Abstract: A method for storing high level radioactive waste in a passively cooled cavity. In one embodiment, the invention comprises: (a) providing a container comprising an outer shell having an open top end and a hermetically closed bottom end, an inner shell forming a cavity, the inner shell positioned within the outer shell so as to form a space between the inner shell and the outer shell, and at least one opening in the inner shell that forms a passageway between the space and a bottom portion of the cavity; (b) lowering a hermetically sealed canister holding high level radioactive waste into the cavity via the open top end; and (c) positioning a lid having at least one inlet vent and at least one outlet vent atop the container such that the at least one inlet vent forms a passageway from an ambient atmosphere to the space and the at least one outlet vent forms a passageway from the cavity to the ambient atmosphere, the lid substantially enclosing the open top end.

Abstract: A method of processing a substrate. In one embodiment, the invention can be a method of processing a substrate comprising: supporting the substrate in a horizontal orientation; rotating the substrate; providing a fluid dispensing apparatus adjacent a surface of the substrate, the fluid dispensing apparatus comprising a body having an outer surface and a first conduit terminating as a first hole in the outer surface of the body and a second conduit terminating as a second hole in the outer surface of the body, the first hole oriented at a non-normal angle relative to the substrate and offset a first radial distance from a rotational center-point of the substrate; and ejecting liquid out of the first hole into contact with the substrate at the rotational center-point and ejecting liquid out of the second hole into contact with the substrate at a second radial distance from the rotational center-point.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for handling and translating a spent nuclear fuel storage cask. The apparatus comprises a body for supporting the cask close to the ground so that the cask and the apparatus can pass underneath over head doors. The apparatus further comprises rollers for translating the cask, the rollers adapted to move between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein when the rollers are in the retracted position, the rollers do not contact a ground surface. The apparatus additionally supports the storage cask during spent nuclear fuel transfer procedures.

Abstract: The invention is a process for manufacturing a nano aluminum/alumina metal matrix composite and composition produced therefrom. The process is characterized by providing an aluminum powder having a natural oxide formation layer and an aluminum oxide content between about 0.1 and about 4.5 wt. % and a specific surface area of from about 0.3 and about 5. Om2/g, hot working the aluminum powder, and forming a superfine grained matrix aluminum alloy. Simultaneously there is formed in situ a substantially uniform distribution of nano particles of alumina. The alloy has a substantially linear property/temperature profile, such that physical properties such as strength are substantially maintained even at temperatures of 250° C. and above.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for processing flat articles with acoustical energy. The inventive system, apparatus and method can remove particles from both sides of a wafer more efficiently and effectively. In one aspect, the invention is a system and/or method for processing flat articles wherein a liquid is applied to both major surfaces of the flat article. A first transducer assembly is positioned adjacent to a first of the major surfaces of the flat article and a second member is positioned adjacent to a second of the major surfaces. The first transducer assembly generates and transmits acoustical energy to the first major surface of the flat article while the second member either: (1) reflects the acoustical energy generated by the first transducer assembly back to the second major surface of the flat article; and/or (2) generates and transmits acoustical energy to the second major surface of the flat article.

Abstract: A spreader unit, for spreading deicer on a pavement, has at least one supporting arm having a casing connected to a rigid structure of the unit, a sliding member connected telescopically to the casing, and at least one telescopic pipe for the deicer and defining a connecting port connectable to a spreader assembly for spreading the deicer.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for determining a physiological condition within a mammal based on pH and/or temperature measurements. In one aspect, the invention is directed to an apparatus for measuring a physiological condition within a mammal comprising: a tubular housing extending along a longitudinal axis from a distal end to a proximal end, the housing having an internal cavity; a first opening in the elongated housing forming a first passageway into the internal cavity; an ion-sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) for measuring pH within a body lumen of the mammal, the ISFET positioned in the internal cavity, the ISFET aligned with the first opening so that at least a portion of the ISFET is exposed via the first opening; and a first seal between the ISFET and the housing forming a hermetic seal about a perimeter of the first opening.

Abstract: Disclosed are a micro mirror and a micro mirror array using the same. The micro mirror includes: an insulation substrate; an address electrode formed on the insulation substrate; a charging unit electrically insulated from the address electrode; and a reflecting body rotatably provided on the insulation to reflect incident light and spaced apart from the address electrode and the charging unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material pattern, and mold using thereof, metal thin-film pattern, metal pattern, and method of forming the sames. A method of forming the material pattern according to the present invention comprises the steps of; (a) forming a photo-sensitive material film by coating a photo-sensitive material on a substrate; (b) deciding an exposure section on the photo-sensitive material film; (c) disposing a light refraction film and a light diffusion film at a route of light exposed on the photo-sensitive material film; and (d) forming a pattern on the photo-sensitive material film, by projecting a light on the exposure section of the photo-sensitive material film, wherein the light transmits the light refraction film and the light diffusion film.

