* GB785924 (A)

Description: GB785924 (A) ? 1957-11-06

Improvements in or relating to clutches for motor vehicle drives

Description of GB785924 (A)

PATENT SPECIFICATION 785,924 4 ' i Date of Application and filing Complete Specification: Sept30, 1955. ___ No27916155. ( 1 Aw 01 Application made in United States of America on Oct 5, 1954. Complete Specification Published: Nov 6, 1957. Index at acceptance:-Class 80 ( 2), C( 1 A 9: 1 A 11 A: 1 E 2). International Classification:-FO 6 d. ICOMPILEE SPEC Ii F'ICATION Improvements in or relating to Clutches for Motor Vehicle Drives We, FORD MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, a Company incorporated under the laws of Great Britain, of 88, Regent Street, London, W.1, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, 'and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: - This invention relates generally ito clutches for motor vehicle drives and has particular reference to a synchronised clutch incorporating a two-way blocker structure. Although applicable to other types of drives as well, the invention is shown here in one embodiment as applied to an arrangement suitable for trucks in which an underdrive or speed-reduction gearing is utilised ahead of the main gear box and in which a speed-responsive control is provided to eliminate the gear reduction and drive the main gearbox directly The input and output gears of the speed-reduction unit tare normally held apart by the axial component of the helical-gear tooth-load, this component being sufficient to hold the gears apart and prevent engagement of jaw clutch elements carried by the two gears even when shift action is undertaken 'by actuation of a vacuum-powered servo unit at a predetermined speed The input and output gears are provided with annular blocker rings, one of the rings being secured to

its associated gear and the other being frictionally coupled to the other gear under spring pressure The blocker rings are provided with alternate slots and tooth portions with the slots in one of the blocker rings being stepped to form an outer wider portion iand an inner narrower portion. The offset shoulders forming the stepped portions are inclined at a small 'acute angle to the radial plane and the corresponding outer edges of the tooth portions of the other blocker ring are inclined at substantially the same angle as the offset shoulders The tooth portions of the other blocker ring correspond in width to the width of the narrower portion of the sitepped slots The arrangement is such that synchronisation can 'be effected upon a torque reversal through the speed reduction unit in either direction. For example, with the shift mechanism conditioned by the speed-controlled servo unit to effect 'a;shift of the speed-reduction gearing from its predetermined speed reduction to direct drive, the shift may 'be completed by momentarily closing the carburettor throttle to affect a torque reversal and reduce the axial component of tooth load to enable the shift to be made automatically when the input and output gears are synchronised At this torque reversal the tooth portions of the one blocker ring which are positioned in the wider outer portions of the stepped slots of the other blocker ring are released from interference with the shoulders between the outer and inner portions of the slots and are free to move into the narrower inner portions of the slots thus permitting synchronised engagement of the clutch elements carried by the input 'and output gears In addition, the mechanism operates during a torque reversal in the opposite direction, as for example when the vehicle is free-wheeling in' the speed-reduction underdrive so that the input gear is rotating more slowly than 'the output gear The blocking mechanism of this invention prevents clutch engagement under these conditions until synchronised speed is reached between the two gears, but the operation is reversed, with the blocker ring for the output gear driving the blocker ring for the input gear and with the tooth portion of the one ring engaging the shoulder at the opposite side of the stepped slot in the other ring. The invention will be further described in connection with the accompanying drawing, wherein;: Figure 1 is a semidiagrammatical crosssectional view of a portion of a motor vehicle gearbox illustrating the present invention. Figure 2 is an expanded elevational view of the periphery of the annular blocker rings shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the invention. Figure 4 is an expanded elevational view of the annular blocker rings

shown in Figure 3. Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Figures 1 and 2, the reference character 10 indicates generally an underdrive or speed reduction gearing unit having an input shaft 12 adapted to be driven from a motor vehicle engine (not shown) Axially aligned with the input shaft 12 and journalled on bearings 4 and 16 is tan output shaft 18 adapted to be connected to the input shaft of a conventional multispeed transmission gearbox (not shown) Integrally formed on the end of the input shaft 12 is an input gear 20 arranged to mesh with a gear 22 connected to the hub 24 of a gear 26 by means of an overrunning clutch 28 The gear 26 is journalled by bearings 30 upon a countershaft 32, and meshes with a gear 34 slidably mounted upon the output shaft 18,by means of splines 36 The overrunning clutch 28 is arranged to enable the gear 26 to be driven by the gear 22, but to permit the gear 26 to overrun the gear 22 under certain conditions. The adjacent faces of the gears 20 and 34 on the input and output shafts 12 and 18 respectively are formed with cooperating clutch teeth 38 and 40 respectively The clutch teeth 38 and 40 form a jaw clutch 42 which, when engaged, establishes a direct 1-1 drive from the input shaft 12 through the gears 20 and 34 and output shaft 18 to the main gearbox. When the jaw clutch 42 is disengaged, the drive to the conventional gearbox is through the input shaft 12, input gear 20, countershaft gears 22 and 26, output gear 34 and output shaft 18 to effect a predetermined speedreduction or underdrive. Shifting the gear 34 along the splines 36 on the output shaft 18 toward the gear 20 to effect a direct drive through the unit is accomplished by means of a shifting fork 44 secured to a shift rail 46 and engageable in an annular groove 48 formed in the hub of the 1 gear 34 A sleeve 50 is slidably mounted upon the rail 46 and is normally held by a coil spring 52 against a stop 54 The sleeve 50 is actuated by means of a bell-crank lever 56 pivotally mounted upon a fixed pivot 58 and connected by means of a connecting rod 60 to a diaphragm 62 contained within the housing 64 of a vacuum servo-unit 66 A coil spring 68 normally holds the diaphragm 62 in its upper position as shown in Figure 1, and vacuum power supplied through the conduit 70 is adapted to overcome the spring 68 and pull the diaphragm 62 downwardly. Conventional speed responsive control means (not shown) are utilised to supply vacuum to the servo unit 66 at a predetermined speed, as for example, 1000 engine R.P M, to swing the bell crank lever 56 in a clockwise direction and to move the sleeve 50 along the rail 46 This sliding movement of the sleeve 50 preloads the coil spring 52 but does not, because of the left hand helix angle 70 on the gears 34 and 26

and the resulting axial component of the gear tooth load, effect a movement of gear 34 to the left toward clutch engaging position. The preloaded spring 52, however, can be 75 effective to move the shift lever 44 to effect engagement between the clutch teeth 38 and only upon a torque reversal through the speed-reduction unit 10 This can be effected by momentarily closing the carburettor 80 throttle by releasing the foot accelerator of the vehicle, which will eliminate the axial component of the gear tooth load between gears 34 and 26 and permit the gear 34 to be shifted toward gear 20 along the splines 36 Due to 85 the difference of speed between the input and output gears 20 and 34, however, engagement of the clutch teeth 38 and 40 cannot be smoothly effected until the speeds of the gears are equal 90 Synchronisation between the gears 20 and 34 is obtained by means of a pair of cooperating annular blocker rings 72 and 74 The annular blocker ring 72 is L-shaped in cross section, having a radially extending flange 76 95 and an axially extending flange 78 Pins 80 non-rotatably secure the blocker ring 72 to the input gear 20 to effect rotation of the blocker ring 72 with the input gear as a unit The axially extending flange 100 78 of the blocker ring 72 is formed with alternate slots 82 and tooth portions 84 The outer edge of each tooth portion 84 is Vshaped, having inclined edge portions 86. The annular blocker ring 74 is also gener 105 ally L-shaped in cross-section, being provided with a radial flange 88 and an axial flange The radial flange 88 engages a friction thrust washer 92 which in turn is seated against an annular flange 94 of the output 110 gear 34 to effect a frictional engagement between the blocker ring 74 and the gear 34. The axial flange 90 of the blocker ring 74 is formed with alternate stepped slots 96 and stepped tooth portions 98 completely around 115 its circumferential extent Each stepped tooth portion 9,8 has a narrow marginal portion 100 and a wider inner portion 102 interconnected by an inclined shoulder 104 having a same inclination as the inclined edge portions 86 120 of the tooth portions 84 upon the blocker ring 72 As a result, each slot 96 between adjacent tooth portions 98 is also stepped, having a wider outer portion adjacent the marginal portion 100 and a narrower inner portion adja 125 cent the wider portion 102. From the foregoing it will be seen that each tooth portion 84 of the blocker ring 72 as well as each tooth portion 98 of the blocker ring 74 is symmetrical about an axial line 130 785,92 $ 4 785,924 3 through its centre It will also be noted that the tooth portions 84 of the blocker ring 72 correspond generally in width to the width of the narrow inner portion of the slot 9,6 between the wider portions 1102 of adjacent tooth portions 98 of the blocker ring 74 to permit the tooth portions '84 to slide into the narrow inner portions of the

