Abstract: A reactor core (104) includes fuel assemblies (202) arranged in a loading pattern (1100) in response to corresponding power levels of the fuel assemblies (202). A crud deposition model (412) is used to predict crud deposition on the fuel assemblies (202) and fuel pins (300) within the fuel assemblies (202). The prediction of crud deposition enables generation of the loading pattern (1100) and design of lattice structures (1600) for the fuel assemblies (202) that results in the reduction of total crud deposition in the reactor core (104) and causes a substantially uniform crud deposition on the fuel assemblies (202) of the reactor core (104).

Abstract: A receiver (22) includes an IF filter (44) and a nearby process-variant circuit (80) formed on a common semiconductor substrate (24). The actual center frequency of the IF filter (44) is determined by resistors (70, 74) and capacitors (72, 76) exhibiting imprecise values and is unlikely to equal a nominal center frequency. The process-variant circuit (80) includes a test resistor (102) and test capacitor (104) formed using the same resistor-forming and capacitor-forming processes used to form the IF filter resistors (70, 74) and capacitors (72, 76). In response a test signal (88) from the process-variant circuit (80) and a reference signal (84) from a process-invariant circuit (82), a tuning parameter for a tunable local oscillator (90) is determined so that a local oscillation signal (94) will exhibit a frequency which, when mixed with an RF signal (38) yields an IF signal (42) at the actual center frequency of the IF filter (44).

Abstract: A flange (62) includes a first flange section (64) configured for coupling with a first tube (102), and a second flange section (66) configured for coupling with a second tube (104). A first mating portion (70) of the first flange section (64) connects to a second mating portion (74) of the second flange section (66) to form the flange (62) for retaining the first tube (102) beside the second tube (104). The flange (62), first tube (102), and second tube (104) form a subassembly (100). The subassembly (100) is subsequently assembled so that a third tube (112) is retained in fluid communication with the first tube (102) and a fourth tube (114) is retained in fluid communication with the second tube (104) to form a tube joint assembly (110) for roughly parallel sets of tubes.

Abstract: A protective cover (20) for a wheelchair (60) includes a first cover section (22) and a second cover section (24). The first and second cover sections (22, 24) form a contiguous unit having a first surface (34) and a second surface (36). The protective cover (20) wraps around either a seat (64) or back (66) of the wheelchair (60) so that the first and second cover sections (22, 24) reside on opposite sides of the seat (64) or the back (66). Fastening elements (38, 42) detachably couple a fourth edge (32) of the second cover section (24) with a first edge (26) of a first cover section (22) to form a closed loop around the seat (64) or the back (66). The protective cover (20) may optionally include cushions (52) for occupant comfort, and storage pockets (44) for occupant convenience.

Abstract: An atomizing nozzle (20) for use in a misting system and a process (200) for manufacturing the atomizing nozzle (20) are provided. The atomizing nozzle (20) is made up of a nozzle body (24), a metallic orifice insert (26), and a non-metallic impeller. The nozzle body (24) has an inlet end (30), has an outlet end (32), has an insert recess (36) proximate the outlet end (32), and encompasses a first chamber (42). The metallic orifice insert (26) is affixed to the nozzle body (24) within the insert recess (36) and encompasses a second chamber (66). The non-metallic impeller (28) is configured to reside within the first and second chambers (42,66) between the metallic orifice insert (26) and the nozzle inlet end (30).

Abstract: A pole bridle (20) for facilitating the manipulation of a pole (22) by a hoist includes plates (24) configured for placement in spaced-relation about the pole (22). Retaining members (26) are coupled to an outer surface (28) of the plates (24). The retaining members (26) are configured to retain a flexible member (62) of the hoist in encircling-relation about the pole (22). An upward force (72) imposed on the flexible member (62) creates a transverse force (74) on the plates (24) to direct the plates (24) against the pole (22). The transverse force (74) largely prevents the plates (24) from slipping along the pole (22) as the upward force (72) incrementally extracts the pole (22) from a fixed, upright position in the ground (60).

Abstract: An apparatus (22) for applying a therapeutic signal (31) to the scalp (32) of a subject (20) includes a first electrode (26) for massaging the scalp (32) and second electrode (30) in contact with the subject (20) and located remote from the first electrode (26). The therapeutic signal (31), passing between the first and second electrodes (26, 30) through the scalp (32), serves to loosen connective tissue and improve blood circulation in the scalp. The apparatus (22) includes digital waveform generators (54) for generating harmonically non-related resultant signals (96). The resultant signals (96) are combined to form the therapeutic signal (31) exhibiting a pseudorandom signal characteristic.

