Abstract: A weld cleaning machine includes a frame which is secured by a roller chain immediately adjacent to a pipe having a weld to be cleaned. A rotary weld cleaning element is mounted to the frame on an oscillating arm such that the weld cleaning element oscillates along an oscillation axis oriented axially with respect to the pipe. A first motorized drive system is mounted on the frame to rotate the frame circumferentially around the pipe. A second motorized drive system is mounted on the frame to oscillate the weld cleaning element along the oscillation axis. A third motorized drive system is included in the oscillating arm to rotate the weld cleaning element. The weld cleaning machine is controlled remotely via a control cable and a control panel such that the operator can stand some distance from the pipe being cleaned. Preferably the machine automatically performs a programmed sequence of motions to clean a strip of substantial width along the axis of the pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus for engaging and aligning lower ends of rodlets, or pins, of a nuclear fuel assembly insert. The apparatus facilitates positioning the insert within guide tubes of a nuclear fuel assembly. The nuclear fuel assembly insert rodlet alignment apparatus includes a mounting rack for attachment to a reactor or spent fuel pool edge, a first fixed plate attached to the mounting rack's lower end, and a second sliding plate attached to the first fixed plate. The first and second plates are respectively provided with first and second comb structures each comprised of elongated, linear, pointed teeth arranged in a spaced manner along an edge of a generally flat plate. The lower end of a crank, or rotating shaft, is coupled to the sliding plate by means of suitable linkage permitting the sliding plate to be moved on the fixed plate between a first position wherein the two comb structures are non-overlapping and a second position wherein the two comb structures overlap.

Abstract: An improved welding method is provided for repairing rotating shafts, particularly cracked high pressure steam turbine rotors. The welding method preferably employs a 2.25Cr--1.0Mo--0.3V-type welding filler metal, preferably deposited using a narrow groove automatic gas tungsten arc welding technique. A narrow groove is formed in the rotor to remove the crack. The groove is preheated, filled with the welding filler metal, and postheated, resulting in a strong, high temperature resistant, long lasting weld.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring charge state of a battery having multiple cells includes a transmitter that is connected to the battery to apply a test signal across the battery. This test signal is preferably a continuous square wave signal having a frequency less than 3 Hz. The test signal alternates between a voltage adequate to charge the battery and a lower voltage, and the charging voltage is retained for a time sufficient to allow a polarization voltage to develop across individual cells. A receiver is connected to the cell to monitor the polarization voltage across a cell as it develops in response to the test signal. This polarization voltage can be monitored for example using a DC voltmeter, or by displaying the voltage versus time waveform. In either case an accurate indication of the state of the charge of the cell is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing a high voltage inductive coil such as a transformer winding applies a DC voltage to the coil and measures coil voltage and current from which its resistance can be calculated. A load resistor in a discharge circuit dissipates energy stored in the coil prior to test apparatus removal to reduce arcing for operator safety. Diode bridges in the discharge circuit provide a nonlinear resistance which increases with decreasing voltage and current to ensure rapid and complete discharge of the energy stored in the coil's magnetic field. A three position make-before-break switch includes first and third positions for respectively coupling the DC supply and the discharge circuit to the coil and an intermediate position for simultaneously coupling the DC supply and the discharge circuit to the coil for safely initiating coil discharge.

Abstract: A video monitoring system responds to an intrusion alarm by automatically presenting still video images of the zone of the alarm at or about the time of the alarm. The operator can control magnification and contrast to enhance the displayed image. In one system the displayed images are images taken at times both before and after the alarm was received by the monitoring system.

Abstract: A video monitoring system responds to an intrusion alarm by automatically presenting still video images of the zone of the alarm at or about the time of the alarm. The operator can control magnification and contrast to enhance the displayed image. In one system the displayed images are images taken at times both before and after the alarm was received by the monitoring system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and adjusting output of a heat lamp for an optical TLD reader includes an optical system which matches the optical system of the TLD reader, means for supporting a heat lamp to be calibrated, and an element plate having at least one heat absorbing substrate supported in alignment with the optical system. The heat lamp is electrically connected to a lamp driver circuit of the TLD reader, and a thermocouple is mounted in thermal contact with the heat absorbing substrate. In use, the lamp driver circuit of the TLD reader drives the heat lamp mounted in the calibration and adjusting device. This device monitors the signal generated by the thermocouple and displays this signal as a measured heat response curve. This measured heat response curve can be compared with a `standard` or reference heat response curve to determine whether the lamp driver circuit has been adjusted properly for the heat lamp being tested, and to determine the nature of any required adjustments.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing a solenoid-actuated, hydraulic valve under actual operating conditions in a closed hydraulic system includes two pressure gauges to monitor valve switching pressure as well as electrical control switches and a test lead to power the valve. A closed hydraulic system includes a reservoir, a pump and a needle valve for controlling pressure. With the hydraulic valve de-energized, flow of the hydraulic fluid is in a first direction, with a first pressure gauge indicating the internal hydraulic pressure and a second hydraulic gauge indicating zero pressure. When the valve is energized, fluid flow direction is reversed in the system and the second hydraulic gauge now measures a pressure, with the first hydraulic gauge indicating zero pressure. Operation of the electrically actuated hydraulic valve can be tested under actual operating conditions prior to installation in a hydraulic control system.

