Abstract: A method to perform signal validation for either reactor fixed incore detectors and/or core exit thermocouples to enhance core monitoring systems. The method uses a combination of both measured sensor signals and expected signal responses to develop a ratio of measured to expected signals. The ratios are evaluated by determining the expected ratios for each detector based on the behavior of the remaining collection of detectors, taking into account the geometry/location of the other detectors. The method also provides for automatic removal of invalid detectors from the core power distribution determination if sufficient detectors remain on line to adequately characterize the core's power distribution.

Abstract: A method to perform signal validation for either reactor fixed incore detectors and/or core exit thermocouples to enhance core monitoring systems. The method uses a combination of both measured sensor signals and expected signal responses to develop a ratio of measured to expected signals. The ratios are evaluated by determining the expected ratios for each detector based on the behavior of the remaining collection of detectors, taking into account the geometry/location of the other detectors. The method also provides for automatic removal of invalid detectors from the core power distribution determination if sufficient detectors remain on line to adequately characterize the core's power distribution.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enabling efficient electronic communication between individuals affiliated with an organization are provided. The present invention enables a user, such as an administrator, to prepare and deliver an electronic announcement to users without specifically identifying each user or creating a predefined group of users. These targeted electronic announcements are deliverable to such users based, in part, on descriptive attributes, such as academic attributes, that distinguish such users or users from other members of a community information system, such as a university. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention facilitate designating attributes that define the manner used to distribute the electronic announcement, such as to a user or recipient's personalized web page acting as an interface to the community information system.

Abstract: The exit thermocouples of a pressurized water reactor (PWR) are calibrated by recording the thermocouple temperature measurements periodically during power ascension of the reactor together with a predicted power at the corresponding locations at the same time determined by a three-dimensional analytical nodal model of the core at the same core average power. The temperature measurements are converted to local core power values which are then divided into the corresponding predicted powers for the corresponding locations to arrive at mixing factors which are fitted to a selected function of core power. These mixing factors are recorded and subsequently applied to local power values calculated from measured exit thermocouple temperatures to adjust the three-dimensional nodal model power.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enabling efficient electronic communication between individuals affiliated with an organization are provided. The present invention enables a user, such as an administrator, to prepare and deliver an electronic announcement to users without specifically identifying each user or creating a predefined group of users. These targeted electronic announcements are deliverable to such users based, in part, on descriptive attributes, such as academic attributes, that distinguish such users or users from other members of a community information system, such as a university. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention facilitate designating attributes that define the manner used to distribute the electronic announcement, such as to a user or recipient's personalized web page acting as an interface to the community information system.

Abstract: A self-latching reactivity-reducing device contains neutron absorbing material and is installable in a guide thimble of a spent fuel assembly for reducing the reactivity of the assembly to allow its storage in an on-site fuel storage facility. The device includes an elongated rod which contains the neutron absorbing material and has a central passage extending between opposite ends of the rod. A self-latching mechanism is disposed on a leading end of the rod and engagable with a lower end portion of the guide thimble upon full insertion of the rod in the guide thimble so as to render the self-latching mechansim unlatchable from the guide thimble without the use of an independent tool inserted solely through the rod passage from a trailing end thereof. A closure plug is removably fastened to the trailing end of the rod for closing the passage therethrough.

Abstract: A self-latching reactivity-reducing device contains neutron absorbing material and is installable in a guide thimble of a spent fuel assembly for reducing the reactivity of the assembly to allow its storage in an on-site fuel storage facility. The device includes an elongated rod which contains the neutron absorbing material and has a central passage extending between oppposite ends of the rod. A self-latching mechanism is disposed on a leading end of the rod and engageable with a lower end portion of the guide thimble upon full insertion of the rod in the guide thimble so as to render the self-latching mechanism unlatchable from the guide thimble without the use of an independent tool inserted solely through the rod passage from a trailing end thereof. A closure plug is removably fastened to the trailing end of the rod for closing the passage therethrough.

Abstract: A sleeper sofa mattress includes a foam body with an opening for the receipt of a spring assembly. The spring assembly is positioned in the foam body so as to rest between hinge lines that allow the mattress to be folded into the sleeper sofa. A support substrate is attached to the foam body and spring assembly. The support substrate in the form of a high tensile strength polypropylene mesh serves to positively hold the foam body and mattress together and spread the load thereby reducing wear and increasing the comfort and overall service life of the mattress. Insulator pads are also provided across the spring assembly and a cushioning member across the top of the entire mattress completes the combination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for reducing the exposure of pressure vessel welds to fast neutron fluxes. Localized peripheral core areas are provided with rod assemblies which may be made up of nuclear absorbing materials, nuclear reflecting materials, or any combination thereof, and of any desired length so as to reduce the exposure of the welds to such fast neutron fluxes. The rod assemblies are precisely tailored consistent with nuclear calculations to provide the desired effect without substantially reducing core ratings or adversely affecting reactor shutdown margins.

Abstract: A battery charger receives direct current power from an external source through a power connector. Switch means receives the power from the power connector and supplies it to a boost circuit which is removably and conductively connected to a battery. A control circuit is connected to receive a battery voltage signal from the battery and a battery temperature signal from a temperature sensor positioned to detect battery temperature. The control circuit determines the state of charge of the battery from the voltage and temperature signals. The control circuit supplies (1) switching signals to the switch means to cause the switch to be conductive, and (2) boosting signals to the boost circuit to cause the boost circuit to charge the battery in accordance with a preselected charging program related to the state of charge of the battery.

Abstract: A plant injection device is disclosed which comprises a narrow injection needle having a smooth outer surface, a variable high pressure system having a one-way output valve in the body of the device, and a fluid reservoir. The needle portion of the device may be inserted into the plant either by applying force to the body of the device or by drilling hole sized relative to the width of the needle in the plant and inserting the needle therein. The device allows a fluid to be injected into the tree within minutes at the optimum fluid pressure for the particular plant, thereby providing a single visit plant injection method. The high pressure acts upon the interior of the plant body to force the sides of the hole to contract about the outer surface of the needle thereby forming a pressure seal which prevents fluid from escaping around the needle.