Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for watertight sealing of a steam generator nozzle and methods for installing the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a nozzle dam, a nozzle dam attachment ring, and a seal. The attachment ring is provided in an interior of the nozzle and has a plurality of retaining tabs and a nozzle dam landing. The nozzle dam is adapted for insertion into the attachment ring and abutment against the nozzle dam landing. The nozzle dam has a plurality of radial protrusions adapted to interlock with the retaining tabs for fixing the nozzle dam in the attachment ring upon rotation of the nozzle dam in the attachment ring. The seal covers at least one side of the nozzle dam for effecting a seal between the nozzle dam and the attachment ring. The present invention also provides methods and apparatus for the pressurization and control of nozzle dam seals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrically interfacing between two or more distinct environments. The method and apparatus are directed to an electrical feedthru with exterior traces traversing a core. The electrical feedthru may be very small, facilitating its use in MEMS devices. The electrical feedthru may also include an over-mold shaped to create a mechanical seal between the two or more distinct environments without the use of an O-ring. The electrical feedthru is not limited to any particular geometry, it may be adapted to fit between any two environments, and thus the traces are not necessarily parallel to a central axis of the core.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for watertight sealing of a steam generator nozzle and methods for installing the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a nozzle dam, a nozzle dam attachment ring, and a seal. The attachment ring is provided in an interior of the nozzle and has a plurality of retaining tabs and a nozzle dam landing. The nozzle dam is adapted for insertion into the attachment ring and abutment against the nozzle dam landing. The nozzle dam has a plurality of radial protrusions adapted to interlock with the retaining tabs for fixing the nozzle dam in the attachment ring upon rotation of the nozzle dam in the attachment ring. The seal covers at least one side of the nozzle dam for effecting a seal between the nozzle dam and the attachment ring. The present invention also provides methods and apparatus for the pressurization and control of nozzle dam seals.

Abstract: A method of making a fiber optic accelerometer includes (a) drawing an optical fiber through a resin; (b) winding the resin coated fiber onto a disc mounted on an assembly having a central shaft; and (c) curing the resin-coated fiber. The optical fiber may be drawn through a resin by providing a container filled with a resin having an orifice therethrough and drawing the fiber through the orifice. The resin may be cured such that the fiber is bonded to the disc by curing the resin to the fiber and the disc at the same time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrically interfacing between two or more distinct environments. The method and apparatus are directed to an electrical feedthru with exterior traces traversing a core. The electrical feedthru may be very small, facilitating its use in MEMS devices. The electrical feedthru may also include an over-mold shaped to create a mechanical seal between the two or more distinct environments without the use of an O-ring. The electrical feedthru is not limited to any particular geometry, it may be adapted to fit between any two environments, and thus the traces are not necessarily parallel to a central axis of the core.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrically interfacing between two or more distinct environments. The method and apparatus are directed to an electrical feedthru with exterior traces traversing a core. The electrical feedthru may be very small, facilitating its use in MEMS devices. The electrical feedthru may also include an over-mold shaped to create a mechanical seal between the two or more distinct environments without the use of an O-ring. The electrical feedthru is not limited to any particular geometry, it may be adapted to fit between any two environments, and thus the traces are not necessarily parallel to a central axis of the core.

Abstract: A ground penetrating antenna apparatus and method are provided for locating underground objects via radar, sonar, or similar methods. The apparatus includes one or more antennas that are rotatably affixed to support extensions that also rotate, but about an axis that is different from each of the antenna axes. The apparatus includes a linear propulsion mechanism, and the support extensions may be coupled to the linear propulsion mechanism via a transmission mechanism. In one embodiment, the supporting extensions rotate at a constant rate and each antenna rotates at that same constant rate but in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A winterizing seal for a pool skimmer includes a cover plate dimensioned to overlap the margins of the skimmer opening and having a support portion on its rear surface which extends into the skimmer passageway. A resiliently deformable gasket is provided on the support portion and is configured and dimensioned to bear on the side walls of the skimmer passageway to provide a leak-proof seal between the cover plate and the skimmer passageway. The gasket is pressed against the side walls of the skimmer passageway by a compression plate which is coupled to the cover plate by a nut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrically interfacing between two or more distinct environments. The method and apparatus are directed to an electrical feedthru with exterior traces traversing a core. The electrical feedthru may be very small, facilitating its use in MEMS devices. The electrical feedthru may also include an over-mold shaped to create a mechanical seal between the two or more distinct environments without the use of an O-ring. The electrical feedthru is not limited to any particular geometry, it may be adapted to fit between any two environments, and thus the traces are not necessarily parallel to a central axis of the core.

Abstract: A method of making a fiber optic accelerometer includes (a) drawing an optical fiber through a resin; (b) winding the resin coated fiber onto a disc mounted on an assembly having a central shaft; and (c) curing the resin-coated fiber. The optical fiber may be drawn through a resin by providing a container filled with a resin having an orifice therethrough and drawing the fiber through the orifice. The resin may be cured such that the fiber is bonded to the disc by curing the resin to the fiber and the disc at the same time.

