Abstract: An integrated semiconductor chip includes, integral to its substrate, a thermal sensing circuit formed from an array of transistors connected together in a stacked array so as to multiply the inherent effects of temperature on output voltage. A series of gates is connected to the output of the transistor array. A reference voltage is applied to the transistor array, and the inherent temperature-variable output of the array is then applied to the gates. The gates change states at known temperatures and voltages, so that the digital state output of each gate indicates whether the substrate temperature is greater than or less than the switching temperature associated with that gate. By sensing gate output, the chip itself or an external device can determine the temperature of the substrate within a certain range. When the temperature is outside the safe operating range for the chip, the chip or an external device takes steps to prevent unsafe operation.

Abstract: A voltage-sensing circuit producing a voltage-indicating signal representative of the voltages in a three-phase AC system produces several voltage-indicating signals which are representative of the phase voltages in a three-phase AC system. These voltage-indicating signals are squared, and the squared voltages are summed to produce an output signal having a DC voltage component with a magnitude proportional to the Mean Square value of the AC phase voltages. Unbalanced voltages in the three-phase system can be monitored by detecting the peak value of a ripple voltage imposed on the DC voltage component of the output of the circuit.

Abstract: A system for monitoring combustion of coal in a boiler detects coal composition and heating value using a bulk material analyzer and determines an air/fuel mixture so that when the coal is burned oxygen is available throughout the boiler and the wall temperature of the boiler is maintained below the metallurgical limit and the surface temperature below the ash fusion temperature of the coal where slagging is not desired. The temperature and pressure of steam in the boiler, fuel and air flow rates and temperature and oxygen content of the stack gases are supplied to a boiler model. The boiler model predicts how varying the air supply rate affects sensible heat loss. Periodic measurements of unburned carbon in the ash produced by combustion of the coal are correlated with the operation of the boiler at the time that the ash was produced to provide a basis for estimating unburned coal loss.

Abstract: A tire joint apparatus (17) for assembling two sections (11,12) of a rotary combustor tire (10), where each section is provided with a hooked end portion (22, 25). The hooked end portion (25) of one tire section (12) is provided with a tapered surface (30). Upon assembly, the two hooked portions (22,25) are positioned in an overlapping arrangement and a wedge-shaped insert (29) is placed between the hooked end portions (22,25). The wedge-shaped insert (29) is provided with a tapped hole (39,40) at each end in which a wedge retainer or extractor (41) may be attached. Each hooked end portion (22,25) is connected together with two rows of bolts (34,36). A dowel (37,38) is inserted into an aperture (35,36) provided at each interface between the two sections (11,12) to insure precise alignment of the rolling surfaces (13,14) and the thrust surfaces (15,16).

Abstract: A method and system for removing fuel rods from a fuel assembly having top and bottom nozzles that are removed and a plurality of grids for uniformly spacing apart the fuel rods is disclosed. The system includes a rod pushing mechanism which pushes a first end of a selected fuel rod such that a second end of the fuel rod extends out of the fuel assembly. The system also includes a removal device adjacent the second end of the selected fuel rod. The removal device engages and pulls the fuel rod completely from the fuel assembly when the second end of the fuel rod extends out of the fuel assembly a distance sufficient to engage the removal device. The method includes the following steps. First, a first end of a selected fuel rod is pushed such that a second end of the fuel rod extends out of the fuel assembly. Then, the second end of the selected fuel rod is engaged with a removal device. Finally, the selected fuel rod is pulled completely from the fuel assembly with the removal device.

Abstract: A circuit breaker characterized by first and second main contacts and first and second arcing contacts. The first main and arcing contacts are mounted on a first contact carrying arm. The second arcing contacts are mounted on a second contact carrying arm. The second main contacts are mounted on a third contact arm. The first contact carrying arm is mounted on a first pivot and the second and third contact carrying arms are mounted on a second pivot. A spring for biasing the second main contact against the first main contact and in the closed position. A second spring for biasing the second arcing contact against the first arcing contact until after the first and second main contact separate.

