Abstract: In a steam turbine inlet which includes an annular steam strainer stationarily positioned therein for stopping the passage into the turbine of large metal particles in the steam, the improvement in the strainer which comprises a plurality of spaced through holes in a major portion of the strainer circumference, the through holes being of differing diameters, with holes of like diameter being positioned in longitudinally-extending, circumferential zones, holes of the largest diameter being disposed in zones where metal particles are least likely to enter the holes, holes of smaller diameter being disposed in zones where metal particles are most likely to enter the holes, and a longitudinally-extending, circumferential zone in the strainer without holes where the particles velocity and direction of movement would be damaging to any holes located in such a zone, the through holes each having an entrance end on the outer periphery of the strainer, an exit end on the inner periphery of the strainer, and an interio

Abstract: In a turbine inclusive of:a turbine shaft having a longitudinal axis, a steam pipe, a shell circumadjacent the pipe, the pipe and shell being shiftable in vertical and transverse and axial directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a seal assembly disposed between the pipe and shell and comprising a stack of interdigitated relatively large and small piston rings, the improvement comprising: placement of the stack of large and small rings into a circular container which is inserted into the shell with adequate clearance to permit thermal expansion, the container being provided with a flexible seal to the shell and having thermal inertia similar to that of the rings and the pipe.

Abstract: In a steam turbine shell which includes a horizontal joint, flanges and bolts or studs, washers and nuts, the provision of special disassembly bolts or studs, washers and nuts to be used to replace certain initially removed operating bolts or studs, washers and nuts to accept the forces which would normally build up on the remaining operating bolts or studs or washers, or nuts caused by the tendency of the shell to distort as bolts or studs, washers and nuts are removed, the special disassembly bolts or studs, or washers, or nuts having special characteristics, including a high thermal coefficient of expansion, the special disassembly bolts and washers being coated with a friction reducing compound and having high short term strength to enable their easy removal, even from a distorted shell.

Abstract: In a compressible rotating machine having stationary and rotating elements and employing seal teeth between the stationary and rotating elements capable of being rubbed, worn and damaged by the rotating elements, the improvement which comprises providing a small patch of hard, cutting or grinding material on a small portion of the rotating elements disposed in opposition to the seal teeth and capable of intermittent cutting of the seal teeth during temporary contact so as to avoid mushrooming or of melting of the teeth and to leave them sharp and thin and to prevent grooving of the surface of the rotating elements.

Abstract: In a steam turbine inlet which includes an annular steam strainer stationarily positioned therein for stopping the passage into the turbine of large metal particles, the improvement in the strainer which comprises a plurality of spaced through holes in a major portion of the strainer circumference, the through holes being of differing diameters, with holes of like diameter being positioned in longitudinally-extending, circumferential zones, holes of the largest diameter being disposed in zones where metal particles are least likely to enter the holes, holes of smaller diameter being disposed in zones where metal particles are most likely to enter the holes, and a longitudinally-extending zone in the strainer without holes where the particles velocity and direction of movement would be damaging to any holes located in such a zone.

Abstract: An improved bell seal arrangement for steam turbines wherein the bell seal is modified by the addition of a special, replaceable, cylindrical extension seal for sealing the leakage gap between the bell seal and the turbine inner shell, the extension seal being threadably attached and secured to the modified bell seal to insure against vibration, and when wear or damage occurs to the extension seal surface, being replaceable without requiring complete removal or replacement of the modified, existing bell seal.

Abstract: An improved bell seal arrangement for steam turbines is provided that allows the bell to expand thermally without damage to the opposing seal surface of the inner shell by the addition of components that allow yielding of the seal surface without causing permanent distortion or surface damage.

Abstract: In a steam or gas turbine employing tip seals which are disposed between a stationary shell or spill strip holder and a rotating bucket cover or shroud to minimize steam leakage, the improvement for limiting particle damage to the tip seals and adjacent components comprising: a scoop plate mounted on the shell or spill strip holder from which the tip seals depend, circumferential openings in the tip seals, and expulsion scoops on the scoop plate adjacent the tip seals for deflecting particulate material through the circumferential openings in the tip seals for minimizing damage thereto.

Abstract: A segmented seal ring and spring system for steam turbines for minimizing leakage between rotating and stationary components, and preventing damage and wear thereto, including a segmented seal ring, with first springs biased against the seal segments to urge the segments radially outward toward a large clearance position of the seal ring with respect to the turbine shaft. The springs urge the seal segments into the large clearance position at low shaft speeds and small turbine loads, whereas at medium to high flows and high working pressure, working fluid will overcome the spring forces and urge the seal segments into a small clearance position. Special gravity springs are provided in the lower half seal ring segments with the lower end of such springs seated against the turbine casing while the upper spring end is biased against the seal segment to produce an upward force which neutralizes the downward force caused by the weight of the segment.

