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042658616	claims	1. In a process for recovering uranium from a recovery leach supersaturated with calcium carbonate, an improved method of recovering uranium from said recovery leach and of reducing radioactive waste containing radium, comprising (1) precipitating calcium carbonate from said recovery leach; (2) separating said precipitated calcium carbonate from said recovery leach; (3) dissolving said precipitated calcium carbonate with acid to form a solution of radium, uranium, and calcium carbonate; (4) removing said uranium from said solution; (5) precipitating MSO.sub.4. RaSO.sub.4 from said solution by adding SO.sub.4 .sup.= and M.sup.++ ions, where M is Ba or Sr; and (6) separating said precipitated MSO.sub.4. RaSO.sub.4 from said solution. 2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said calcium carbonate is precipitated by adding bicarbonate ions and an oxidant. 3. A method according to claim 2 wherein said oxidant is hydrogen peroxide and said bicarbonate ions are obtained by adding ammonium bicarbonate. 4. A method according to claim 1 wherein said precipitated calcium carbonate is separated from said recovery leach by settling in a settling pond. 5. A process according to claim 1 wherein said acid is hydrochloric acid. 6. A process according to claim 1 wherein said uranium is removed by extraction with an organic solvent containing an extractant. 7. A process according to claim 6 wherein said organic solvent is kerosene. 8. A process according to claim 6 or 7 wherein said extractant is a mixture of diethylhexyl phosphoric acid and trioctyl phosphene oxide. 9. A process according to claim 1 wherein said uranium is removed by precipitation with a peroxide. 10. A process according to claim 9 wherein said peroxide is hydrogen peroxide. 11. A process according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the pH during precipitation is about 3 to about 5.5. 12. A process according to claim 1 wherein M is barium.
056169280	abstract	An apparatus for protecting personnel and the environment from harmful emissions of radiation from a source thereof includes a plurality of shielding parts so located as to be in the path of the radioactive emissions and to absorb them so that an electrical potential difference between the shielding parts is established, due to different absorptions of radiation by them, a variable electrical load for consuming electrical power at a location remote from the radioactive source, and electrical conductors communicating the variable electrical load with such shielding parts. Although the invention is primarily intended for protecting personnel and the environment against emissions from radiation sources, such as radioactive wastes, it is also useful for shielding other sources of harmful radiated emissions. Also within the invention are processes for protecting personnel and the environment against radiation hazards.
	abstract	A method is presented for collecting and removing radon from a confined area, a storage box or articles of clothing. The method includes collecting radon from the confined area or around a storage box via at least one collector, connecting each of a plurality of radon adsorbers to a corresponding power supply or power source such as a battery, capacitor, fuel cell, etc. diverting, via a plurality of valves, the collected radon or radon daughters through one or more of the plurality of radon adsorbers, and receiving, via a plurality of radon storage units, radon or radon daughters held by the plurality of radon adsorbers for a predetermined period of time.
	description	1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a radiation therapy apparatus used for a therapy of diseases such as malignant tumors, and particularly to the radiation therapy apparatus including a multi-leaf collimator device which allows an extent of an object that is exposed to radiation (which will be referred to as an “irradiation field” hereafter) to be set with high precision. 2. Description of the Related Art From the perspective of radiation protection, the radiation therapy apparatus includes a collimator device formed of a material the nature of which renders it impermeable to radiation such as tungsten or the like, thereby allowing the exposure to radiation to be limited to a therapy part including a body. Such a collimator device needs to have a function of carefully forming the irradiation field that approximates a shape of the therapy part without a formation of a penumbra. Accordingly, such a collimator device has a first collimator and a second collimator arranged in the irradiation direction such that they overlap. With such an arrangement, the first collimator provided on a near side of a radiation source is configured in a form of a single unit comprising a pair of members disposed such that they face each other across an irradiation axis. Such an arrangement allows that the members drive so as to adjust a distance therebetween. For example, the members drive along an arc-shaped path around the radiation source as a center. On the other hand, the second collimator provided on a far side of the radiation source is configured in the form of a pair of collimator components (blocks) such that the collimator components face each other across the irradiation axis in an orthogonal direction to a moving direction of the first collimator. Each of the collimator components of the second collimator has multiple leaves arranged close to one another, which can be individually moved so as to adjust a distance therebetween along the arc-shaped path around the radiation source as the center. The second collimator is the so-called multi-leaf collimator device comprising a pair of collimator components 1A and 1B arranged symmetrically, as shown in FIG. 8, for example. The collimator component 1A has tens of leaves 1A1-1An arranged close to one another. The collimator component 1B has tens of leaves 1B1-1Bn arranged close to one another. The leaves 1A1-1An and the leaves 1B1-1Bn can be adjusted individually along the arc-shaped path. Such an arrangement allows these leaves to be driven individually along the arc-shaped pat by respective driving devices each of which is provided to the corresponding leaf. Such an arrangement allows the first collimator comprising the collimator components facing each other to be moved in an X direction so as to adjust the distance therebetween. In addition, such an arrangement allows the leaves 1A1-1An and the leaves 1B1-1Bn facing one another to be moved individually in a Y direction so as to adjust the distance therebetween. Such a combination of adjustment operations provides a formation of an irradiation field “U” in a desired shape that approximates the shape of the therapy part. Such an arrangement allows the leaves facing one another to be moved along the arc-shaped path, thereby providing irradiation without the formation of the penumbra in the irradiation field “U”. It is extremely important