slots 96. Normally the blocker rings 72 ' and 74 are 0 held apart by a coil spring 106 so that the radial fange 88 of the blocker ring 74 will 'be urged against the friction washer 92 to effect frictional engagement with the output gear 34. Inasmuch as during the operation of the gearbox the input gear 20 rotates faster than the output gear 34, the blocker rings 72 and 74 are rotated relative to each other to the position shown in Figure 2 in which the tooth portions 84 of the ring 72 engage the narrow portion 100 of the tooth portions 9,8 of the ring 174;at one side of the wide portions of the stepped slots 96. As previously mentioned, the helix angle of the gears 34 and 26 produces an axial component of gear tooth load which normally keeps the clutch teeth 40 of the gear 34 out of engagement with clutch teeth 3,8 of the gear 20, even when the engine speed exceeds the predetermined amount necessary to actuate the vacuum servo unit 6; 6 and preload the spring 52 on the shifter rail 46 A torque reversal, effected by momentarily closing the carburettor throttle, eliminates or reduces the axial component of the gear tooth load and, when the speeds of the gears 20 and 34 have become synchronised, enables the spring loaded shifter fork 44 to effect an axial movement of the output gear 34 and engagement of the clutch teeth 3 '8 and 40 to produce a direct drve between the input and output shafts 12 and 18 of the speed reduction unit This eliminates an objectionable ratcheting noise which might otherwise occur in the transition from underdrive to direct drive prior to the synchronisation of the gears It also eliminates:a similar noise which would occur when the vehicle stands at idle and the engine is speeded up, as during la warm-up period, to a speed exceeding the speed at which the servo unit 66 is energized. In addition to the foregoing, the constructlon of the present invention prevents dangerous partial engagement of the jaw clutch 42 when the input gear 20 is rotating slower than the output gear 34 This condition can occur when the vehicle is free wheeling in the underdrive or speed reduction ratio, this being permitted by the overrunning clutch 2 '8 between the gears 22 and 2,6 on the countershaft 32 At this time the annular blocker ring 74 drives the blocker ring i 72 and 'the engagement of the tooth portions 98 and 84 of the blocker rings respectively is effected at the opposite sides of the teeth from the engagement under the usual conditions described earlier Here again the blocker rings prevent engagement until the speeds are synchronised, and it will be seen that the device thus is effective in both directions of torque application 70 The angle of the shoulder 104 on the stepped tooth portion '9 '8 of the blocker ring 74 and the corresponding angle of the inclined surfaces 86 on the tooth

portions,84 of the blocker ring 72 are determined so that at 75 torque reversal the angle exceeds the angle of friction of a normal surface With this arrangement only a small amount of friction between the radial flange 88 of the blocker ring 74, the friction' thrust washer 92 and the annular 80 flange 94 of the gear 34 is sufficient to disengage the blocker and permit the shift to be effected. Reference is now made to the modification of the invention shown in Figures 3 and 4 85 in which annular blocker rings 110 and 112 are axially aligned and are associated as in -the preceding example with jaw clutch members which, when engaged form interconnections between the impeller housing 114 of a 90 hydraulic torque convertor 116 and the turbine 118 thereof As seen in Figure 4, the blocker ring 1 10 has tooth portions 120 formed with inclined marginal edges 122 adapted to engage an inclined offset shoulder 124 formed on the 95 tooth portions 126 of the blocker ring 112 A spring 12 '8 normally urges the blocker rings apart and the engagement between the shoulder on the tooth portion 126 and the tooth portion 120 of the opposite blocker ring pre 100 vents axial movement of the hub 130 to effect a direct drive between the impeller 132 connected to the housing 114 and the turbine 118 until synchronisation is reached. It will be understood that the invention is 105 not to be limited to 'the exact construction shown and described, but that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims 110

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* GB785925 (A)

Description: GB785925 (A) ? 1957-11-06

Improvements relating to means for securing knobs or the like to shafts orthe like

Description of GB785925 (A)

PATENT SPECIFICATION 785,925 ' Date of Application and filing Complete Specification: Nov 10, 1955. No 32201155. Applicabion made in United States of America on Feb 23, 1955. Complete Specification Published: Nov 6, 1957. Index at acceptance:-Classes 44, C 2; and 80 ( 2), 52 (B 2: B 6: E). International Classification:-E 05 b F 06 d. COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Improvements relating to means for Securing Knobs or the like to Shafts or the like We, TINNERMAN PRODUCTS, INC, a corporation organised and existing under the laws of the State of Ohio, United States of America, of 8700 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:This invention relates to an improved connection for securing a knob, handle or other article of manufacture to a co-operating shaft, rod, spindle, or the like, (hereinafter referred to as a shaft), against relative rotative as well as undesired relative axial movement for use in transmitting or receiving a relatively small torque or for effecting axial thrust-like operations without resulting in objectionable looseness, wobble and side play in the connection. The invention deals, more particularly, with such a connection in which the operating member is provided with a special form of recess for receiving an improved clip or fastener for securing the operating member to a shaft or shaft stem employed, for example, as the actuating means for an adjustable control unit. One object of the invention is to provide a simple, inexpensive means for attaching a knob or other operating member to a shaft in a rigid positive connection which prevents relative rotation between said member and shaft in operation and use, and yet permits removal thereof from the shaft when necessary or desirable. A further object of the invention is to provide a connection for an operating member and shaft comprising a spring clip or fastener having means resiliently embracing the periphery of the shaft together with means having positive anchoring engagement in a recess in the operating member to maintain the same in connected engagement with the shaft. Another object of the invention is to provide such a connection, or

the like, in which the recess in the knob or other operating member is providedl with longitudinal slots receiving longitudinal ribs on the clip in a positive connection which prevents relative rotation or shifting movement of the clip and knob or other operating member connected to the shaft by the clip A further object of the invention is to provide a connection of the kind described in which the improved clip or fastener is assembled in the recess in the knob or operating member to define a socket opening receiving the shaft together with resilient spring fingers in pronounced bearing engagement with the shaft so that the parts of the connection are secured under continuously effective spring tension. Another object of the invention is the provision of a connection embodying any one or more or all of the foregoing features of construction and comprising a shaft stem having a flat side face adapted for abutting relation with a correspondingly shaped bearing surface of the socket opening defined by the spring clip or fastener such that the member secured on the shaft stem is held positively against relative rotative as well as relative axial movement. According to the present invention we provide a fastener for securing a shaft end' of non-circular cross section in a recess in a cooperating member, said recess having a crosssectional contour corresponding substantially to the cross section of said shaft end and being provided with lateral enlargements defining spaced longitudinall slots adjacent to and in communication with said recess, said fastener comprising a piece of sheet metal bent to provide a generally tubular clip having a crosssectional contour corresponding substantially to that of said recess in said member and provided with spaced outwardly projecting longitudinal ribs' having a spacing corresponding to that of said longitudinal slots adjacent said recess, whereby said clip is adapted to fit z 785,925 snugly in said recess in assembled position therein with said longitudinal ribs received in said longitudinal slots adjacent said recess to prevent relative turning of the clip in said assembled position in said recess. Our invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which like reference characters designate like parts throughout and in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the details of construction of the component parts of a knob and shaft assembly embodying the improved connecting means of the invention; Figure 2 shows the underside of the knob of Figure 1 with the clip or fastener assembled therein and' connecting thereto the shaft shown in section; Figure 3 is a sectional view of the assem'bly seen in Figure 2 along line 3-3, looking in the direction of the arrows; Figure 4 is a plan or elevational view of the clip or fastener per se showing the