Abstract: A planar generally rectangular, multi-edge extender board has a plurality of spaced terminals along adjacent edges thereof or along three or four of its edges. Each of the edge terminals is coupled by means of a conductor to either a terminal on an opposed edge of the extender board or to a multi-pin connector mounted to an inner portion of the extender board. The edge terminals of the extender board are adapted for insertion in and coupling to either a connector in an equipment rack in which the circuit board is used or direct coupling to the circuit board itself. The multi-pin connector allows the edge-mounted terminals of the extender board to be coupled via a multi-conductor ribbon cable to corresponding edge terminals of a circuit board removed from the equipment rack.

Abstract: A limit switch calibration checking device for a limit switch assembly of the type having at least one upper limit switch, at least one lower limit switch, and a limit switch mechanism that controls the upper and lower limit switches in response to movement of an input member. The calibration checking device includes a drive member adapted to engage the input member to drive the input member, a motor coupled to the drive member such that the motor is operative to move the drive member, a position indicator coupled to the drive member to measure travel of the drive member, and an electrical control circuit responsive to the upper and lower limit switches and operative to control the motor to automatically stop the motor in response to switching of a manually selectable one of the upper and lower limit switches. The disclosed calibration checking device can be used to measure the initial position of a limit switch and the travel required between the upper and lower limit switch points.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based control/status monitoring arrangement allows for replacement of mechanical memory, cam-operated control board switches, such as used in controlling and monitoring the operation of a conventional electrical power generating station. The control/status monitoring arrangement includes and operator input device, such as a keyboard or "touch screen" cathode ray tube (CRT), to permit operator entries, as well as a video display to provide visual information relating to the operating system, e.g., power generating station, being monitored and controlled. The control/status monitoring arrangement not only offers the advantages of the prior art cam-operated mechanical switches in a solid state system with programming flexibility, but also provides additional equipment status indications and controls, e.g., Lockout, Tripped, Auto Started, etc., and special interlocks to ensure operating safety.

Abstract: A computer controlled system and method accurately and rapidly verifies the in-place, dynamic response of a transducer/sensor to a time dependent state variable. The verification system includes a programmable ramp generator which introduces a time varying signal simulating a time dependent state variable, e.g., pressure, temperature, flow rate, etc., to a protection system such as used in a nuclear reactor power plant. The verification system further includes means for measuring and displaying the response of the protection system to input signal variation over time. The verification system and method ensures that the protection system outputs an appropriate control signal, such as a shutdown signal, for terminating nuclear reactor power plant operation when the magnitude or time dependent variation of the state variable is not within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A testing device measures the impedance of secondary cells that form a battery, such as a lead acid battery, while the battery is in a float charge condition and connected to an active electrical load. The impedance measurement is made at a frequency selected to be different from those frequencies otherwise present in the charger-load circuit. A first application of the testing device monitors the battery for a change in impedance that can signal a developing defect in one or more individual cells or intercell connections that can prevent the battery from delivering its stored energy to the load. In a second application, the testing device is used to compare the impedance of individual cells and electrical connections to locate faulty components.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating ground faults on direct current control systems includes a low frequency current generator having a variable output, a Hall-effect current probe for detecting the low frequency current produced by the generator, a filter and amplifier connected to the output of the Hall-effect current probe for identifying and amplifying the low frequency signal and a read-out element connected to the output of the amplifier to indicate the relative magnitude of the low frequency signal. A method for locating ground faults on direct current control system while the system is energized is described.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the operating condition of capacitors of the type used for power factor correction on electric distribution systems is assembled in two sections. A first power supply device supplies an alternating electric current to a de-energized capacitor without removing it from its installed position and a second power measurement device, utilizing either a split-core Hall-device or a special distributed winding, measures the magnitude of the electric current entering the capacitor being tested.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying defective substation capacitors includes a variable power supply section for supplying an alternating electric current to a de-energized substation capacitor bank without disconnecting the individually fused capacitor from the capacitor bus and a second power measurement section for measuring the magnitude of the electric current entering the capacitor being tested.

Abstract: A cyclone furnace assembly includes a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end, with the inlet end cooperating with a fuel inlet chamber which injects the ash-containing fuel-air mixture into the furnace. The outlet end of the furnace includes a re-entrant throat extension member having an outer surface which is flared towards the frontal inlet wall surface of the furnace housing for increasing the residence time of the fuel-air mixture within the assembly to insure combustion of the fuel-air mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the operating condition of capacitors of the type used for power factor correction on electric distribution systems is assembled in two sections. A first power supply device supplies an alternating electric current to a de-energized capacitor without removing it from its installed position and a second power measurement device, utilizing a split-core Hall-device, measures the magnitude of the electric current entering the capacitor being tested.

Abstract: An improved cross-arm brace for supporting a cross-arm (24) on a utility support pole (23) is described. The brace has two support members (10) which lie along the support pole (23), one on each side of the support pole (23), and between the support pole (23) and the cross-arm (24). The support members (10) are connected to each other by one or more connecting members (11) which cross the pole (23) over that face of the pole (23) on which lies the cross-arm (24). Adjusting mechanisms (12, 14, 15, 16) associated with the connecting members (11) adjust to decrease the spacing between the support members (10) and thus to firmly wedge the support members (10) between the support pole (23) and the cross-arm (24). More than one cross-arm (24) on a support pole (23) can be supported by a single brace. The brace can be used in conjunction with a grid gain.