Nuclear Energy Or Radioactive Radiation Detection Or Simulation Patents (Class 434/218)
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Patent number: 12115403Abstract: A pump panel training device is provided and includes a plurality of simulated gages operable to imitate gages upon a fire truck pump panel, a plurality of simulated controls operable to imitate controls upon the fire truck pump panel, and a simulated water hose operable to imitate one of water temperature changes, water temperature pressure, and water hose vibration for the fire truck pump panel.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2023Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: FAAC IncorporatedInventors: David S. Bouwkamp, William Martin, Nikolaos Dimitri Zachary Kazakos, James R. Mason, Dale Eammon Atkin, Travis Staley, Steven Olson, Joseph Lewis Clift, Stuart Ball, Philip C. Duczyminski
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Patent number: 11893906Abstract: A system and method for simulating injury treatment on a living body are provided. The system includes an embedded system configured to be placed on a living body and to simulate an injury of the living body in response to instructions received from a simulation system. Sensors detect a parameter corresponding to a treatment of said injury and transmit said parameter to said simulation system which transmit the instructions to the embedded system to cause it to simulate the injury. The simulation system is further configured to receive sensor data representing the parameter detected by the sensors and the treatment of the injury, and to execute a simulation scenario, which associates the detected parameter with a corresponding effect on the injury. Furthermore, the simulation system is configured to send instructions to the embedded system, which cause the embedded system to simulate the injury such that the simulation reflects the treatment.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2022Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik GmbHInventors: Sören Björn Gutekunst, Peter Schneider, Frank Klemmer
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Patent number: 11857818Abstract: A pump panel training device is provided and includes a plurality of simulated gages operable to imitate gages upon a fire truck pump panel, a plurality of simulated controls operable to imitate controls upon the fire truck pump panel, and a simulated water hose operable to imitate one of water temperature changes, water temperature pressure, and water hose vibration for the fire truck pump panel.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2023Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: FAAC IncorporatedInventors: David S. Bouwkamp, William Martin, Nikolaos Dimitri Zachary Kazakos, James R. Mason, Dale Eammon Atkin, Travis Staley, Steven Olson, Joseph Lewis Clift, Stuart Ball, Philip C. Duczyminski
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Patent number: 11721239Abstract: An incident simulation system supports an incident exercise in a virtual environment. The incident simulation system accesses a simulation plan defining an incident within a theater of operation. The incident simulation system simulates the incident exercise by displaying, to a participant in the incident exercise, images representing what the participant would see within the theater of operation as the participant moves within the theater of operation. The incident simulation system further simulates the incident by generating incident data indicating effects of the incident at target locations and at target times as the participant moves within the theater of operation. The incident simulation system further simulates the incident by displaying to the participant images representing the user experience that a detector would provide based on the generated incident data.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2021Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Gregory K. White, William H. Dunlop, T R Koncher, Steve Kreek
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Patent number: 11626026Abstract: A fuel movement simulator system includes a virtual reality (VR) system configured to generate a virtual refuel floor environment; and a fuel movement simulator assembly configured to provide a physical interface to the virtual refuel floor environment, the fuel movement simulator assembly including a replica mast, a replica control console connected to the replica mast, and a support structure configured to support the replica mast and replica control console.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2020Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLCInventors: John C. Whetsel, Ricardo Moreno Escudero, Tracey C. Alexander, Robert Steve Alexander, James Francis Killoran, Corey James Pelton, Thomas Edward Deebel, Jr.
