Abstract: A neutron detector for detecting neutrons includes an exterior shell bounding and sealing an interior volume. The exterior shell serves as a cathode. A central structure extends longitudinally within the exterior shell. The central structure serves as an anode and is maintained at a first voltage. The neutron detector includes an insulating portion extending between the central structure and the exterior shell and longitudinally past a shell end of the exterior shell towards a structure end of the central structure. A guard structure extends circumferentially around an outer insulating surface. The guard structure is positioned on the insulating portion between the shell end and the structure end. The guard structure is maintained at a second voltage such that a leakage current on the outer insulating surface is absorbed by the guard structure. A method of detecting neutrons with the neutron detector is also provided.

Abstract: A neutron detector for detecting neutrons includes an exterior shell bounding and sealing an interior volume. The exterior shell serves as a cathode. A central structure extends longitudinally within the exterior shell. The central structure serves as an anode and is maintained at a first voltage. The neutron detector includes an insulating portion extending between the central structure and the exterior shell and longitudinally past a shell end of the exterior shell towards a structure end of the central structure. A guard structure extends circumferentially around an outer insulating surface. The guard structure is positioned on the insulating portion between the shell end and the structure end. The guard structure is maintained at a second voltage such that a leakage current on the outer insulating surface is absorbed by the guard structure. A method of detecting neutrons with the neutron detector is also provided.

Abstract: A neutron detector for detecting neutrons includes an exterior shell bounding and sealing an interior volume. The exterior shell serves as a cathode. A central structure extends longitudinally within the exterior shell. The central structure serves as an anode and is maintained at a first voltage. The neutron detector includes an insulating portion extending between the central structure and the exterior shell and longitudinally past a shell end of the exterior shell towards a structure end of the central structure. A guard structure extends circumferentially around an outer insulating surface. The guard structure is positioned on the insulating portion between the shell end and the structure end. The guard structure is maintained at a second voltage such that a leakage current on the outer insulating surface is absorbed by the guard structure. A method of detecting neutrons with the neutron detector is also provided.

Abstract: A neutron detector for detecting neutrons includes an exterior shell bounding and sealing an interior volume. The exterior shell serves as a cathode. A central structure extends longitudinally within the exterior shell. The central structure serves as an anode and is maintained at a first voltage. The neutron detector includes an insulating portion extending between the central structure and the exterior shell and longitudinally past a shell end of the exterior shell towards a structure end of the central structure. A guard structure extends circumferentially around an outer insulating surface. The guard structure is positioned on the insulating portion between the shell end and the structure end. The guard structure is maintained at a second voltage such that a leakage current on the outer insulating surface is absorbed by the guard structure. A method of detecting neutrons with the neutron detector is also provided.

Abstract: A programmable apparatus serving as an aid for assisting a player in the performance of a game of chance is disclosed. The programmable apparatus has prestored quantities that are accessed in response to the player entering numerical quantities. The programmable apparatus compares the entered quantities against prestored values to determine the win/lose status of the game being played.

Abstract: An electronic control for a heating apparatus and specifically a deep fat fryer is provided. The electronic control includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of a cooking medium during a cooking cycle. Cooking medium temperature sensed during the cooking cycle is utilized as a pointer to one of a plurality of time compensation values for corresponding temperatures stored in a memory. The time compensation corresponding to the sensed cooking medium temperature is retrieved from the memory and adjusted by an offset value determined in accordance with the setpoint temperature to obtain an adjusted time compensation value. The adjusted time compensation value is utilized in the adjustment of the cooking time.

Abstract: A deep fat fryer includes a controller operatively connected to a heating element for controlling the operation thereof to apply heat to a cooking chamber. A temperature sensor is disposed in the cooking chamber for measuring the temperature in the cooking chamber and communicating the same to the controller. The controller selectively operates the heating means to apply heat to the cooking chamber. Utilizing the output of the temperature sensor, the controller automatically determines whether the medium contained in the cooking chamber is water, liquid shortening or solid shortening or whether the cooking chamber is empty.

Abstract: An electronic control system for controlling a heating apparatus. The control system accurately controls the temperature of a medium, while minimizing the wear of heating element components.