Abstract: A multi-stage generator for generating dry acetylene gas from calcium carbide while leaving a residue of dry lime has a generator housing including a plurality of vertically spaced shelves, each shelf and its associated components providing a stage of the generator. Each shelf has an exit slot and a water spray zone circumferentially spaced therefrom. A deposit zone is formed intermediate the water spray zone and the exit slot. Stirring arms are rotatably mounted to cooperate with each shelf to sweep the calcium carbide mixture received in the deposit zone into the wetting zone and thereafter into the exit slot. The exit slot of each shelf is offset angularly relative to the exit slot of the preceeding shelf so that the calcium carbide mixture is swept about each shelf through a substantial angle prior to exiting to the next shelf.

Abstract: A retaining assembly for retaining a key or the like within a slot that is defined in a housing includes a bar secured to the key. The bar includes an aperture through which passes a first end of a threaded rod. The rod includes a second end that is adapted to abutt against the housing. Threaded on the rod between the housing and the bar is a nut that may be threaded to bear against the bar producing a force against the bar that is transmitted to the key to prevent the key from sliding out of the slot. In the preferred embodiment, the slot and key are tapered.