Abstract: A nuclear reactor head (12) comprising a vessel top head (14), a penetration (36) extending through the vessel top head (14) along a penetration axis (B) for allowing passage of a control shaft (34) of a control rod drive mechanism (32) through the vessel top head (14) and to a corresponding control guide tube (30) of the nuclear reactor (2), the penetration (36) comprising a penetration tube (38) extending through the vessel top head (14) and a thermal sleeve (40) extending inside the penetration tube (38) and coaxially with the penetration tube (38) with an axial play between the thermal sleeve (40) and the penetration tube (38), wherein the nuclear reactor head further comprises a spacer (60) attached to a lower end of the thermal sleeve (40) for maintaining minimal spacing with the upper end of the corresponding control rod guide tube (30).

Abstract: The invention is an innovative design/repair methodology for PWR piping nozzles and vessel nozzles that are attached to the piping/vessel base material with a full penetration weld joint geometry. The development of a robust repair methodology for nozzles of this configuration is necessary due to plant aging, potential material degradation in the original materials of construction, potential increased nondestructive examination requirements, and PWSCC phenomena in the susceptible original materials of construction. The purpose/objective of the repair methodology is to provide a means of partially replacing the existing pressure boundary susceptible materials with PWSCC-resistant materials to facilitate the long-term repair life of the plant. The invention may be applied to a plurality of nozzle, piping, and vessel sizes with a full penetration weld joint.

Abstract: The invention is an innovative design/repair methodology for PWR piping nozzles and vessel nozzles that are attached to the piping/vessel base material with a full penetration weld joint geometry. The development of a robust repair methodology for nozzles of this configuration is necessary due to plant aging, potential material degradation in the original materials of construction, potential increased nondestructive examination requirements, and PWSCC phenomena in the susceptible original materials of construction. The purpose/objective of the repair methodology is to provide a means of partially replacing the existing pressure boundary susceptible materials with PWSCC-resistant materials to facilitate the long-term repair life of the plant. The invention may be applied to a plurality of nozzle, piping, and vessel sizes with a full penetration weld joint.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved replacement nozzle configuration. The nozzle is provided in two pieces. A first nozzle piece is a relatively thin-walled cylinder that is inserted into the counterbored opening of a pressure vessel after the protruding portion of the original nozzle has been removed. A weld pad is attached to the pressure vessel, to which the first replacement nozzle piece is welded. Due to the reduced dimensions of the thin-walled first nozzle portion, a much smaller weld pad and pad-to-nozzle weld can be used. A second nozzle piece is positioned within the first nozzle piece and welded thereto. The existing instrumentation piping is connected to the free end of the second nozzle piece. This two-piece replacement nozzle can be implemented in approximately half the time required for the one-piece design.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved replacement nozzle configuration. The nozzle is provided in two pieces. A first nozzle piece is a relatively thin-walled cylinder that is inserted into the counterbored opening of a pressure vessel after the protruding portion of the original nozzle has been removed. A weld pad is attached to the pressure vessel, to which the first replacement nozzle piece is welded. Due to the reduced dimensions of the thin-walled first nozzle portion, a much smaller weld pad and pad-to-nozzle weld can be used. A second nozzle piece is positioned within the first nozzle piece and welded thereto. The existing instrumentation piping is connected to the free end of the second nozzle piece. This two-piece replacement nozzle can be implemented in approximately half the time required for the one-piece design.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an exhaust system and method for improving performance of an internal combustion engine. The exhaust system comprises an exhaust pipe in communication with the internal combustion engine. The exhaust pipe is defined by an annular space. Multiple calibrated orifices are provided on the exhaust pipe. A supplementary pipe is affixed to the exhaust pipe. The supplementary pipe is defined by an annular space. The annular space in the supplementary pipe is in communication with the annular space in the exhaust pipe through the calibrated orifices. The supplementary pipe may be detachably attached to the exhaust pipe. The supplementary pipe regulates flow of fluids and exhaust gases in the exhaust pipe. The supplementary pipe reduces negative torque, attenuates sound emitted from the exhaust pipe, and attenuates noise from exhaust gases discharged from the internal combustion engine. The supplementary pipe improves throttle response, engine power, and engine fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A mounting fixture for a power plant nozzle which allows the user to perform a single set-up and alignment on a nozzle location for overlay, matching, and inspection technologies. Once the fixture is set-up, the user can mount and dismount welding, machining, and inspection equipment in less time than traditional motion systems would require.

