Abstract: A system and method for magnetically launching projectiles or spacecraft includes an electromagnetic launcher including a launch tube, and a launch craft. The launch tube includes electrically conducting rails energized along the length of the rails, and a transverse direct current magnetic field is generated along the launch tube, and upper and lower conductors and loops of conducting material on the launch craft are provided for magnetic levitation, stabilization and propulsion of the launch craft in cooperation with the transverse direct current magnetic field. A transverse direct current magnetic field is applied to the launch tube and the launch craft during launching of the launch craft, and the launch craft is magnetically levitated and stabilized to minimize contact between the launch craft and the launch tube as the launch craft travels within the launch tube.

Abstract: A system and method for magnetically launching projectiles or spacecraft includes an electromagnetic launcher including a launch tube, and a launch craft. The launch tube includes electrically conducting rails energized along the length of the rails, and a transverse direct current magnetic field is generated along the launch tube, and upper and lower conductors and loops of conducting material on the launch craft are provided for magnetic levitation, stabilization and propulsion of the launch craft in cooperation with the transverse direct current magnetic field. A transverse direct current magnetic field is applied to the launch tube and the launch craft during launching of the launch craft, and the launch craft is magnetically levitated and stabilized to minimize contact between the launch craft and the launch tube as the launch craft travels within the launch tube.

Abstract: A nuclear fission reactor device including a core having an array of fissile material and which is capable of being transported to and from the place of operation using conventional transportation vehicles. In a first embodiment, the fissile material is a uranium hydride enriched 15%-to-20% with U-235. In a second embodiment, the fissile material is a uranium oxide enriched to 18% to 20% with U-235.

Abstract: A package and process of using the package for disposal of radioactive cesium and strontium waste capsules. The package comprises a standard Hanford vitrified high-level waste canister as an outer container, which is approximately filled with three components: the first is a monolithic material with a defined cavity having a composite density less than about 3.5 grams per cubic centimeter and a melting temperature above that expected within the disposal package; the second is a frame for limiting relative movement of the capsules; and, the third are components forming an uninterrupted physical contact, thermal conduction pathway from the waste container to the outside of the package. The package includes lids for closing the disposal package. In the method of the invention, the capsules are loaded into position within the monolithic material, encased in thermally conducting material, and then lids are added to close the package.

Abstract: A platinum resistance thermometer has an outer housing with a bore that receives a temperature sensor assembly including a mandrel having a sensing section with a platinum wire wound thereon and supported in the bore with a non-cohesive powder material that will distribute stresses caused by differential thermal expansion between the housing and the temperature sensor assembly. A second portion of the mandrel is supported in the bore with a rigid epoxy to mechanically support the sensor assembly with the sensing section cantilevered from the rigid epoxy.

Abstract: A melter for the vitrification of waste, and method of using the melter, in the form of a disposal canister, wherein the melter is capable of filling multiple disposal canisters of waste and subsequently of being filled with vitrified waste and disposed of in like manner to that of a disposal canister. In the method of the invention, while waste is loaded into the melter, it is melted and then allowed to flow out of the melter and into a disposal container. The filled disposal container is then removed and and replaced with an empty disposal container. This is repeated until a fixed number of disposal containers are filled. Then, the melter is filled with vitrified waste and disposed of in the same manner as for a disposal canister.

Abstract: A package and process of using the package for disposal of radioactive cesium and strontium waste capsules. The package comprises a standard Hanford vitrified high-level waste canister as an outer container, which is approximately filled with three components: the first is a means for containing waste capsules, having a composite density less than about 3.5 grams per cubic centimeter and a melting temperature above that expected within the disposal package; the second is a means for limiting relative movement of the capsules; and, the third is a means for conducting heat away from the capsules. The package includes lids for closing the disposal package. In the method of the invention, the capsules are loaded into position within the means for containing waste capsules, encased in thermally conducting material, and then lids are added to close the package.

Abstract: A melter for the vitrification of waste, and method of using the melter, in the form of a disposal canister, wherein the melter is capable of filling multiple disposal canisters of waste and subsequently of being filled with vitrified waste and disposed of in like manner to that of a disposal canister. In the method of the invention, while waste is loaded into the melter, it is melted and then allowed to flow out of the melter and into a disposal container. The filled disposal container is then removed and and replaced with an empty disposal container. This is repeated until a fixed number of disposal containers are filled. Then, the melter is filled with vitrified waste and disposed of in the same manner as for a disposal canister.