Abstract: A multiple bore electromagnetic projectile launcher is provided with series circuit elements connected to the muzzle end of conductive rails of a bore to continue current conduction in those rails following the launch of a projectile and during the launch of a successive projectile. This current flow augments the flux in the successive bore during the launching of a successive projectile. Individual firing switches can be provided for each bore or additional conductive rails can be provided in an automatic switching arrangement to conduct current from a muzzle of a fired bore to the breech of a successive bore.

Abstract: A hydro-ball in-core instrumentation system employs detector strings each comprising a wire having radiation sensitive balls affixed diametrically at spaced positions therealong and opposite tip ends of which are transportable by fluid drag through interior passageways. In the passageways primary coolant is caused to flow selectively in first and second opposite directions for transporting the detector strings from stored positions in an exterior chamber to inserted positions within the instrumentation thimbles of the fuel rod assemblies of a pressure vessel, and for return. The coolant pressure within the detector passageways is the same as that within the vessel; face contact, disconnectable joints between sections of the interior passageways within the vessel facilitate assembly and disassembly of the vessel for refueling and routine maintenance operations.

Abstract: A microwave transmit/receive module comprises a single multi-layer substrate having at least two opposed mounting surfaces. The substrate including a plurality of integrated dielectric layers, electrical conductors and thermal conductors selectively interconnected between the layers of the substrate. A microwave signal processing means is mounted on at least one of the mounting surfaces of the substrate for processing microwave radar signals. A control signal processing means is mounted on at least one of the mounting surfaces of the substrate for providing control signals for the microwave signal processing means via selected electrical conductors. A power conditioning means is mounted on at least one of the mounting surfaces of the substrate for providing power to the microwave signal processing means and the control signal processing means via selected electrical conductors.

Abstract: A system for ultrasonically cleaning tubes includes an elongated cleaning tank adapted to hold a quantity of detergent-containing water and a series of transducers mounted on the bottom wall of the tank in a generally linear arrangement extending between opposite end walls of the tank. The transducers generate ultrasonic cavitational energy within the water in the tank. An inclined upper tube entry ramp supported above the tank guides delivery of tubes in single file fashion into the tank to a reversely inclined middle tube transfer ramp. The inclined middle ramp guides transfer of tubes in single file fashion into the water in the tank and to a lower tube soak ramp having a tube accumulating terminal end. The lower ramp feeds the tubes across the tank within the water and above the transducers therein to its tube accumulating end such that each tube will pass through and be cleaned by the cavitation energy in the water.

Abstract: A thermoelectric air conditioner having a fiber reinforced plastic water box made of two identical halves, each of which has a serpentine groove with a plurality of openings that receive a first heat transfer plate and an array of semiconductors of both P and N type and a second heat transfer plate which is finned, the heat transfer plates bridge the semiconductors to form a single series for the whole assembly.

Abstract: A high-power high-isolation switch for high-power devices which switch power to one of several alternative output ports. Unwanted leakage is attenuated and high-isolation between the output ports is obtained. In addition, protection against burn-out during abnormally high leakage conditions is provided where the devices employed are not self protecting.

Abstract: A control processor in a robotic system treats optically sensed locations along the path ahead of the tool, which are classified in relation to elapsed distances and identified in 3-D coordinates and 3-axes tool orientation, to apply in real time and under feedforward a control signal representing the error between anticipated tool position and anticipated sensed location on the path. In the process, the anticipated sensed location is obtained by reference to a model made ahead of time with the stored sensed locations grouped as a function of elapsed distances and having a common algebraic feature, such as the slope or the change of slope. A taught path for the robot has been recovered by the control processor also based on elapsed distances and control is related to actual tool position provided by the robot.