half-round side thereof provided with the shaft securing spring fingers, and Figure 5 is a plan or elevational view of the clip or fastener per se showing the flat side thereof. The invention is directed to the provision of an improved connection and a simple and inexpensive form of spring clip or fastener adapted for quick and easy assembly in a recess in an operating member such as a rotatable knob, handle or any other article of manufacture so as to provide a detachable connection with a shaft to which said article is to be secured in a completed assembly In this regard, an important advantage of the invention resides in the complementary construction of the clip or fastener and the recess in the operating member or article of manufacture enabling the clip or fastener to be fixedly assembled therewith in a minimum of time and effort in proper position for rigidly connecting the article to a shaft. A preferred form of the clip or fastener is shown and described as employed with knob members, or the like, for adjustable control shafts such as may be used on air conditioning units, radio dial panels, automobile and aeroplane instrument panels, or the valve handles on stove burner units, and the like, but it is to be understood that the improved clip or fastener is not limited in its use to operating members of the type disclosed inasmuch as the same is equally adaptable to use as the means for securing, mounting or connecting various other articles of manufacture in a similar or equivalent relation-ship. Referring now, more particularly, to the drawing, there is shown a typical application of the improved connecting means of the invention as employed for an instrument control shaft of an air conditioning apparatus, for example The knob or other operating member designated generally 1, is formed of any suitable material as in the manner of a die casting or of a hardened plastic composition moulded into a simple, compact, onepiece article of any selected size or shape 70 Usually the knob 1 is substantially annular in outward appearance and comprises an outwardly projecting peripheral flange 2 on which Mnay be formed dial, graduations, pointers, symbols, and similar indicating means in a 75 well known manner. The knob, handle or other operating member 1 is formed in any selected size and shape with an axially extending hub 3 substantially centrally thereof The hub 3, of course, may 80 be of any suitable cross section but is preferably cylindrical inasmuch as the moulding equipment required therefor is the simplest and least expensive Said hub 3 is provided with an axial recess in a special formation 85 comprising a portion 5 of generally rectangular cross section having the inner side thereof in communication with a portion 6 of halfround cross section The half-round portion 6 of the recess is of less width than the rec

90 tangular portion 5 such that pronounced radial slots or kerfs 8 are provided at the opposite ends of the flat wall of said generally rectangular recess portion 5 Preferably the outer edge of the flat wall of the said recess portion 95 is formed with an outward bevel 9 defining a flared entrance facilitating assembly of the knob 1 or other member with the associated parts of the connection, as presently to be described 100 With the knob or other article formed with an axial recess in the manner aforesaid, there is provided a spring clip or fastener 10 in the form of a split tubular body or split spring collar having a cross-sectional contour corres 105 ponding substantially to the cross-sectional area of said axial recess 5, 6, and adapted to be received within said axial recess in rigid, bearing and anchored engagement with the walls thereof under a compressive force serv 116 ing to provide a continuous spring holding action of the clip in connected engagement with the co-operating shaft applied thereto. The spring clip 10 may be constructed of any suitable material but preferably is formed 115 from a relatively small, inexpensive strip or stamped section of spring metal or other sheet metal of a spring metal nature. The preferred form of spring clip 10 is shown comprising a suitable blank of sheet 120 metal bent into a split tubular body or split collar having a substantially D-shaped crosssectional contour comprising a flat longitudinal base or side 11 intermediate rounded side sections 12 formed from return bent free end 125 portions of the blank and defining the halfround side of the clip The portions of the rounded side sections 12 adjoining said base 11 are crimped inwardly to define rounded channel-shaped longitudinal ribs 14, or the 130 for any slight added resiliency that may be required on expansion of the clip when the associated shaft end is inserted into the clip to complete a connection. The clip 10 is advanced axially into the 70 recess 5, 6, to substantially the position shown in Figure 3 where the outwardly flared lip 19 on the clip seats evenly on the outward bevel, 9 at the open' end of the recess to limit the inward axial movement of the clip in said 75 recess and also provide a flared opening for facilitating insertion of the associated shaft end into the clip. As the clip 10 is advanced axially within the knob recess 5, 6, the outwardly projecting 80 teeth or prongs 17 press against the adjacent flat wall of the recess and are thereby biased slightly inwardly as necessary to permit the clip to slide to its fully inserted position in the knob recess as shown in Figure 3 In this 85 position, the said teeth 17 have a tendency to assume their initial outwardly projecting relation such that the extremities of said teeth dig into and: become

embedded in the plastic material of the adjacent fiat wall of the recess 90 to anchor and lock the clip in fully assembled relation in said recess against reverse axial movement in the direction toward disassembly therefrom. The shaft, designated generally 20, is usu 95 ally plain round rod material but obviously may be of any other selected stock so long as it is provided with a stem 21 of substantially D-shaped cross-section corresponding to or slightly larger than the generally D-shaped 100 cross-sectional contour of the socket opening presented by the clip 10 as assembled in the knob recess 5, 6, in the manner just described. Of course, provision of the shaft 20 from round stock is the most desirable since it is 105 the cheapest and requires only a simple, expeditious cutting or grinding operation along one side to provide a cut-away portion forming the desired, substantially D-shaped stem 21 110 Usually the clip 10 is first applied to assembled relation in the recess 5, 6, of the knob or other part, as aforesaid, thereafter receiving the shaft 21 in a completed assembly In certain instances, it is a more expedi 115 tious procedure first to position the clip or fastener 10 onto the shaft stem 21 and then apply the same to the recess 5, 6, in' the knob or other part In any event, the stem 21 provided on the shaft is readily introduced into 120 the flared entrance to the socket opening defned by the outwardly inclined lip 19 of the clip Such application of the shaft stem may be further facilitated by providing the same with a rounded or bevelled extremity which is 125 readily received in the socket opening defined by the clip and easily and quickly advanced to fully assembled relation with the knob in a minimum of time and effort. As the shaft stem 21 is advanced' axially 130 like extending lengthwise of the clip and adapted to fit snugly in the radial slots or kerfs '8 at the ends of generally rectangular recess portion 5 in the hub 3 ' on the knob The rounded side sections 12 of the clip are also bent into a generally half-round cross-sectional contour corresponding substantially to the cross-sectional area of the half-round recess portion 6 in the hub 3 on the knob. In the preferred, clip construction shown, the half-round side sections 12, Figure 4, have a slight spacing between their adjacent edges and the marginal portions thereof are provided with partially severed areas defining resilient spring fingers 15 extending free toward the adjacent rearward end of the clip and bent to project normally inwardly into the interior of the split tubular body of the clip Similar spring fingers may otherwise be provided by partially severed areas at any other suitable location on said half-round side sections 12 to function in substantially the same manner as in the preferred construction of the clip to provide a pronounced compression

