Abstract: The invention contemplates a self-contained unit wherein a continuous flow of contaminated liquid, such as steam-plant condensate recycled as feedwater, may be processed on an on-line basis through a replaceable demineralizing resin bed and through a replaceable filter cartridge. The disclosed configuration incorporates two cylindrical chambers within a single housing. Flow for demineralizing purposes is directed downwardly through the resin bed in the space between chambers, and the thus-demineralized flow is then directed upward through the filter cartridge in the inner chamber.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a check-valve construction which exhibits substantially elevated resistance to onset of unidirectional flow (i.e., to valve opening), as compared with conventional constructions. This elevated resistance to valve-opening is achieved through use of a knuckle joint, connecting the valve member to the valve body and spring-urged to its most-spread condition when the valve member is in its closed position. The invention is shown and described in connection with a check valve having two valve members, each of which derives materially enhanced resistance to valve-opening displacement, through use of a separate spring-loaded knuckle joint associated with each of the respective valve members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved liquid-level indicator. The liquid-level indicator comprises an upstanding tube and a float arranged for vertical movement therein. This float is provided with a permanent magnet which is polarized in a horizontal plane and influences magnetically an array of display elements. These display elements are located outside of the tube. The display elements are rotatably supported and arranged in succession one above the other. Between the display elements and the tube there extends a magnetic strip arranged such that the permanent magnet of the float is oriented towards the display elements. This magnetic strip also pre-tensions the display elements. It is located outside of the tube and at a distance from the float.

Abstract: A multi-stage, wet steam turbine employs working fluid, such as steam for example, in its two-phase region with vapor and liquid occurring simultaneously for at least part of the cycle, in particular the nozzle expansion. A smaller number of stages than usual is made possible, and the turbine may handle liquid only. Simple construction, low fuel consumption and high reliability are achieved.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a technique and machine for completing the assembly of a turbine-rotor stage by precision-peening blade tenons to secure shroud segments to successive blades. In the machine, a turbine-rotor assembly of multiple stages of blades on a rotor shaft is mounted on a horizontal axis, with provision for indexing successive blade tenons of a given-stage into precise horizontal confrontation with tool elements successively presented to the tenon, the tool elements being independently mounted to a compound-axis slide system. A presser foot carried by the slide system locally holds the shroud segment to a seated position against the blade to be secured, while first an induction-heating element and then a riveting tool perform in programmed sequence upon the exposed end of the involved tenon.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a continuously circulating pumped flow of diesel-engine fuel, involving thermodynamic coupling to the engine's coolant-circulation system (a) while the engine is operating and (b) involving selectively available thermodynamic coupling to an externally supplied electric-heater element during periods of engine shut-down. To assure fuel circulation during such operation of the heater element, a rectifier taps the external electric supply to provide pump excitation and thus not to drain the charge on the storage battery associated with the engine.

Abstract: The invention contemplates tube-clamp structure wherein a split wear sleeve is applied to a metal tube with such resistance to displacement along the tube that displacement wear is accommodated essentially only via the lesser displacement resistance which characterizes a limited axial range of support-clamp engagement around the sleeve. More particularly, the split sleeve has a bonded lining of friction material which contains heat-curable adhesive--so that in a sufficiently elevated ambient temperature environment, as in the vicinity of an aircraft engine, the sleeve will bond to the metal tube; and so that in a lesser ambient-temperature environment, as within an aircraft wing which is subject to flexure, the sleeve will not bond to the metal tube but rather will be displaceable on the metal tube only for such unusual situations of axial play as the clamp-to-sleeve engagement will not accommodate.

Abstract: The invention contemplates support structure for a conduit or the like wherein one of two cylindrically arcuate metal band parts incorporates mounting-bracket or foot structure and the other such part has articulated connection to one, and releasably tensed connection to the other, of the ends of the bracket-carrying cylindrically arcuate part. A liner of flexible resilient material extends circumferentially continuously within the metal-band parts between the releasably connected ends thereof. The releasably tensed connection includes an over-center latch and a redundant safety latch, and in each of the disclosed embodiments mounting-foot structure is integrally formed with one of the metal-band parts.

Abstract: A method of welding which utilizes a metal electrode core encased within a pre-sintered ceramic insulating sleeve. The method comprising, preplacing a welding wire in the welding kerf formed between the pieces to be welded, tacking the welding wire in place such that the wire abuts the surface of the pieces to be welded, guiding the metal core electrode rod encased in a ceramic pre-sintered sleeve over the welding wire, and simultaneously, torching the welding wire so that a uniform weld deposit is formed.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a check-valve construction wherein a plurality of at least three generally triangular valve members are independently hinged to the respective base lines of a pyramidal seat configuration, the base lines being in a plane which essentially establishes the upstream end of the valve, and the apex of the pyramid (and, thus, the apex of each valve-member triangle) essentially establishes the downstream end of the valve.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a continuously circulating pumped flow of diesel-engine fuel, involving thermodynamic coupling to the engine's coolant-circulation system (a) while the engine is operating and (b) involving selectively available thermodynamic coupling to an externally supplied electric-heater element during periods of engine shut-down. To assure fuel circulation during such operation of the heater element, a rectifier taps the external electric supply to provide pump excitation and thus not to drain the charge on the storage battery associated with the engine.

