Abstract: A method for tracking and monitoring tools in a multi-user environment is provided. The method assigns a unique identification number to each tool which permits the tool to be tracked for purposes of performing operations on the tool, such as periodic performance verification testing and/or preventative maintenance. A user programs the frequency and time at which the operation is to be periodically performed on a tool, such as performance verification testing or preventative maintenance. The method generates routes which enable the operation to be scheduled and performed on selected tools. Data collected from the operation may be uploaded, permitting the method to monitor the performance and/or operation of the tool. In a preferred embodiment, the method compares tool performance to tool operation and calculates tool set-up parameters to tune the performance of the tool to desired levels.

Abstract: The outlet hose from the lagoon pump is telescopically connected to the waste injector inlet tube such that the outlet hose is free to rotate and maintain itself in a straight condition by the fluid pressure in the outlet hose during use. A tow swivel is provided which allows the tractor and waste injector to pull the outlet hose back and forth across the field without interfering with the free rotation of the outlet hose relative to the inlet tube.

Abstract: A sanitary pressure regulator comprises a pressure sensing chamber, downstream of an orifice, has its upper portion defined by a diaphragm. A valve stem, mounted on the diaphragm, extends downwardly through the orifice and has a plug disposed on the upstream side of the orifice. A valve spring, is disposed in a spring housing and acts through a lower spring retainer to yieldingly resist movement of the valve plug to a position which would restrict fluid flow. The spring housing, compression spring and lower retainer form a unit which can be mounted on and detached from a passage housing. The valve stem is mounted on the diaphragm by a nut which is threaded onto a portion of the stem which projects above the diaphragm. Provision is made to lock the valve stem in an open position to facilitate the use of high pressure fluid in cleaning the regulator. In an alternate embodiment, the valve stem is axially fixed relative to the lower spring retainer and a disc engages the lower surface of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A siphon is provided having a generally S-shaped configuration with a widely flaring inlet and discharge. The siphon is adapted for use with a fluid storage tank which is positioned adjacent a trough to be flushed by the siphon. The siphon discharge opens upward onto a floor surface of the trough. The siphon inlet is provided with a weep hole. The siphon includes a trigger mechanism which activates a flushing mode of the siphon during a flushing cycle. Multiple siphons may be interconnected by the trigger mechanism so as to produce simultaneous flushing thereof.

Abstract: A ventilation heat recovery system is mounted in a livestock building or the like. The system includes a counterflow shell and tube heat exchanger with an outer sleeve axially surrounding the shell along a substantial longitudinal portion thereof. Air is drawn from the ambient atmosphere into the shell for heat-exchanging flow counter to exhaust air that is drawn from the building atmosphere and forced through the exchanger tubes for exhausting to the ambient atmosphere. An annular-shaped distribution channel is formed between the outer sleeve and the shell, and the sleeve has a plurality of distribution orifices therealong for distributing incoming air to the building atmosphere. The channel is in flow communication with the shell through a transition zone defined between the end of the shell and a transition manifold which supports the tubes. Alternatively, the shell is in flow communication with a remote distribution duct having a plurality of distribution orifices.

Abstract: A plug valve and method of making same are provided wherein the valve has an outer housing and a flow passage extending through the housing and including an inlet and an outlet interconnected by a bore therebetween. A plastic sleeve is disposed within the housing and lines the bore and such sleeve has a pair of aligned ports therein which are aligned with the inlet and outlet. A rotatable plug is disposed within the sleeve and such plug has an opening therethrough which is adapted to be rotated in and out of registry with the inlet and outlet.

Abstract: A plug valve and method of making same are provided wherein such valve has lip inserts removably installed between an outer housing of the valve and diametrically opposed ports in a plastic sleeve which serves as a liner for the inside surface of the outer housing. The ports are aligned in a flow passage through the valve and a rotatable plug member is rotatably supported within the sleeve. The lip inserts serve the multiple purpose of protecting edge surfaces defining the ports of the sleeve against impingement of fluid flowing through the flow passage, holding the sleeve against rotation, preventing cold flow or extrusion of parts of the plastic sleeve in the flow passage and providing smooth uninterrupted flow of fluid through the valve flow passage.

