Abstract: An autocontrol circuit for a resonance current or voltage undulator comprising a power supply, a parallel or series resonant circuit connected to the supply, and circuit elements (K.sub.1 to K.sub.4) for reversing the polarity of the resonant circuit's connection to the power supply. The power supply comprises a DC voltage generator and an inductive or capacitive element (2). The autocontrol circuit comprises circuit elements for detecting the voltages or currents of both the DC voltage generator and the output of the power supply. Differences between these two measured quantities are related to the load variations of the resonant circuit. The autocontrol circuit also comprises a comparator (11) for determining these differences, and circuit elements to use the comparator's output to produce signals which control switches (K.sub.1 to K.sub.4) which determine the polarity of the resonant circuit's connection to the power supply.

Abstract: The power adapter (114) has a power input (17, 18) and a power output (117) connected to a plurality of power consumption points (3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11) and a load-shedding device so designed that, when the consumed power exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the supply of current to at least a predetermined number (7, 8, 11) of power consumption points is interrupted in cascase in a pre-established order until the threshold value is complied with, whereupon the supply of current to these points is then restored in the reverse order. The load-shedding device includes a transmitting circuit for delivering at the power output (117) control signals to which receiving devices (115) are selectively responsive in order to interrupt or restore the supply of current to at least a predetermined number (7, 8, 11) of power consumption points.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for survey and/or treatment of a smooth curved surface.The apparatus comprises a vehicle able to be moved on the surface along a predetermined path, the vehicle being provided with abutment means movable with respect to the body of the vehicle. A support arm of the vehicle is fixed to this by a swivel pivot point. The support arm is fixed close to the center of curvature of the curved surface. The axes of the abutment means and of the arm of two supports can be oriented to be substantially concurrent in the vicinity of the center of curvature of the curved surface. Means for survey and/or treatment of the curved surfaces are fixed to the vehicle. Means for control of driving of the vehicle and of the survey and/or treatment means are also provided.Application to the survey and to the maintenance of water boxes of steam generators of electo-nuclear power stations.

Abstract: A device for remote metering, comprising a meter (4) for measuring a consumption, a transmission circuit for transmitting information relating to quantities consumed, and consisting essentially of a modulating circuit (5,6) and of a bifilar line (3), and a counter circuit for counting sets of information. The modulating circuit comprises a capacitive network (6) and at least one switch (5) which is actuated by the meter and which is capable of modifying the capacity of the capacitive network. The device further comprises a circuit (7,14) suitable for evaluating the value of the capacity of the transmission circuit, and thus for distinguishing two states of the modulating circuit and one state of a fault in the line. Such a device is, in particular, usable for the remote metering of a consumption of gas or of electricity.

Abstract: A regulator system for a switching mode inverter generator feeding an inductively coupled load and seeing the load as a series resonant circuit having a resonant frequency which varies with its magnetic state comprises two switches which connect the load to the output of the inverter. Each switch comprises a switching element and switching terminals. A diode shunts the switching terminals of each switching element of each switch. A control loop slaves the output frequency of the inverter to the resonant frequency of the load. A second control loop is responsive to the inverter power output or the inverter supply voltage. The system is suitable for inductive heating furnaces as used in industry.

Abstract: A resistance heating device having a longitudinal axis and a substantially cylindrical graphite heating element with a connecting part for connection to an electric power source. The device has a sheath surrounding the graphite heating element, radially spaced therefrom and defining a gas tight chamber about the graphite heating element, the sheath being made from a refractory alloy sheet having angularly distributed longitudinal corrugations and an internal surface arranged to directly receive over its whole area radiation emitted by the graphite heating element when energized.

Abstract: A gas filter system, suitable for use in a safety installation for nuclear reactor confinement vessels, comprises a generally cylindrical enclosure having a closed bottom. In an upper part of the enclosure is an inlet for the gas to be filtered. There is an outlet for the filtered gas at the side of a lower part of the enclosure. The gas passes at a low speed through a horizontal filter bed of predetermined thickness consisting of a layer of a granular filter medium. The filter medium is supported by a supporting layer of a lightweight granular material which has an average particle size greater than that of the filter medium. This layer extends down to the closed bottom of the enclosure. The filtered gas is recovered and conveyed to the outlet by a plurality of tubular members which have walls through which the gas can pass and which are placed in the supporting layer. These tubular members discharge into an annular manifold on the outside periphery of which is the outlet for the filtered gas.

Abstract: The invention concerns plasma torches comprising an upstream electrode (12), a downstream electrode (11), a chamber (15) for the injection of plasma producing gas, a priming electrode (13) and optionally a magnetic field coil (14), in which the upstream root of the arc is displaced on the upstream electrode. According to the invention, in order to control a continuous or reciprocating and/or an oscillatory translation, the field coil is supplied with a variable direct current, if need be a pulsatory undulatory current, and/or a diffuser is placed at the inner end of the upstream electrode which is supplied with a modulated flow of gas which it causes to whirl. Application in high power plasma torches for regularizing and rendering uniform the wear of the electrodes so as to prolong the life thereof.