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Patent number: 11583716Abstract: A pump panel training device is provided and includes a plurality of simulated gages operable to imitate gages upon a fire truck pump panel, a plurality of simulated controls operable to imitate controls upon the fire truck pump panel, and a simulated water hose operable to imitate one of water temperature changes, water temperature pressure, and water hose vibration for the fire truck pump panel.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2019Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: FAAC IncorporatedInventors: David S. Bouwkamp, William Martin, Nikolaos Dimitri Zachary Kazakos, James R. Mason, Dale Eammon Atkin, Travis Staley, Steven Olson, Joseph Lewis Clift, Stuart Ball, Philip C. Duczyminski
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Patent number: 10650700Abstract: An incident simulation system supports an incident exercise in a virtual environment. The incident simulation system accesses a simulation plan defining an incident within a theater of operation. The incident simulation system simulates the incident exercise by displaying, to a participant in the incident exercise, images representing what the participant would see within the theater of operation as the participant moves within the theater of operation. The incident simulation system further simulates the incident by generating incident data indicating effects of the incident at target locations and at target times as the participant moves within the theater of operation. The incident simulation system further simulates the incident by displaying to the participant images representing the user experience that a detector would provide based on the generated incident data.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2015Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Gregory K. White, William H. Dunlop, T R Koncher, Steve Kreek
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Patent number: 9754505Abstract: A method for training staff for quality control when filling amorphous products into primary packaging. The method includes a provision step during which a test set having a plurality of primary packages filled with an amorphous product is provided, wherein at least one of the filled primary packages is afflicted by a contaminant comprising a fluorescent marker. A training step includes presenting the test set to a person to be trained, who carries out a visual quality control for detecting contaminants. The result of the training step is documented. A verification step is conducted during which the test set is irradiated by excitation light, wherein fluorescing contaminants are detected and the result of the verification step is documented. A comparison step is done during which the result of the training step and the result of the verification step are compared. Also disclosed is an inventive test kit and test set.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2014Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: F. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE AGInventor: Alexandra Ehrhardt
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Patent number: 9502145Abstract: Illustrative embodiments provide for the operation and simulation of the operation of fission reactors. Illustrative embodiments and aspects include, without limitation, nuclear fission reactors and reactor modules, including modular nuclear fission reactors and reactor modules, nuclear fission deflagration wave reactors and reactor modules, modular nuclear fission deflagration wave reactors and modules, methods of operating nuclear reactors and modules including the aforementioned, methods of simulating operating nuclear reactors and modules including the aforementioned, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: TerraPower, LLCInventors: Jon D. McWhirter, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., George B. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 9246610Abstract: A method, system, and device provide alert information using weather prediction data. The method includes: converting weather prediction data to a tile based tile set, the tiles each representative of a unique geographic projection of a rendered geographical area of defined size; determining for each time period of the forecast whether any of the one or more weather variables associated with each prediction geographical tile violates a weather variable threshold for the location associated with the prediction geographical tile, the determining performed by comparing for each time period of the forecast each weather variable of the one or more weather variables associated with the prediction geographical tile to the weather variable threshold for the location associated with the prediction geographical tile; and generating and communicating one or more alerts corresponding to one or more violations of the weather variable thresholds for the locations associated with the prediction geographical tiles.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2015Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: WEATHER DECISION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: James T. Johnson, Lee M. Robb, Clair L. Hehnly, Jr., Xuechao Yu, Caleb Creed
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Patent number: 9224304Abstract: One embodiment includes a computer-implemented method and system in a network environment using at least a display and a detached sensor. Another embodiment includes a computer-implemented system helping a user learn using a detached imaging sensor. In yet another embodiment, a computer-implemented system monitors automatically more than once a user's behavior while the user is working on materials. Through monitoring the user's voluntary or involuntary behavior, the system determines what to present by the display. The presentation could include providing rewards, punishments, stimulation, and other materials. The system can also react by asking the user a question. Based on the user's response, the system may change to more appropriate materials, or different presentation styles.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2015Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: IPLEARN-FOCUS, LLCInventors: Chi Fai Ho, Peter P. Tong
