Abstract: Systems and methods for dismantling a nuclear reactor are described. In one aspect the system includes a remotely controlled heavy manipulator (“manipulator”) operatively coupled to a support structure, and a control station in a non-contaminated portion of a workspace. The support structure provides the manipulator with top down access into a bioshield of a nuclear reactor. At least one computing device in the control station provides remote control to perform operations including: (a) dismantling, using the manipulator, a graphite moderator, concrete walls, and a ceiling of the bioshield, the manipulator being provided with automated access to all internal portions of the bioshield; (b) loading, using the manipulator, contaminated graphite blocks from the graphite core and other components from the bioshield into one or more waste containers; and (c) dispersing, using the manipulator, dust suppression and contamination fixing spray to contaminated matter.

Abstract: The present disclosure introduces modular apparatuses for mechanical devices. In one embodiment, a chain joint is described. The chain joint may include a rotating drum having an attachment point. Further, the chain joint may also include hydraulic cylinders connected to the rotating drum. Lengths of chain may be used to connect the hydraulic cylinders to the rotating drum via the attachment point. Another embodiment describes a robotic apparatus incorporating the chain joint. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dismantling a nuclear reactor are described. In one aspect the system includes a remotely controlled heavy manipulator (“manipulator”) operatively coupled to a support structure, and a control station in a non-contaminated portion of a workspace. The support structure provides the manipulator with top down access into a bioshield of a nuclear reactor. At least one computing device in the control station provides remote control to perform operations including: (a) dismantling, using the manipulator, a graphite moderator, concrete walls, and a ceiling of the bioshield, the manipulator being provided with automated access to all internal portions of the bioshield; (b) loading, using the manipulator, contaminated graphite blocks from the graphite core and other components from the bioshield into one or more waste containers; and (c) dispersing, using the manipulator, dust suppression and contamination fixing spray to contaminated matter.

Abstract: Application-ready pesticide compositions having enhanced pesticidal efficacy and methods for formulating such compositions are described. Pesticide concentrates are diluted with water purified to have a total dissolved solids content of 1 to about 100 ppm. The resulting application-ready pesticide compositions can be formulated at less than label-specified concentrations and/or applied at less than label-specified volume per area rates without loss of pesticidal efficacy. The application-ready compositions can be substantially free of adjuvants, or they can be optimized using polymer or ammonia based adjuvants to improve dosage transfer. Novel aqueous diluents comprising such adjuvants and low TDS water are also described.

Abstract: A meander line phased array antenna element is disclosed. The phased array antenna element has a dielectric plate, a transceiver medium component formed on the dielectric plate by a printed-circuit method and a microstrip line having a strip line for electrical connection with the transceiver medium component and a ground formed on the back of the dielectric plate. Since the phased array antenna element is planar, it can be mounted on any surface, such that the quality of the transmitted and/or received signal is able to be enhanced without any influence on the size of the product using this technique.