Abstract: A winterizing seal for a pool skimmer includes a cover plate dimensioned to overlap the margins of the skimmer opening and having a support portion on its rear surface which extends into the skimmer passageway. A resiliently deformable gasket is provided on the support portion and is configured and dimensioned to bear on the side walls of the skimmer passageway to provide a leak-proof seal between the cover plate and the skimmer passageway. The gasket is pressed against the side walls of the skimmer passageway by a compression plate which is coupled to the cover plate by a nut.

Abstract: A skimmer guard has first and second brackets configured to bear against opposite walls of a skimmer passageway, and a plurality of resiliently deflectable ribs extending between the first and second brackets for blocking objects from passing into the skimmer. The ribs are configured and dimensioned to bias the first and second brackets against the second wall of the skimmer passageway to hold guard in a fixed position.

Abstract: A ground penetrating antenna apparatus and method are provided for locating underground objects via radar, sonar, or similar methods. The apparatus includes one or more antennas that are rotatably affixed to support extensions that also rotate, but about an axis that is different from each of the antenna axes. The apparatus includes a linear propulsion mechanism, and the support extensions may be coupled to the linear propulsion mechanism via a transmission mechanism. In one embodiment, the supporting extensions rotate at a constant rate and each antenna rotates at that same constant rate but in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A ground penetrating antenna apparatus and method are provided for locating underground objects via radar, sonar, or similar methods. The apparatus includes one or more antennas that are rotatably affixed to support extensions that also rotate, but about an axis that is different from each of the antenna axes. The apparatus includes a linear propulsion mechanism, and the support extensions may be coupled to the linear propulsion mechanism via a transmission mechanism. In one embodiment, the supporting extensions rotate at a constant rate and each antenna rotates at that same constant rate but in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A flexible resilient ribbon having first and second conductive surfaces is wrapped over the top edge of a pocket wall forming a bowed-out first conductive surface adjacent to the top edge of the wall which biases the first conductive surface into contact with the second conductive surface when a card is absent from the pocket, an alarm circuit IC terminal is connected by a network which includes a fixed resistor to power supply negative and the first and second conductive surfaces each of carbon, in series removable contact, connected to power supply positive.

Abstract: A carriage which is drawn over a plurality of locations along a tightly threaded motor driven drive rod by a nut on the carriage, draws a chandelier support cable axially along the rod by way of a pulley on the carriage. The cable is wrapped on the pulley so that the vertical distance moved by the end of the cable for attachment to a chandelier is greater than the axial distance moved by the cable over the pulley. The drive rod is supported at each of the plurality of locations along the drive rod, against bowing.

Abstract: A nozzle dam has a valve controlled passage through the nozzle dam wall for releasing trapped gas from the nozzle in the region below the nozzle dam. The gas is released while the reactor coolant system water general level is above the level of the nozzle dam.

Abstract: A first resilient wall having an opening to the outer diameter of the wall for a line through the first wall is squeezed by a second wall having an opening for a line through the second wall, and a third wall and insert. The insert is nested in the third wall. The third wall and insert form between them an opening for passing a line between them, the opening in the third wall being large enough to pass through a termination of the line that is larger in diameter than the line. Material of the squeezed first wall is displaced against the line and against an inner wall of a hole in which the plug is mounted.

Abstract: In an enclosure of a heat exchanger that includes a wall having an opening for access to the enclosure and a nozzle for fluid flow through the wall, an articulate hoist for bringing an articulate manipulator into the enclosure is attached to the wall outside the opening. The lifting portion of the hoist, which is in the enclosure brings the manipulator into the enclosure. The manipulator which is is then attached to the wall outside the opening is adapted for reaching through the opening from inside the enclosure. A tool operator portion of the manipulator is adapted for engaging a nozzle dam for inserting the dam in the nozzle. One type of nozzle dam which the apparatus can install is one that falls within the description of a claim of U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,215.

Abstract: A disk of joined segments, having a water resistant sheet over the seams of joining, is mounted on a ring around the nozzle, and water tightly sealed against the ring by expandable rings. A circular portion of the disk that is concentric with the central axis of the nozzle is thinner than the central portion of the disk at the central axis of the nozzle, measured in solid cross section. The thinner circular portion is contoured for resistance to stress from pressure of fluid against the disk. The contour includes a concave annular outer surface of the disk, rising toward the center of the disk. At least one segment includes a beam oriented longitudinally with the segment, traversing and clearing the concave annular surface, and attached at each end to the segment. A plurality of bolt fasteners hold the disk to the segment. The bolt is threaded at the front end for screwing into the ring, and threaded at the back end for receiving a hold-down finger knob.