Abstract:
In some examples, a system for filtering and distributing fluid in a planting device comprises a first receptacle and a second receptacle. The first receptacle includes a first filter and a second filter. The second receptacle includes a first aperture and a second aperture. Fluid can enter the second receptacle through the first aperture and drain from the second receptacle through the second aperture to the second filter in the first receptacle. The system may include a pump configured to pump fluid from the first receptacle through the first filter to the first aperture of the second receptacle. Moreover, the system may include barriers that at least partially obstruct fluid flow between the first aperture and the second aperture. Each of the barriers includes a plurality of perforations located along a width of the barrier; each of the plurality of perforations allows fluid to flow through the barrier.
Abstract:
A method of epitaxial growth of a material on a crystalline substrate includes selecting a substrate having a crystal plane that includes a plurality of terraces with step risers that join adjacent terraces. Each terrace of the plurality or terraces presents a lattice constant that substantially matches a lattice constant of the material, and each step riser presents a step height and offset that is consistent with portions of the material nucleating on adjacent terraces being in substantial crystalline match at the step riser. The method also includes preparing a substrate by exposing the crystal plane; and epitaxially growing the material on the substrate such that the portions of the material nucleating on adjacent terraces merge into a single crystal lattice without defects at the step risers.
Abstract:
A nut runner tool is used to engage, turn, capture and lift the RPV head closure nuts from the RPV studs. The tool is also used to capture, lift and transport the nuts from the storage tray to the RPV head closure studs. The nut runner system enables a single operator to remove and install head closure nuts quickly and safely. The nut runner is powered by a remotely operated air driver. The reaction torque is transferred safely through the tool into the top of the closure stud. The air driver unthreads the nut, then a nut holding device is actuated, and the nut and tool are lifted from the top of the stud with a hoist attached to a trolley. The nut and tool are moved radially from the stud location to the storage position in the nut rack. When positioned over the storage location, the lowering of the nut into the rack is performed by the hoist, eliminating the need to manhandle the nuts into and out of the storage rack. After lowering the nut into the nut rack, the nut holding device is released and the nut runner is moved to the next location. The reverse of this process reinstalls the nuts.
Abstract:
A latch assembly having at least one control element having a first path of motion in which a ratchet is moved to an unlatched position and a second path of motion in which the ratchet is not so moved, the path of motion taken by the control element dependent upon whether an engagement element is engaged with the control element or disengaged therefrom. Preferably, the control element moves the ratchet by contact with a pawl which itself can be engaged with the ratchet. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control element can be partially or fully actuated through its second path of motion while still being engagable with its engagement element. If already partially or fully actuated through its second path of motion, the engagement element is preferably movable into contact with the control element and can move the control element to its first path of motion. The latch assembly can have a second control element also having first and second paths of motion determined at least partially upon whether an engagement element is engaged with the second control element or disengaged therefrom. The second control element can be connected to the first engagement element to move the first engagement element into and out of engagement with the first control element when the second control element is actuated in its engaged state.
Abstract:
A linear actuator is used to push a spring-loaded ram. The loading force of the spring against a stationary workpiece is calibrated with the displacement of the ram once the load exceeds the spring preset value. At a preset loading position, an electrical contact opens, indicating that the spring load has reached or exceeded the preset value. A mechanical stop, acting in conjunction with the stall characteristics of the linear actuator, prevents the operating range from being exceeded. This device has applications where precise standoff from a surface, the application of a precise force to that surface, and a controlled rate of the application of the force is needed.