on the shaft end received in the clip in the completed assembly. The flat side or base 11 of the clip, Figure 5, is provided with partially severed areas defining anchoring means in the form of one or more teeth, prongs or barbs 17 extending free towards the outer or forward end of the clip in a reverse direction from the spring fingers 15. Said teeth 17 are bent to project normally outwardly out of the plane of said base 11 in position to embed in the adjacent flat wall of the recess in the hub in the applied position of the clip in said recess By suitable cutouts, the outer free end of said base 11 is formed in the manner of an outwardly flared lip 19 having an inclination corresponding to that of the outward bevel 9 at the open end of the axial recess in' the hub 3 on the knob. The clip 10, thus provided, has a general cross-sectional contour slightly larger than the axial recess 5, 6, in the hub 3 ' on the knob so as to require a slight contraction on being inserted into said recess to seat therein in rigid bearing engagement with the adjacent wall portions thereof, and with the longitudinal ribs 14 snugly received in the radial slots or kerfs 8 at the sides of said recess The halfround side sections 12 of the clip, accordingly, seat under compression in bearing engagement with the half-round wall portion 6 of the recess while the opposite flat side 11 of the clip, likewise, seats under compression against the flat side of the generally rectangular portion of said recess The longitudinal ribs 14 on the clip seat snugly within the radial kerfs or slots S and 'co-operate with the flat side 11 of the clip in bearing engagement with the flat wall of the recess to prevent relative turning or shifting of the clip in assembled relation in said recess The channel-shaped, formation of the longitudinal ribs 14 also provides 785,925 within the clip, the half-round surface of the shaft stem 21 passes under the inwardly projecting spring fingers 15 and forces the same outwardly as necessary to permit said shaft stem to slide to fully assembled relation with the knob as shown in Figure 3 In this relation, said spring fingers 15 are tensioned in a pronounced bearing, gripping and binding engagement with the shaft to provide the completed connection in which the knob or other part is secured on the shaft stem 21 against relative axial as well as relative rotative movement for all practical operating purposes. In the event that it is necessary to remove the knob from the shaft stem 21, or vice versa, this is readily effected by an axial pull on either of these members by which the spring fingers 15 are caused to yield as necessary to permit the same to slide over the engaged portion of the shaft stem 21 until the knob is detached from said shaft stem 21 In this regard, the clip 10 is retained in fully

assembled relation within the knob recess 5, 6, by the anchoring teeth or prongs 17 in readiness for reattachment of the knob to the shaft stem 21 in the same or a similar fastening assembly. The present invention provides a relatively simple and inexpensive construction by which a knob or other article of manufacture may be easily and quickly assembled onto a shaft in a positive connection in which the spring clip 10 provides an automatic gripping and clamping engagement on the shaft to secure the same to the knob or other part under continuously effective spring tension against relative rotative as well as undesired relative axial movement As respects relative axial movement even greater efficiency and a substantially positively locked connection may be obtained by providing added teeth, barbs, knurling, etc, on adjacent co-operating surfaces of the shaft stem and spring clip in the completed connection. It will also be appreciated that the improved connection of the invention is such as to especially be suited for use with articles formed of plastic compositions and other fragile materials inasmuch as the construction of the clip 10 is in the form of a split spring collar, or the like, which completely embraces the shaft stem in a manner to take practically the entire thrust and strain set up by the shaft thereby minimizing the possibility of splitting or breaking of the plastic hub on the knob, handle or other part employed either for turning operations as in a rotary panel knob or as a push-pull operating device. Though the description and drawing refer to the invention as incorporated in a panel knob such as used in an air conditioning apparatus, for example, it will be understood that the instant connecting means is equally applicable wherever any article of manufacture is to be secured to a shaft or in any installation in which an operating member is to be mounted by sliding over the end of a shaft or applied to a shaft stem to effect axial movement thereto or for ithe purpose of transmitting or receiving a relatively small torque. The clip or fastener 10 preferably is con 70 structed of relatively thin sheet metal the thickness of which is selected according to service requirements and the predetermined size of the parts of the connection The clip, or fastener 10 is most effective when provided of 75 spring metal suitably tempered and otherwise treated to give the desired toughness and hardness, particularly in the case of devices intended for use in heavy duty applications. A cheap and highly satisfactory clip or fastener 80 may be provided from cold rolled metal such as cold rolled steel which is untempered but of spring metal nature and capable of providing an effective and reliable connecting device, as and for the purposes described 85

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* GB785926 (A)

Description: GB785926 (A) ? 1957-11-06

Pumping plants

Description of GB785926 (A)

PATENT SPECIFICATION Date of Application and filing Complete Specification: June 4, 1956. No 17189/56. Application made in Switzerland on June 3, 1955. Complete Specification Published: Nov 6, 1957. Index at acceptance: -Classes 21, D; and 85, B 4. International Classification:-B 67 c E 21 d. COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Pumping Plants We, SULZER FRERES, SOCIETE' ANONYME, a 'Company organised under the Laws of (Switzerland, of Winterthur, Switzerland, do hereby declare this invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is, to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: - This invention relates to pumping plants of the kind having a suction pipe immersed vertically in liquid The invention is applicable more particularly, but not exclusively, to bore hole pumps. In previous plants of this kind the suction pipe has been left free or occasionally rectangular walls have been built around it extending 'to the bottom of the liquid container to form a well into which the liquid to be pumped enters over the top of the walls. According to the present invention the suction pipe protrudes freely into an upright substantially cylindrical jacket open at both ends.

The liquid entering the suction pipe, which hereinafter will be assumed to be water, for pxatnple, is supplied not only over the upper edge of the jacket, 'but also through the open lower end of the jacket, so that ia considerable part of the water to 'be pumped enters the suction pipe without much change of direction, while the remainder originating from the region above the suction pipe inlet is drawn over the upper edge of the jacket into the suction pipe and undergoes a change of direction of about 1800 Tests have shown that flow separation of the water inside the pipe and thus pulsations and cavitation in the pump are largely avoided in plants embodying the invention. In one form of the invention the jacket contains guide vanes disposed in front of the suction pipe This affords the advantage, obtainable also with the said known plant with walls extending to the bottom of the liquid container, that rotational energy of the incoming water is dissipated before it enters the suction pipe Preferably the guide vanes project below the jacket and support it. lPrice 3 s 6 d l 85926 In another form of the invention the jacket has longitudinal ribs projecting radially inwards from its inner circumference By means 50 of these ribs any residual rotational energy in the water inside the jacket is eliminated. The longitudinal ribs may project below the jacket and support it. The invention may be performed in various 55 ways and some embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Figure 1 is a side view of a part of a bore 60 hole pumping plant embodying one form of the invention'; Figure 2 is a plan view of the plant shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a corresponding plan view of a 65 modified design; Figures 4 to 6 are illustrations, corresponding to Figures 1-3, of further embodiments; and Figures '7 to 8 are illustrations, correspond 70 ing to Figures 1 ' and 2 or 4 and 5, of yet another design. In the drawings corresponding parts have been given the same reference numerals throughout 75 In Figures 1 and 2 there is shown a bore hole pump 1 with its suction pipe 2 protruding freely vertically into an upright cylindrical jacket 3 which is open 'at both ends and which rests on supporting blocks 4 ' which 80 are firmly fixed, for example 'cemented, to the bottom 5 of 'a water container In the design shown in Figures 1 L and 2 four blocks are used, whereas in the design shown in Figure 3 ' there are six During operation the 85 chamber surrounded 'by the jacket is filled with water, either to the upper rim or, more usually, up to about the level indicated by the dotted line The water enters the 'chamber from the bottom between the blocks as shown by the 90 arrow 6, and from above over the upper edge 7 of the jacket as shown by the arrow 8.

In the construction shown, in (Figures 4 'and guide vanes 9 consisting of four wails arranged in the form of a cross are disposed in front of the pipe 2 In the construction shown in Figure 6 the guide-vanes 91 consist of three walls The guide vanes project below the jacket 3 land serve to support it. The upper parts of the guide vanes adjoin longitudinal ribs 10 which project radially inwards from the inner circumference of the jacket 3, In the construction shown in Figures 7 and 8 there are no guide vanes and the longitudinal ribs 10 themselves project below the jacket and support it.

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* GB785927 (A)

Description: GB785927 (A) ? 1957-11-06

Improvements in or relating to record card controlled business machines

Description of GB785927 (A)

A high quality text as facsimile in your desired language may be available amongst the following family members:

DE1144959 (B) FR1153965 (A) US2773645 (A) DE1144959 (B) FR1153965 (A) US2773645 (A) less Translate this text into Tooltip

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up-to-date or fit for specific purposes.

