Abstract: A hinge (10) that is arranged to be self-closing by the provision of two inter-engaged parts that are pivotable relative to one another, by each part including a respective barrel portion (30, 50), the two barrel portions (30, 50) being coaxially and end-to-end. Juxtaposed ends of the barrel portions (30, 50) each have a respective cam insert (35) therein. The cam inserts (35) are arranged such that an axial compressive force acting through the axis of the hinge (10) causes the hinge (10) to close. One of the barrel portions (50) is extended and has a damper (72) positioned therein. The damper (72) dampens relative axial movement of the two parts of the hinge (10). Thus, a door mounted on the hinge (10) in a door frame has its movement damped and tends not to slam closed.

Abstract: In a known design of liquid metal cooled fast fission nuclear reactor, the primary pumps (22) plug into the outboard ends of the high pressure pipes (28), leading to the development of a vertical load which has to be supported by substantial additional structure to avoid subjecting the reactor diagrid (18) to significant bending moments. The invention resides in connecting the inboard ends of the high pressure pipes (28) to the diagrid (18) via spigot and socket joints (40) so that the pipes are not rigidly connected at either end. With this arrangement loads are developed at each end of the pipes which combine to produce radial reaction loads acting on smaller moment arms whereby the total moments imposed on the diagrid are reduced.

Abstract: In a nuclear reactor of the type in which the vault has a roof in which inner and outer rotatable shields are mounted, coolant is supplied to the roof and shields via duct penetrations which extend in the plane of rotation and can be brought into alignment and connected together by slidable connectors when relative rotation between the shields and roof is not required. When such rotation is to be effected, the connectors can each be retracted into a respective duct so that rotation is not obstructed thereby.

Abstract: A liquid metal cooled nuclear reactor of the kind in which the reactor core is disposed in a pool of liquid metal contained in the inner vessel of a double-walled steel tank supported in a vault having a roof the reactor has the roof supported by a conical support skirt carried by the wall of the vault, a single annular weld securing a main roof member to the skirt, and the conical skirt including a forked part providing inner and outer annular skirt portions from which the inner and outer vessels of the tank are carried respectively.

Abstract: In a nuclear reactor of the pool kind the primary vessel and fuel assembly are carried from the roof of the containment vault by tie straps. The primary vessel incorporates an annular yoke of `K` cross-section the tie straps being attached to the upwardly directed vertical leg and the downwardly directed inclined leg. The upper and lower strakes of the primary vessel are extensions of the remaining legs. Load supporting welds therefore are of intermittent nature thereby limiting the effects of weld crack propagation.