Stanley C Patrick

US Patent:

52358550, Aug 17, 1993

Filed:

Mar 25, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/674236

Inventors:

Stanley S. Patrick - Columbia SC
Ernest R. Lacy - Columbia SC

Assignee:

Westinghouse Electric Corp. - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

G01N 2904
G01N 2922

US Classification:

73622

Abstract:

A rod positioning apparatus is disclosed for positioning the end of a rod for a subsequent work operation on the rod such as ultrasonic testing of the rod end. A rod stop member receives the end of a rod advanced into a rod working position. A light emitting diode emits light through a fiber optic cable and across the area a rod end occupies when positioned in a rod stop position of the rod stop member. The end of a fiber optic cable receives light emitted across the rod stop position and directs the light to a light sensor. A control is activated when the light is not sensed on the light sensor and is activated for controlling a rod advancing and securing mechanism for stopping further advancement of the rod and securing the rod in a fixed position when the rod has advanced into the rod stop position and blocked light emitted from the light emitting diode through the fiber optic cables and onto the light sensor.

US Patent:

52517659, Oct 12, 1993

Filed:

Nov 13, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/611609

Inventors:

Stanley S. Patrick - Columbia SC
Robert E. Shannon - Penn Township, Westmoreland County PA

Assignee:

Westinghouse Electric Corp. - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

B07C 5344
G01N 2714

US Classification:

209520

Abstract:

Apparatus and method for segregating elongate cylindrical rods of undesirable alloy composition from rods having a desired alloy composition is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rod segregation table having an upper rod transport side for individually moving rods transversely in substantially parallel spaced relation across the table. A thermoelectric tester is positioned at an intermediate rod test position under the upper rod transport side of the table and includes two spaced electrodes maintained at different temperatures and being adapted and arranged to engage a rod as it is moved into the rod test position. A signal representative of the thermoelectrically induced voltage in the rod between the electrodes is generated and compared to a predetermined value. An offset drive signal is generated when the signal representative of the induced thermoelectric voltage is different from the predetermined value. A rod offset drive mechanism positioned on the table receives the offset drive signal and advances a rod longitudinally to an offset position on the table.