Abstract: The invention provides polynucleotides and polypeptides corresponding to novel gene sequences associated with the incidence of cardiovascular disorders. The invention also provides polynucleotide fragments corresponding to the genomic and/or coding regions of these genes which comprise at least one polymorphic site per fragment. Allele-specific primers and probes which hybridize to these regions, and/or which comprise at least one polymorphic site are also provided. The polynucleotides, primers, and probes of the present invention are useful in phenotype correlations, paternity testing, medicine, and genetic analysis. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant and synthetic methods for producing said polypeptides. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods for applying these novel polypeptides to the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of various diseases and/or disorders, particularly cardiovascular diseases related to these polypeptides.

Abstract: A device for reducing the liquid content of a liquid and solid slurry. In the device, a dual-walled vertical tube sits atop a perforated endplate. The wall of the tube is non-porous at the upper end and porous at the bottom end. A liquid and solid slurry enters at the top of the tube filling the tube. Some of the liquid in the slurry exits the tube by radial outflow through the porous segment of the tube wall. The reduced liquid slurry exits through the perforated endplate.

Abstract: The Repository Disposal Container is a vessel for the disposal of waste in a geologic repository. The vessel, typically a cylinder, must be made of graphite and may also be made of other materials. The graphite must be in a solid form of sufficient strength and durability to survive emplacement in the repository and form a barrier against the release of the waste into a geologic repository for a period of time in excess of that achievable from comparable vessels made of steel or any of its alloys.

Abstract: The Advanced Vitrification System (AVS) Melting Process is a process for vitrification of waste in a disposable canister. In the process, waste is dropped into the disposable canister from the top. While the waste is being dropped into the disposable canister, radiant energy is added to the space above the waste in the canister, such that the temperature of the gaseous atmosphere above the waste is higher than the melting point of the waste. Since only the space above the waste in the canister is heated, the temperature of the melt decreases with increasing depth of the waste in the canister. The decreasing temperature permits a small surface melt volume to be maintained and solidified product to form with increasing depth. The process continues until the disposable canister is filled, then all heating is stopped and the disposable canister allowed to cool to ambient temperature.

Abstract: A process of making vitrified waste in a crucible and inserting the crucible and vitrified waste into an outer container after vitrification. The outer container is then sealed.

Abstract: A device for improving waste vitrification in a disposable canister, the process for using the device, and the process for making the device. The disposable canister, also known as a module, has outer and inner containers with thermal insulation therebetween. The device includes an inner container of graphite having a layer of pyrographite on its external wall. The outer container is typically made of stainless steel. The inner container is heated, typically by induction, to melt the frit and waste. The melted mixture is then cooled to form a vitrified product in the module. The fabrication of the pyrographite coating on the inner container involves heating the container to about 1500 degrees centigrade in a methane atmosphere, then cooling the container to ambient temperature.

Abstract: The AVS Melting Process is a process for vitrification of waste in a disposable canister. In the process, waste is dropped into the disposable canister from the top. While the waste is being dropped into the disposable canister, radiant energy is added to the space above the waste in the canister, such that the temperature of the gaseous atmosphere above the waste is higher than the melting point of the waste. Since only the space above the waste in the canister is heated, the temperature of the melt decreases with increasing depth of the waste in the canister. The decreasing temperature permits a small surface melt volume to be maintained and solidified product to form with increasing depth. The process continues until the disposable canister is filled, then all heating is stopped and the disposable canister allowed to cool to ambient temperature.

Abstract: A process for improving waste vitrification in a disposable canister. In the process, chunks of frit are combined with waste and then added to the disposable canister. The waste and frit are then heated to melt the frit and waste. The melted mixture is then cooled to form a vitrified product in the module.

Abstract: A spacecraft may be launched into outer space around the earth by magnetically suspending a sky tube having an inlet on earth and an outlet at altitude. The sky tube is evacuated, and the spacecraft is propelled therethrough to achieve escape velocity for reaching outer space.

Abstract: A method of filling a canister with vitrified waste starting with a waste, such as high-level radioactive waste, that is cooler than its melting point. Waste is added incrementally to a canister forming a column of waste capable of being separated into an upper zone and a lower zone. The minimum height of the column is defined such that the waste in the lower zone can be dried and melted while maintaining the waste in the upper zone below its melting point. The maximum height of the column is such that the upper zone remains porous enough to permit evolved gases from the lower zone to flow through the upper zone and out of the canister. Heat is applied to the waste in the lower zone to first dry then to raise and maintain its temperature to a target temperature above the melting point of the waste.

Abstract: A process for improving waste vitrification in a disposable canister. In the process, chunks of frit are combined with waste and then added to the disposable canister. The waste and frit are then heated to melt the frit and waste. The melted mixture is then cooled to form a vitrified product in the module.