Abstract: In the replacement of old split-pin assemblies of a guide tube of a nuclear reactor by new split-pin assemblies, each old split-pin assembly is severed into readily removable fragments by metal disintegration machining apparatus. This apparatus includes a metal disintegration machining tool having an electrode which is guided precisely into arc-disintegrating relationship with the assembly by a glass block in such a way that the assembly is successfully severed into fragments without damaging the guide tube. The electrode is progressively fed into the assembly producing the separation by arc disintegration as it penetrates. The electrode is axially perforated and water under pressure is injected into the arc region through the perforation. A hole is produced in the assembly disintegrating the assembly into a fragment which includes a portion of the nut with a portion of the pin threaded to it and the remaining portion of the pin. The entrance to the hole is a short distance, about 0.

Abstract: A tool is insertable in the narrow annular access space between the cylindrical core barrel and the thermal shield of a nuclear reactor for testing and removing a plug from a flow hole in the core barrel. The tool includes two hydraulically driven jaws which have gripping flanges receivable in a peripheral groove in the plug head for gripping same. The jaws are thin plate-like members and each carries two short pistons having a length less than the thickness of the jaws and hydraulically extendable into engagement with the core barrel for exerting on the jaws and the gripped plug a predetermined force in a plug-removing direction. The jaws are preferably substantially coplanar and carried by a flat arm with the plane of the jaws disposed at a slight angle to the plane of the arm, which angle is selectively variable. Means are provided for pivotally moving the arm about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the plug.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism for the end turns of a dynamoelectric machine is disclosed which permits periodic retightening and provides a means for compensating for misalignment of the clamping components. Annular spacers are provided, each of which have two nonparallel planar surfaces. When two of these spacers are combined in a coplanar association, they can be rotationally positioned relative to each other to provide spatial compensation between a nut and a clamping surface which is nonperpendicular to the threaded bar with which the nut is in threaded communication. The nut and spacers are fixed to the threaded bar with a covering of thermal setting tape to prevent relative movement and possible unthreading.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing end windings of turbine generators is described. The invention comprises a hose and a dry filament subcomposite disposed therein. By choosing suitable proportions of the subcomposite components, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the total hose assembly is preselectable with reasonable accuracy.