PATENT SPECIFICATION 7859927 Date of Application and filing Complete Specification June 6, 19 b 6. No 17516156. Application made in United States of America on June 10, 1955. Complete Specification Published Nov 6, 1957. Index at Acceptance:-Class 106 ( 1), M( 6 B: 19 C). International Classification:-GO 6 k. COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to Record Card Controlled Business Machines We, BURPOUGHS CORPORATION, a corporation organised under the laws of the State of Michigan, United States of America, of Main Offices, 6071, Second Avenue, Detroit 32, Michigan, United States of America, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:This invention relates to business machines adapted to utilize record cards and particularly to commutators for manifesting the significant reading positions of record cards in business machines. Cards are read in business machines by being fed past column reading brushes which are instrumental to generate data-representing signals as perforations are sensed at selected index points in the respective card columns. The data represented by these selectively located perforations in a card are analyzed by means of a pulse emitter, which generates a pulse for timing or synchronizing purposes as each index point on the card is fed past a reading brush In conventional practice the emitter comprises a rotating armature adapted to make brief electrical connections sequentially with a series of contacts disposed peripherally about the center of rotation The rotation of the emitter armature is so timed with respect to the card feed rollers that pulses are generated at the emitter contacts at a rate corresponding to that at which the card index points are fed past the reading brushes. With an emitter of the conventional type it is necessary to feed each card to the reading brushes at a predetermined point in the basic timing cycle of the machine so that the time relationship of the emitter pulses to the respective index points being fed past the reading brushes is the same for each card This is usually accomplished by actuating a picker knife at predetermined intervals in the machine timing cycle to pick a card from a stationary lPrice 3 s 6 d i stack of cards and start it through the feed rolls After the cards have been

started at the proper time, they may be analyzed at any subsequent station in the machine without being stopped and restarted, provided that the card feed is kept in synchronism with the basic timing cycle of the machine If, however, the desired state of synchronism is not maintained, as after a punching operation or the like in which the cards are momentarily halted, it is necessary either to delay feeding the card out of the punching station or other stopping point until a proper starting instant has arrived, or subsequently to stop the card in order to restart it in synchronism with the analyzer emitter. It is apparent that this requirement reduced machine speed and efficiency Moreover, when the emitter is synchronized with both the feeding means and the basic timing cycle of the machine, it is apparent that any slippage of the cards in the feeding means will be likely to cause analyzing errors. It is an object of the invention to provide an improved business machine which overcomes the above disadvantages and incorporates a commutator for manifesting the position of a record card with respect to a given reading means, which commutator, does not require synchronisation with the basic timing cycle of the machine, is not affected by slippage of a card while it is being read or prior to its being read, and is adapted for use in analyzing moving record cards which have been started in their travels at random times, or whose movements of necessity have fallen out of step with the basic timing cycle of the machine. We have found that the above mentioned disadvantages can be avoided by providing a business machine incorporating a card analyzing commutator whose operation is controlled by or is responsive to the movement of the card itself. According to the invention these is provided a business machine adapted to utilize record cards and which has card reading means and li 5 G 785,927 card feeding means associated therewith in which there is provided a commutator for successively manifesting a plurality of predetermined significant positions occupied by each of a series of record cards with respect to the card reading means comprising, in combination, a plurality of sensing devices disposed in a given sequential arrangement along the direction of card travel for successively sensing the presence of each record card as it is fed past the card reading means, and a plurality of manifesting devices each connected to a respective one of the sensing devices for manifesting the transition of the respective sensing device from one state to another caused by passage of a predetermined edge of each record card, each of the sensing devices being so spaced from the card reading means that each manifesting device manifests a particular significant position occupied by a record card with respect to the

card reading means. In order that the invention may be well understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principle of the invention and the best modes which have been contemplated of applying that principle. In the drawings:Fig 1 is a perspective view of a feed roller, reading brushes and commutator brushes which may be utilized in carrying out the purposes of the invention. Fig 2 is a schematic and circuit diagram of the commutator brushes and the circuits associated therewith. Fig 3 is a schematic and block diagram of a device embodying one form of the invention. Fig 4 is a schematic and block diagram of a device embodying a second form of the invention. In Fig 1 a punched record card 10 of well known type is shown being fed over a contact roller 12 In the embodiment shown the punched card is fed in the direction of its index point columns and with the " 12 " index row foremost Mounted above the contact roller 12 and parallel to its axis is a reading brush block 14 Parallel column reading brushes 16 extend downwardly from the reading brush block 14 and in the direction of card travel In the absence of a record card the trailing ends of the reading brushes 16 bear against the grounded contact roller 12. The reading brushes 16 are positioned to cooperate with the respective columns of index points on the record cards As a card is fed between the contact roller 12 and the reading brushes 16, each of the perforations P in the card permits the momentary contact of a reading brush 16 against the contact roller 12, which is assumed connected to ground potential. Extending in the direction of card travel from a location adjacent the top of the contact roller 12 is a card guide plate 18 having a flat surface of electrically conductive material adapted to support and guide the record cards as they travel beyond the contact roller 12 A commutator brush block 20 of insulating 70 material, also extending in the direction of card travel, is mounted parallel to and above one side of the card guide plate 18 and perpendicular to the reading brush block 14. A series of ten commutator brushes C 0-C, 75 aligned in the direction of card travel is mounted in the commutator brush block, with the ends of these brushes likewise extending individually in the general direction of card travel and contacting the card guide plate 18 80 in the absence of a record card Each of the commutator brushes G 0-C, corresponds to a respective row of index points on the record cards, and the brushes are spaced from each other by a distance equal to the

spacing 85 between the rows of index points on the record cards The point at which each commutator brush contacts the card guide plate 18 is spaced from the line of contact of the reading brushes 16 on the contact roller 12 by a distance equal 90 to the spacing between the forward " 12 " edge of the record cards and the corresponding row of index points on the record cards. Although the conventional record card has twelve rows of index points, only ten of these, 95 the " O " to " 9 " rows, are utilized in the embodiments shown and described It is to be understood that this is done for the purpose of simplifying the illustration and description and that modification of the embodiments to 100 utilize all twelve rows or any other desired number of rows is within the concept of this invention It is also to be understood that the card may be fed with any desired edge foremost without altering the concept of the inven 1 3 tion. As a record card is fed over contact roller 12 and under the reading brushes 16, the forward edge of the card will pass successively under the commutator brushes C 0-C, causing them 110 to be sequentially lifted and insulated from the grounded card guide plate 18 The location of the commutator brush block 20 at one side of the card guide plate 10 permits the passage of the unperforated margin of the record card 115 under the commutator brushes The spacing of the commutator brushes C 0-C, from the reading brushes 16, as previously explained, is such that as each commutator brush becomes disconnected from ground potential by the 12) passage of a record card, the corresponding row of index points on the record card at that instant is about to pass between the reading brushes 16 and the contact roller 12. Fig 2 shows the individual relay circuits 123 associated with the commutator brushes Co-CQ The connection and operation of thne circuit of commutator brush C O will be considered first In the absence of a record card this brush contacts the card guide plate 18, 130 785,927 which is at ground potential The terminal of the commutator brush C, is connected through a resistor 30 to a source of positive potential. A condenser 32 and the relay coil of a relay S R, are serially connected across the resistor 30. A diode 34 is connected across the coil of the relay R, with its anode connected to the positive potential side of the coil The armature of relay R, is normally open and is connected to an output line L,, The contact of relay R, is connected through a line 40 to ground potential In the absence of a record card a circuit is established from ground potential through the card guide plate 18, the commutator brush CQ and the resistor 30 to a source of positive potential The potential drop across the resistor 30 maintains an equal potential drop across the