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Publication number: 20150086946Abstract: A global information training and tracking system is provided for training of employees, clients or trainees. The system may include a data management system accessible remotely. The system may include various modules for training of specific skills and may include testing. The system may be configured to compile testing/evaluation information regarding the training and individuals being trained.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventor: David A. Mandina
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Patent number: 8794973Abstract: Provided are contamination detection simulation systems and methods comprising a control unit that generates a first signal comprising data corresponding to a simulated source of contamination; a simulated detector that receives the signal from the control unit, the simulated detector positioned at a distance from a surface; a proximity detector that determines the distance between the simulated detector and the surface and outputs a distance result; and a processing unit that generates a second signal in response to the first signal and the distance result.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2009Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Radiation Safety and Control Services, Inc.Inventors: Eric L. Darois, Frederick P. Straccia, James P. Tarzia
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Patent number: 8583409Abstract: A nuclear-characteristic calculating program for calculating a nuclear characteristic of a fuel rod that contains nuclear fuel and burnable poison includes a first scattering model that can represent a simple scattering of the neutron and a second scattering model that can represent a complicated scattering of the neutron. The nuclear-characteristic calculating program includes step of calculating, when a burnup of the fuel rod is before a set burnup at which the burnable poison is considered to lose neutron absorption capability, the nuclear characteristic of the fuel rod by using the second scattering model, step of switching, when the burnup of the fuel rod is the set burnup, the scattering model from the second scattering model to the first scattering model, and step of calculating, after performing step of switching, the nuclear characteristic of the fuel rod by using the first scattering model.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Kazuya Yamaji, Hiroki Koike, Daisuke Sato, Shinobu Tsubota, Hideki Matsumoto
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Publication number: 20130295538Abstract: A system and method for simulating hazardous environments provides simulated detector readings of hazardous environment for training first responder entry teams by controlling a simulated display provided to hazardous material portable detection simulator clients, such as via a wireless interface. Each simulator client provides detector reading displays for selected environments and allows for two-way interactive response with a master control unit. Simulator clients are configured as modular units comprising a smartphone or similar mass-produced wireless computing device removably integrated with a detector simulator housing and/or keypad interface. The master control unit allows direct control of individual detector displays and scenarios representing various hazardous environments.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventor: Philip Ambrose
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Patent number: 8109766Abstract: In the method for reactor simulation, a user modifies one or more design inputs used in creating a response surface. The response surface defines relationships between the design inputs and operational outputs of at least one or more aspects of a core design. A reactor simulation is then generated based on the response surface for the core design and the modified design input.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Global Nuclear Fuel-Americas LLCInventors: William Earl Russell, II, David Joseph Kropaczek
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Publication number: 20090263770Abstract: The system and method for simulating hazardous environments provides simulated meter readings of hazardous environment for training first responder entry teams by controlling a simulated display provided to portable detection meters, such as via a wireless interface. The simulator provides meter reading displays for selected environments and allows for two-way interactive response. A master control unit allows direct control of individual meter displays and scenarios representing various hazardous environments. A hazardous environment is reflected by parameters indicating the presence of hazardous substances, and the apparatus can be implemented by external placement on current meters, as part of a general training meter, or using technology to internally control existing meters.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventor: Philip L. Ambrose
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Publication number: 20090263771Abstract: Provided are contamination detection simulation systems and methods comprising a control unit that generates a first signal comprising data corresponding to a simulated source of contamination; a simulated detector that receives the signal from the control unit, the simulated detector positioned at a distance from a surface; a proximity detector that determines the distance between the simulated detector and the surface and outputs a distance result; and a processing unit that generates a second signal in response to the first signal and the distance result.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Applicant: RADIATION SAFETY AND CONTROL SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Eric L. Darois, Frederick P. Straccia, James P. Tarzia
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Patent number: 7574337Abstract: A method for determining a fresh fuel bundle design for a core of a nuclear reactor may include defining a plurality of inputs including user-defined target conditions for evaluating one or more reference fresh fuel bundle designs for each of N bundle groups, and generating a response surface based on making single rod-type changes in each (i,j) rod location of each bundle of a given reference bundle design being evaluated for each of the N bundle groups. A search algorithm may be iterated to evaluate a given combination of multiple rod-type changes made simultaneously across each of the N bundle groups using the generated response surface to determine an accepted fuel bundle design for each of the N bundle groups that satisfies the user-defined target conditions.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Global Nuclear Fuel - Americas, LLCInventors: David Joseph Kropaczek, Mehdi Asgari, Matthew Anderson Jessee
