Abstract: The present disclosure relates to patient support systems, such as hospital beds, and particularly to reconfigurable patient support systems movable among a number of different positions. The present disclosure further relates to control algorithms and interfaces for use in patient support systems.

Abstract: A calibration system is disclosed. The calibration system includes a waveform generator configured to generate a periodic waveform and a control circuit in signal communication with the waveform generator. The control circuit includes an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the periodic waveform to digital values and an electronic device in signal communication with the analog-to-digital converter. The electronic device is configured to verify calibration of (1) timing of the control circuit and (2) voltage levels of the control circuit based on the periodic waveform.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method for monitoring a position of a control rod disposed in a nuclear reactor vessel in a radioactive environment. A data processing unit located outside a containment structure includes a processor and a memory storing executable instructions. A nuclear reactor vessel includes a plurality of control rods proximate to the control rod and a coil stack of a plurality of control rod position indicator coils. A data cabinet mounted on the nuclear reactor vessel head inside the containment structure includes an analog multiplexer and a communication circuit. The processor executes the instructions to select a control rod position indicator coil through the analog multiplexer, pass a signal from the control rod position indicator coil through the analog multiplexer, receive the signal from the analog multiplexer through the communication circuit, and determine a position of the control rod based on the received signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method for monitoring a position of a control rod disposed in a nuclear reactor vessel in a radioactive environment. A data processing unit located outside a containment structure includes a processor and a memory storing executable instructions. A nuclear reactor vessel includes a plurality of control rods proximate to the control rod and a coil stack of a plurality of control rod position indicator coils. A data cabinet mounted on the nuclear reactor vessel head inside the containment structure includes an analog multiplexer and a communication circuit. The processor executes the instructions to select a control rod position indicator coil through the analog multiplexer, pass a signal from the control rod position indicator coil through the analog multiplexer, receive the signal from the analog multiplexer through the communication circuit, and determine a position of the control rod based on the received signal.

Abstract: A calibration system is disclosed. The calibration system includes a waveform generator configured to generate a periodic waveform and a control circuit in signal communication with the waveform generator. The control circuit includes an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the periodic waveform to digital values and an electronic device in signal communication with the analog-to-digital converter. The electronic device is configured to verify calibration of (1) timing of the control circuit and (2) voltage levels of the control circuit based on the periodic waveform.

Abstract: A rod position indication system is disclosed. The rod position indication system includes first coils and second coils disposed around a drive rod travel housing in an alternating arrangement, a first data encoder unit connected to each of the first coils and configured to generate a first reference signal, a second data encoder unit connected to the each of the second coils and configured to generate a second reference signal, and a processing circuit in signal communication with the first and second data encoder units. The processing circuit is configured to generate a logic comparison of the first and second reference signals, generate a logic signal based on first position data and second position data, and perform a logic operation on the logic signal and a result of the logic comparison.

Abstract: An optical sensing system includes a transmitter assembly for generating a generated signal having a frequency in an optical wavelength. An optical sensing fiber is coupled to the transmitter assembly for receiving the generated signal and producing a reflected signal from backscattering of the generated signal. The system also includes a receiver assembly coupled to the optical sensing fiber for receiving the reflected signal. The system further includes a controller in communication with the receiver assembly for determining environmental effects imposed on the optical sensing fiber based on characteristics of the reflected signal.

Abstract: An optical sensing system includes a transmitter assembly for generating a generated signal having a frequency in an optical wavelength. An optical sensing fiber is coupled to the transmitter assembly for receiving the generated signal and producing a reflected signal from backscattering of the generated signal. The system also includes a receiver assembly coupled to the optical sensing fiber for receiving the reflected signal. The system further includes a controller in communication with the receiver assembly for determining environmental effects imposed on the optical sensing fiber based on characteristics of the reflected signal.