Abstract: An automatic inspection system is provided for determining surface defects on cylindrical objects such as nuclear fuel pellets or rods. The active element of the system is a compound ring having a plurality of pneumatic jet units directed into a central bore. These jet units are connected to provide multiple circuits, each circuit being provided with a pressure sensor. The outputs of the sensors are fed to a comparator circuit whereby a signal is generated when the difference of pressure between pneumatic circuits, caused by a defect, exceeds a pre-set amount. This signal may be used to divert the piece being inspected into a "reject" storage bin or the like.

Abstract: A shaft seal assembly for a rotary machine includes a breakdown bushing having a close running fit with the outer periphery of the shaft of the rotary machine for throttling sealing fluid moving from a high pressure fluid injection region to a first region of lower pressure. The breakdown bushing includes an axially extending step-like portion of constant diameter spaced from the outer periphery of the shaft and disposed immediately adjacent to the fluid injection region to restrict the flow of fluid moving from the injection region. The restricted fluid develops a radially acting hydrostatic force on the surface of the step-like portion to move said seal member radially outward with respect to the shaft. An annular seal ring is integrally connected to said breakdown bushing to prevent the working fluid from escaping into a second low pressure region.

Abstract: This device is essentially a butterfly type valve which acts as a flow constriction by rotating a disc body with its planar axis parallel to or at right angles to fluid flow through a channel. The disc body has an additional capability of extending sectors from the body beyond the original boundary or peripheral edge of the body, thereby increasing the restriction of the flow area surrounding the disc.

Abstract: A remotely operable sampler is provided for obtaining variable percentage samples of nuclear fuel particles and the like for analyses. The sampler has a rotating cup for a sample collection chamber designed so that the effective size of the sample inlet opening to the cup varies with rotational speed. Samples of a desired size are withdrawn from a flowing stream of particles without a deterrent to the flow of remaining particles.