Abstract: The runout or profile of parts is measured without the need for precision supports by rotating the part generally about an axis of rotation. The changes in position of one or more reference surfaces on the part along first and second tracking axes are measured for a plurality of rotational positions of the part. The change in position of the target surface for which the runout or profile is to be determined is measured along a third tracking axis which lies substantially in a common plane with the first and second tracking axes. The change in position of the rotational axis of the part along the third tracking axis is determined from the changes in position of the one or more reference surfaces and the distances between the tracking axes, and is subtracted from the measured change in position of the target surface along the third tracking axis to determine the runout or profile.

Abstract: In a system for inspecting fuel assembly guide thimbles, an apparatus for handling drag gages insertable within the guide thimbles includes a spider rotatably mounted to an upright support structure and supporting drag gages in a series of angularly-displaced storage positions about the support structure, and a drive operable to rotate the spider relative to the support structure and thereby moving the gages about an endless path to dispose a selected one thereof at a retrieval-and-return station. An elongated track mounted to the support structure extends outwardly above the spider, and a trolley is movable along the track between a remote position overlying a work station containing the fuel assembly to be inspected and a position adjacent to the support structure and overlying the drag gage retrieval-and-return station.

Abstract: A clamping device for rectangular configurations characterized by two opposed jaws each having right-angled jaw portions and each pivotally mounted on separate support means for movement to and from each other so that the jaws form rectangular openings with self-adjusting aspect ratio for holding a rectangular workpiece.

Abstract: A device and a system for ascertaining dimensions includes at least one gaging block held by negative pressure to a workpiece. The gaging block has a body with a first face and a second face. The first face includes a recess portion therein and the second face defines a measurement reference surface. The body includes a port in communication with the recess portion and adapted for communication with a negative pressure generating device such as a vacuum pump. The gaging block is held by negative pressure in intimate and highly accurate contact with a workpiece in order to provide a reference point for measurements that might for a variety of reasons be most difficult to obtain.

Abstract: A system for ascertaining dimensions which comprises a measuring module and several gage extenders which can be used either alone or in combination with gaging blocks. The measuring module includes a drum member rotatably mounted on a support and at least one measuring member operably associated with the drum member. At least one end of the measuring member extends from the drum such that for rotational movement of the drum member in a first direction the free end of the measuring member is drawn up onto the drum and for rotational movement in a second direction the free end of the measuring member is played out from the drum member. The drum is rotated at a constant torque and the rotational movement of the drum is transmitted to a rotational position transducer. The rotational position transducer provides an output signal which is used in part to generate an electronic readout reflective of the movement of the measuring member.

Abstract: A protective refractory elongated hollow member for protecting pipe and the like in high temperature metallurgical furnaces comprises an arcuately shaped male part and an arcuately shaped female part interconnected at their respective longitudinal edges. The male part includes a clip partially embedded therewithin, which clip includes at least one hook and preferably two extending outward from the longitudinal edge of the part. The female part includes hook-receiving members such as loops partially embedded and extending from its longitudinal edge to receive the hooks. The hooks include locking means or preventive disengaging means for retaining the parts in assembled relationship.

Abstract: A protective refractory member which protects heat absorptive elements such as pipe in a furnace comprises two parts connected at their respective longitudinal edges to form a peripherally continuous hollow member. Both parts include a reticulated metal structure solidly embedded within a castable refractory matrix. In one of the parts the reticulated metal structure extends outward from each longitudinal edge to form two closed loops. The other part has associated with it a clip connected to the reticulated metal structure. The clip is partially embedded within the part and has hook-like projections, preferably two or more, extending outward from the longitudinal edge which engage the closed loops of the other part to form the hollow protective member. The hook-like connection can also be used to form protective members having discontinuous peripheries.

Abstract: A closure for an opening into a combustion chamber or a distillation chamber which tightly seals said opening. The closure has a central portion with a lip at its periphery having at least one sealing surface thereon. A member adjacent to the opening has a seat portion located out of proximity of said opening which contacts the sealing surface of the lip when the closure is closed. A hinge mechanism mounting the closure adjacent to the opening and permitting removal of the closure from the opening and a locking lever supported adjacent to the opening to force the sealing surface of the lip against the seat portion to seal the opening when the closure is closed. The seal is located out of proximity of a passageway in communication with the opening.