condenser 32. Commutator brush C O is the first commutator brush encountered by a record card as it is fed past the reading brushes B,-B, As the contact of the commutator brush C O with the card guide plate 18 is broken, the potential across condenser 32 caused by the current flow through the resistor 30 is removed Condenser 32 thereupon discharges though the resistor 30 and the coil of relay R,, causing a voltage pulse through the coil approximating a sawtooth shape with an amplitude and slope predetermined by the values of the applied voltage and the circuit components The relay R, acts as an amplitude discriminator, causing the relay armature to close against its contact for a predetermined period of time As the forward edge of the record card passes under the commutator brush C 0, therefore, the armature of relay R, closes and the output line Lo is connected to ground potential for a predetermined period of time The spacing between the commutator brush C, and the column reading brushes B 1-B,, and the velocity of card travel are arranged so that the period for which the armature of relay R, is closed corresponds in time with the passage under the reading brushes B 1-B of the zero index point row on the record card. The remaining commutator brushes CQ-C, have identical associated circuits and relays R,-R,, each of which operates in the same manner as does the commutator brush C O and its associated circuit and relay R,, Each relay R,-R, has its armature connected to a separate output line L,-L, and has its contact connected through a common line 40 to ground potential As a record card passes under the commutator brushes GO-CG the armatures of relays R,,-R, are successively closed, each for a predetermined period of time The closing of each of the armatures of relays RO-R, manifests the passage under the column reading brushes B,-B, of a respective row of index points of the record card. The commutator brushes GO-C, regain contact with the card guide plate 18 after the card has passed beyond the brushes The potential drop across resistor 30 is reestablished as the current flow is restored from the positive potential source through resistor 30, the commutator brush C, and the card guide plate 18 70 to ground potential The potential drop across resistor 30 causes the condenser 32 to be recharged through the diode 34 Diode 34 parallels the coil of relay R, and prevents the relay from being actuated as the condenser 32 75 is recharged In the same manner the condensers associated with the circuits of the remaining commutator brushes CQ-QG are recharged without actuating the associated relays R,-R, as the card passes out of the 80 analyzing station As a following card enters the analyzing station, the cycle is repeated, the successive closing of the armatures of relays R,-R, causing each of the output lines L,-L, to be

sequentially grounded for a pre 85 determined period, thereby manifesting the passage of respective rows of card index points past the reading brushes B,-B,. The output lines L,-L, may be connected in common to transmit a pulse sequence to 90 utilization devices in timed relationship with the passage of card index points past the column reading brushes Alternatively the output lines L,-L, may be connected distributively to separate utilization devices which 95 are operated selectively as respective rows of card index points are fed past the column reading brushes Examples of the two methods are shown in Figs 3 and 4, respectively. Fig 3 shows an analyzer with a card con 100 trolled commutator in which numerical data punched in record cards are converted into pulse sequences and transmitted to pulse counters The commutator brushes G,-C, contact the grounded card guide plate 18 in 105 the absence of a record card The commutator brush terminals are connected to their respective relays R,-R, in the manner described with reference to the circuits of Fig 2 The output lines of the relays R,,-R, are connected 110 in common to each of four gating devices 41, 42, 43 and 44 As a record card passes through the analyzing station a pulse of predetermined duration appears at each of the relay outputs each pulse corresponding to the passage of a 115 respective row of card index points past the row of reading brushes B, B, B, and B 4 A sequence of pulses in timed relationship to the passage of the card thus appears in the connection common to the outputs of relays R, 120 R, and is applied to each of the four gating devices 41, 42, 43 and 44. The four column reading brushes B,, B 2, B, and B 4, which brush against the grounded contact roller 12, are provided for sensing per 125 forations in respective columns or record cards. The terminal of each reading brush is connected to a respective one of the gating devices 41, 42, 43 and 44 Four counters 51, 52, 53 and 54 are provided for storing the data 130 785,927 analyzed from the four card columns sensed respectively by the reading brushes B,, B,, B, and B,4 Each of the counters 51, 52, 53 and 54 is connected to the output of a respective one of the gating devices 41, 42, 43 and 45. The gating devices 41, 42, 43 and 44 are adapted to pass to their associated counters, in the absence of pulses from the reading brushes, the pulse sequence appearing at the common output of relays R,-R- When a reading brush encounters a perforation in a card a pulse of ground potential is applied to the associated gating device, causing the gating device to block admittance to its associated counter of the remaining pulses from the relays R,-R 9 With this arrangement each of the counters receives a number of pulses corresponding to the numbers punched in the respective card columns

The numbers can be stored and manifested in the counters and utilized in ways well known to the art. Reciprocal numbers can be entered into the counters by reversing the operation of the gating devices so that they normally are closed and do not open to pass pulses from the relays R,-R 9 until perforations are sensed in the respective card columns. It is assumed in these examples that each card is fed with its " 12 " edge foremost The time relationship of the pulses caused by the sensing of perforations in the card columns with respect to the pulses from the outputs of relays R,-R, must be determined in each case so as to give the proper numerical input to the counters Means (not shown) may be provided to reset the counters before the passage of a following card or to provide for the accumulation of additional numerical entries into the counters. Fig 4 shows an analyzer utilizing a card controlled commutator operated distributively to store punched card data A storage element is provided for each index point position in the three columns of card index points to be analyzed Ten of the storage elements S,,S,, correspond to the " O " to " 9 " index point positions in the first one of the columns. The storage elements 52,-S,9 and S,,-SS, similarly correspond to the index point positions in the second and third of the columns to be analyzed These storage elements S,,S,, store and manifest in well known ways the presence or absence of perforations in the corresponding index positions of a card. Each storage element is connected to the output of a similarly numbered coincidence gate G,,-G,, The ten coincidence gates G 110-G, corresponding to the index point positions in the first column are connected to the column reading brush B, The coincidence gates G,,-G,, are connected in common to the column reading brush B, and the coincidence gates G,,-G,, are connected in common to the column reading brush B,. The ten commutator brushes C 0-C, are connected to and actuate their respective relays R,-R, in the manner described with reference to Fig 2 The output of relay R, is connected to the coincidence gates G,,, G 2 and G,,. Similarly each of the outputs of the remaining 70 relays R,-R, is connected in common to the respective row of coincidence gates corresponding to the row of card index points with which the relay is associated. Each of the storage elements S,,-S,, is 75 adapted to manifest the presence of a perforation in the corresponding card index position whenever its associated coincidence gate receives simultaneous ground potential pulses from its connected column reading brush and 80 from

its connected commutator relay As a record card is fed past the column reading brushes B,-B, the front edge of the card successively passes under and insulates each of the commutator brushes C 0-C 9 As the con 85 tact of each commutator brush with ground potential is broken the respective relay armature closes against its grounded contact for a predetermined period The spacing of each of the commutator brushes G 0-C, from the read 90 ing brushes B,-B, is such that the closing of the associated relay corresponds in time to the passage of a respective row of card index points past the reading brushes Thus, each row of coincidence gates in turn receives a ground 95 potential pulse from its connected commutator relay at the same time a corresponding row of card index points passes the reading brushes B,-B 3. A perforation in a particular column of index 100 points in a record card causes a ground potential pulse to pass through the respective column reading brush to the connected row cf coincidence gates which corresponds to the particular column of index points The coin 105 cidence gate which receives a ground potential pulse from its connected column reading brush coincident in time with the receipt of a ground potential pulse from its connected commutator relay will cause its associated storage element 110 to manifest the presence of a perforation in the corresponding card index point position. The manifestations may be utilized or the storage elements reset by means (not shown) well known to the art before a following card 115 enters the reading station. It is to be understood that the words " row" and " column " referrring to card index point positions are relative terms and can be retained or interchanged to refer to index point posi 120 tions on cards which are fed endwise instead of sidewise through a record card controlled machine. The methods of applying the invention described and shown in Figs 3 and 4 are 125 merely illustrative of two embodiments of the card controlled commutator, and many other applications of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art The embodiments shown can easily be adapted to operate with all 130 785,927 twelve rows or any other number of rows of i a conventional business machine card The embodiments also can be adapted to other kinds ol record cards which can be fed through the 1 machine in any desired manner It is an obvious modification of the disclosed embodiments and is within the scope of the invention to place the commutator brushes before instead of alter the reading brushes so that pulses manifesting the card position are generated as the commutator brushes slip oni the rear edge of the record card as it is fed under the reading brushes Similarly the commutator brushes could be so spaced from the reading

brushes that the pulses manifesting the card position would be generated as each of the commutator brushes in turn encountered a perforation punched into the record cards.