Abstract: In a turbine potentially threatened by particulate material and having upstream and downstream stages enclosed within a housing, each stage employing stationary and rotating components, the stationary components including at least one spillstrip holder, at least one spillstrip and at least one tip seal on the spillstrip, the at least one tip seal depending from the spillstrip adjacent the rotating component, the improvement which comprises, a slanted outer side wall on the at least one spillstrip holder, a small scoop on the spillstrip adjacent the tip seal and a small through opening in the tip seal so that the particulate material is discharged relatively quickly from the space adjacent the tip seal either to a special chamber in the stationary component for capturing and storing the particulate material for protecting downstream stages therefrom, or to rejoin the normal steam flow entering the following stage.

Abstract: A tip seal arrangement is provided for steam and gas turbines that allows the tip seals to be mounted on shrouds in such a way as to be easily replaceable while ensuring a minimum of contact between tenons and particles carried by leaking turbine fluid.The invention is practiced by multiple segments that clip to the shrouds so as to provide a full circle with a stand-up radial seal that projects outwardly from the shroud to provide a small clearance with the stationary diaphragm or casing that surrounds the rotating blades with the individual segments being relatively easy to remove and replace.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for improving the performance of vapor turbine diffusers by preventing flow separation from the diffuser walls. Such separation from the diffuser walls is decreased or eliminated herein by chilling the diffuser walls below the saturation temperature, causing some condensation to occur and insuring vapor flow toward the walls to eliminate the natural tendency toward separation in diffusing vapor passages.

Abstract: Start-up particulate separating apparatus for the inlet steam flow to a steam turbine, where particulate material can be a cause of internal damage and erosion, comprising a steam inlet pipe to the turbine, a centrifugal separator, and means for directing the inlet steam from the inlet pipe to the separator for removing particulate therefrom.

Abstract: Stationary particulate seals are provided for elastic fluid turbines to minimize the influx of weld beads and other particulate material into critical zones of stationary diaphragms including the horizontal joint and the axial seal ledge where the diaphragm and shell contact each other.

Abstract: In a turbine inclusive of: a turbine shaft having a longitudinal axis, a steam pipe, a shell circumadjacent the pipe, the pipe and shell being shiftable in vertical and transverse and axial directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a seal assembly disposed between the pipe and shell and comprising a stack of interdigitated relatively large and small piston rings, the improvement comprising: each large ring loosely fitting inside the shell during nonoperative conditions and firmly and sealingly engaging the shell during operative conditions; and having a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than that of the shell for expanding at a rate faster than the expansion rate of the shell under a condition of increased temperature, each small ring loosely fitting around the pipe during nonoperative conditions and firmly and sealingly engaging the pipe during operative conditions; and having a coefficient of thermal expansion less than that of the pipe for expanding at a rate slower than the exp

Abstract: Bases for baseball and softball are improved to permit yielding when struck by sliding players. The bases are provided with a slot extending diagonally across the lower surface thereof. A slide member is slidably received in the slot to allow the bases to yield when contacted by a player. Spring elements are attached to the slide member and the base to cause the slide member to return to a normal at rest position of the base after being moved as a result of contact by a player.

Abstract: Inspection port plugs for fluid flow measuring sections are separated from the access and sealing flanges that have been employed in the past. This permits more accurate and faster positioning of the plug that is no longer vulnerable to faulty flange positions caused by flange gasket stiffness or bolt tightness.

Abstract: An electronic method is used to determine the location of a football on a playing field using a radio transmitter which is positioned at the end of the football and energized to send signals to dispersed receiving rotating antennas which automatically become positioned to point toward the transmitter and then provide via triangulating methods, signals to a computer that determines and transmits the actual location of the football to selected receivers on or off the football field.

Abstract: Springs are arranged in elastic fluid turbine seal ring systems to accomplish a condition of relatively large clearance while starting and during low load conditions but in cooperation with pressure forces occurring at higher loads permitting said seal ring to relocate to a position of relatively small clearance to improve sustained efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting wet spray from the tires of vehicle trucks operating on wet roads comprising a plurality of vertical, parallel wiggle plates having curved air flow passages for separating the water droplets from the air.