Abstract: In a siphon apparatus having at least two legs with a liquid trap therebetween, a liquid holding chamber is provided which communicates with the liquid trap through a restrictive orifice and which fills the liquid trap after the siphon is used, thereby insuring a liquid seal for the next use of the siphon. An overflow device is provided for the liquid trap which cooperates with a trigger mechanism to fill the liquid trap to a predetermined level at the same time assuring the filling of the trigger mechanism. The trigger device may be connected to a plurality of siphons, whereby each siphon flushes simultaneously when a predetermined level is reached in a tank which is to be discharged thereby. Preferably the siphons are conchoidally or spirally shaped, and the holding chamber comprises an inner void thereof.

Abstract: In a siphon apparatus having at least two legs with a liquid trap therebetween, a liquid holding chamber is provided which communicates with the liquid trap through a restrictive orifice and which fills the liquid trap after the siphon is used, thereby insuring a liquid seal for the next use of the siphon. An overflow device is provided for the liquid trap which cooperates with a trigger mechanism to fill the liquid trap to a predetermined level at the same time assuring the filling of the trigger mechanism. The trigger device may be connected to a plurality of siphons, whereby each siphon flushes simultaneously when a predetermined level is reached in a tank which is to be discharged thereby. Preferably the siphons are conchoidally or spirally shaped, and the holding chamber comprises an inner void thereof.

Abstract: A siphon apparatus is provided which includes a liquid storage reservoir in which is mounted a conchoidial-shaped siphon having an inlet end and an outlet end. A trigger device is provided and is connected to the siphon and is operable for actuating the siphon action of the siphon when a predetermined level of liquid is reached in the reservoir. The apparatus requires no moving parts for the operation thereof.

Abstract: A shock absorber system was designed to absorb the energy imparted to doors in a nuclear reactor ice condenser compartment as they swing rapidly to an open position. Each shock absorber which is installed on a wall adjacent each door is large and must absorb up to about 40,000 foot pounds of energy. The basic shock absorber component comprises foam enclosed in a synthetic fabric bag having a volume about twice the foam volume. A stainless steel knitted mesh bag of the same volume as the fabric bag, contains the fabric bag and its enclosed foam. To protect the foam and bags during construction activities at the reactor site and from the shearing action of the doors, a protective sheet metal cover is installed over the shock absorber ends and the surface to be contacted by the moving door.

Abstract: A support structure for the lattice supporting a fusible material in the annular condenser region of a nuclear reactor containment, the flexibility of which structure can be selectively adjusted in accordance with seismic or other loading requirements. The lattice is affixed to a flexible member in a manner which allows relative movement between the two components. The flexible member is affixed to a rigid support member in a manner which selectively adjusts the resiliency of the flexible member. The support member is rigidly affixed to a wall of the containment annulus, and can also be utilized to support cooling ducts.

Abstract: An air box type shock absorber primarily for use in an ice condenser compartment of a nuclear reactor. The shock absorber includes a back plate member and sheet metal top, bottom, and front members. The front member is prefolded, and controlled clearances are provided among the members for predetermined escape of air under impact and compression. Prefolded internal sheet metal stiffeners also absorb a portion of the kinetic energy imparted to the shock absorber, and limit rebound. An external restraining rod guided by restraining straps insures that the sheet metal front member compresses inward upon impact.

Abstract: A circular plate extends across the diameter of "sump suction" pump, with a close clearance between the edge of the plate and the wall of the pump tank. The plate is located above the pump impeller, inlet and outlet flow nozzles but below the sodium free surface and effectively divides the pump tank into two separate chambers. On change of pump speed, the close fitting flow restriction plate limits the rate of flow into or out of the upper chamber, thereby minimizing the rate of level change in the tank and permitting time for the pump cover gas pressure to be varied to maintain an essentially constant level.

Abstract: A core cooling system is disclosed for a nuclear reactor of the type utilizing a liquid coolant with a cover gas above free surfaces of the coolant. The disclosed system provides for a large inventory of reactor coolant and a balanced low pressure cover gas arrangement. A flow restricting device disposed within a reactor vessel achieves a pressure of the cover gas in the reactor vessel lower than the pressure of the reactor coolant in the vessel. The low gas pressure is maintained over all free surfaces of the coolant in the cooling system including a coolant reservoir tank. Reactor coolant stored in the reservoir tank allows for the large reactor coolant inventory provided by this invention.