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* GB785928 (A)

Description: GB785928 (A) ? 1957-11-06

Improvements in nuclear reactors including horizontal graphite bars

Description of GB785928 (A)

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BE548490 (A) CH336133 (A) DE1059582 (B) FR1130109 (A) NL103216 (C) US2970097 (A) BE548490 (A) CH336133 (A) DE1059582 (B) FR1130109 (A) NL103216 (C) US2970097 (A) less Translate this text into Tooltip

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The EPO does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of data and information originating from other authorities than the EPO; in particular, the EPO does not guarantee that they are complete, up-to-date or fit for specific purposes.

PATENT SPECIFICATION 785,928 Date of Application and filing Complete Specification: June 14, 1956.

No 18451156. Application made in France on June 16, 1955. Complete Specification Published: Nov 6, 1957. Index at acceptance:-Class 39 ( 4), P 3 C. International Classification;-G 21. COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Improvements in Nuclear Reactors including Horizontal Graphite Bars We, GCOMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE, a French Body Corporate, of 69, Rue de Varenne, Paris (Seine), France, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: - The present invention relates: to nuclear reactors which comprise a graphite block composed of a multiplicity of juxtaposed contiguous p'arallel rows of horizontal graphite bars, each row consisting of a plurality of bars disposed end to end, and said graphite block having a multiplicity of horizontal channels passing therethrough parallel to said rows of bars for housing slugs of fissionable material, means for mounting said block on the ground, and a shielding structure surrounding the block and fixed to the ground. The object of this invention is to provide an, improved reactor of this kind in which the graphite bars are firmly but resiliently maintained in the desired position despite the expansions which they undergo. According to our invention, resilient means are interposed between, said fixed structure and the ends of said rows of bars adjacent said structure, said resilient means being strong enough to overcome the friction between the bars of each row and the adjoining rows of bars. Advantageously, said rows of bars 'are disposed in pairs, the two rows of a pair of aligned rows being spiaced apart at their adjacent ends, the spaces in the various pairs of rows being in register so as to form a vertical' gap, extending transversely to said block, and struts being interposed between the rows of bars disposed on 'opposite sides of said gap respectlvely so as to maintain said gap open against the thrust exerted by said resilient means. Other features of our invention will become apparent in the course 'of the following detailed description of a specific embodiment thereof with reference so the accompanying drawings, lPrice 3 s 6 d l given merely by way of example and in which: Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view at right angles to the longitudinal direction' of ithe graphite bars of the reactor;l Figure 2 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale on the line lI-I 1 i of Figure 1; Figure 3 ' is a section 'of a portion of the reactor on' a plane at right angles to the trans.

verse gap provided in the graphite block; Figure 4 is a sectional view on the line V-4 JIV of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a sectional view on the line VV of 'Figure 2. The nuclear reactor illustrated by the drawings includes a graphite block constituted by a multiplicity 'of graphite bars 1 The central portion of this block, which is bounded by the chain-dotted outline denoted 2 on Figure 1, is provided with a multiplicity of channels 3 intended to receive uranium bars As is visible from Figure 4, these channels are intersected by the surfaces of contact between the respective layers of graphite bars Each channel 3 is constituted by two juxtaposed longitudinal grooves of semicircular cross-section in the corresponding pair of adjacent bars. The reflector of the reactor is constituted by the whole of the graphite bars located between outline 2 and the outer periphery of said block Of course, this reflector section is not provided with channels for uranium bars. It may be provided with cooling and measurement channels. A gap, 4 (Figures 2 and 3) is located halfway between the outer ends of the rows of graphite bars and at right angles to said bars. It is fed with cooling 'gas through means which are not shown in the drawings Its width, calculated in accordance with the cooling effect to be obtained, is kept constant by struts 5 made of;a material which is both capable of resisting pressure stresses and of absorbing only a small quantity of neutrons Such a material is, for instance, beryllium or zirconium. In order to reduce the number of struts 5 to a minimum, each of them is located at a point common to three graphite bars, as indicated in Figure 4 The ends 6 of struts 5 pass a short distance into the graphite bars 1 and, in order to ensure a good bearing surface, the struts 5 are provided with transverse plates 7 of an area greater than the cross-section of the struts and arranged short of the ends 6 and applied against the corresponding wall of the gap The ends 6 (of small cross-section) of the struts extend through said plates 7. The struts 5 do not, of course, oppose an increase of the width of gap 4 Such an increase might be particularly marked at a given level because the contacting graphite bars mutually drive one another In order to avoid this drawback the graphite bars are subjected, at both ends of the reactor, to the action of springs or other resilient means which push them toward the middle gap 4 The initial force exerted by these springs need not be very large; it must however be sufficient to overcome the resistances due to friction between the respective layers of graphite bars. These springs may be of different shapes in accordance with the places where they are located.

In the reflector part of the graphite block it is enough to provide leaf springs S (Figure 2) disposed between a plate 9 applied against the ends of the graphite bars and a plate 10 carried by small fixed rods 11. On the other hand, passages must be provided for the uranium bars opposite the portion of the graphite block which is provided with the channels 3 for these bars To this end, use is made of springs 12, each of which s advantageously incorporated in a hollow telescopic device (Fiaure 5) forming a conduit for the uranium bars This hollow telescopic device includes the end 13 of a conduit extending through the wall 14 of the shield of the reactor A female conduit 1 '5 is engaged on the end 13 and the spring 12 is interposed between a collar 16 rigid with conduit 15 and wall 14. Furthermore, to make allowance for deformations of the graphite block which tend to shift the channels 3 of the block out of alignment with the conduits extending through wall 14, we preferably provide, for each channel 3, a conduit element 17 which is mounted, through the agency of swivel joints 18 and 19, between the female conduit 15 and a connection 20 forming an, extension of channel 3. 'This telescopic device achieves a satisfactory guiding of the uranium bars between the inside and the outside of the reactor Its spring 12 constantly urges the graphite bars towards the gap 4 the width of which is kept constant by struts 5. As will be appreciated, for the combination of struts 5 and springs 8 and 12 to be fully effective in compensating for the elongation of the graphite bars, the graphite block must be displaceable relatively to its mounting on the ground Moreover, the gap 4 having a fixed position, the bar fixing means must in particular, allow for elongations of the block outwards from this gap 4. Furthermore the fixing means must be of such a nature as to avoid substantial transverse displacements between the successive layers of graphite bars In fact, the channels 3 receiving the uranium bars are intersected by the surfaces of contact between the layers of graphite bars (see Figure 4) so that substantial transverse displacements between said layers would reduce the diameter of these channels. and might even wedge the uranium bars therein. In order to reduce the extent of such transverse displacements, it is advantageous to arrange the means for fixing the graphite block in such manner;as to keep these displacements symmetrical with resepct to the longitudinal 85 vertical plane of symmetry of the block In' this way, the magnitude of the relative transverse displacements is halved. To sum up, the means for fixing the block with respect to the ground must be capable 90 of permitting symmetrical expansions with respect both to the middle gap and to the longitudinal vertical plane of