Abstract: A method of using an absorbent article where the method includes adhering at least a portion of an absorbent article to a surface of a window through a pressure sensitive adhesive composition. The absorbent article includes an exterior surface, an acquisition layer, superabsorbent polymer, a first layer that has an exterior surface and an interior surface, and a pressure sensitive attachment adhesive composition, the superabsorbent polymer being disposed between the acquisition layer and the interior surface of the first layer, and the pressure sensitive attachment adhesive composition being disposed on the exterior surface of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine swirler/nozzle apparatus has a swirler having a central axis and a nozzle. The nozzle has an outlet end with a plurality of outlets about said axis and having an asymmetry about said axis. The apparatus may be formed as a reengineering of a baseline apparatus having a symmetric nozzle.

Abstract: A foldable truss member suitable for commercial displays includes a plurality of side members that are adjacently hinged together. The side members include support members and bridging members having extensions. The side members are joined into a foldable structure with a hinge member between the support member and extensions of adjacent side members. A display structure can be formed by connecting locking members between two truss members.

Abstract: An aqueous superabsorbent polymer precursor composition that includes a superabsorbent polymer precursor prepared by polymerizing alpha,beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomers in the presence of inorganic metal salt catalyst, and an optional metal ion containing crosslinking agent, and a method of making an absorbent article that includes contacting a mesh with a slurry that includes cellulose fibers to form a wet fiber mat, removing water from the wet fiber mat, contacting the wet cellulose fiber mat with the aqueous superabsorbent polymer precursor composition, and drying the mat.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions relating to an adhesive that can be applied to oiled or lotioned substrates.

Abstract: Sperm cell suspensions comprising a motility inhibitor are disclosed. The cells contained in such suspensions tend to have a greater capacity for enduring the various process steps typically associated with the sorting of sperm cells into gender enriched populations, thereby resulting in post-sort compositions with an increased number of viable or motile sperm. Processes for forming such cell suspensions, as well as processes for staining sperm cells, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel injector system provides an air assist fuel nozzle which includes a fuel shroud and an air portion. Air passes around the fuel shroud to air jets in the air portion to provide a focused application of air directly onto a fuel spray from each of a multiple of main fuel jets to impart additional velocity to the fuel as it is flowing out of the fuel nozzle. The air jets increase the resulting fuel spray velocity to a level high enough to reach a prefilmer wall of a swirler even during snap deceleration conditions.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine combustor swirler has vanes with a spanwise chord length distribution providing a desired swirl distribution.

Abstract: A foldable truss member suitable for commercial displays includes a plurality of side members that are adjacently hinged together. The side members include support members and bridging members having extensions. The side members are joined into a foldable structure with a hinge member between the support member and extensions of adjacent side members. The truss includes a locking frame that is removably attached to ends of the side members. A display structure can be formed by connecting a locking frame between two truss members.

Abstract: A foldable truss member suitable for commercial displays includes a plurality of side members that are adjacently hinged together. The side members include support members and bridging members having extensions. The side members are joined into a foldable structure with a hinge member between the support member and extensions of adjacent side members. The truss includes a locking frame that is removably attached to ends of the side members. A display structure can be formed by connecting a locking frame between two truss members.

Abstract: A foldable truss member suitable for commercial displays includes a plurality of side members that are adjacently hinged together. The side members include support members and bridging members having extensions. The side members are joined into a foldable structure with a hinge member between the support member and extensions of adjacent side members. A display structure can be formed by connecting locking members between two truss members.