Abstract: A vehicle scent dispensing device may comprise a scent cartridge configured to contain a scenting agent, a controller configured to determine a scent diffusion level of the scenting agent, a valve, and a fan. The controller may be configured operate the valve and control the fan to regulate an airflow pathway to the scenting agent and to draw air through the airflow pathway and over the scenting agent based on the scent diffusion level.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a piece of hydraulic fracturing equipment such as a positive displacement pump. The system includes a plurality of sensors configured to detect conditions of the hydraulic fracturing pump and a processor that is communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors and configured to analyze data received from the plurality of sensors. The processor is also configured to predict faults in the hydraulic fracturing pump based on the data analysis. The system also includes a communication interface that is configured for transmitting predicted fault data to one or more devices.

Abstract: Mobile surveillance systems (MSSs) and related techniques are provided to improve the safety and operational flexibility of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). An MMS may include an extendable mast, a motor configured to control movement of the extendable mast between a stowed position and a deployed position, and a logic device configured to communicate with and control the extendable mast and the motor. The logic device may be configured to adjust a speed of the motor based on a position of the extendable mast between the stowed position and the deployed position and based on deployment or stowing of the extendable mast. The logic device may be configured to adjust a torque of the motor based on the position of the extendable mast and based on deployment or stowing of the extendable mast.

Abstract: A method and business technique for reviewing medical service provider bills, recalculating and providing payment recommendation to a paying party for the bills. The method includes analyzing medical bills and determining erroneous and inappropriate charges on bills. The method provides a payment recommendation using multiple databases and sophisticated mathematical modeling that includes one or more of the following: a medical service provider's actual cost of delivering the medical services provided; the average profit-margin of that provider, an average profit margin of comparable medical providers in an area, other industry-specific profit-margin benchmarks; an average acceptable payment by medical service providers in the area for comparable services; payment rates negotiated by large health insurers and managed care organizations; and other industry benchmarks for reasonable payment for comparable services.

Abstract: A method and business technique for reviewing medical service provider bills, recalculating and providing payment recommendation to a paying party for the bills. The method includes analyzing medical bills and determining erroneous and inappropriate charges on bills. The method provides a payment recommendation using multiple databases and sophisticated mathematical modeling that includes one or more of the following: a medical service provider's actual cost of delivering the medical services provided; the average profit-margin of that provider, an average profit margin of comparable medical providers in an area, other industry-specific profit-margin benchmarks; an average acceptable payment by medical service providers in the area for comparable services; payment rates negotiated by large health insurers and managed care organizations; and other industry benchmarks for reasonable payment for comparable services.

Abstract: A phased array ultrasonic probe assembly includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a housing and a phased array transducer supported inside the housing. The housing includes a first side wall and an opposing second side wall, and a first end wall and an opposing second end wall. The first and second side walls and the first and second end walls define a housing cavity in which the phased array transducer is positioned. The first and second side walls each have an inside surface that include a plurality of projections.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus, including software tangibly stored on a computer readable medium, involve managing change requests in an enterprise. Multiple factors for assessing risk associated with implementing changes within an enterprise are defined, and multiple risk assessment characteristics are associated with each factor. An identification of one of the risk assessment characteristics for each of the factors is received through a user interface. The received identification of risk assessment characteristics is associated with a particular request for approval of a change within the enterprise. A maximum overall risk assessment level for the particular request is identified based on the received identification of risk assessment characteristics for each of a first subset of the factors. An overall risk assessment level is determined for the particular request based, at least in part, on the maximum overall risk assessment level.

Abstract: A phased array ultrasonic probe assembly includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a housing and a phased array transducer supported inside the housing. The housing includes a first side wall and an opposing second side wall, and a first end wall and an opposing second end wall. The first and second side walls and the first and second end walls define a housing cavity in which the phased array transducer is positioned. The first and second side walls each have an inside surface that include a plurality of projections.

