Abstract: Continuous extrusion apparatus in the form of a rotatable wheel having a peripheral endless groove for material to be extruded. An abutment having a die orifice protrudes into the groove. The sides of the abutment and of the groove are of complementary stepped form to inhibit the egress of material from between the sides of the groove and of the abutment.

Abstract: A die assembly for use in a continuous extrusion apparatus is made up of two cooperating members. The first member has tapered apertures therethrough disposed symmetrically about a mandrel portion. The mandrel portion cooperates with a throat portion in the second member to define an extrusion gap. A ceramic insert can be located in the second member to reduce wear during the extrusion of materials such as copper.

Abstract: A system for loading nuclear fuel pellets into tubular fuel pins. The system includes means for locating a fuel pin in registry with a pellet channel to enable a pellet stack to be displaced lengthwise into the fuel pin. The pellet channel and the pin locating means are mounted on a common structure. Linear vibrator means comprise first driving means arranged to urge the common structure in a lengthwise direction, and second driving means arranged to urge the common structure in a substantially perpendicular direction, so that the common structure is driven in a closed loop. Sensing means provide a signal upon cessation of pellet motion upstream of the fuel pin locating means. Means operable in response to said signal automatically adjust the phase relationship between said first and second driving means to effect reverse motion of the pellets.