Abstract: A transducer, system and method of constructing the same that utilizes a composite of piezoelectric pillars. In one embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for generating acoustic energy comprising: a plurality of pillars constructed of a piezoelectric material, the pillars arranged in a spaced-apart manner so that spaces exist between adjacent pillars; the pillars having a width and a height extending between a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the height of the pillars is greater than the width of the pillars; and the spaces filled with a resilient material so as to form a composite assembly.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for the transferring a container for receiving high level radioactive waste into and/or out of a pool. The instant invention utilizes a specially designed container in order to make effective use of a stand placed within the pool.

Abstract: A method of drying a surface of a substrate is provided. The method includes supporting a substrate; rotating the substrate about a rotational center point; applying a liquid to the substrate via a liquid dispenser; applying a drying fluid to the substrate via a drying fluid dispenser; moving the drying fluid dispenser and the liquid dispenser in a direction toward an edge region of the substrate, the drying fluid being applied closer to the rotational center point than the fluid; upon the liquid being applied to the edge region of the substrate, discontinuing application of the liquid while continuing the manipulation of the drying fluid dispenser; and upon the drying fluid being applied to the edge region of the substrate, continuing to apply the drying fluid for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wireless communication system, more particularly, a receiver and a chipset for DSRC.

Abstract: A system and method for drying cavities loaded with high level waste (“HLW”) is devised. The invention utilizes a non-intrusive procedure that is based on monitoring the dew point temperature of a non-reactive gas that is circulated through the cavity. In one aspect, the invention is a system for drying a cavity loaded with HLW comprising: a canister forming the cavity, the cavity having an inlet and an outlet; and a source of non-reactive gas. The system further flows the non-reactive gas from the source of non-reactive gas through the cavity; and repetitively measures the dew point temperature of the non-reactive gas exiting the cavity.

Abstract: A method for megasonic processing of an article. In one aspect, the invention may be a method of processing semiconductor wafers comprising: supporting the semiconductor wafer substantially horizontally; positioning a rod-like probe above an upper surface of the semiconductor wafer in an orientation other than normal to the upper surface of the substrate; applying a fluid to the upper surface of the semiconductor wafer so that a film of the fluid is formed between at least a portion of the rod-like probe and the upper surface of the semiconductor wafer; and vibrating the rod-like probe to transmit energy to the upper surface of the semiconductor wafer via the film of the fluid to loosen particles on the upper surface of the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system (1) for an environment, in particular for the passenger compartment of a vehicle, is provided with an evaporator (13) and a compressor (18) coupled to the evaporator (13). In a system (30) for controlling the air-conditioning system (1), a control electronics (33) switches an operating condition of the compressor (18) when the temperature of the air leaving the evaporator (13) has a pre-set relation with a threshold temperature (Tthresh). The control electronics varies the value of the threshold temperature (Tthresh) as a function, in at least certain operating conditions, of a set-point temperature (Tsp), required by a user of the air-conditioning system (1), so as to reduce the energy consumption associated to the air-conditioning system.

Abstract: A method for removing moisture from a substrate coated with a transparent electrode comprises the steps of placing the substrate coated with the transparent electrode in an infrared oven, applying heat to the substrate in the infrared oven, drawing the substrate from the infrared oven, loading the substrate in a chamber and reducing pressure in the chamber and performing a heat treatment on the substrate.

Abstract: There are provided a nickel oxide film for a bolometer and a manufacturing method thereof, and an infrared detector using the nickel oxide film. The nickel oxide film has properties with a TCR value greater than ?3%/° C., a low noise value, and stable and high reproducibility properties. The nickel oxide film is applicable to manufacturing an infrared detector using a nickel oxide film for a bolometer.

Abstract: A neutron absorbing insert for use in a fuel rack and method of manufacturing the same. In ones aspect, the invention is a neutron absorbing apparatus for insertion into a fuel rack comprising: a sleeve having a first wall and a second wall, the first and second walls forming a chevron shape; and the first and second wall being a single panel of a metal matrix composite having neutron absorbing particulate reinforcement bent into the chevron shape along a crease.