for the radiation therapy apparatus to irradiate only the therapy part which is approximately equal to a focus without exposing a healthy tissue to radiation. From this point of view, the multi-leaf collimator provides an extremely important function. However, the focus develops in various shapes. This leads to difficulty in providing the irradiation field “U” that matches the shape of such a focus. In order to solve this problem, examples of conceivable arrangements include an arrangement in which the collimator components 1A and 1B include the leaves 1A1-1An and 1B1-1Bn, respectively, which are a minute pitch. Such an arrangement requires as many leaves A1-1An and 1B1-1Bn as possible, by narrowing a leaf-width. However, such an arrangement having an increased number of leaves, which provides the minute pitch, requires leaves with a reduced the leaf-width. Even with ordinary arrangements, the leaves are formed with the leaf-width of around 2 to 3 [mm]. An arrangement having leaves with a narrower width than those of ordinary leaves has problems in the manufacturing process due to warped leaves etc., examples of which include difficulty in manufacturing the collimator with a desired level of precision. In addition, these leaves must be moved individually so as to provide the desired irradiation field. Such an arrangement requires respective driving device. This leads to difficulty in designing a layout of a supporting mechanism and a driving mechanism, which allow such a great number of leaves arranged closely adjacent to one another to be individually moved, and the layout of a detection mechanism for detecting a movement of each leaf. Furthermore, in order to prevent radiation leaks from gaps between the adjacent leaves, there is a need to arrange the leaves with as small the gap as possible between the adjacent leaves, e.g., with the gap of around 0.05 to 0.1 [mm]. However, it is extremely difficult to provide such high-precision manufacturing and fabrication in order to realize such a design. In view of such a situation, an arrangement has been proposed in which the second collimator is provided in a form of two separate stages arranged with a predetermined interval along an irradiation direction. With such an arrangement, the leaves are arranged with an offset between an upper-stage collimator and a lower-stage collimator such that each boundary between the adjacent leaves including upper-stage collimator components respectively does not match any of the boundaries between the adjacent leaves of the lower-stage collimator components respectively (see “Japanese Patent Publication (Laid-open: KOKAI) No. 2002-210026”, for example). With such an arrangement, although the leaves are formed with the same leaf-width as those of the ordinary arrangements, such an arrangement provides the same effect as that provided by an arrangement having leaves formed with half the leaf-width of those of the ordinary arrangements. This is able to make the irradiation field further minute. Such an arrangement allows the shape of the irradiation field to be adjusted with higher precision such that it approximates the therapy part, thereby protecting the healthy tissue from being exposed to radiation. Such a technique disclosed in the aforementioned Japanese Patent publication can eliminate to a certain extent the problem of an arrangement having an increased number of leaves formed with a reduced leaf-width. However, such a technique provides an arrangement in which the second collimator is provided in the form of two separate stages arranged with an interval in the irradiation direction. Accordingly, the number of components required for the supporting mechanism and the driving mechanism, which allow the leaves to be individually moved, and the number of components required for the detection mechanism for detecting the movement of each leaf, are twice those of the ordinary arrangements. This leads to a complicated configuration and a larger-sized collimator device, which are new problems. Such a larger-sized collimator leads to reduction in a space for the therapy, which is a problem of the radiation therapy apparatus itself. The present invention has been made in order to solve the aforementioned problems. Accordingly, it is an object thereof to provide the radiation therapy apparatus including the multi-leaf collimator device having a function of adjusting the irradiation field with high resolution such that it approximates the shape of the therapy part using the second collimator provided in the form of a single stage, i.e., not in the form of two stages, without increasing the number of leaves. To solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides the radiation therapy apparatus, comprising: A radiation therapy apparatus comprising: a multi-leaf collimator device having a pair of collimator components which respectively comprise a plurality of leaves arranged close to one another such that the leaves face one another across an irradiation axis, and configured to set a desired irradiation field by individually moving the leaves, wherein one of the collimator components is arranged with an offset with respect to the other collimator component, within a range of a leaf-width. To solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides the radiation therapy apparatus, comprising: a multi-leaf collimator device having a pair of collimator components which respectively comprise a plurality of leaves arranged close to one another such that the leaves face one another across an irradiation axis, and configured to set a desired irradiation field by individually moving the leaves, wherein at least one of the collimator components is configured such that it can be relatively moved with respect to the other collimator component, within a range of a leaf-width. Detailed description will be made with reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 7 regarding a radiation therapy apparatus including a multi-leaf collimator device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that, in these drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. FIG. 1 is an external view which shows a usage condition of the radiation therapy apparatus according to a present embodiment. First, description will be made in a schematic fashion with reference to FIG. 1 regarding a configuration of the radiation therapy apparatus according to the present embodiment. In broad terms, the radiation therapy apparatus has an irradiation device 10 which uses a radiation source to irradiate a predetermined direction, a therapy table 20 on which an object (a person who needs a therapy) P, including a focus, lies and which sets a positioning of a therapy part to be irradiated, and a control device 30 which organically controls a components of the radiation therapy apparatus, e.g., the irradiation device 10 and the therapy table 20. The irradiation device 10 includes a fixed frame 11 installed on a floor, a turnable frame 12 which is turnably supported