Abstract: A high-temperature superconductive microwave delay line that operates in an essentially pure TEM field configuration in a compact assembly. The delay line is a planar signal delay line which includes first and second substrates made of first and second dielectric materials; each substrate can be LAO material. First and second patterned delay line segments having a configuration, are formed of first and second conductive materials on the obverse sides of the first and second substrates, respectively. On the reverse side of each of the first and second substrates, respective first and second ground planes are formed using respective first and second conductive materials, which are preferred to be high-temperature superconductive films, such as YBCO films. The delay line also includes coupling means for coupling the first patterned delay line segment to the second patterned delay line segment, thus bringing the two patterned delay line segments into substantial contact.

Abstract: A shutdown seal is provided in a pump for activation to prevent passage of fluid along a shaft relative to a fluid-containing housing of the pump through which the shaft extends. The shutdown seal is an annular member having a mounting flange and a sealing collar. The mounting flange is attached to the housing, and the sealing collar is disposed about the shaft. The annular member is constructed of shape memory metal material which below its transition temperature has an expanded configuration in which its annular sealing collar portion is spaced from the shaft so as to define a deactivated unsealed condition of the shutdown seal. On the other hand, above the transition temperature of the material the annular member has a contracted configuration in which its sealing collar contacts the shaft so as to define an activated sealed condition of the shutdown seal. In one embodiment, the annular member of the shutdown seal forms a stationary part of a slip joint secondary seal coupled between the housing and shaft.

Abstract: A pump has a stationary seal housing with pressurized liquid and gas therein, a rotatable shaft disposed through the housing and operable for centrifugally producing rotation of the liquid within the housing, and a seal assembly disposed between the housing and rotatable shaft. The pump employs a device for venting from the housing to the exterior thereof the gas released from the liquid in the housing, such as by a drop in the pressure thereof, while blocking escape of the liquid therefrom.

Abstract: A double dam seal in a reactor coolant pump includes an internal mechanism in the seal to pressurize its annulus. In one form, the mechanism is an inclined flow passage incorporated in the rotating runner of the seal having an outlet in communication with the seal annulus and an inlet in communication with reactor coolant water flow within the pump housing and being located on a smaller radius of rotation that the passage outlet. Rotation of the runner causes rotational movement of the passage and any water therein, turning the passage and rotating runner into a centrifugal pump, causing a pressure differential along the passage due to centrifugal effects, and feeding water via the passage outlet to the seal annulus at a pressure above that at the passage inlet. In another form, the mechanism is a tube projecting at an angle from the rotating runner, or a recessed scoop defined in the runner at an angle to, and communicating with a passage having an inlet and outlet at generally the same radius of rotation.