Abstract: A method of inspecting or utilizing tools in the underwater environment of a nuclear reactor vessel, a spent fuel pool or equipment pit includes floating a platform for transporting inspection devices and/or tools over an underwater target site and deploying the devices or tools to the underwater target site. The platform may be coupled to a boom whose opposite end is carried by a cart movable about a floor area surrounding the pool. Alternatively, the platform may be independently movable along the water surface by thrusters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for inspecting material arranged within an annular recess such as weld beads, particularly weld beads between the shroud, core plate and support structures within a boiling water nuclear reactor (BWR). The apparatus comprises a track support, a generally arcuate track, a carriage, a sensor support and a sensor. The track is configured to correspond and align generally with an inner surface of a shroud or other encompassing structure with the sensor support and sensor configured to be extended into and then moved horizontally along the annular recess. The sensor may be configured with a plurality of sensor elements, such as ultrasonic transducers or eddy current sensors that may be configured to analyze different properties or different regions relative to the sensor location.

Abstract: A probe for inspecting a bore includes a housing dimensioned for insertion into the bore and a plurality of stabilization legs having a first end attached to the housing and a second end extendable from the housing. The stabilization legs are configured to contact the inner surface of the bore. A plurality of sensor arms is extendable from the housing and is rotatable relative to the stabilization legs. A motor provides for rotating the sensor arms relative to the stabilization legs.

Abstract: A method for delivery of a tool into a submerged bore includes controlling the movement of a tool delivery device in the pool by operating at least one propulsion drive located on the tool delivery device. The tool delivery device is coupled to an inlet to the bore and a tool is inserted from the tool delivery device through the inlet and into the bore.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a tool into a nuclear reactor jet pump submerged in a reactor pool includes a frame, and a propulsion unit for controlling the movement of the tool delivery apparatus within a pool of liquid. A guide assembly provides for delivery and insertion of the tool into an inlet of the jet pump and includes a bore insertion portion. A tool position driver provides for controlling the vertical position of the tool in relation to the guide assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for inspecting material arranged within an annular recess such as weld beads, particularly weld beads between the shroud, core plate and support structures within a boiling water nuclear reactor (BWR). The apparatus comprises a track support, a generally arcuate track, a carriage, a sensor support and a sensor. The track is configured to correspond and align generally with an inner surface of a shroud or other encompassing structure with the sensor support and sensor configured to be extended into and then moved horizontally along the annular recess. The sensor may be configured with a plurality of sensor elements, such as ultrasonic transducers or eddy current sensors that may be configured to analyze different properties or different regions relative to the sensor location.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a jet pump beam in a nuclear reactor is provided. The reactor includes at least one jet pump assembly with each jet pump assembly including at least one jet pump beam. Each jet pump beam includes a beam bolt opening, a first arm, a second arm, a top surface, and a bottom surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes positioning at least one ultrasonic phased array probe adjacent the bottom surface of the jet pump beam, and scanning the jet pump beam with the at least one ultrasonic phased array probe.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a jet pump beam in a nuclear reactor is provided. The reactor includes at least one jet pump assembly with each jet pump assembly including at least one jet pump beam. Each jet pump beam includes a beam bolt opening, a first arm, a second arm, a top surface, and a bottom surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes positioning at least one ultrasonic phased array probe adjacent the bottom surface of the jet pump beam, and scanning the jet pump beam with the at least one ultrasonic phased array probe.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus for inspecting jet pump beams of nuclear reactors is provided. The inspection apparatus includes a base straddlingly mountable on a jet pump beam. The base includes a beam bolt opening sized to receive a jet pump beam bolt. A first transducer holder is coupled to a first side portion of the base, and a second transducer holder coupled to a second side portion of the base. The first side portion is opposed to the second side portion. Each holder includes an adjustment cylinder configured to contact the jet pump beam when activated.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus for inspecting jet pump beams of nuclear reactors is provided. The inspection apparatus includes a base straddlingly mountable on a jet pump beam. The base includes a beam bolt opening sized to receive a jet pump beam bolt. A first transducer holder is coupled to a first side portion of the base, and a second transducer holder coupled to a second side portion of the base. The first side portion is opposed to the second side portion. Each holder includes an adjustment cylinder configured to contact the jet pump beam when activated.