by the fixed frame 11, an irradiation head 13 provided to a tip portion extending in the horizontal direction from one end of the turnable frame 12, and a collimator device 14 which is a built-in component of the irradiation head 13. With such an arrangement, the turnable frame 12 can be turned with respect to the fixed frame 11 over approximately 360 degrees around a rotation center axis “H” extending in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the collimator device 14 is provided such that it can be turned with respect to the irradiation head 13 around an irradiation axis “I”. It should be noted that the intersection of a rotation center axis “H” for the turnable frame 12 and the irradiation axis “I” will be referred to as the “isocenter (IC)” hereafter. With such an arrangement, the turnable frame 12 is configured such that it can be turned according to various kinds of irradiation, examples of which include a rotation irradiation, a pendulum irradiation, an intermittent irradiation, etc. Furthermore, the therapy table 20 is installed on the floor such that it can be turned over a predetermined angle range in a direction of arrow “G” along an arc with the isocenter IC as a center. Furthermore, a table-top 22, on which the object P can lie, is provided to a top of the therapy table 20. Here, the table-top plate 22 is supported by an upper portion mechanism 21. The upper portion mechanism 21 includes a mechanism which allows the table-top 22 to be moved in a longitudinal direction indicated by an arrow “e” and a lateral direction indicated by an arrow “f”. Furthermore, the upper portion mechanism 21 is supported by an elevator mechanism 23. The elevator mechanism 23 has a link mechanism, for example. Such an arrangement allows the elevator mechanism 23 itself to be moved in a vertical direction indicated by an arrow “d”, thereby allowing the upper portion mechanism 21 and the table-top 22 to be moved in a predetermined range in the vertical direction. Moreover, the elevator mechanism 23 is supported by a lower portion mechanism 24. The lower portion mechanism includes a mechanism which allows the elevator mechanism 23 to be turned in the direction indicated by an arrow “F”, with the position that is distant from the isocenter IC by a distance “L” as the center. Such an arrangement allows the upper portion mechanism 21 and the table-top 22 to be turned in a predetermined range of angle in the direction indicated by the arrow “F”, in addition to the elevator mechanism 23. It should be noted that such an arrangement allows a medical staff “D” such as a surgeon or the like to operate an operation unit provided to the control device 30, thereby setting the positioning of the object P and adjusting the collimator device 14 which defines an irradiation field at a radiation therapy. It is important for the radiation therapy to irradiate only the therapy part in a concentrated manner without damaging a normal tissue. The collimator device 14 controls a position to be irradiated, which protects the normal tissue from being exposed to radiation. With such an arrangement, the collimator device 14 is provided in the form of a built-in component of the irradiation head 13 such that it can be turned around the irradiation axis “I”. Next, description will be made regarding the collimator device 14 with reference to FIG. 2 through FIG. 7. FIG. 2 is a side view which shows the driving direction of the first collimator provided to the collimator device 14. FIG. 3 is a side view which shows a first example of a driving direction of the second collimator provided to the collimator device 14. FIG. 4 is a side view which shows a second example of a driving direction of the second collimator provided to the collimator device 14. It should be noted that FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show the collimator device 14 viewed in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the direction in which the collimator 14 shown in FIG. 2 is viewed. Furthermore, a housing of the collimator device 14 is not shown in these drawings. FIG. 5 is a top view which shows a constitution example of the second collimator provided to the collimator device 14 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2 through FIG. 4, in general, the collimator device 14 has two kinds of collimators (a first collimator 140 and a second collimator 141) formed of a heavy metal such as tungsten or the like. These two kinds of collimators are arranged along the irradiation direction from the radiation source “S” such that they overlap. With such an arrangement, each of the collimators 140 and 141 has a pair of separate components arranged such that they face each other (see the components denoted by reference numerals 140A, 140B, 141A, and 141B in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3). Here, such a pair of components forming the collimator 140 or 141 is differentiated by reference symbols “A” and “B” for convenience of understanding. With such an arrangement, each of the first collimator component 140A and the second collimator component 140B provided on a near side of the radiation source “S” is configured in the form of a single unit, as clearly shown in FIG. 2. Furthermore, the collimator components 140A and 140B are arranged such that an end face of the collimator component 140A and an end face of the collimator component 140B face each other across the irradiation axis “I”. Such an arrangement allows the collimator elements 140A and 140B to be moved in a direction of an arrow “X” along an arc-shaped path around the radiation source “S” as a center by driving devices 142A and 142B, thereby adjusting a distance between the collimator components 140A and 140B. Also, the second collimator components 141A and 141B provided on a far side of the radiation source “S” can be moved along the arc-shaped path, as clearly shown in FIG. 3. Furthermore, the collimator components 141A and 141B are arranged such that an end face of the collimator component 141A and an end face of the collimator component 141B face each other across the irradiation axis “I”. Such an arrangement allows the collimator elements 141A and 141B to be moved by driving devices 143A and 143B in the orthogonal direction to the aforementioned arranging direction of the collimator elements 140A and 140B, i.e., in a direction of an arrow “Y” along the arc-shaped path around the radiation source “S” as the center, thereby adjusting a distance between the collimator components 141A and 141B. In another example shown in FIG. 4, the second collimator components 141A and 141B are arranged such that the end face of the collimator component 141A and the end face of the collimator component 141B face each other across the irradiation axis “I”. Such an arrangement allows the collimator elements 141A and 141B to be moved by the driving devices 143A and 143B in the orthogonal direction to an arranging direction of the first collimator elements 140A and 140B, i.e., in the direction