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Publication number: 20080241805Abstract: A system for providing a simulated total dose exposure measurement during a nuclear facility training exercise by locating participants using a real time location system, modeling incremental exposure as a function of location and summing incremental exposure to produce a total dose for each of the participants. Total dose may be displayed via a wireless link to a simulated dosimiter worn by each participant. Radiation sources may also have location tags and the exposure model may be modified in real time according to the tracked location of the radiation source. In one embodiment, the locating technology comprises near field locating technology based on comparing near field signal characteristics. Alternative locating technologies may be used.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: Q-Track CorporationInventor: Hans Gregory Schantz
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Patent number: 7337099Abstract: A method, arrangement and computer program is described for generating a database of selectable fresh fuel bundle designs usable in one or more nuclear reactors. In an example, an initial population of candidate fresh fuel bundle designs may be generated and a set of rod-type changes to make to a given candidate in the initial population may be established. A given candidate fresh fuel bundle may be modified by making at least one rod-type change from the set therein. A core loaded with the modified bundle design may be simulated to generate bundle performance outputs. The bundle performance outputs may be ranked based on a plurality of user-input limits. The modified candidate fresh fuel bundle design may be stored, if the bundle performance outputs meet, or are within an accepted margin to, the user-input limits, so as to generate the database.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Global Nuclear Fuel - Americas, LLCInventors: David Joseph Kropaczek, Mehdi Asgari, Christian Carlos Oyarzun, Steven Barry Sutton, William Earl Russell, II, William Charles Cline
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Patent number: 7224761Abstract: A method is for establishing a nuclear reactor core loading pattern (LP) for fuel assemblies and burnable absorbers (BAs). The method establishes an optimum LP through the steps of: a) providing nuclear data representing fuel assemblies and BAs in a nuclear reactor core; b) depleting the nuclear data to form a reference core depletion; c) incorporating the nuclear data into a system of linear equations of a nuclear design quality flux solution method; d) defining the system of linear equations to include constraints which accurately represent the neutron physics of the reactor; employing the equations as a constraint matrix for a MIP solver to find an optimum core pattern solution; f) repeating steps b) through e) updating the constraints and objective functions to satisfy specified engineering requirements and establish an optimum core loading pattern. An algorithm for deriving the system of equations is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Co. LLCInventor: Frank D. Popa
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Patent number: 7222061Abstract: In the method, a set of limits applicable to a test rod pattern design are defined, and a sequence strategy for positioning one or more subsets of the test rod pattern design is established. Reactor operation on a subset of the test rod pattern design, which may be a subset of fuel bundles in a reactor core for example, is simulated to produce a plurality of simulated results. The simulated results are compared against the limits, and data from the comparison is provided to indicate whether any of the limits were violated by the test rod pattern design during the simulation. A designer or engineer may use the data to determine which operator parameters need to be adjusted (e.g., control blade notch positions for example) in order to create a derivative rod pattern design for simulation, and eventually perfect a rod pattern design for a particular core.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Global Nuclear Fuel - Americas, LLCInventors: William Earl Russell, II, David Joseph Kropaczek, Steven Barry Sutton, Christian Carlos Oyarzun, William Charles Cline, Carey Reid Merritt
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Patent number: 6983230Abstract: Methods and an apparatus for determining a radiation dosage received by a product being exposed to radiation in an irradiator cell through a computer simulation are provided. One exemplary method includes a computer simulation for determining radiation dosages received by a product to be passed along a radiation cell, where the product is to be stationary at a set number of locations within the cell is provided. The method initiates with a point on the product being defined. Then, pre-calculated lengths between the point on the product and the radiation source at each of the set of locations in the cell are identified. Next, a dosage of radiation to be received by the point on the product at each location is calculated using the pre-calculated lengths.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2001Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Sterigenics US, Inc.Inventor: Bassam Baroudi
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Patent number: 6931090Abstract: All possible loading patterns for a nuclear reactor core are searched and optimized for compliance with design constraints. The fuel inventory is divided into a few batches according to coarse levels of reactivity. A recursive enumeration process identifies patterns meeting selected core position constraints, which can be user modified to adjust the search space size. For the batch loading patterns satisfying the constraints, the batches are divided into several smaller batches. A sensitivity matrix linearizing the relationship between fuel assembly position and the depletion model is processed through mixed integer linear programming with branching and bounding to identify an optimal daughter loading pattern. The process is repeated through several levels of batch refinement and selection of optimal daughter patterns, including a level where burnable absorbers are assigned to feed assemblies, until the individual fuel assembly level is reached.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLCInventors: Yung-An Chao, Shengyi Si, Frank D. Popa