Abstract: Process for the pre-isomerization of hops, in particular for preparing a beer or like beverage obtained from solely malt or from malt and at least one substitution cereal in a preparation line comprising an operation for obtaining a sugared wort and an operation for fermenting said wort in the presence of yeasts. The pre-isomerization is effected by cooking and extrusion of the hops at a temperature lower than 120.degree. C. by a continuous passage of the hops, which are previously dried and pressed in a cooker-extruder having at least two screws, with a quantity of water less than 50% by weight, the extruded hops being then mixed with the sugared wort in the beverage-preparing line.

Abstract: A safety device for limiting the pressure of a fluid to a predetermined value comprises a preshaped diaphragm having a downstream convex face and an upstream convex face mounted as a closing or sealing device in a pipe. A first knife faces the convex face of the diaphragm at such a distance that a predetermined pressure exerted by the fluid on the concave face of the diaphragm brings the latter into contact with the knife which then causes a bursting of the diaphragm. A second knife is fitted to face the concave face of the diaphragm and a mechanism is provided for making the second knife strike against the diaphragm in order to bring about the tearing thereof when the concave face of the diaphragm is exposed by the fluid to a pressure below said predetermined pressure. The first knife has a passive operating mode, but the second knife has an active operating mode.

Abstract: Detensioning of expanded tubes is brought by way of an installation using a rotopeening method. The tool is constituted by a cage moved along a helical path centered on the axis of the tube to be treated. The cage supports in rotary manner a shaft, whose axis is parallel and offcentered with respect to that of the cage. The shaft carries flexible plates, called brushes, whose ends are equipped with shot able to peen the inner wall of the tube during the rotation of the shaft. The helical path ensures a regular distribution of the impacts and consequently a uniform treatment of the surface.

Abstract: The core of a pressurized water nuclear reactor is partly formed from dismantlable assemblies (10), whereof the rods contain mixed UO.sub.2 -PuO.sub.2 oxide pellets, said assemblies (10) being subdivided into concentric zones (12,14,16) with a plutonium concentration decreasing from the inside to the outside. At the end of each irradiation cycle, the rods (C.sub.3) located in peripheral zone (16) are discharged and the rods (C.sub.2,C.sub.1) located in the other zones (12,14) are transferred towards the outside of assembly (10) into zone (14,16) adjacent to that which they previously occupied. New rods (C.sub.4) with a single enrichment are then introduced into the thus freed central zone (12).

Abstract: A process for measuring the temperature of a body by optical detection is disclosed wherein the body is heated by a modulated light beam and the radiation coming from the object is detected. The modulated component of the detected signal is measured and the temperature of the body is extracted by signal processing.

Abstract: The computing installation comprises a plurality of digital computers and at least a terminal unit, for instance a printer, suitable for use in cooperation with any one of the computers. Each computer may deliver a request for access to the terminal. In response, a connection is established between the computer which issued the request and the terminal if the latter is free. Simultaneously, access to the terminal unit by the other computers is prevented for a predetermined time period or for the duration of the connection between the terminal unit and the computer which first issued an access request.

Abstract: Electric induction cooking appliance comprising a support for a vessel (C) to be heated and at least one flat inductor intended to be fed by a frequency convertor, characterized in that the inductor consists of a first coil (4) having a first sense and of at least one second coil (5) formed of at least one turn of opposite sense to that of the first coil.

Abstract: A groove is milled along a predetermined line using a cutter (2) mounted at the end of a rotary shaft (3) which is displaced under computer control (A) via a control interface (B) in such a manner as to ensure that its axis X.sub.4 remains constantly substantially perpendicular to the wall of the tube and that the depth to which the cutter penetrates into the thickness of the wall is under constant control.

Abstract: In an installation for handling assemblies between the main vessel of a fast neutron nuclear reactor and an adjoining vessel, use is made of a transfer hood formed by a thick tube whose inclined axis can be moved alternatively into the prolongation of the axes of two inclined ramps opening into the main vessel and adjoining vessel respectively, by the rotation of a platform of vertical axis bearing the hood and also two flaps which close the ramps when the reactor is operating, so that an assembly-transferring pot can be guided isostatically inside the ramps and the hood, the platform also possibly comprising a spare flap.Application to all assemblies forming a reactor core, such as fuel assemblies, lateral neutron screening assemblies and absorbing assemblies.

Abstract: The handling pond of a pressurized water nuclear reactor is equipped with orientable lighting apparatuses. Each apparatus comprises a floating lighting means mounted at the end of an also floating articulated arm. The opposite end of the arm is supported by a vertical guide mounted on one edge or side of the pond. The lighting means comprises a floodlight emitting a parallel beam of light through the transparent bottom of a tight box, which also contains means for orienting the floodlight about two orthogonal axes. A cover, positioned out of the water, gives access to the interior of the box.

Abstract: For detecting the occurrence or the imminence of a change of phase within a fluid, a predetermined quantity of heat is generated within thermally conducting means in contact with the fluid. The temperature of said means is measured and compared with a reference temperature so selected as to correspond to the apparition of a second phase within said fluid. In particular, effective or imminent apparition of gas bubbles can be detected in a liquid wherein the temperature of the thermally conducting means has a reference temperature close to the temperature of the liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handling machine designed in such a way that it can move along a surface having a random slope.The machine has a central chamber and at least one adjacent peripheral chamber with an open side, which can be sealingly applied to the surface by means of gaskets. This application is obtained by producing a vacuum in at least one of the chambers. The displacement of the machine on the surface, e.g. with the aid of caterpillars, is improved by producing an overpressure in at least one other chamber.