of the arrow “Y” along a straight path, thereby adjusting the distance between the collimator components 141A and 141B. Note that description will be made below regarding an arrangement which allows the first collimator 140 to be driven in the driving direction “X” as described with reference to FIG. 2, and which allows the second collimator 141 to be driven in the driving direction “Y” as described with reference to FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the second collimator component 141A (141B) has multiple leaves 141A1-141An (141B1-141Bn) arranged close to one another. FIG. 5 shows the detailed configuration thereof. That is to say, driving devices 143A1-143An (143B1-143Bn) are provided to the respective leaves 141A1-141An (141B1-141Bn) forming the second collimator component 141A (141B). Such an arrangement allows the leaves 141A1-141n (141B1-141Bn) to be driven individually in the direction of the arrow “Y” along the arc-shaped path around the radiation source “S” as the center, thereby adjusting the distances therebetween. Such an arrangement allows the leaves 141A1-141An of the second collimator component 141A and the leaves 141B1-141Bn of the second collimator component 141B to be moved individually in the “Y” direction so as to adjust the distance therebetween, in addition to allowing the first collimator components 140A and 140B to be moved in the “X” direction so as to adjust the distance therebetween. The combination of these operations allows the irradiation field “U” to be formed in a desired shape such that it approximates the shape of the therapy part “T” which is approximately equal to the focus. In ordinary arrangements, the second collimator components 141A and 141B are configured in a left-right symmetrical manner. Furthermore, with such ordinary arrangements, the leaves 141A1-141An and the corresponding leaves 141B1-141Bn are arranged at fixed positions such that they face one another without any offset. That is to say, with ordinary second collimator, the leaves 141A1-141An and the corresponding leaves 141B1-141Bn are arranged at fixed positions such that they face one another without any offset, as described with reference to FIG. 8. On the other hand, the present invention according to the present embodiment provides an arrangement in which the collimator component 141A having the leaves 141A1-141An and the collimator component 141B having the leaves 141B1-141Bn are arranged at fixed positions such that the end faces of the leaves 141A1-141An and the end faces of the leaves 141B1-141Bn face one another with an offset which is a predetermined value within the range of a leaf-width “W”, as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the leaf portion shown in FIG. 5, and shows an arrangement in which the collimator component 141B, which is one component of the second collimator, and the collimator component 141A, which is the other component of the second collimator, are arranged with an offset in the same direction of half the leaf-width “W”. In FIG. 7, the leaves 141B1-141Bn of the one collimator component 141B are indicated by bold lines for convenience of understanding. With such an arrangement shown in FIG. 7, the leaves 141B1-141Bn and the leaves 141A1-141An the opposite collimator component 141A are arranged such that the end faces thereof face each other with an offset of “W/2”. FIG. 7 shows an arrangement in which the collimator component 141B is arranged with such an offset by shifting the collimator component 141B toward the leaf 141An, as indicated by an arrow “R”. Also, an arrangement may be made in which the collimator component 141B is arranged with an offset by shifting the collimator component 141B toward the leaf 141A1, i.e., in the direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow “R”. Such an arrangement allows the shape of the irradiation field “U” to be adjusted with a minute resolution that corresponds to half the leaf-width “W”. However, an arrangement in which the one collimator component 141B is arranged with an offset with respect to the other collimator component 141A in a simple manner changes a part of the area that shields the exposure to radiation into an area through which the therapy part is exposed to radiation. Accordingly, the positions of the end faces of the leaves 141B1-141Bn facing the collimator component 141A should be adjusted such that the irradiation field that includes such a new area through which the therapy part is exposed to radiation approximates the desired irradiation field. Description has been made regarding an arrangement in which all the leaves 141A1-141An of the second collimator component 141A and the leaves 141B1-141Bn of the second collimator component 141B are formed with the same leaf-width “W”. However, the leaves 141A1 and 141An (141B1 and 141Bn), which are positioned at the end of the second collimator component 141A (141B), are preferably formed with a larger leaf-width than those of the other leaves positioned on the inner side thereof. The reason is that such an arrangement prevents the formation of a gap at an edge of the irradiation field “U” provided by an arrangement in which at least one of the second collimator components 141A and 141B is arranged with an offset with respect to the other. The present invention is not restricted to the above-described embodiment, rather, various embodiments may be made. For example, the range of the offset between the one collimator and the other collimator can be set to a desired value within the range of the leaf-width “W”. Also, an arrangement may be made including a mechanism which adjusts the offset between the one collimator component 141B and the other collimator component 141A within the range of the leaf-width “W”, instead of an arrangement in which the one collimator and the other collimator are arranged with a fixed offset in the leaf-width direction. Such an arrangement provides a minute adjustment of the irradiation field “U”, thereby providing the irradiation field “U” approximating the desired shape with high resolution. That is to say, in order to adjust the irradiation field “U” described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, such an arrangement has a function of adjusting at least one of the positions of the second collimator components 141A and 141B to a certain extent in the orthogonal direction to the moving direction in which the distances between the leaves 141A1-141An and 141B1-141Bn are adjusted (i.e., the X direction in which the distance between the first collimator components 140A and 140B is adjusted). In order to adjust the positions of the second collimator components 141A and 141B in such a manner, such an arrangement employs a similar mechanism to that for the first collimator components 140A and 140B, which allows at least one of the second collimator components 141A and 141B to be moved in the direction of the arrow “X” along the arc-shaped path around the radiation source “S” as the center. Alternatively, an