of plate members (48) in the lower section corresponds to the number of rows of fuel rods in the upper section. Each plate has tapered side edges (204) abutting the tapered box, and a plurality of integrally formed, corrugated channels (206) corresponding to the number of rows of fuel rods.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable memory module for transferring configuration data from one programmable panel controller to another. An internal replaceable lithium battery is provided for powering the memory integrated circuit chip when the module is not connected to a powered controller. The battery and module are interconnected by a three wire battery lead that can be plugged into the module in either direction. The module also has a hinged case with molded feet allowing the module to be stored upright on a flat surface to prevent damage to the internal lithium battery. The module further comprises a connector, recessed for protection from static electrical discharges, for interfacing the module to the controller, and a special battery connector which allows battery replacement without loss of the stored data.

Abstract: A reduced length venturi type flow measuring device having a peripheral flow restricting surface 22, 30, 20 and a central hub 40 with flow restricting surfaces 42, 48, 52. Anti-spin vanes 60 support the hub. Pressure taps 60, 62 permit flow measurement, and temperature may be measured, 72, between adjacent vanes.

Abstract: A gripper device (24) for attachment to the inside of a tube (12) has a shaft member (26) including an upper tapered portion (30) surrounded by a generally cylindrical sleeve member (34) having at least two holes (38) opposite the tapered portion of the shaft. The sleeve outer diameter is slightly less than the inner diameter of the tube targeted for attachment. A spring (32) is connected between the shaft member and the sleeve member, for biasing the tapered shaft downwardly relative to the sleeve. A round bearing or hard ball (36) is located in each hole such that downward motion of the shaft relative to the sleeve urges the balls outwardly to protrude from the sleeve surface against the tube wall. The device is installed by pushing on stem (28) at the lower end of the shaft member to insert the device into the tube. A flange (44) is formed at the lower end of the sleeve to limit the sleeve insertion into the tube.

Abstract: A predetermined amount of erosion of a material conveying conduit or the like is detected by inserting a probe in the conduit wall, from the side opposite to that subjected to the wear, to a predetermined depth. The probe comprises an insulated conductor which is in electrical contact, at the base of the blind hole, with the conduit. Wear of the conduit down to the level of the probe may be determined by periodic continuity measurements, a lack of continuity indicating that the inserted end of the probe has been exposed.

Abstract: A fluidized bed steam generator with a bottom supported furnace wall structure (14) and a top supported gas pass structure (22). A gas tight expansion joint (26) joins the two structures. Convection heating surface (74,76) is supported (80) within the gas pass below the expansion joint, whereby an expansion joint of relatively low temperature design may be used.

Abstract: An automatic compactor enhancement reduces the volume of compactable low-level radioactive wastes and transfers the reduced wastes to a nearby waste compactor. The wastes are shredded by a primary shredder assembly and a secondary shredder assembly. The system employs a pressure-controlled enclosure means to house the shredder assemblies and to control the release of wastes to the environment. A number of safety features are integrated into the system to enhance the operational safety of the system.