symmetry of the block For this purpose, in the embodiment illustrated, the block rests upon the bottom 95 floor 21 of the shield (Figure 2) through a metallic support which undergoes expansions of the same order of magnitude as those of the lower portion of the graphite block 'and in directions symmetrical with respect to the two 100 vertical planes of symmetry of the block. It may be reasonably assumed that the causes of expansion, other than thermal, will be negligible in the thickness of the reflector and that, consequently, the portion of the block 105 resting upon the metallic support may for practical purposes be reckoned to undergo thermal expansion only Accordingly the coefficient of thermal expansion of the metallic support must be chosen substantially equal to that of 110 graphite For this reason we may use, for instance, either a ferro-nickel containing 42 % of nickel, or mixed elements constituted by portions having different expansion coefficients. Furthermore, transverse cohesion of the 115 block of the bars is secured by deformable and resilient belts disposed in transverse planes parallel to that of gap 4 The graphite block is in the form of an octagonal prism, and each of the two half-blocks into which it is 120 divided by the transverse gap 4 is sustained (Figure 2) by 'five belts, to wit three double belts and two single belts (one at each end of the half-block). The lower portion of each belt is consti 125 tuted by a horizontal plate 22 extending on either side of the lower horizontal face of the graphite prism The spaces between this plate 22 and the oblique faces of the prism are filled, inside the belt, by 130 785,928 785,928 horizontal graphite bars 23 perpendicular to the bars forming the graphite block The ends of the bars 23 turned toward the block form steps 24 upon which the peripheral bars of the graphite block rest. To reduce the relative sliding displacements due to thermal expansion between plate 22 and the graphite bars, and to prevent said bars from being separated from one another, this plate 22 is made of a metal, for example of a ferro-nickel alloy containing 42 % of nickel, having a coefficient of thermal expansion of the same order of magnitude as that of graphite As this coefficient is low (about 3 5 x 10 6), plate 22 has but little tendency to blowing if there is;a difference of temperature between its two faces. Plate 22 in turn rests upon a table, for instance of steel, through small plates 25 Each table is constituted by four elements (two of which, designated by 26, are in the central portion and two, designated by 2 i 7, in/ the end portion of the cross-section shown by Figure 1), in line with one another and mounted on suitable supports. in order to avoid deformation of the elements 26 and 2,7 of the tables, each of these elements rests upon three supports but it is

guided only by the middle support and its ends are free to move with respect to the corresponding supports 'The tables of the belts located on either side of the gap 4, however, have their movements restricted The middle portion of their elements is kept strictly fixed, in contrast to the elements of the other tables which can move in 'a direction parallel to the generatrices of the graphite block The elements 27 carry side plates 28 to keep the graphite bars 23 in position, land an upwardly extending member 29 interconnecting said side plates. The means for surrounding the graphite blocks consist of girders 30 iand 31 and metal ties 32, these exerting their action through three shoes 33, 34 and 315 The girders 30 and 31 and elements 32 are hinged together. Furthermore they are subjected to the action of springs disposed symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal vertical plane of symmetry of the graphite block. The girders 30 are for instance connected to the plate 22, through hinges 3,6 slidable with respect to this plate and subjected to the action of springs 37 The resilience of springs 317;allows for expansions other than thermal expansion, differences in temperature between the graphite and the support, and possible errors in the expansion coefficients The girders 31 ' are themselves pushed toward the block by springs 38 bearing against the framework of the shield The upper ends of tie members 32 are fixed, Through springs 41, to tie-rods 39 hinged at 40. In view of the fact that the part of every plate 22, located in the longitudinal vertical plane of symmetry of the block is engaged in such a way that is prevented from moving transversely, the characteristics of the belts which have just been described permit only symmetrical expansions in the transverse direc 70 tion. In order to prevent obstruction of the symmetrical expansions with respect to gap 4 in the longitudinal direction by the metallic support, the elements of tables 26 and 27 are 75 supported by bearing elements 42, 43 and 44 so as to be displaceable parallel to the axis of the block, and the elements of two adjacent tables are interconnected by rods 45 the thermal coefficient of expansion, of which is isubstan 80 tially the same as that of graphite Under these conditions, the metallic support will merely accompanying the symmetrical longitudinal expansions of the lower portion of the graphite block without creating undesirable strains. The belts are themselves interconnected from place to place by rods 46 of the same nature as rods 45 The elongation, of the rods 46 is about the same as that of the peripheral graphite bars of the reflector, and these rods 90 co-operate in ensuring a good cohesion of the graphite

block without inducing undesirable strains therein. What we clamn is:1 A nuclear reactor which comprises a graphite block composed of a multiplicity of juxtaposed contiguous parallel rows of horlzontal graphite bars, each row consisting 'of a plurality of bars disposed end to end, and said graphite block having a multiplicity of 10 C horizontal 'channels passing theretbrough parallel to said rows of 'bars for housing slugs of fissionable material, means for mounting said block on the ground, and a shielding structure surrounding the block 'and fixed to the 10 ground, characterised in that resilient means are interposed between said structure and the lends of said rows of bars adjacent said structure, said resilient means being strong enough to overcome the friction between the bars of 11 each row and the adjoining rows of 'bars. 2 A nuclear reactor according to claim 1, in which said rows iare disposed in pairs of aligned rows which;are spaced apart at their adjacent ends, the spaces in the various pairs 115 of rows being in register so as to form a vertkical' gap extending transversely to said block, and struts 'being interposed between the rows of bars disposed on opposite side sof said gap respectively so as to maintain said gap open 120 against the thrust exerted 'by said resilient means. 3 A nuclear reactor according to 'claim 2, in which said struts are made of beryllium. 4 LA nuclear reactor 'according to claim 2, 125 in which said struts are made of zirconium. 'A nuclear reactor according to any of claims 2 'to 4, in which each strut bears at its ends against the ends of at least two graphite bars 130 6 A nuclear reactor according to any of claims 2 to 5, in which each of said struts comprises a small bar having ends of reduced cross-section and engaging in the graphite bars, and a transverse plate of an area greater than the cross-section of the remainder of the strut disposed intermediate the length of the latter and adjacent each bar end. 7 A nuclear reactor according to any of the preceding claims, in which the contacting surfaces of adjoining graphite bars are provided with registering grooves of semi-circular crosssection forming together the said channels for the fissionable material which is in the form I 5 of uranium bars. 8 A nuclear reactor according ito any of the preceding claims, in which said resilient means include leaf springs. 9 A nuclear reactor according to any of the preceding claims, further including hollow telescopic devices extending between the ends of said graphite block and the shielding structure, and resilient means incorporated in said telescopic devices. 10 A nuclear reactor according to claim 9, in which each of said

telescopic devices includes two swivel joints. 11 A nuclear reactor according to claim 2, in which the means for supporting the graphite block on the ground are arranged to permit small displacements of said graphite bars with respect to said gap and in a direction parallel to their respective lengths. 12 A nuclear reactor according to claim 2, in which the means for mounting said graphite block on the ground are arranged to permit small displacements of the elements of said block starting from the longitudinal vertical plane of symmetry of the block in a direction iat right angles to the graphite bars. 13 A nuclear reactor according to any of the preceding claims, in which part at least of said means for mounting the graphite block on the ground is made of a material jthe coefficient of thermal expansion of which is close to that of graphite. 14 A nuclear reactor according to any of the preceding claims, further including elastic belt means disposed in planes transverse to said graphite bars for retaining the graphite block. A nuclear reactor according to claim 14, further including graphite bars, perpendicular to said graphite block, disposed in stepped fashion between said belts and said block. 16 A nuclear reactor according to claim 14 or 15, further including longitudinal bars for interconnecting said belts, said longitudinal bars being made of a material having its coefficient of thermal expansion close to that of graphite. 17 A nuclear reactor substantially as hereinabove described and illustrated by the accompanying drawings. FORRESTER, KETLEY & CO, Chartered Patent Agents, Jessel Chambers, 8,8/90, Chancery Lane, London, W C 2, and Central House, 75, New Street, Birmingham, 2, Agents for the Applicants. Leamington Spa: Printed for Her Majesty's Stationery Office, by the Courier Press -1957. Published at The Patent Office, 25, Southampton Buildings, London, W C 2, from which copies may be obtained. SO 785,928

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