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Patent number: 6912247Abstract: A digital signal transmission system using a digital modulation system comprising a digital signal transmitter having a first digital signal processing unit and a digital signal receiver receiving a digital signal from the transmitter, wherein the digital signal receiver comprising a second digital signal processing unit for processing the digital signal from the transmitter and outputting a digital demodulated signal and a correlation value signal, a signal converter coupled with the second digital signal processing unit and supplied the correlation value signal therefrom for generating a waveform indicating a transmission condition including a main wave in response to the correlation value signal, and a display coupled with the signal converter for displaying the waveform indicating a transmission condition in the digital transmission system.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2001Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.Inventors: Atsushi Miyashita, Yoshikatsu Wagatsuma, Hiroyuki Takesue
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Publication number: 20040232323Abstract: A handheld system for collecting and storing radiation data and position data includes both a radiation detector and a position detector interfaced to a handheld computer. The handheld computer retrieves and time correlates position data and radiation data for storage in a computer storage medium. A computer program code is also stored in the storage medium and includes executable portions adapted to retrieve both radiation data and position data and also adapted to time correlate radiation data and position data for storage in the storage medium. Methods of using a handheld system are provided that include carrying the handheld system to radiation areas for collecting and storing radiation data and position data for universal mapping. A method of training personnel for using a handheld system provides radiation data and a computer storage medium that simulates higher radiation readings correlated to position data for simulating a radiation area.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2003Publication date: November 25, 2004Applicant: University of Alabama-HuntsvilleInventors: Charles D. Bosco, William Sabados, Gary Maddux
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Publication number: 20040191734Abstract: In the method, a set of limits applicable to a core may be defined, and a test fresh fuel loading pattern design, to be used for loading the core, may be determined based on the limits. Reactor operation on at least a subset of the core may be simulated to produce a plurality of simulated results. The simulated results may be compared against the limits, and data from the comparison may indicate whether any of the limits were violated by the core during the simulation. A designer or engineer may use the data to modify the test fresh fuel loading pattern, creating one or more derivative fresh fuel loading pattern design(s) for simulation and eventual perfection as an acceptable fresh fuel loading pattern design for the core.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: William Earl Russell, David Joseph Kropaczek, Steven Barry Sutton, William Charles Cline, Christian Carlos Oyarzun, Glen Alan Watford, Carey Reid Merritt
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Patent number: 6704385Abstract: Process for simulation of the response of a detector of radiation emitted by radioactive objects and process for inspection of nuclear fuel elements using this simulation. The objects (16) contain radioelements or mixes of radioelements. Radioactive emission spectra representative of the radioelements or mixes of radioelements are memorized, detection characteristics of the detector (D) and operating characteristics of the received radiation are determined, the radioelements or mixes of radioelements are chosen and the determined characteristics are processed so as to individually reproduce emitted radiation for selected radioelements or mixes of radioelements. Application to the inspection of nuclear fuel rods.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Campagnie General des Matieres NucleairesInventor: Patrick Reichenauer
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Publication number: 20040009455Abstract: A method for simulating three-dimensional spatial distribution of neutron and gamma fluences in a nuclear reactor includes, in an exemplary embodiment, generating a detailed geometric configuration of a nuclear reactor core and surrounding components, generating detailed fuel composition and concentration distribution, and calculating three-dimensional nuclide concentrations for the fuel rods and the water surrounding the fuel rods using the generated geometric configuration and generation fuel composition and concentration distributions. The method also includes calculating neutron and gamma fluxes using a Monte Carlo radiation transport criticality mode methodology, and generating a neutron and gamma fluence map for predetermined areas of the reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Ren-Tai Chiang, Shivakumar Sitaraman, Alton Lewis Jenkins
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Patent number: 6347944Abstract: An apparatus for demonstrating the properties of radiation is disclosed. The apparatus includes a generally non-opaque matrix and a light source adjacent the matrix, wherein a light generated by the light source tends to cause at least a portion of the matrix to glow.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1999Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: Worldwide Innovations & Technologies, Inc.Inventor: John A. Cadwalader
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Patent number: 6308271Abstract: A predetermined number of times that a simulator can be used for learning is set. Every time the simulator is used, a count indicating the number of times that the simulator is already used is incremented. When the count is lower than or equal to the predetermined number of times, a simulation condition for use in a simulation is randomly set, and, when the count exceeds the predetermined number of times, a fixed simulation condition continues to be used in subsequent sessions of the simulation.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1998Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Nozomu Tanaka
