Abstract: Spent catalyst (500) is removed from process microchannels (310) of a Fischer-Tropsch reactor by directing a jet of air (4) from an air knife (1) through slots of a protecting member (2). The air knife is traversed across successive rows of process microchannels (310) in direction A. The spacer member (2) protects an internal microchannel architecture (315) of the process microchannels against damage by the air jet (4) which may approach or exceed sonic velocity as it is directed into the process microchannels.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for gathering audience measurement data relating to receipt of and/or exposure to audio data by an audience member. Audio data is monitored to detect a monitoring code. Based on detection of the monitoring code, a signature characterizing the audio data is extracted.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for gathering audience measurement data relating to receipt of and/or exposure to audio data by an audience member. Audio data is monitored to detect a monitoring code. Based on detection of the monitoring code, a signature characterizing the audio data is extracted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for testing the efficiency of delivering an inhibitory polynucleotide to a target cell or tissue. The invention also provides a method for testing efficiency of delivering and efficacy for an effect on tumor size of an inhibitory polynucleotide against a target gene.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for gathering audience measurement data relating to receipt of and/or exposure to audio data by an audience member. A signature characterizing the audio data and additional data are obtained, and the audio data is identified based on both.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for gathering audience measurement data relating to receipt of and/or exposure to audio data by an audience member. Audio data is monitored to detect a monitoring code. Based on detection of the monitoring code, a signature characterizing the audio data is extracted.

Abstract: A spark electrode assembly has an elongate electrode with an inner insulator arranged for operable attachment to a support structure. The inner insulator surrounds the electrode with one end of the electrode positioned adjacent a ground element across a spark gap and another end of the electrode extending relative to the support structure for attachment to a source of electrical power. An outer insulator is spaced radially outwardly from the inner insulator and surrounds the inner insulator generally adjacent the end of the electrode adjacent the ground element. The inner and outer insulators cooperate to inhibit the formation of a continuous lubrication layer thereon, thereby establishing an area generally free from the lubrication layer between the end of the electrode adjacent the ground element and the support structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for gathering audience measurement data relating to receipt of and/or exposure to audio data by an audience member. A signature characterizing the audio data and additional data are obtained, and the audio data is identified based on both.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for gathering audience measurement data relating to receipt of and/or exposure to audio data by an audience member. Audio data is monitored to detect a monitoring code. Based on detection of the monitoring code, a signature characterizing the audio data is extracted.

Abstract: Self-administered survey devices include a display, an input device, a memory and a control device which controls the display to show at least one survey question and control the memory to store a response to the at least one question. A system and method for carrying out self-administered surveys utilize a centralized survey data processor and a plurality of self-administered survey devices for storing survey data entered by respective respondents and wherein survey data is wirelessly transmitted from the plurality of self-administered survey devices to the centralized survey data processor.

Abstract: An uncoupling tool has a two-module design: one module being a driver assembly for developing the uncoupling movement and the other module being a probe assembly for verifying the uncoupled condition. The probe assembly attaches to the threaded end of the piston tube with its probe extending inside the piston tube. The driver assembly attaches to the CRD ring flange. The probe assembly detects the ring magnet in the drive piston using analog position sensors which operate on the principle of the Hall effect and solid state circuitry. A top sensor provides a signal indicating that the control rod is in its "full out" position; a bottom sensor provides a signal indicating that the control rod is uncoupled; and an intermediate sensor provides a signal indicating that the control rod is in a transition position between the "full out" and uncoupled positions. The probe incorporates spacers which focus the magnetic flux onto the sensors.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for promoting use by an audience member of a portable broadcast exposure monitoring and/or recording device in accordance with a predetermined usage criterion. A sense signal is provided indicating whether the device is being carried with the person of the audience member, and a time signal corresponding with the sense signal is also provided. An indication to the audience member of whether the audience member's usage of the device has been in accordance with the predetermined usage criterion is provided based on the sense signal and the corresponding time signal.

Abstract: A gauge for ensuring that the uncoupling rod of a control rod drive is properly inserted in the center hole of the spud and not in one of the outer lobes, i.e., spud flow holes, which communicate with the center hole. The uncoupling rod is inserted in the spud. Then the gauge is placed on top of the spud with a centering ring protruding into the spud. The uncoupling rod is correctly installed if it is free to slide inside the gauge and the spud. The gauge is also provided with a ring to protect the spud during transfer of the control rod drive.

Abstract: An improved tool for removing the highly contaminated inner filter from a control rod drive during a maintenance operation. The tool may also be used to install the inner filter by pushing the inner filter on and locking the spring clip onto flats of the center lug of the control rod drive stop piston. The tool has a collet with flexible fingers which are inserted inside the inner filter while flexed radially inward. After the collet is inserted, a retractable cam with a conical bearing surface is retracted to a position whereat it urges the collet fingers radially outward to clamp the collet onto the inner filter. The locked filter must be rotated before removal. With the inner filter coupled to the collet, the tool is then pulled out to remove the inner filter from the control rod drive.

Abstract: An improved tool for removing a highly contaminated outer filter from a control rod drive during a maintenance operation. The tool slides onto the control rod drive and surrounds the outer filter with a shield. The shield has a window for removing the screws used to mount the outer filter on the control rod drive. The tool has a support for the spud on the inside thereof. A U-shaped handle is slidably inserted into guideways so that it interlocks with circumferential slots in the shield. The arms of the inserted U-handle latch underneath the ring flange of the outer filter, whereby the outer filter is captured by the tool. The filter-mounting screws are then removed by unscrewing through the aligned window in the shield. Thereafter, the outer filter is removed from the CRD when the outer filter removal tool is lifted.