Abstract: The invention in a preferred form contemplates a valve-like structure adapted for series-connection in a pipe or other conduit line and having a valve member which is caused, within the constraint of a rectilineal guide, to change its longitudinal position as a substantially linear function of the change of fluid-flow rate in the pipe or conduit; and an inductive device tracks the position of the valve member to produce an electrical output signal which is also a substantially linear function of the fluid-flow rate. The description includes unidirectional embodiments (with check-valve action for flow in the non-metering direction), and a bi-directional embodiment.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a valve having particular application to the control of flow and pressure within a sanitary-sewer system which includes independently pumped feeders at elevations below an intervening region of greater elevation. The valve, located at the downstream side of the region, of greater elevation, and below the elevation of pumping on the upstream side of the region of greater elevation, provides (a) such a minimum level of pressure at its inlet as to assure against syphoning liquid sewage out of the greater-elevation region, (b) a reduction in hydraulic-head pressure for liquid sewage passed by the valve to the succeeding downstream region of lower elevation, and (c) such balanced response to excessive downstream-region pressure development as to prevent any development of upstream flow through the valve, i.e., such balanced response as to prevent changes in upstream pressure level with fluctuating downstream pressure level.

Abstract: An improved pressure seal assembly for rotary machinery. The assembly utilizes a buffer oil flowing through a seal ring surrounding the rotating shaft of the machinery. The seal ring includes a plurality of openings about its periphery to pass the oil through the ring to a number of bearing pads. The oil serves to cool, lubricate, seal and damp the seal ring. The assembly reduces oil loss to the pressurized environment to a minimum.

Abstract: The invention in a preferred form contemplates a valve-like structure adapted for series-connection in a pipe or other conduit line and having a valve member which is caused, within the constraint of a rectilineal guide, to change its longitudinal position as a substantially linear function of the change of fluid-flow rate in the pipe or conduit; and an inductive device tracks the position of the valve member to produce an electrical output signal which is also a substantially linear function of the fluid-flow rate. The description includes a unidirectional embodiment (which is also a check valve for flow in the non-metering direction), and a bi-directional embodiment.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a unitary magnetically sensitive circuit element or network and a flexibly articulatable elongate assembly of a plurality of such elements or networks, with electrical interconnection of the same, such assembly being inherently suited to precision operation as a function of length, whatever the length selected for a particular application or use. In one application to liquid-depth indication within a tank, the longate assembly is merely inserted into the tube along which a float-borne permanent magnet is guided, and the magnetically sensitive element of each successive unit is actuated as the float tracks liquid level and is displaced from actuating relation with one and then to the next-adjacent one of the circuit-element units. The connection of circuit-element units is such that electrical-resistance observation from one end of the assembly provides a direct indication of the liquid level at which the float magnet is currently operative.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a unitary magnetically sensitive circuit element or network and a flexibly articulatable elongate assembly of a plurality of such elements or networks, with electrical interconnection of the same, such assembly being inherently suited to precision operation as a function of length, whatever the length selected for a particular application or use. In one application to liquid-depth indication within a tank, the longate assembly is merely inserted into the tube along which a float-borne permanent magnet is guided, and the magnetically sensitive element of each successive unit is actuated as the float tracks liquid level and is displaced from actuating relation with one and then to the next-adjacent one of the circuit-element units. The connection of circuit-element units is such that electrical-resistance observation from one end of the assembly provides a direct indication of the liquid level at which the float magnet is currently operative.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a particular body construction and assembly for a check valve or the like whereby the entire valve assembly may be readily installed as a unit within the bore of standard pipe or conduit, or a standard fitting therefor. A single circumferentially extending radially inwardly open groove in the bore of the pipe, conduit or fitting, faces a corresponding radially outwardly open groove in the valve body, and stiffly compliant circumferentially extensive retainer element such as a wire of suitable gage substantially fills these grooves to retain the inserted valve in place. The retainer element is adapted for ready removability, to enable servicing or removal of the inserted valve, and the valve body is so externally characterized as to unambiguously assure valve installation in the correct direction of desired flow.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a combined closure spring and upstop having particular application to check valves having multiple valve members. The invention is illustrated by one embodiment involving two valve members hinged on a single axis oriented diametrically of the valve-flow passage, and by another embodiment involving more than two valve members hinged on separate axes oriented tangentially of the valve-flow passage.