Abstract: A solid-state servo memory characterized by a maximum value selection circuit which provides, to an analog integrator, a signal commensurate with the magnitude of the one of a plurality of inputs having the instantaneously highest value. The memory is capable of operation in a manual or automatic mode and, in the automatic mode, the integrator is isolated from the memory output terminal but is continually reset to the output level of the selection circuit. In the manual mode the output of the integrator is coupled to the memory output terminal and may be driven in either direction.

Abstract: A pressure jet atomiser of the centrifugal swirl type wherein a forced vortex is gradually accelerated, by being directed through a smoothly converging passage, and is thereafter refined and thinned. Refining of the vortex occurs in a constant diameter nozzle throat section and thinning is achieved by passage through a smooth diverging diffuser downstream of the throat. A constant spray angle for the thinned vortex is achieved by providing the diffuser with an abrupt set-back.

Abstract: An RTV material is formed from either a vinylmethyl or polyphenyl siloxane matrix containing an iron oxide filler-binder a cross-linking agent and a finely divided, uniformly dispersed conductive metal powder. The conductive powder for use in radiation environments is either palladium or graphite and it is homogeneously dispersed by using a temporary dispersing agent. The material may be used to ultransonically and electrically couple an ultrasonic transducer to a surface and it is stable under high temperature and radiation levels.

Abstract: A double-sided rack and pinion control element drive mechanism for a nuclear reactor is disclosed wherein scram release is accomplished by the dual action of withdrawing the pinion from its engagement with the rack while at the same time rotating the pinion in a direction consistent with the movement of the rack and the control rod in their downward travel. The pinion is withdrawn from engagement with the rack while remaining in engagement with its stationary driving means. The continuing engagement with the stationary driving means causes the pinion to rotate when the pinion is caused to move away from the rack during disengagement.

Abstract: A foundry mold or core blowing premix nozzle for use in connection with the kold core process. The nozzle contains a mixing chamber that allows thorough mixing to occur during the blowing process. Immediately after the blowing operation the nozzle may be cleaned of any residual sand/catalyst/resin mixture which would ordinarily set up and clog the nozzle if allowed to remain within the nozzle. This cleaning feature is provided by a push through shuttle that sweeps the mixing chamber and moves a turbulence inducing baffle, normally positioned within the chamber, to a position external to the nozzle where it may readily be cleaned.

Abstract: An adjustable wall penetration framing member which is adjustable at any point by raising or lowering an adjustment screw and which prevents the infiltration of water and air into the interior of a building through the adjustable member.

Abstract: A separator vessel shell is connected to receive a mixture of fluids produced from an oil well. An inlet structure is mounted within the shell and positioned to receive the flow stream of fluid mixture. The inlet structure includes a matrix of units, each of which provide a large surface area over which the fluid mixture passes in flowing through the matrix. The forces generated on the fluid mixture convert the energy in the flowing mixture and prevent the energy from shearing vapor bubbles in the mixture and forming additional foam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the reliability of linear drive devices of a nuclear reactor to scram the control elements held in a raised position thereby. Each of the plurality of linear drive devices includes a first type of holding means associated with the drive means of the linear drive device and a second type of holding means distinct and operatively dissimilar from the first type. The system of linear drive devices having both types of holding means are operated in such a manner that the control elements of a portion of the linear drive devices are only held in a raised position by the first holding means and the control elements of the remaining portion of linear drive devices are held in a raised position by only the second type of holding means. Since the two types of holding means are distinct from one another and are operatively dissimilar, the probability of failure of both systems to scram as a result of common mode failure will be minimized.

Abstract: A compactable control element assembly for a nuclear reactor in which the absorber pins of the assembly are compacted during downward movement of the pin and are returned to their uncompacted state when downward movement is stopped. The control element assembly comprises a support member longitudinally movable within a control assembly duct and a pluraity of absorber pins supported laterally outward of the support member and within the duct by pairs of support arms. The absorber pins are pivotably mounted to the support arms and the support arms in turn are supported from the support member for upward pivotable movement in a longitudinal plane. As the support member is moved downward, the support arms pivot upwardly and the absorber pins move upwardly and inwardly towards the support member. When the support member is stopped the absorber pins return to their uncompacted position.

Abstract: A vapor generator organization arranged for operation in a marine reheat power plant is described in which the reheater tube bundle is disposed in the rear gas pass section of the unit where it is subjected only to low temperature combustion gas during periods of ship maneuvering when no vapor flow occurs through the reheater tubes. A separately fired burner arrangement is operably disposed in the rear gas pass and adapted to be fired at times when the reheater is operative in the system.