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Patent number: 6116853Abstract: For checking the operating reliability of a turbine during load shedding, input values having simulated time profiles are fed to a regulating circuit regulating a turbine. The reaction of the regulating circuit to the input values simulating load shedding conditions is subsequently measured. Changes in the regulating circuit are then detected by comparison with an earlier measurement.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Richard Steinborn
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Patent number: 6033225Abstract: The present invention is a device that simulates a radioactive, bacteriological and/or hazardous chemical source and a radioactivity, bacteriological and/or hazardous chemical detector, to train individuals in the correct use of a real radioactivity, bacteriological and/or hazardous chemical detector. A magnet, ultrasound emitter, or passive radio identification device (PRID) is used to simulate the hazardous material source. The PRID may include a magnet. The simulated detector includes a Hall effect device to detect the magnet when used. When the magnet is detected as a trainee moves the simulated detector close to the PRID, the simulated detector outputs a 50 ms RF burst to activate the PRID. The simulated detector may transmit the burst every 250 ms when the magnet is not used in the PRID. Once activated, the PRID waits for completion of the 50 ms pulse, and then transmits a signal that identifies the type of contamination to the simulated detector.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1998Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Inventor: Steven D. Pike
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Patent number: 5954513Abstract: Surgical training apparatus and methods are provided simulating a patient having a background radiation emissions level and at least one concentrated source of radiation emissions. The apparatus includes a first zone having a predetermined traceable background radiation emission level. Preferably, this level is generated by incorporating radioactive nuclides into or on the material of construction of the first zone. These radioactive nuclides are well known to those skilled in the art and include Cl-36, Co-57, Co-60, Sr-90, Tc-99, Cs-137, Tl-204, Th-230, Pu-238, Pu-239, Am-241, Cr-51, Sr-85, Y-88, Cd-109, Ba-133, Bi-210, Ge-68, Ru-106, as well as other Alpha and/or Beta emitters.A more concentrated radiation source is incorporated into the apparatus in conjunction with the first zone. This radiation source can be configured, for example, to simulate a concentration of radionucleid labeled antibodies at a tumor site, or, in the case of lymphatic mapping, lesion drainage and accumulation sites.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1997Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: United States Surgical CorporationInventor: Eric C. Miller
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Patent number: 5807113Abstract: A method and apparatus for training a user in the detection of nuclear, biological, and chemical contamination. Specifically, a fallout pattern generating algorithm is used to algebraically define an elliptical fallout pattern of contamination based on input provided by the user for ground zero location, wind characteristics, and fallout pattern characteristics as well as positional data for the user's location derived from a global positioning system or comparable system. A contamination value, which is indicative of a contamination level for the user's location at an elapsed time, is then calculated and displayed. This method and apparatus can be used to effectively simulate prompt radiation, arriving fallout or chemical/biological plumes, and hotspots of contamination. The apparatus can be implemented in several highly portable configurations that can be carried by a user into a training location to realistically approximate the appearance and operation of actual detection devices.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1996Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Edward O. Groeber
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Patent number: 5722835Abstract: The present invention is a device that simulates a radioactive, bacteriological and/or hazardous chemical source and a radioactivity, bacteriological and/or hazardous chemical detector, to train individuals in the correct use of a real radioactivity, bacteriological and/or hazardous chemical detector. A magnet, ultrasound emitter, or passive radio identification device (PRID) is used to simulate the hazardous material source. The PRID may include a magnet. The simulated detector includes a Hall effect device to detect the magnet when used. When the magnet is detected as a trainee moves the simulated detector close to the PRID, the simulated detector outputs a 50 ms RF burst to activate the PRID. The simulated detector may transmit the burst every 250 ms when the magnet is not used in the PRID. Once activated, the PRID waits for completion of the 50 ms pulse, and then transmits a signal that identifies the type of contamination to the simulated detector.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1996Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Inventor: Steven D. Pike
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Patent number: 5553109Abstract: Apparatus is provided for simulating a nuclear fuel rod bundle transient condition and includes a vessel for containing a coolant, a pair of heating elements disposed in the vessel and a power supply for supplying power over time to each of the heating elements. The power supply is independently controlled whereby a variable supply of power over time to each heating element is provided, thus simulating the variation in power output and axial flux shape in a nuclear fuel bundle as a function of time.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1994Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Bruce Matzner