arrangement may be made in which a lead screw provided to each second collimator component is driven by a motor. With such an arrangement, the movement of the second collimator component is detected by an encoder, a potentiometer, or the like, thereby allowing the position of the second collimator component to be detected and adjusted in a simple manner. It should be noted that, when both the second collimator components 141A and 141B are moved along the direction of the arrow “X”, the second collimator components 141A and 141b are moved in directions opposite to one another (i.e., the direction of the arrow “R” shown in FIG. 7 and the direction opposite thereto). Furthermore, with such an arrangement, the second collimator components 141A and 141B, which face one another, are moved along the arc-shaped path around the radiation source “S” as the center. This eliminates the problem of a penumbra in the irradiation field “U”. As described above in detail, without employing a multi-leaf collimator having a two-stage configuration, the present embodiment provides the irradiation field “U” with approximately the same minute resolution as that provided by an arrangement employing the multi-leaf collimator having a single-stage configuration including an increased number of leaves. That is to say, such an arrangement allows the irradiation field “U” to be formed in a simple manner such that it approximates, with higher precision, the shape of the therapy part, which can develop in various shapes. With such an arrangement, the irradiation field “U” thus formed is exposed to radiation. This allows only the site of the disease, which is to be treated, to be irradiated while protecting the healthy tissue from being exposed to radiation. Also, an arrangement may be made having an additional function of adjusting, with the minute resolution, at least the positions of the second collimator components 141A and 141B. Such an arrangement allows the shape of the irradiation field “U” to be adjusted such that it approximates a desired shape with higher precision. Thus, such an arrangement protects the object from unnecessary exposure to radiation, thereby improving the safety of the therapy. Furthermore, such an arrangement does not involve a large-size multi-leaf collimator device, thereby eliminating the problem of occupying a large part of a space for the therapy. Thus, the present invention provides an extremely useful radiation therapy apparatus.
	abstract	Exemplary embodiments provide automated nuclear fission reactors and methods for their operation. Exemplary embodiments and aspects include, without limitation, re-use of nuclear fission fuel, alternate fuels and fuel geometries, modular fuel cores, fast fluid cooling, variable burn-up, programmable nuclear thermostats, fast flux irradiation, temperature-driven surface area/volume ratio neutron absorption, low coolant temperature cores, refueling, and the like.
041397789	summary	BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to apparatus for holding nuclear fuel assemblies and particularly to nuclear fuel assembly storage racks. In nuclear steam supply systems well known in the art, a reactor vessel contains fuel assemblies with nuclear fuel therein which produce heat in a commonly understood fashion. The fuel assemblies may be rectangular or hexagonal arrays of fuel elements and may be approximately 150 inches in length. The fuel element may be a hollow cylindrical steel rod filled with nuclear fuel pellets as is well understood by those skilled in the art. When the fuel assemblies are placed in proper configuration within the reactor vessel, the fuel elements comprising the fuel assembly, generate heat. A coolant is circulated through the reactor vessel in heat transfer relationship with the fuel assemblies thereby transferring heat from the fuel assemblies to the coolant. The coolant may then be circulated to a location remote from the reactor vessel to generate steam and in turn generate electricity. After a period of reactor operation, the nuclear fuel in the fuel element becomes depleted necessitating replacement of the spent fuel assembly with a fresh one. The spent or depleted fuel assembly is then transferred to a storage location where it is allowed to cool to a reasonable temperature. Before and after being used in the reactor, the fuel assembly may be held upright in a storage location by a storage rack. There are several storage rack configurations known in the art. In most of these storage racks the fuel assembly is held upright by having its upper end clamped to a supporting structure while having its lower end clamped or fitted into a socket. The fuel assemblies are separated by a sufficient distance to avoid a critical arrangement. While the clamped top end and clamped or socketed bottom end configurations provide positive retention structures, if the fuel assembly becomes slightly misaligned between clamps the configuration may result in high stresses in the fuel assembly because the configuration approximates a column with a clamped top and bottom. Thus, the slenderness of the fuel assembly and its substantial weight, which may be 1500 pounds, combined with a slight misalignment of the fuel assembly between clamps can result in excessive torsional and bending stresses in the fuel assembly. Since in many applications, these high stresses cannot be tolerated, the prior art configurations for storage racks are not suitable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A nuclear fuel assembly storage rack having a swivel base for minimizing stresses in the fuel assembly. The storage rack consists of a mechanism for supporting a plurality of fuel assemblies from near their top end and a swivel base on which the bottom of the fuel assembly rests. The swivel base comprises two steel plates with a hard ball centered and captured between the plates and a third plate attached to the top steel plate. The bottom steel plate is attached to the bottom of the storage rack and the third plate has pins therein for maintaining proper alignment of the lower end of the fuel assembly. The upper end of the fuel assembly may be clamped to the supporting structure, while the lower end rests on the swivel base. The swivel base allows the fuel assembly to seek the least stressed condition by having the upper steel base plate pivot or rotate on the hard ball which is captured between the steel plates. It is an object of this invention to provide a fuel assembly storage rack capable of supporting fuel assemblies while minimizing the stresses in the fuel assembly. It is a particular object of this invention to provide a fuel assembly storage rack having a swivel base capable of supporting fuel assemblies while minimizing the stresses in the fuel assembly. It is a more particular object of this invention to provide a fuel assembly storage rack having a swivel base with plates capable of relative motion for supporting fuel assemblies while minimizing the stresses in the fuel assembly.
