Abstract: A steam generator lance configured as a stack of adjacent tubes in a single column. The tubes are secured at least some locations. The lance includes a distal end with tube nozzles. A mechanism is provided for positioning the distal end of the lance into a tube lane. There is typically another mechanism for driving the lance so that the distal end thereof enters the tube lane.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for the location and removal of foreign objects from a difficult to access geometry utilizes a flexible lance (12) formed of individual hose bar segments (14) strung on cables (16) to give a structure that is flexible along its length and fairly rigid in a direction transverse to its length. Extending from working channels (18) of nozzle block (20) of the lance (12) are a pair of multi-prong retrievers (22). A miniaturized Videoprobe camera (24) is provided in the nozzle block (20) between the two retrievers (22). The retrievers are each connected to an actuating cable (26), which extends through the flexible lance (12) to a manual control (28). The camera (24) is connected by a cable (30) to suitable video processing circuits for generation of images on a video display (32). The cable (30) also houses a fiber optic bundle which conveys light to the area being serviced by the lance (12).

Abstract: The present invention provides a diaphragm valve including a housing having a chamber and an outlet opening within the chamber. A projecting valve seat, formed by a projection extending into the chamber, has a sloping, annular sealing surface surrounding the outlet opening. A valve body, preferably forming an armature of an electromagnetic coil, is also located within the chamber. The valve body has, at one end, a recess and a metal diaphragm covering the recess and chemically non-reactive with a flowing fluid passing through the chamber and out of the outlet opening. The valve body is adapted for movement towards and away from the valve seat between closed and open positions. In the closed position the diaphragm is flexed into the recess by the projection, conformingly and sealingly contacting the sealing surface and covering the outlet opening, to prevent the passage of flowing fluid.

Abstract: A fluid operated pump comprising a housing including first and second cylinders. First and second pistons are rigidly fixed to each other and situated in their respective cylinders, the cylinders alternately receiving pressurized fluid for operating the pump. The pump includes novel valving means and novel seals.

Abstract: A switching valve for delivering fluids from different inlets to a pumping outlet utilizes a pressure responsive spool movable due to a pressure differential in the inlets to one position wherein one of the inlets feeds the outlet and a second position wherein the other of the inlets feeds the outlet. The spool carries a pair of umbrella valves for effectively controlling the flow of fluid to the outlets as well as a pair of biasing springs acting on each side of a piston diaphragm which has limited travel on the spool. An adjustable detent arrangement is provided on the end of the spool to keep the spool travel balanced and cooperates with the springs to furnish a snap acting valve.

Abstract: A vacuum controller for maintaining a defined vacuum pressure to a remote location, including a housing which defines a cavity. The controller includes means for connecting the cavity to the remote location, to a high vacuum, and to a control signal pressure. There is a cup-shaped plunger, having an opening in its side wall, which is adapted to reciprocate in the cavity, and there is a flexible diaphragm which seals between the housing and the plunger. The diaphragm also operates as a valving mechanism, such that, when the plunger moves in one direction, the diaphragm closes off the opening in the side wall of the plunger, and when the plunger moves in the other direction, it opens the opening. There is a check valve in said controller to prevent inversion of the diaphragms.

Abstract: A vacuum controller for maintaining a defined vacuum pressure to a remote location, including a housing which defines a cavity. The controller includes means for connecting the cavity to the remote location, to a high vacuum, and to a control signal pressure. There is a cup-shaped plunger, having an opening in its side wall, which is adapted to reciprocate in the cavity, and there is a flexible diaphragm which seals between the housing and the plunger. The diaphragm also operates as a valving mechanism, such that, when the plunger moves in one direction, the diaphragm closes off the opening in the side wall of the plunger, and when the plunger moves in the other direction, it opens the opening.