Abstract: A system for evacuating the residual heat from a nuclear reactor cooled with liquid metal or molten salts has two types of heat exchangers immersed in the primary fluid of the reactor: heat exchangers with higher power density, which use boiling water as secondary cooling fluid and are particularly suitable for evacuating the residual heat in the first days after turning-off of the reactor; and heat exchangers operating with atmospheric air or with water and suitable for evacuating the residual heat for indefinite periods of time.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an electron multiplier includes a neutron-sensitive composition having, in weight percent, approximately 30% to approximately 60% silicon oxide, approximately 20% to approximately 60% lead oxide, and approximately 1% to approximately 15% boron-10 enriched boron oxide. The composition is capable of interacting with neutrons to form an electron cascade. The electron multiplier can be in the form of a microchannel plate, a microfiber plate, or a microsphere plate.

Abstract: A lightweight cementitious composition containing from 22 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition and from 10 to 78 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, where after the lightweight cementitious composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39. The cementitious composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles and can be included as a layer on wall panels and floor panels and can be used in insulated concrete forms. Aspects of the lightweight cementitious composition can be used to make lightweight structural units.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for determining a line profile in a patterned structure, aimed at controlling a process of manufacture of the structure. The patterned structure comprises a plurality of different layers, the pattern in the structure being formed by patterned regions and un-patterned regions. At least first and second measurements are carried out, each utilizing illumination of the structure with a broad wavelengths band of incident light directed on the structure at a certain angle of incidence, detection of spectral characteristics of light returned from the structure, and generation of measured data representative thereof. The measured data obtained with the first measurement is analyzed, and at least one parameter of the structure is thereby determined. Then, this determined parameter is utilized, while analyzing the measured data obtained with the second measurements enabling the determination of the profile of the structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container assembly (1) that includes a support structure (11) and a container (14) that resides reversibly within the support structure interior (62). The support structure (11) includes a pair of opposed first and second support sidewalls (26, 29) each having an elongated tube (32, 44) having a first open end (38, 50) and an elongated hollow interior (35, 47). The container (14) has opposing sidewalls (77, 80) that each have an elongated channel (104, 110). The first and second elongated tubes (32, 44) of the support structure (11) are each reversibly received within the first and second elongated sidewall channels (104, 110) of the container (14), as the container is reversibly introduced (e.g., slid) into the support structure interior (62) through the open forward portion (65) of the support structure (11). The container assembly (1) may be reversibly lifted by lift members (e.g.

Abstract: Expandable or pre-expanded thermoplastic particles, e.g. polystyrene particles, used to form foam containers e.g. cups, bowls, are coated with a coating composition comprising a liquid part consisting of a) liquid polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of 200 to 800; and a solid part comprising components selected from the group consisting of b) polyolefin wax, e.g. polyethylene wax, c) a metal salt of higher fatty acids, e.g. zinc stearate or calcium stearate; d) polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of 900 to 10,000; and e) a fatty bisamide or fatty amide, e.g. ethylene bis-stearamide; and combinations of b) through e). The coating composition prevents or resists leakage of liquids and foods with oil and/or fatty components and improves the rim strength and ATF properties of foam containers.

Abstract: Alignment of layers during manufacture of a multi-layer sample is controlled by applying optical measurements to a measurement site in the sample. The measurement site includes two diffractive structures located one above the other in two different layers, respectively. The optical measurements include at least two measurements with different polarization states of incident light, each measurement including illuminating the measurement site so as to illuminate one of the diffractive structures through the other. The diffraction properties of the measurement site are indicative of a lateral shift between the diffractive structures. The diffraction properties detected are analyzed for the different polarization states of the incident light to determine an existing lateral shift between the layers.

Abstract: Expandable or pre-expanded thermoplastic particles, e.g. polystyrene particles, used to form foam containers e.g. cups, bowls, are coated with a coating composition comprising a liquid part consisting of a) liquid polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of 200 to 800; and a solid part comprising components selected from the group consisting of b) polyolefin wax, e.g. polyethylene wax, c) a metal salt of higher fatty acids, e.g. zinc stearate or calcium stearate; d) polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of 900 to 10,000; and e) a fatty bisamide or fatty amide, e.g. ethylene bis-stearamide; and combinations of b) through e). The coating composition prevents or resists leakage of liquids and foods with oil and/or fatty components and improves the rim strength and ATF properties of foam containers.