Abstract: Methods for modeling costs of wireless network infrastructure are described. More specifically, the cost contribution models for modeling radioports are described. Various radioport architectures include a constant channel capacity model (48) and a constant offered load model (82). Under constraints imposed by a class of dense user networks, such as wireless metropolitan area networks, cost models are shown to exhibit convex cost functions having minimums. Processes for analyzing these cost models are described for determining which radioport architecture, provides a least-cost radioport cost segment to the overall network cost.

Abstract: A method for applying a therapeutic signal (24) to a body portion (34) of a subject (20) to encourage hair growth utilizes an apparatus (22) that includes a first electrode (28) and a second electrode (32). The first electrode (28) is secured in contact with the skin surface of the subject (20) remote from the body portion (34), and the second electrode (32) is positioned at the body portion (34). The therapeutic signal (24) is provided at a conductive pod (114) of the second electrode (32). The second electrode (32) is manipulated by an operator to apply a circular motion (134) to the body portion (34) underlying the conductive pod (114). The circular motion (134) is repetitively applied as the conductive pod (114) is moved across the body portion (34) to loosen connective tissue at the body portion (34).

Abstract: A radar detector (10) includes a first period detector (76, 122), a second period detector (96, 120) and a third period detector (86, 124) within a multi-period periodicity validator 38. The first period detector (76, 122) detects radar pulses exhibiting one-half of an expected pulse period (48), the second period detector (96, 120) detects radar pulses exhibiting the expected pulse period (48), and the third period detector (86, 124) detects radar pulses exhibiting twice the expected pulse period (48). A plurality of pulse-train records (40) can simultaneously track a plurality of possible pulse trains. A control element (84, 136, 138) accounts for missing pulses and corrects the expected pulse period when missing pulses have caused the expected pulse period to be inaccurate.

Abstract: A system (100) and method (200) for adaptively managing bias of an RF power amplifier (102) is provided. The system (100) incorporates a controller (116) configured to select a radio operating mode. A current-mirror circuit (114) is coupled to the controller (116) and configured to produce a reference current (IRef) as a function of the radio operating mode. A bias regulator (104) is coupled to the controller (116) and the current-mirror circuit (114) and configured to produce a driver-stage bias current (Ib1) and an output-stage bias current (Ib2) for the power amplifier (102) in response to the reference current (IRef). The system (100) also incorporates a DC-to-DC converter (118) coupled to the controller (116) and configured to provide a supply voltage (Vcc) for the power amplifier (102) in response to the radio operating mode. The system (100) also incorporates an envelope detector (120) configured to produce an envelope current (IEnv) in response to an RF input signal (126).

Abstract: A communication system (10) uses commercial, mass market paging transmission facilities (16) to deliver messages (18′) to a population of reception devices (22). Each reception device (22) includes a display screen (48) at which lines (72) of national and local news and advertising, a banner advertising box (74) and a clock (76) are displayed. Line buttons (54′) are aligned with the displayed lines (72). The reception device (22) is configured so that a user may press a line button (54′) aligned with a particular line (72) scrolling on the display screen (48) to view additional details related to the subject matter of the particular line (72). Selected lines (72) include alert activating codes (42) which signal the reception device (22), when enabled, to activate an alert which attracts the user's attention to those selected lines (72).

Abstract: An interference attenuating remote audience survey system (42) is configured to identify radio stations (84) to which tuners (26) are tuned, the tuners (26) having local oscillator (LO) signals (30) emitted therefrom. The system (42) includes a first antenna (34) for sensing a first signal (52) at a selected LO frequency (88), the first signal (52) including one of the LO signals (30) and an interference signal (96). A second antenna (44) receives a second signal (54) at the selected LO frequency (88), the second signal (54) including an interference signal (100). A shield element (48) shields the second antenna (44) from receiving the one of the LO signals (30). The first and second signals (52, 54) are subtractively combined to produce a third signal (77), the interference signal (96) being attenuated from the third signal (77).

Abstract: A system (36) provides a network designer with a mechanism for analyzing the performance of a code division multiple access wireless network (20). The system (36) includes executable code in the form of a probable server identification module (52), a forward link initial estimation module (54), a reverse link initial estimation module (56), a forward link analysis module (58), and a reverse link analysis (60). The modular architecture of the modules (52, 54, 56, 58, and 60) are appropriately configured and interconnected in order to form a network performance analysis process (62) that accurately analyzes both the reverse link performance and the forward link performance of the network (20).

