Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell generator (10) contains stacks (20) of hollow, tubular axially elongated fuel cells (36) which can operate to generate electricity; a single oxidant inlet plenum (52) including a bottom enclosing member, having hole therethrough which acts as an oxidant feed tube positioning board (77); a fuel inlet plenum (11); an oxidant/fuel exhaust chamber (94); power leads (32) electrically connected to the fuel cells transverse to the axis (36′) of the fuel calls; and a plurality of oxidant feed tubes (51); all surrounded by insulation (76); where there are at least two fuel cell stacks arranged in a row next to each other, the oxidant feed tube positioning board at the bottom of the oxidant inlet plenum is a laminate of layers of porous alumino-silicate ceramic fibers bonded with a ceramic alumina binder and dense woven ceramic (78) impregnated with ceramic adhesive (79), and wherein the insulation constitutes, primarily, bulk ceramic fibers.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell generator (10) contains stacks (20) of hollow, tubular axially elongated fuel cells (36) which can operate to generate electricity; a single oxidant inlet plenum (52) including a bottom enclosing member, having holes therethrough which acts as an oxidant feed tube positioning board (77); a fuel inlet plenum (11); an oxidant/fuel exhaust chamber (94); power leads (32) electrically connected to the fuel cells transverse to the axis (36′) of the fuel calls; and a plurality of oxidant feed tubes (51); all surrounded by insulation (76); where there are at least two fuel cell stacks arranged in a row next to each other, the oxidant feed tube positioning board at the bottom of the oxidant inlet plenum is a laminate of layers of porous alumino-silicate ceramic fibers bonded with a ceramic alumina binder and dense woven ceramic (78) impregnated with ceramic adhesive (79), and wherein the insulation constitutes, primarily, bulk ceramic fibers.

Abstract: A tool for removing a metal plug from a tube with repeated pulling impulses includes a pneumatic cylinder defining an interior, cylindrical chamber. A distal end surface of the cylinder defines an anvil. A cylindrical slug, or hammer, is sealingly slidable within the chamber in response to a pressure difference above and below the hammer within the chamber. The cylinder is rigidly connected to the plug so as to hang therefrom, the weight of the cylinder providing a static pull force working in conjunction with the pulling impulses. A pulling impulse is provided by first raising the hammer above the anvil by pneumatically creating a first pressure difference wherein the pressure below the hammer is greater than the pressure above the hammer, then creating a second pressure difference wherein the pressure below the hammer is no greater than the pressure above the hammer in order to drive the hammer against the anvil at speed.

Abstract: Inspection probe for inspecting a tubular member for anomalies, the tubular member having an inside surface that may be irregularly-shaped. The inspection probe includes an enclosure sized to be slidably received along the inside surface of the tubular member. The enclosure has a cavity therein and a housing disposed in the cavity. A spring is disposed in the cavity of the enclosure for outwardly biasing the housing toward the inside surface of the tube. A swivel body is pivotably mounted in the housing. The swivel body has a sensor pivotably mounted thereon for sensing anomalies (i.e., flaws and wall thinning) in the tube wall. Connected to the swivel body and to the sensor is a first pivot pin for pivoting the sensor about a first pivot point laying on a first axis extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member.

Abstract: An eddy current probe, especially useful for inspecting roll plugs in steam generator tubes, has a detector assembly which is automatically extended and retracted in a radial recess in an elongated body to prevent damage to the detector assembly during insertion and retraction of the probe, yet permits the detector assembly to bear against the interior wall of the roll plug, including the roll zone. In one embodiment, a mechanical actuator in the form of a pair of finger members spring biased radially outward operate through camming surfaces to rotate a pivot member which retracts the detector assembly; however, when the probe enters the bore of a roll plug the fingers are compressed to permit extension of the detector assembly. In another embodiment, a linear actuator such as a solenoid rotates the pivot member to extend and retract the detector assembly.