Abstract: The present disclosure details a thermoacoustic driven compressor having a pressurized housing, which contains within a thermoacoustic engine and a working gas, coupled to a positive displacement reciprocating compressor. The thermoacoustic driven compressor generates scalable compressed air from a given heat source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetron co-sputtering device (6) comprising a main magnetron cathode (x) and a secondary cathode (Y) adapted to be associated with each other to sputter deposit a material on a substrate (2) arranged at a substrate position, the material comprising a first material derived from the main cathode (X) and a second material derived from the secondary cathode (Y), wherein the secondary cathode (Y) is arranged between the main cathode (X) and the substrate position, at a position selected from: (i) a position within a magnetic field derived from a main cathode (X) magnetic source, and (ii) a position within the footprint (6) of the main cathode (X).

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and kits for removing unhealthy or necrotic pulp tissue from inside the root canals of a tooth, and to replace it with new vascularized tissue created by regenerative endodontic treatment. The present invention provides alternatives to current root canal therapies, as well as obturation of the root canal with dental materials.

Abstract: A method of preparing a light weight concrete composition using expanded polymer particles that includes a) replacing from about 10 to about 50 volume percent of the coarse aggregate in the concrete composition with prepuff particles; and b) preparing the concrete composition by combining ingredients comprising 3-40 volume percent cement, 1-50 volume percent fine aggregate, 0-40 volume percent coarse aggregate, 10-22 volume percent water, and 5-40 volume percent of prepuff particles. The prepuff particles have an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 5 mm, a bulk density of from 0.02 g/cc to 0.56 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3. The concrete composition has a density of from about 90 to about 135 lb./ft3 and after it is set for 28 days, has a compressive strength of at least 1800 psi as tested according to ASTM C39.

Abstract: A concrete wall forming system including a plurality of mold units for forming a wall of concrete. The mold units include a bond beam form extending into the body lengthwise, defined by a first wall, a second wall, a bond beam form bottom, a first end and a second end where the first wall and second wall extend a depth defined by a portion of the distance from the top surface to the bottom surface and where the bond beam form does not touch the first side or the second side. First and second ledges extend lengthwise along the body from the first and second sides respectively to the first and second walls respectively of the bond beam form. The bond beam form bottom extends from the first wall to the second wall. At least two column forms extend from the bond beam form bottom to a bottom surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented for use in optical processing of an article. The apparatus comprises: one or more optical windows for directing predetermined electromagnetic radiation therethrough to illuminate a region of interest and collecting radiation returned from the illuminated region; and two or more ports operable for inputting or discharging one or more gases from the vicinity of the region of interest on the article being processed to create in the vicinity of said region a substantially static state of environment, non-absorbable for said electromagnetic radiation, thereby reducing amount of ambient gas in the vicinity of said region of interest and enabling optical processing of the article while maintaining it in the ambient gas environment.

Abstract: A polylactide-based polymer or copolymer (PLA) compositions with improved flame retardancy properties as obtained by conventional melt-blending of PLA polyester matrix (1) with both calcium sulfate (2) and organo-modified layered silicates (OMLS) (3). Combination of CaSO4 and OMLS exhibits synergistic effects on PLA flame retardancy by both significantly increasing the time to ignition and decreasing the heat release rate per unit area, and promoting non-dripping properties. Moreover, all other properties of PLA remain almost unchanged or are improved as regards to pristine PLA, especially thermal and mechanical properties.

Abstract: The application relates to a method for treating waste containing precious metals, said method comprising the following successive steps: the waste is brought into contact with a composition based on molten lead; the mixture obtained is skimmed; and the skimmed mixture is refined by electrolysis in such a way as to recover the precious metals. The application also relates to a waste treatment installation for implementing said method.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for determining a line profile in a patterned structure, aimed at controlling a process of manufacture of the structure. The patterned structure comprises a plurality of different layers, the pattern in the structure being formed by patterned regions and un-patterned regions. At least first and second measurements are carried out, each utilizing illumination of the structure with a broad wavelengths band of incident light directed on the structure at a certain angle of incidence, detection of spectral characteristics of light returned from the structure, and generation of measured data representative thereof. The measured data obtained with the first measurement is analyzed, and at least one parameter of the structure is thereby determined. Then, this determined parameter is utilized, while analyzing the measured data obtained with the second measurements enabling the determination of the profile of the structure.

Abstract: A bilirubin sensor has a working electrode with a first chemical matrix disposed thereon that contains a binder, a substrate electrode with a second chemical matrix dispose thereon that contains a binder and a chemical agent that consumes bilirubin, a reference electrode, a sample chamber containing the working electrode, the substrate electrode and the reference electrode, and a method of measuring bilirubin in a body fluid.

Abstract: A new and distinct Heucherella plant substantially as shown and described, characterized by leaves colored blue green in spring and summer changing to green in the fall and winter with a large dark center following the veins, and a silver veil or overlay, palmately lobed leaves, numerous stalks of warm pink flowers, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid of Tiarella plant characterized by excellent vigor; a stable uniform speckled variegation; prominent maroon markings along main veins; pink buds to white flowers on pink flowering stems; and a compact habit.