Abstract: A nuclear reactor scram control system for a nuclear reactor includes a solenoid pilot valve (SSPV). The SSPV includes a solenoid indicator light electrically coupled to an SSPV solenoid of the SSPV. The solenoid indicator light may be selectively activated based on an energization state of the SSPV solenoid, thereby providing an immediate and visually observable indication of the SSPV energization state. The immediate and visually observable indication of the SSPV energization state may enable quicker and more reliable verification of SSPV solenoid energization state. As a result, operator radiation exposure associated with verification may be reduced, and a risk of inadvertent nuclear reactor scram based on a de-energized SSPV solenoid may be reduced, thus streamlined nuclear reactor operations.

Abstract: A fluid feed system cover with an integrated funnel. A fluid feed system includes a reservoir and equipment installed on a top surface of the reservoir. The top surface of the reservoir also has a fill hole for replenishing the reservoir. A cover is installed on top of the reservoir, protecting the equipment. A funnel integrated into the cover extends into, or to just above, the reservoir fill hole, making it possible to replenish the reservoir without removing the cover. A manway is used to cover the upper opening of the funnel when reservoir replenishment is complete.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor scram control system for a nuclear reactor includes a solenoid pilot valve (SSPV). The SSPV includes a solenoid indicator light electrically coupled to an SSPV solenoid of the SSPV. The solenoid indicator light may be selectively activated based on an energization state of the SSPV solenoid, thereby providing an immediate and visually observable indication of the SSPV energization state. The immediate and visually observable indication of the SSPV energization state may enable quicker and more reliable verification of SSPV solenoid energization state. As a result, operator radiation exposure associated with verification may be reduced, and a risk of inadvertent nuclear reactor scram based on a de-energized SSPV solenoid may be reduced, thus streamlined nuclear reactor operations.

Abstract: A fluid feed system cover with an integrated funnel. A fluid feed system includes a reservoir and equipment installed on a top surface of the reservoir. The top surface of the reservoir also has a fill hole for replenishing the reservoir. A cover is installed on top of the reservoir, protecting the equipment. A funnel integrated into the cover extends into, or to just above, the reservoir fill hole, making it possible to replenish the reservoir without removing the cover. A manway is used to cover the upper opening of the funnel when reservoir replenishment is complete.

Abstract: A jet pump assembly according to an example embodiment of the present invention includes an inlet body arranged in proximity with a throat structure so as to provide an entrainment entrance between a discharge end of the inlet body and the throat structure. A drive flow of a motive fluid is supplied at a first velocity to the inlet body and is discharged through at least one nozzle at a higher second velocity, thereby creating a pressure drop in the throat structure. The pressure drop facilitates a first entrained flow of suction fluid into the entrainment entrance and a second entrained flow of suction fluid through at least one channel passing through the inlet body. The at least one channel is configured such that the second entrained flow is isolated from the drive flow while passing through the inlet body.

Abstract: Micro-opto-mechanical chemical sensors and methods for simultaneously detecting and discriminating between a variety of vapor-phase analytes. One embodiment of the sensor is a photonic microharp chemical sensor with an array of closely spaced microbridges, each differing slightly in length and coated with a different sorbent polymer. The microbridges can be excited photothermally, and the microbridges can be optically interrogated using microcavity interferometry. Other actuation methods include piezoelectric, piezoresistive, electrothermal, and magnetic. Other read-out techniques include using a lever arm and other interferometric techniques.

Abstract: An ear loop, and an assembly of an ear loop and ear bud, wherein the ear loop retains the shaft of the ear bud such that the position and angle of the ear bud relative to the ear loop can be adjusted axially and rotationally.

Abstract: A jet pump assembly according to an example embodiment of the present invention includes an inlet body arranged in proximity with a throat structure so as to provide an entrainment entrance between a discharge end of the inlet body and the throat structure. A drive flow of a motive fluid is supplied at a first velocity to the inlet body and is discharged through at least one nozzle at a higher second velocity, thereby creating a pressure drop in the throat structure. The pressure drop facilitates a first entrained flow of suction fluid into the entrainment entrance and a second entrained flow of suction fluid through at least one channel passing through the inlet body. The at least one channel is configured such that the second entrained flow is isolated from the drive flow while passing through the inlet body.