Abstract: Damage due to implosions occurring within the furnace chambers of balance draft vapor generators is prevented by the provision in the downstream combustion gas duct of one or more openings that are closed during normal operation by doors which are automatically released upon the occurrence of an inordinately high negative fluid pressure atmosphere in the furnace. The doors, when released, operate to obstruct the flow of combustion gas out of the furnace chamber and thereby, in association with operation of the forced draft fan, overcome the excessive negative pressure in the furnace chamber. Also, the exposure of the induced draft fan to outside air upon release of the door prevents the fan from producing an inordinate negative pressure adjacent the door that would otherwise tend to close the door and also detrimentally affect the furnace pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for the inspection of tubes in a steam generator include a film-bearing cassette probe insertable into a target tube to a predetermined region to be inspected and a source of radiation, preferably a radioisotope, insertable into a tube adjacent said target tube to a position therealong laterally adjacent the region to be inspected on said target tube. The cassette probe is sufficiently flexible to transit regions of tight tube curvature.

Abstract: A method for patterning or texturing the surface of glass manufactured by the float process. The method comprises depositing particulate carbon onto the surface of a continuous ribbon of heat softened glass which is being drawn across a molten metal bath, the ribbon being cooled into a structurally integral sheet during this process. The deposited carbon attacks the surface of the glass to thereby produce a patterned or textured finish thereon.

Abstract: A device is provided which is installed in a reactor prior to carrying out refueling operations and which accurately locates and isolates a selected core location to permit rapid withdrawal and insertion of fuel subassemblies at that location. A shielded plug designed to cooperate with the refueling apparatus is inserted into an access port in the reactor head. A structural shroud extends down from the plug and carries at its lower end a radially floating, hexagonal spreader tube with mechanisms to rotate it for angular alignment purposes and a linear drive for inserting it into the core. The upper end of the spreader tube serves as a guide for leading the fuel handling apparatus into alignment with the chosen subassembly.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described that are operative to elevate the temperature of superheated vapor delivered to a turbine, especially during startup of a power plant. A bypass circuit containing a heat exchanger is interposed in the main steam generator evaporative flow circuit whereby regulated amounts of heat are extracted from the plant operating fluid thereby subcooling the same prior to its passage to the evaporator section of the unit. Reduced amounts of steam are thus produced in the evaporator section for a given amount of heat input to the unit and a concomitant increase realized in the temperature to which the steam passed to the superheater is heated.Economies as well as operational advantages are achieved by the production in the heat exchanger of low pressure steam that is usable in the plant to augment steam flow to the low pressure section of the turbine, for soot blowing purposes, and/or for other low pressure steam needs during startup and normal operation of the plant.

Abstract: A linear motion device of the type having a plurality of gripper assemblies for engaging projections on a linearly movable element to effect stepwise movement thereof. Each of the gripper assemblies is movable into and out of engageable relationship with the element to thereby yield three relative positions between the element and the gripper assembly--a latched position, a coupled position and an unlatched position. Also, each of the gripper assemblies is movable relative to its support means between respective raised and lowered positions. The gripper assemblies are supported on the support means in spaced relationship and the projections are spacedly positioned on the element so that each gripper assembly, when in its lowered position relative to the support means, can be moved into the coupled position with respect to the element when the other gripper assembly is in its latched position and is in either its raised position or lowered position relative to the support means.

Abstract: The essential elements of the electrical system of a treater, or dehydrator, of produced oil well fluids are connected and physically oriented as mounted within the shell of the treater. The electrodes of the treater are energized from a line supply and establish electrostatic fields as a varying load on the electrical system. A control circuit is arranged to respond to the current demanded by the varying load and disconnect the load from the line supply in a predetermined program designed to protect the components of the system, yet reconnect the load and supply as frequently as practical.

Abstract: A mixing device for intimately mixing two or more different materials including a rotatable member of circular cross section, a shaft rotatable along with the rotatable member having two or more vertically spaced discs fastened thereto, and means for introducing one of the materials onto each disc, so that centrifugal force throws the materials onto the inner wall of the rotating member, thereby causing intimate blending or mixing.

Abstract: A turbine follow system and method for pressurized water reactors with a multiplicity of load bypass valves to provide a substitute load upon a load rejection by shunting excess steam around the load to a condenser. The system provides a circuit whereby not more than one valve is opened on any one system or operator error by utilizing circuit redundancy and a permissive gate operated by one of the redundant circuits.

Abstract: A turbine follow system and method for Pressurized Water Reactors utilizing load bypass and/or atmospheric dump valves to provide a substitute load upon load rejection by bypassing excess steam to a condenser and/or to the atmosphere. The system generates a variable pressure setpoint as a function of load and applies an error signal to modulate the load bypass valves. The same signal which operates the bypass valves actuates a control rod automatic withdrawal prevent to insure against reactor overpower.