Abstract: A drive pin (20) for the fastening of a material (22) to a sheet-metal framing member (24) with an automatic nailer is provided. The drive pin (20) has a head (26), a substantially cylindrical shank (28) having a base diameter (30) in a range of 0.0625 to 0.125 inch, and a ballistic tip (40) configured to penetrate the material (22) and the framing member (24) under force of the automatic nailer. A knurl (42) is formed upon the shank (28). The knurl (42) has at least seven and no more than fourteen substantially parallel spiral grooves (32) having a minor diameter (58) less than the shank base diameter (30). Adjacent spiral grooves (32) are separated by substantially unbroken spiral ridges (34) having a major diameter (62) greater than the shank base diameter (30). The spiral grooves (32) and ridges (34) together form a plurality of threads (44) rolled full upon the shank (28) at an angle (54) of substantially 26±2 degrees relative to an axis (46) of the shank (28).

Abstract: A gas sensor (22) for detecting the presence of a selected component in a gas (41) includes a substrate (28) exhibiting a low thermal resistance. A heater element (34) is disposed substantially over a surface area of a first surface (30) of the substrate (28). Sensor and reference elements (36, 38), formed from a single metal trace (54), are disposed on a second surface (32) of the substrate (28). The electrical resistivity of the sensor element (36) changes as the sensor element (36) adsorbs molecules of the selected component. During a regeneration process, the heater element (34) is activated to provide substantially even heating over the surface area of the first surface (30). Heat from the heater element (34) conducts through the substrate (28) to heat the sensor element (36) and the reference element (38) to a regeneration temperature sufficient to cause the adsorbed molecules of the selected component to be liberated.

Abstract: A stuffed toy (10) for play by an animal is taught. The stuffed toy (10) has an outer pliable shell (12) formed of a first fur (54), an inner pliable shell (56) formed of a second fur (54′) located within the outer pliable shell (12), a pouch (58) formed of a third fur (54″) located within the inner pliable shell (56), and a play-stimulation item (68) located within the pouch (58) to provide stimulation for play by the animal. The outer and inner pliable shells (12,56) form an interior cavity (14) having an opening (22) though the outer and inner pliable shells (12,56). A hook-and-loop fastener (72) is used to releasably seals the opening (22). The pouch (58) is configured to pass through the opening (22) and is contained within the interior cavity (14) during the play by the animal. The play-stimulation item (68) may be an olfactory-excitation material (catnip) or a sound-producing device (squeaker).

Abstract: An electrode apparatus (20) includes an electrode (22), an electrical contact (24), and a non-conductive sheath (26) surrounding a portion (44) of the electrical contact (24). The electrode (22) includes an interior passage (36) configured for the placement of electrolytic gel (88). Openings (38) are disposed along a length (28) of the electrode (22) and extend from the interior passage (36) to an exterior surface (34). The openings (38) facilitate the leakage of the electrolytic gel (88) from the interior passage (36) to the exterior surface (34) of the electrode (22) when the electrode apparatus (20) is in use. A rigid conducting dowel (62) and a conductive tubular member (60) are located in the non-conductive sheath (26). The portion (44) of the electrical contact (24) fits in an inner passage (68) of the member (60). Thus, the dowel (62) and the member (60) ensure electrical continuity between the electrical contact (24) and the electrode (22).

Abstract: A clamp (40) for attaching a vibration damper to an energized suspended conductor (98) includes a base (42) having a first clamp member (46) with first and second extension sections (50, 52). The clamp (40) further includes a second clamp member (56) positioned between the extension sections (50, 52), and an eyebolt (58) for securing the second clamp member (56), to the first clamp member (46). The extension sections (50, 52) continuously abut the second clamp member (56) to prevent its rotation about the eyebolt (58). During installation, the eyebolt (58) is captured by a hook member (92) of shotgun stick (94) and a single lineman secures the vibration damper to the conductor (98).

Abstract: A bilboquet toy (20) is provided. The toy (20) incorporates a handheld radio (26), such as a cellular telephone or other handheld electronic device, to which is attached a coupler (22). A bille (24), in the form of a stylized ring or cup, is coupled to the coupler (22) by a tether (32). In play, the bille (24) is tossed upward and caught as it falls upon an antenna (28) of the radio (26). The bille (24) may assume any of a plurality of shapes to allow different forms and levels of play. The coupler (22) may be removable, such as an O-ring pressed over the antenna (28), semi-removable, as a two-part hook-and-loop fastener, or permanent. Either the coupler (22) or the bille (24) may display advertising copy (46). The coupler (22), the bille (24), and the tether (32) are fabricated of non-conducting materials to avoid interference with communicative use of the handheld radio (26).