Abstract: Micro-opto-mechanical chemical sensors and methods for simultaneously detecting and discriminating between a variety of vapor-phase analytes. One embodiment of the sensor is a photonic microharp chemical sensor with an array of closely spaced microbridges, each differing slightly in length and coated with a different sorbent polymer. The microbridges can be excited photothermally, and the microbridges can be optically interrogated using microcavity interferometry. Other actuation methods include piezoelectric, piezoresistive, electrothermal, and magnetic. Other read-out techniques include using a lever arm and other interferometric techniques.

Abstract: An ear loop, and an assembly of an ear loop and ear bud, wherein the ear loop retains the shaft of the ear bud such that the position and angle of the ear bud relative to the ear loop can be adjusted axially and rotationally.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a portable carrying device that includes a housing, an elongated flexible strap extendable from the housing, and at least one rigid support arm attached to the housing and configured for supporting an article to be carried. The portable carrying device can include a coupler disposed on a first end of the elongated flexible strap and a mating structure disposed on a portion of the housing for releasably securing the coupler. The rigid support arm can be movable from a first position in which the rigid support arm is compactly stored relative to the housing, to a second position in which the rigid support arm is at least partially extended away from the housing. The housing can have at least one recess for receiving the rigid support arm and the rigid support arm can have a shape corresponding to the recess.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating data samples for data analysis. The method includes imaging at least a portion of a first object having a target portion to generate a first image, analyzing the first image by running a first series of algorithms using the first image to generate a first algorithm value cache, removing the target portion from the first object to form a modified first object, imaging at least a portion of the modified first object to generate a second image, analyzing the second image by running the first series of algorithms using the second image to generate a second algorithm value cache, generating a transformed result by running a subtraction process using the first algorithm value cache and the second algorithm value cache, and storing the transformed result in a knowledge base.

Abstract: A method for determining the significance of a term in a plurality of data products. The data products are stored on a single computer, at one or more locations over a computer-based network, or on the world wide web. The method determines the type of the data product. The data product is assigned a weight value based on a list of predetermined variables. A processor calculates a weight value for each term inside the data product. The weight value equals the weight value assigned to the data product added to the weight value of the term calculated based on a list of predetermined variables. The list of terms and calculated weight values are stored for each term.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a portable carrying device that includes a housing, an elongated flexible strap extendable from the housing, and at least one rigid support arm attached to the housing and configured for supporting an article to be carried. The portable carrying device can include a coupler disposed on a first end of the elongated flexible strap and a mating structure disposed on a portion of the housing for releasably securing the coupler. The rigid support arm can be movable from a first position in which the rigid support arm is compactly stored relative to the housing, to a second position in which the rigid support arm is at least partially extended away from the housing. The housing can have at least one recess for receiving the rigid support arm and the rigid support arm can have a shape corresponding to the recess.

Abstract: A system for imaging a substrate can comprise an image data source, an electromagnetic radiation source operatively connected to the image data source and configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in accordance with information provided by the image data source, and a DBR film applied to a substrate. The DBR film can comprise two types of film layers, wherein the two types of film layers are each stable at ambient temperature, each of the two types of film layers having a glass transition temperature (TG) that is lower than the temperature needed to produce deformation of bulk material of the two types of film layers upon interaction with the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A storage device comprises a substrate having a recording layer, the recording layer having plural regions associated with respective plural storage cells. A light source generates write light having a first wavelength to write to the storage cells, wherein the storage cells have a size less than the first wavelength.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a portable carrying device that includes a housing, an elongated flexible strap extendable from the housing, and at least one rigid support arm attached to the housing and configured for supporting an article to be carried. The portable carrying device can include a coupler disposed on a first end of the elongated flexible strap and a mating structure disposed on a portion of the housing for releasably securing the coupler. The rigid support arm can be movable from a first position in which the rigid support arm is compactly stored relative to the housing, to a second position in which the rigid support arm is at least partially extended away from the housing. The housing can have at least one recess for receiving the rigid support arm and the rigid support arm can have a shape corresponding to the recess.

Abstract: An optical viewing system for producing multiple image displays comprises a first screen for displaying a first two-dimensional image on a first electronic display device at a first predetermined distance from an observer and a second screen for displaying a second two-dimensional image on a second electronic display device at a second predetermined distance from the observer. Each of the screens is located at different predetermined locations on an optical viewing path relatively nearer to and farther from the observer. The first two-dimensional image is projected through the second screen, creating a multiple overlaid picture image. The first and second electronic display devices are operable asynchronously without degrading the multiple overlaid picture image. The screen disposed in the optical viewing path at the predetermined location nearer to the observer is partially transparent.