Abstract: A method of producing organo-phophorus polymers is disclosed. The polymers will exhibit zero shrinkage and even expansion, will be useful in high voltage, high temperature electrical applications and will exhibit mechanical strength and flame retardant properties.

Abstract: A vibration reduction apparatus uses a electromagnetic exciter mechanism to reduce vibrations induced in a machine by a rotating component of the machine. The electromagnetic exciter mechanism employs a magnetic inertial mass coupled in a non-contacting manner externally on a housing of the machine remote from the vibration-inducing rotating component. To operate the electromagnet exciter mechansism, the apparatus employs a vibration sensor attached externally on the machine housing. The sensor senses the vibrations and generates an output signal representative thereof. Also, the apparatus employs signal processing units coupled to the machine for sensing the frequency of an electrical input power signal to the machine which drives the rotating component and generating an output signal representative thereof.

Abstract: A low profile remotely controlled carriage which is inserted between the rotor and stator of an electric generator carries an impactor which can be preloaded to strike the stator wedges in all orientations around the stator with a selected high impact force which causes the stator wedge to vibrate. A detector seismically isolated from the impactor measures the deflections in the vibrating stator wedge. Preferably, the detector includes an eddy current coil positioned to measure the distance to a wedge follower which vibrates with the wedge. In one embodiment, the wedge follower is a vacuum cup secured to the wedge. In another, the eddy current coil measures the distance to a foot spring biased against the vibrating wedge. Preferably, the detector is seismically isolated by mounting it on a separate carriage disposed in an aperture in the low profile carriage.

Abstract: A trip interlock assembly trips a circuit breaker any time the circuit breaker is removed from its panel mounting. The trip assembly is adapted to be disposed about a load side terminal and cooperate with the circuit breaker tripping device. In one embodiment, the trip assembly includes a housing and a spring-loaded actuation arm, disposed generally perpendicular to the circuit panel surface. The actuation arm is formed with a cam surface which cooperates with a trip pin adapted to actuate said circuit breaker tripping device. The trip pin acts as a cam follower and rides along the cam surface formed in the actuation arm. When the actuation arm is in an inward position the trip pin is in a normal position. However, when the circuit breaker is removed from the panel, the actuation arm under the influence of a biasing spring moves outwardly. This causes the cam surface on the actuation arm to actuate the trip pin to trip the circuit breaker.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for preventing the plugging of cooling air distribution holes in a hollow gas turbine vane by particles entrained in the cooling air. The portion of the cooling air is bled from the vane and discharged into the hot gas downstream of the vane, the shunted bleed air carrying the entrained particles.

Abstract: A passive, broadband, millimeter wave, fin-line, gas discharge device operable for use in a radar system as a receiver protector. The preferred embodiment of this device comprises: a rectangular waveguide housing having a free electron emitting radioactive primer mounted upon one interior wall, an inert gas under pressure contained within the housing by two thin, low loss dielectric windows at opposing ends of the waveguide housing, and two bevelled, tapered fins operable to provide a narrow discharge gap region. Incident ratio frequency signals entering the radar system pass through the fin-line receiver protector. Signals entering the waveguide housing through the thin dielectric windows excite the free electrons causing the electrons to collide with the inert gas molecules. A spontaneous breakdown of gas occurring in the narrow discharge gap region between the two bevelled, tapered fins greatly attenuates the incident ratio frequency signal from entering the receiver thereby protecting it.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the neutron flux in the core of a nuclear reactor by means of a neutron detector which is composed of two electrodes between which a d.c. bias voltage is applied and which has a greater neutron sensitivity when the d.c. bias voltage is applied with one polarity than with the opposite polarity, which involves operating the nuclear reactor at a power level in the vicinity of zero, and applying a d.c. bias level with the one polarity between the detector electrodes and measuring the neutron-induced current flowing through the detector electrodes.To permit reversal of the bias voltage polarity, a safety interlock is provided to permit this to occur only if the bias voltage has been brought below a selected level.