	abstract	A method for thermal volume reduction of waste material contaminated with radionuclides includes feeding the waste material into a fluidized bed reactor, injecting fluidizing gas into the fluidized bed reactor to fluidize bed media in the fluidized bed reactor, and decomposing the waste material in the fluidized bed reactor. A system for thermal volume reduction of the waste material includes one or more of a feedstock preparation and handling system, a fluidized bed reactor system, a solids separation system, and an off-gas treatment system. The method and system may be used to effectively reduce the volume or radioactive wastes generated from the operation of nuclear facilities such as nuclear power plants including wastes such as spent ion exchange resin, spent granular activated carbon, and dry active waste. The majority of the organic content in the waste material is converted into carbon dioxide and steam and the solids, including the radionuclides, are converted into a waterless stable final product that is suitable for disposal or long-term storage.
046735461	description	DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a typical loop seal 10. At one pipe, the loop seal pipe interfaces with the pressurizer 12 at the loop seal nozzle 14. For approximately the first two feet (as measured along the centerline) of the loop seal piping, a constant supply of steam is present within the piping during normal operation. This regime ends at a steam/water interface 16. Proceeding from this interface is a straight section 18, a curved section 20, and another straight section 22 ending at an opposite end in a loop seal pipe/safety valve interface 24. FIG. 2 depicts three loop seal temperature profiles calculated for an actual loop seal system. The lowest curve, denoted by circles plotted on the curve, represents a completely uninsulated loop seal pipe exposed directly to ambient temperature. The intermediate curve, denoted by triangles plotted on the curve, represents a loop seal insulated in a conventional manner with standard reflective-type insulation. The highest curve denoted by squares plotted on the curve, represents a loop seal enclosed with reflective type insulation according to the present invention. It is readily seen that the present invention provides an elevated temperature at the critical loop seal pipe/safety valve interface 24. The temperature at interface 24 is about 300.degree. F., considerably higher than 120.degree. F. achieved by the alternative means described above. For all three curves, no temperature decay should occur for about the first two feet of piping, as measured along the loop seal pipe centerline, because of the constant presence of steam in this portion of loop seal pipe 10. The temperature profile for an uninsulated loop seal pipe (lower curve) or a loop seal insulated with a conventional piping insulation configuration quickly degrades with distance from the pressurizer. A principal reason for the superior results obtained by the practice of the present invention is the capture of radiative and convective heat from the pressurizer surface by the loop seal pipe 10. The remaining figures illustrate a typical loop seal insulation assembly in accordance with the present invention. It was noted earlier that typically three loop seals are present at different azimuths near the top head of a pressurizer. These three loop seals are clustered together rather than spaced equidistant around the top of the pressurizer head. While FIGS. 3 through 10 disclose an illustrative embodiment of a first insulation assembly, similar assemblies will be used for the second and third loop seals of a pressurizer, with suitable modifications made to accomodate existing interferences, existing top head insulation, and the like. One of the features of this invention is its flexibility in allowing small adjustments in the placement of individual insulation panels in order to achieve the desired elevated temperature at the safety valve/flange interface. FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a typical loop seal insulation housing in accordance with the invention. Reflective type insulation panels 26 are placed over existing top head insulation 28 shown in phantom. A portion of existing top head insulation 28 is removed to correspond with the inner case 30 of loop seal insulation panels 26, thereby exposing a portion of the outer surface of the pressurizer to the loop seal piping. Angle 32 is attached by screws 34 or other suitable attachment means to the existing top head insulation 28. Likewise, angle 36 is attached by screws 34 or other suitable attachment means to the top flat portion of existing top head insulation 28. Self-locking buckles 38 hold the reflective type insulation panels 26 in place, and allow selective removal or replacement of individual panels 26 as well understood in the art. Reinforcement plates 40 are popriveted or otherwise attached to the outer case of existing top head insulation 28. The insulation assembly of the present invention is designed to physically and thermally accomodate and adjust for interferences such as hangers, gratings 42 (FIG. 4), grating supports 44 (FIG. 9) and other components already installed in the vicinity of the loop seal piping and top head of the pressurizer. Individual insulation panels 26A and 26B straddle a portion of the loop seal nearest the pressurizer and are buckled to angle 32. Insulation panels 26C and 26D are buckled to each other at their juncture, and to panels 26B and 26A respectively, and encompass the intermediate portion of loop seal pipe 10. Vertically below panels 26C and 26D are located insulation panels 26M and 26N, encompassing the curved portion 20 of loop seal pipe 10. Angles 46 are attached, preferably spot-welded, to panels 26G and 26H, and popriveted or otherwise suitably attached to panels 26E and 26F, as best seen in FIG. 6. FIG. 10 illustrates angles 48 and 50 buckled to insulation panels 26B and 26A respectively, and screwed or otherwise attached to existing top head insulation. It should be noted that the preferred embodiment described above is illustrative only, and a similar arrangement may be utilized, with appropriate changes to accomodate the specific interferences and existing equipment found at a particular plant site.
