Abstract: An isotope production device may include a reactor core configured to contain an aqueous fuel solution. The device may further include shielding material substantially surrounding the reactor core. The device may also include a heat exchanger positioned above the reactor core. The device may further include a flow path extending between the heat exchanger and a bottom of the reactor core. The device may also include an extraction device positioned along the flow path at a position after the heat exchanger, the extraction device configured to extract a portion of the aqueous fuel solution after the heat exchanger. The device may further include an orifice plate coupled to the bottom of the reactor core.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques for managing resource production within an integrated energy system. Such techniques may comprise receiving an indication of a resource production target associated with a set of resource production components and determining, based on the resource production target, a set of configuration settings associated with the set of resource production components. The techniques may further comprise determining, based on the set of configuration settings associated with the set of resource production components, an amount of steam and power to achieve the resource production target and providing instructions to one or more control mechanisms of a power plant system to cause the power production plant to provide the amount of steam and power to the set of resource production components.

Abstract: Novel methods and apparatus are disclosed for handling carriers for soft contact lenses in a lens manufacturing system. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, article handling devices are located beneath a pre-cure station and a curing station of the system to move lens carriers within those stations. Pursuant to a second aspect of the invention, in a preferred embodiment multiple sets of assemblies are provided for moving a multitude of lens carriers into, through, and out from the pre-cure station and the curing station. In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, the curing station is provided with an intelligent buffer.

Abstract: Novel methods and apparatus are disclosed for handling carriers for soft contact lenses in a lens manufacturing system. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, article handling devices are located beneath a pre-cure station and a curing station of the system to move lens carriers within those stations. As a result of locating these devices beneath these stations, the desired movement of the carriers can be achieved without increasing the footprint of the station. Pursuant to a second aspect of the invention, a complete set of assemblies is provided for moving a multitude of lens carriers into, through, and out from the pre-cure station and the curing station. This set of assemblies accomplishes this movement in a completely automated, high speed, mass production basis. In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, the curing station is provided with an intelligent buffer.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for using microwave energy to disassemble, release, and hydrate contact lenses in one or more microwave heating and processing stations. Microwave energy is used to promote disassembly of a front curve mold with an adhered HEMA ring from a base curve mold with an adhered contact lens, and microwave energy is also used to promote release of the contact lens from the base curve mold, and microwave energy is further used to facilitate hydration of the released contact lens.

Abstract: Novel methods and apparatus are disclosed for handling carriers for soft contact lenses in a lens manufacturing system. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, article handling devices are located beneath a pre-cure station and a curing station of the system to move lens carriers within those stations. Pursuant to a second aspect of the invention, in a preferred embodiment multiple sets of assemblies are provided for moving a multitude of lens carriers into, through, and out from the pre-cure station and the curing station. In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, the curing station is provided with an intelligent buffer.

Abstract: Novel methods and apparatus are disclosed for handling carriers for soft contact lenses in a lens manufacturing system. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, article handling devices are located beneath a pre-cure station and a curing station of the system to move lens carriers within those stations. As a result of locating these devices beneath these stations, the desired movement of the carriers can be achieved without increasing the footprint of the station. Pursuant to a second aspect of the invention, a complete set of assemblies is provided for moving a multitude of lens carriers into, through, and out from the pre-cure station and the curing station. This set of assemblies accomplishes this movement in a completely automated, high speed, mass production basis. In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, the curing station is provided with an intelligent buffer.