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Patent number: 5537752Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for determining and directing community response to a material release, such as a hazardous gas release. The apparatus includes a map with a rotatable warning indicator attached thereto.The warning indicator has one or more warning areas marked thereon and preferably color coded. The warning indicator also includes at least one wind direction indicator which may be aligned with a heading on the map which corresponds to the actual wind condition. When so aligned the warning areas highlight the geographical area on the map where a community response is suggested and recommends what first response precautions should be taken.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1995Date of Patent: July 23, 1996Assignee: Quest Consultants Inc.Inventors: John B. Cornwell, Jeffrey D. Marx, Terry R. Elms
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Patent number: 5423683Abstract: A health physics instrument simulator system permitting an operator to simulate measurement of radiation levels of a plurality of radiation types includes a memory for storing first data corresponding to an n-dimensional training space representing a predetermined physical location, second data defining a radiation source including source strength, source type and source location with respect to the training space and radiation intensity data based on the second data, where each of the radiation intensity data corresponds to one respective location in the training space, a selecting device for selecting a predetermined simulated radiation sensing instrument, a pointing device for identifying a location within the training space defining a current location of the simulated radiation sensing instrument and a display for displaying both an instrument display corresponding to the simulated radiation sensing instrument and radiation intensity data corresponding to the current location in the training space.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1993Date of Patent: June 13, 1995Assignee: Consultec Scientific, Inc.Inventors: G. Samuel Hurst, Harvel A. Wright, John D. Morris
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Patent number: 5413482Abstract: A method of training an operator in the use of first detection apparatus responsive to a first sensible emission of a hazardous nature, e.g. radio-active or ionizing radiations or toxic gases or vapors from war gases or nerve gases, and involves training the operator in the use of an alternative second detection apparatus responsive to a second sensible emission of a non-hazardous nature. For use in such a training method, there is provided, in combination, a self-contained movable supply of chemical, e.g. gaseous, material that in use provides a second sensible emission, and a detector responsive to the second sensible emissions and providing an indication commensurate with the level of those emissions, the indication being provided in units of the said first sensible emission. The self-contained movable supply may include one or more of: activated carbon, or silica gel, or a molecular sieve, or a nut or bolt, or a particulate material (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1993Date of Patent: May 9, 1995Inventor: David R. Ward
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Patent number: 5306154Abstract: An intelligent education and simulation system which is capable of executing an optimized follow-up reeducation to the learner reflecting his/her idiosyncrasy toward understanding in learning. The intelligent education and simulation system has an execution instruction to execute a curriculum comprising a plurality of instruction courses regarding the subject teaching of an educational object and its simulation-based instruction. According to this execution instruction, intelligent computer assisted instruction of the subject teaching and the simulation-based instruction are implemented. The degree of understanding of these instructions by the learner is evaluated, and according to the degree of understanding thus comprehended, a pertinent follow-up instruction course(s) is chosen for reeducation. In this way, a pertinent reeducation instruction course(s) optimized for each learner is capable of being selected, and the time required for reeducation of the learner is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1992Date of Patent: April 26, 1994Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Ujita, Takeshi Yokota, Kanji Kato, Toichi Shida, Nasho Tanikawa, Toshiya, Kurakake
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Patent number: 5304065Abstract: A health physics instrument simulator system permitting an operator to simulate measurement of radiation levels of a plurality of radiation types includes a memory for storing first data corresponding to an n-dimensional training space representing a predetermined physical location, second data defining a radiation source including source strength, source type and source location with respect to the training space and radiation intensity data based on the second data, where each of the radiation intensity data corresponds to one respective location in the training space, a selecting device for selecting a predetermined simulated radiation sensing instrument, a pointing device for identifying a location within the training space defining a current location of the simulated radiation sensing instrument and a display for displaying both an instrument display corresponding to the simulated radiation sensing instrument and radiation intensity data corresponding to the current location in the training space.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1992Date of Patent: April 19, 1994Assignee: Consultec Scientific, Inc.Inventors: G. Samuel Hurst, Harvel A. Wright, John D. Morris
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Patent number: 5200144Abstract: An apparatus for electrically simulating a nuclear reactor fuel assembly. It includes a heater assembly having a top end and a bottom end and a plurality of concentric heater tubes having electrical circuitry connected to a power source, and radially spaced from each other. An outer target tube and an inner target tube is concentric with the heater tubes and with each other, and the outer target tube surrounds and is radially spaced from the heater tubes. The inner target tube is surrounded by and radially spaced from the heater tubes and outer target tube. The top of the assembly is generally open to allow for the electrical power connection to the heater tubes, and the bottom of the assembly includes means for completing the electrical circuitry in the heater tubes to provide electrical resistance heating to simulate the power profile in a nuclear reactor.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1992Date of Patent: April 6, 1993Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Victor T. Berta