	claims	1. A method of introducing mortar into a container secured to a first vessel and a second vessel, the first vessel communicating with the container via a first orifice, the second vessel communicating with the container via a second orifice, the method comprising the following operations:causing a first stream of mortar to circulate continuously in a circulation loop;during the continuous circulation, extracting a second mortar stream from the circulation loop, the second stream being smaller than the first mortar stream;introducing the second mortar stream into the container; andmonitoring the appearance of mortar in the second vessel, and when said appearance is detected, ceasing to extract mortar from the circulation loop. 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein, after ceasing to extract mortar from the loop, the mortar contained in an injection duct connecting the mortar circulation loop to the first vessel and to the container is expelled into the first vessel so that it is subsequently possible to clean the injection pipe, prior to filling another container. 3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the mortar contained in the injection duct is expelled by introducing compressed air or a foam ball into the injection duct and then causing a rinsing liquid to flow in said duct in order to drive and remove mortar residue that might collect on the walls of the injection duct. 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the second vessel is connected to an air filter circuit and the contaminated air expelled from the container while mortar is being introduced therein is taken from the second vessel. 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein, after the mortar has dried, the container is separated from the two vessels and lumps of mortar contained therein, and the two orifices of the container are closed. 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the second mortar stream is extracted at an extraction point of the circulation loop under pressure that is sufficient to compensate for the head loss that results from conveying the extracted mortar via an injection duct connecting the extraction point to the container, and without introducing a propellant into the injection duct. 7. A device for injecting mortar into a container, the device comprising:a mortar circulation loop comprising a mortar storage receiver, a mortar transfer pump connected to the storage receiver, an outlet duct for conveying the mortar leaving the pump, and a return duct for conveying mortar to the storage receiver;an injection duct extending the outlet duct;first and second vessels secured to the container in register with orifices provided in the wall thereof, together with a sensor sensitive to the appearance of mortar in the second vessel; wherein:the circulation loop includes an extractor member connecting together the outlet duct, the return duct, and the injection duct; andthe injection duct and the loop are isolated by means of a single passageway valve placed at the inlet to the injection duct, the outlet and return ducts of the loop serving to ensure continuous circulation of the mortar, the extractor member enabling a fraction of the mortar stream flowing in the loop to be extracted and introduced into the injection device. 8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the extractor member is in the form of a Y junction or coupling presenting three duct portions: a first duct portion and a second duct portion connected respectively to the outlet duct and to the return duct; and a third duct portion connected tangentially to the first duct portion and connected to the injection duct, and wherein at least one of the three duct portions is curved. 9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the section of the first duct portion is the same as the section of the second duct portion, while the section of the third duct portion is less than the section of the first and second duct portions. 10. A device according to claim 7, wherein the lengths and the diameters of the return duct and of the injection duct, and the through diameters of the members located in said ducts are selected in such a manner that the head loss in the injection duct, corrected for variations of position between the inlet and the outlet of the injection duct, is close to or less than the head loss in the return duct, corrected for variations in position between the inlet and the outlet of the return duct. 11. A device according to claim 7, wherein a valve fitted to the injection duct is a full-flow valve. 12. A device according to claim 11 wherein said full flow valve is selected from sleeve valves and plug valves. 13. A device according to claim 7, wherein the respective capacities of the first and second vessels are identical. 14. A device according to claim 7, wherein the sensor sensitive to the appearance of mortar in the second vessel is a radar sensor. 15. A device according to claim 7, wherein each of the vessels presents an upwardly-flared shape, in particular an upwardly-flared frustoconical shape. 16. A device according to claim 7, wherein the sum of the capacities of the first and second vessels is not less than the capacity of the injection duct. 17. A device according to claim 7, including a receptacle suitable for collecting a liquid that has rinsed the injection duct. 18. A device according to claim 7, including a collector of shape matching the shape of the second vessel to collect the gaseous effluents leaving the vessel, and a duct connected to the collector to take the effluents to a decontamination circuit.
