Abstract: A microprocessor controlled utility consumption meter is provided. The meter is to be associated with sensors for detecting the consumption of a utility and includes a real time clock operable to generate time signals to divide a predetermined time period into a plurality of intervals, the intervals defining critical and non-critical utility consumption times. A processor is also provided which communicates with the sensors and is responsive to the timing signals for storing the utility conmsumption for each of the intervals in the period. An accumulator accumulates the utility consumption for each of the intervals over a plurality of periods. The meter also includes an interface for allowing the accumulated utility consumption stored in the meter to the transmitted to a central computer for processing.

Abstract: A method of casting a water pump impeller which initially includes the formation of a foam pattern incorporating a former which remains as a part of the impeller, the foam pattern being used to form a mold in which the impeller is cast accompanied by the destruction of the foam pattern.

Abstract: Protection inducing antigens or parasites of the genus Plasmodium are described. The antigens have an apparent molecular weight of 1.8 to 2.5.times.10.sup.5 and are associated with the membranes of the erythrocytic schizont forms of the parasite. The antigens may be incorporated into vaccines and used for the inducing of immunity into susceptible vetebrate hosts including humans. Methods for the preparation of the antigens are also described.

Abstract: A valve assembly (16) for an oscillating pump (10) of the type having a reciprocating armature (12) which carries an impeller (13) includes a rigid valve seat (17) carried by and movable with the impeller (13). The assembly (16) also includes an elastomeric valve (18) which is carried by the valve seat (17) within the impeller (13) and which divides the pump chamber therein into an inlet side (14) and outlet side (15). Reciprocation of the armature (12) first causes the valve (18) to engage the valve seat (17) to discharge fluid from the outlet side (15) of the pump chamber and then causes the valve (18) to disengage the valve seat (17) to permit fluid to pass from the inlet side (14) to the outlet side (15) of the pump chamber.

Abstract: A control rod for use in a nuclear reactor core to provide xenon compensation includes an elongated inner cylindrical member and an elongated outer cylindrical member surrounding the inner member. Each of the members is composed of axially-extending, alternating black poison and nonpoison regions. Also, the inner member is axially movable relative to the outer member to adjust the degree to which the poison regions of the members overlap with the nonpoison regions thereof and thereby change the overall worth of the rod in an axially uniform manner. The inner cylindrical member has a solid cross-sectional configuration, whereas the outer cylindrical member has an annular cross-sectional configuration and concentrically surrounds the inner member. Each of the poison regions in the members is about the same axial height, while each of the nonpoison regions is about the same axial height.

Abstract: A device is disclosed to prevent the unauthorized copying of magnetic tapes (tape "piracy"). The device utilizes an inaudible signal encoded into the tape program as the master recording is being made. A separate decoding circuit is to be installed in commercially available stereo tape decks. Whenever the encoded signal is present on the original recording, the decoding circuitry will short the bias signal of the tape deck being used to attempt to make the copies. This will prevent the deck from recording any of the program on the original tape.

Abstract: A radial neutron reflector is disclosed for a light water nuclear reactor. The irregular space between the core periphery and the core barrel surrounding the core is filled with a structure comprising material other than hydrogen such as zirconia or stainless steel so as to displace the reactor water coolant in this region. The structure is provided with appropriately sized flow holes to pass reactor coolant therethrough and to balance the pressure within the structure to substantially coincide with the axial pressure profile at the core periphery.

Abstract: A surgical tool, for use in hip replacement operations comprises a substantially linear stem which in use seats within a preformed femur cavity. A fixed arm extends medially from an upper portion of the stem and terminates in support for a rotatable cutter. One end of the cutter is received in a seating on the stem below the fixed arm. Ancilliary equipment includes a depth locating tool, so correctly positioning the hip implant in relation to the retained femur neck.

Abstract: A method of forming a fine grained equiaxed ingot by melting metal and placing it in a mold having a restriction at the entrance disposed to solidify the metal in the entrance to the mold prior to complete solidification of the metal in the mold such that a shrinkage void is formed below the entrance to the mold. The ingot is then hot isostatically pressed (HIPped) to fully densify the ingot and eliminate the shrinkage void.

Abstract: A control rod for use in a nuclear reactor core to provide xenon compensation includes an elongated inner cylindrical member and an elongated outer cylindrical member surrounding the inner member. Each of the members is composed of axially-extending, alternating black poison and nonpoison regions. Also, the inner member is axially movable relative to the outer member to adjust the degree to which the poison regions of the members overlap with the nonpoison regions thereof and thereby change the overall worth of the rod in an axially uniform manner. The inner cylindrical member has a solid cross-sectional configuration, whereas the outer cylindrical member has an annular cross-sectional configuration and concentrically surrounds the inner member. Each of the poison regions in the members is about the same axial height, while each of the nonpoison regions is about the same axial height.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the injection of a solvent borne sample into the injector port of a chromatograph having a carrier gas flow path for pressurizing the port. The gas pressure in a region adjacent the injector port is monitored. When vaporization of the solvent causes the carrier gas pressure to rise above the steady state value by a threshold amount, a control signal is generated which serves as an accurate time reference for the moment of sample injection into the injector port. The carrier gas pressure is monitored by time averaging the instantaneous carrier gas pressure and differentially sensing the instantaneous carrier gas pressure and the time averaged instantaneous carrier gas pressure. The time averaging is preferably done by flow restricting the carrier gas and accumulating the flow restricted carrier gas in a chamber.

Abstract: A high temperature alloy displaying excellent elevated temperature properties as well as low strategic metals content. Based on the iron/aluminum system, the alloy contains about 10 to 19% aluminum, 2 to 8% titanium, from about 0.5 to 10% molybdenium, from 0.1 to 1% hafnium and the balance substantially iron.

Abstract: A control arrangement which provides enthalpy rise compensation upon reduction of core power includes control rodlets arranged in a cluster. Each control rod cluster has a higher axial worth at an upper portion than at a lower portion thereof. Several different embodiments of control rod clusters are provided. In one embodiment, the worth of the control rod cluster varies in accordance with different lengths of the absorber material contained within its rodlets. In another embodiment, the worth of the control rod cluster varies in accordance with different variations in densities of the absorber material within its rodlets. In a third embodiment, the worth of the control rod cluster varies in accordance with different kinds of the absorber material within the rodlets. In a final embodiment, the worth of the control rod cluster varies in accordance with different variations in diameters of the absorber material within its rodlets.

Abstract: A hip implant has a stem portion with a substantially linear axis and a circular cross-section at least in the region of the bottom end thereof. A wedge-shaped portion extends medially from the stem at or near the top end of the stem. The wedge-shaped portion is surmounted by a ball.

Abstract: A fuel assembly, particularly advantageous for use with a BWR, wherein the fuel bundle is adapted to be inserted into an envelope formed from a flow channel and a lower nozzle assembly. The fuel bundle is essentially axially symmetrical having identical top and bottom tie plates. Within the fuel bundle, alternate fission gas plenums are disposed at the top and bottom of the bundle respectively.During the refueling operation, the fuel bundle is removed from the reactor core, axially inverted and reinserted into the core for continued burn up. The invention takes advantage of the reactivity increase possible in a BWR when a partially burned fuel bundle is inverted.

Abstract: A control rod assembly arrangement is disclosed for a light water nuclear reactor. Absorber rods are combined with stainless steel rods to achieve a more homogeneous poison distribution effect which reduces power depression within associated fuel assemblies and thereby flattens the overall power distribution within the core. In addition to improved load follow performance, safety analysis margins are improved due to the reduction in control rod reactivity worth.