Abstract: A method for monitoring components in a nuclear reactor is provided along with related systems and component. In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes a first transducer mechanism disposed within a nuclear reactor, the first transducer being configured to emit a first wireless signal to an identified component of the nuclear reactor. A second transducer mechanism is configured to detect a response signal that is emitted by the identified component in response to the first wireless signal. In one particular embodiment, the first transducer mechanism may include one or more confocal transducers. The confocal transducer may include two or more electrodes configured to emit their respective beams coaxially with focal points that are coincidental. The system may be configured to determine a characteristic of a component being monitored. In one particular embodiment, the component may include a fuel rod.

Abstract: Disclosed are remote spatial calibration apparatuses and spatial calibration methods. A first plurality of line-generating lasers is arranged for generating a first set of substantially parallel lines in a first orientation. A second plurality of line-generating lasers is arranged for generating a second set of substantially parallel lines in a second orientation. Both sets of lines are directed to project on an object and the second orientation is substantially perpendicular to the first orientation such that the lines form a matrix of lines. An imaging device is configured for obtaining an image of the object and the matrix of lines formed on the object. The spatial calibration apparatuses may be included in a housing comprising a projection face, an imaging device cavity formed in the projection face, and a plurality of laser cavities formed in the projection face.

Abstract: A method of measuring a parameter of a landfill including a cap, without passing wires through the cap, includes burying a sensor apparatus in the landfill prior to closing the landfill with the cap; providing a reader capable of communicating with the sensor apparatus via radio frequency (RF); placing an antenna above the barrier, spaced apart from the sensor apparatus; coupling the antenna to the reader either before or after placing the antenna above the barrier; providing power to the sensor apparatus, via the antenna, by generating a field using the reader; accumulating and storing power in the sensor apparatus; sensing a parameter of the landfill using the sensor apparatus while using power; and transmitting the sensed parameter to the reader via a wireless response signal. A system for measuring a parameter of a landfill is also provided.

Abstract: A wireless sensor system includes a passive sensor apparatus configured to be embedded within a concrete structure to monitor infiltration of contaminants into the structure. The sensor apparatus includes charging circuitry and a plurality of sensors respectively configured to measure environmental parameters of the structure which include information related to the infiltration of contaminants into the structure. A reader apparatus is communicatively coupled to the sensor apparatus, the reader apparatus being configured to provide power to the charging circuitry during measurements of the environmental parameters by the sensors. The reader apparatus is configured to independently interrogate individual ones of the sensors to obtain information measured by the individual sensors. The reader apparatus is configured to generate an induction field to energize the sensor apparatus.

Abstract: A process, system, and improvement for a process for electromagnetic forming of a workpiece in which characteristics of the workpiece such as its geometry, electrical conductivity, quality, and magnetic permeability can be determined by monitoring the current and voltage in the workcoil. In an electromagnet forming process in which a power supply provides current to a workcoil and the electromagnetic field produced by the workcoil acts to form the workpiece, the dynamic interaction of the electromagnetic fields produced by the workcoil with the geometry, electrical conductivity, and magnetic permeability of the workpiece, provides information pertinent to the physical condition of the workpiece that is available for determination of quality and process control. This information can be obtained by deriving in real time the first several time derivatives of the current and voltage in the workcoil.