Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing delivery of content to client devices of a network via both multicast and unicast mechanisms. In one embodiment, a system for use in a managed content delivery network is described to bridge multicast to unicast, so that the total network bandwidth consumption is significantly lower than a corresponding unicast-only delivery solution, yet which still provides improved quality of service and user viewing experience as compared to a multicast-only delivery solution. In addition, various exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are readily adapted for real-time multicast to unicast streaming of audio and data to, among other things, minimize network bandwidth usage, while maintaining the guaranteed delivery of unicast streams with little or no modification to the existing client device logic.

Abstract: In a high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactor system, which is suitable for modular utilization in combination with one or more other similar nuclear reactor systems, an arrangement which comprises passive heat sink means for absorbing decay heat energy generated at a reactor core included within said reactor system; and means for removing heat energy from said heat sink means at a rate sufficient to maintain the capacity of the heat sink means for absorption of decay heat energy such that release of fission products resulting from loss of forced circulation of gas coolant, or such loss in combination with coolant depressurization, when the reactor is critical and at power is prevented, thereby to provide safety means independent of human or automatic activation; and method embodiments corresponding to same.

Abstract: An improved gas circulator for a gas-cooled nuclear reactor system is disclosed which includes a stator, a rotor having a rotor shaft, and an impeller attached to one end thereof. A radial active magnetic bearing and a radial backup bearing are positioned proximate each end of the rotor shaft. An axial active magnetic bearing is also located between the ends of the rotor shaft, as is an axial backup bearing, with two of the backup bearings enclosed within a sealed chamber that may contain a lubricant, for example, a solid lubricant or a liquid lubricant. Preferably, the gas circulator is installed in a nuclear reactor system with the rotor shaft in a substantially vertical orientation and the sealed chamber near the bottom of the rotor shaft. The lower radical backup bearing and the axial backup bearing are advantageously located within the sealed chamber.

Abstract: A method of removing sludge deposits from the tube plate of a steam generator of the type typically found in a nuclear electric generating plant involves inserting a jet lance into a handhole in the shell of the steam generator just above the tube sheet and along the tube lane, and inserting a flexible suction hose in that or another handhole. A jet nozzle on the lance is directed along one passageway defined by adjacent rows of tubes. The suction hose is adjusted until a suction opening at its end is aligned at the peripheral end of the one tube passageway. Then the sludge is jet blasted with a jet of cleaning fluid from the nozzle, and sufficient suction is applied to the hose so that all of the fluid and entrained sludge is sucked up as it issues from the peripheral end of the tube passageway.

Abstract: A process for the gasification of carbon of solid carbonaceous material to form carbon monoxide and hydrogen by contacting the material with superheated steam and irradiating the product of said contacting with an amount of microwave energy sufficient to gasify said carbon, and apparatus therefor.