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Patent number: 5178543Abstract: A trainer, mounted and housed within a mobile console, is used to teach and reinforce fluid principles to students. The system trainer has two centrifugal pumps, each driven by a corresponding two-speed electric motor. The motors are controlled by motor controllers for operating the pumps to circulate the fluid stored within a supply tank through a closed system. The pumps may be connected in series or in parallel. A number of valves are also included within the system to effect different flow paths for the fluid. In addition, temperature and pressure sensing instruments are installed throughout the closed system for measuring the characteristics of the fluid, as it passes through the different valves and pumps. These measurements are indicated on a front panel mounted to the console, as a teaching aid, to allow the students to observe the characteristics of the system.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1991Date of Patent: January 12, 1993Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Joseph P. Semans, Peter G. Johnson, Robert F. LeBoeuf, Jr., Joseph A. Kromka, Ronald H. Goron, George D. Hay
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Patent number: 4917611Abstract: A training instrument for use in teaching a trainee the proper use of a radioactivity measuring instrument includes a transmitter unit that is held and controlled by an instructor and further includes a receiver unit which is held and operated by the student and which simulates the radioactivity measuring instrument. The instructor selects a level of radioactivity to be measured by the student at a remote site, and that information is transmitted to the receiver unit in a moduated form that is not affected by atmospheric conditions or reflections from surrounding objects. Both the receiver and the transmitter include circuits that simulate the operation of a multirange meter. These circuits employ the most significant bits of a digital representation of the signal to determine which scale should be used, while the remaining digits indicate the magnitude of the signal as read on the selected scale.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1989Date of Patent: April 17, 1990Assignee: SPEC Consultants, Inc.Inventors: R. William Whalen, David P. Bacom
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Patent number: 4873928Abstract: A method for producing a high yield explosion without radioactive fallout comprising filling an expendible structure with an explosive mixture of a combustible gas (e.g. methane) and an oxidizer gas (e.g. oxygen) and then detonating said mixture.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1987Date of Patent: October 17, 1989Assignee: APTI, Inc.Inventor: Frank E. Lowther
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Patent number: 4832900Abstract: A test tool for a reactor vessel level instrumentation system which simulates and verifies the values of input signals applied to the instrumentation system. The test tool includes potentiometers for simulating the signals produced by resistance temperature detectors, switches for simulating pump status and isolator overrange limit signals, a power supply, resistors and potentiometers for simulating temperature hot sensors and a pressure wide range sensor, and potentiometers and resistors for simulating differential pressure cell signals. The invention also includes a switchable meter for verifying the values of the various input signals simulated.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1988Date of Patent: May 23, 1989Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Thomas D. Harbaugh, James A. Murtha, Michael E. Podobnik
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Patent number: 4828787Abstract: The apparatus for simulation of the operation of a pressurized water reactor comprises a reactor vessel with a heater, a steam generating vessel divided into a primary portion and a secondary portion. The reactor vessel and the primary portion of the steam generating vessel are connected in a primary feed loop equipped with a coolant pump, while the secondary portion of the steam generating vessel and the condenser unit are joined together in a secondary feed loop provided with a feed pump. With such an apparatus a steam generating vessel heating pipe break or fracture can be simulated when the reactor vessel and a primary part of an additional steam generating unit are joined in another primary feed loop parallel to the primary feed loop having the cooling pump and a secondary part of the additional steam generating unit is connected with the aid of at least two branch pipes to the secondary feed loop.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1987Date of Patent: May 9, 1989Assignee: Rheinisch-Westfalisches Elektrizitatswerk AkteingesellschaftInventors: Klaus Distler, Rolf Enders, Dieter Gohlich
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Patent number: 4699753Abstract: The responses of a nuclear reactor refueling machine to commands from a detachable control console are simulated to allow operation of the console for testing and operator training with the console removed from the machine. A simulator, which is connected to the console by the same input and output leads which normally connect the console to the refueling machine, includes a single pulse generator driven by a single three phase A-C motor to simulate movement of the refueling machine bridge, trolley and hoist. The motor drive signals generated on separate console output leads are all connected to the single simulator motor, while the brake release signals energize relays which switch the pulse signals generated by the single pulse generator to the console input leads corresponding to the selected refueling machine component drive motor.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1986Date of Patent: October 13, 1987Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Thomas L. Rohosky, Kenneth J. Swidwa