	claims	1. A method of treating a patient with a laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion therapy system, comprising:identifying the position of a targeted region in a patient;determining the treatment strategy of the targeted region, said treatment strategy comprising determining the dose distributions of a plurality of therapeutically suitable high energy polyenergetic positive ion beams for irradiating the targeted region;forming said plurality of therapeutically suitable high energy polyenergetic positive ion beams from a plurality of high energy polyenergetic positive ions, that are spatially separated based on energy level using one or more superconducting electromagnets each capable of providing a magnetic field of between about 0.1 and about 30 Tesla; anddelivering the plurality of therapeutically suitable polyenergetic positive ion beams to the targeted region according to the treatment strategy. 2. The method of treating a patient with a laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion therapy system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic field is between about 0.2 and about 20 Tesla. 3. The method of treating a patient with a laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion therapy system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic field is between about 0.5 and about 10 Tesla. 4. The method of treating a patient with a laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion therapy system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic field is between about 0.8 and about 5 Tesla. 5. The method of treating a patient according to claim 1, wherein determining the dose distributions comprises determining the energy distribution, intensity and direction of a plurality of therapeutically suitable high energy polyenergetic positive ion beams. 6. The method of treating a patient according to claim 1, wherein said therapeutically suitable polyenergetic positive ion beams are prepared by:forming a laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic ion beam comprising high energy polyenergetic positive ions;collimating said laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic ion beam using at least one collimation device;spatially separating said high energy polyenergetic positive ions according to their energy levels using a first magnetic field provided by one of the superconducting electromagnets;modulating the spatially separated high energy polyenergetic positive ions using an aperture; andrecombining the modulated high energy polyenergetic positive ions using a second magnetic field provided by a superconducting electromagnet different than the one used for providing the first magnetic field. 7. The method of treating a patient according to claim 6, wherein the modulated high energy polyenergetic positive ions have energy levels in the range of from about 50 MeV to about 250 MeV. 8. The method of treating a patient according to claim 6, wherein the high energy polyenergetic positive ions include light ions including protons, lithium, boron, beryllium, or carbon, or any combination thereof. 9. The method of treating a patient according to claim 6, wherein the trajectories of the high energy polyenergetic positive ions are bent away from a beam axis of said laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic ion beam using said first magnetic field. 10. The method of treating a patient according to claim 9, wherein the trajectories of the spatially separated high energy polyenergetic positive ions are bent towards the aperture using a third magnetic field. 11. The method of treating a patient according to claim 10, wherein the spatially separated high energy polyenergetic positive ions are modulated by energy level using a plurality of controllable openings in said aperture. 12. The method of treating a patient according to claim 11, wherein the trajectories of the modulated high energy polyenergetic positive ions are further bent towards the second magnetic field using said third magnetic field. 13. The method of treating a patient according to claim 12, wherein the trajectories of the modulated high energy polyenergetic positive ions are bent towards a direction parallel to the direction of a beam axis of the laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic ion beam using said second magnetic field. 14. The method of treating a patient according to claim 6, wherein a portion of the recombined high energy polyenergetic positive ions are fluidically communicated through a secondary collimation device. 15. The method of treating a patient according to claim 14, wherein the beam shape of the recombined high energy polyenergetic positive ions is modulated by the secondary collimation device. 16. A laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam treatment center, comprising:a location for securing a patient; anda laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion therapy system capable of delivering a therapeutically suitable high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam to a patient at said location, the ion therapy system comprising:a laser-targeting system, said laser-targeting system comprising a laser and a target assembly capable of producing a high energy polyenergetic ion beam, comprising high energy polyenergetic positive ions having energy levels of at least about 50 MeV;an ion selection system capable of producing a therapeutically suitable high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam using said high energy polyenergetic positive ions, the high energy polyenergetic positive ions being spatially separated based on energy level using superconducting electromagnets each capable of providing a magnetic field of between about 0.1 and about 30 Tesla; anda monitoring and control system for said therapeutically suitable high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam. 17. The laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam treatment center of claim 16, wherein the magnetic field is between about 0.2 and about 20 Tesla. 18. The laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam treatment center of claim 16, wherein the magnetic field is between about 0.5 and about 10 Tesla. 19. The laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam treatment center of claim 16, wherein the magnetic field is between about 0.8 and about 5 Tesla. 20. The laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam treatment center of claim 16, wherein the ion selection system comprises:a collimation device capable of collimating said high energy polyenergetic ion beam;a first magnetic field source capable of spatially separating said high energy polyenergetic positive ions according to their energy levels, said first magnetic field source provided by one of the superconducting electromagnets;an aperture capable of modulating the spatially separated high energy polyenergetic positive ions; anda second magnetic field source capable of recombining the modulated high energy polyenergetic positive ions into said therapeutically suitable high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam, the second magnetic field provided by a superconducting electromagnet different than the one that provides the first magnetic field. 21. The laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam treatment center of claim 20, wherein the modulated high energy polyenergetic positive ions are characterized as having energy levels in the range of from about 50 MeV to about 250 MeV. 22. The laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam treatment center of claim 20, wherein the high energy polyenergetic positive ions include light ions including protons, lithium, boron, beryllium, or carbon, or any combination thereof. 23. The laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam treatment center of claim 20, wherein said first magnetic field source is capable of bending the trajectories of the high energy polyenergetic positive ions away from a beam axis of said laser-accelerated polyenergetic ion beam entering the first magnetic field. 24. The laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam treatment center of claim 23, wherein the ion selection system further comprises a third magnetic field source capable of bending the trajectories of the spatially separated high energy polyenergetic positive ions towards the aperture. 25. The laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam treatment center of claim 24, wherein the aperture is placed outside of the magnetic field of said third magnetic field. 26. The laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam treatment center of claim 24, wherein the magnetic field of said third magnetic field source is capable of bending the trajectories of the modulated high energy positive ions towards the second magnetic field source. 27. The laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam treatment center of claim 26, wherein the second magnetic field source is capable of bending the trajectories of the modulated high energy polyenergetic positive ions towards a direction parallel to a beam axis of the laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic ion beam. 28. The laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam treatment center of claim 23, further comprising a secondary collimation device capable of fluidically communicating a portion of the recombined high energy polyenergetic positive ions therethrough. 29. The laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam treatment center of claim 20, wherein said aperture comprises a plurality of openings, each of the openings capable of fluidically communicating ion beamlets therethrough. 30. The laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam treatment center of claim 16, wherein the target assembly and the ion selection system are placed on a rotating gantry. 31. The laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam treatment center of claim 16, wherein a laser beam of said laser is reflectively transported to the target assembly using a plurality of mirrors. 32. The laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam treatment center of claim 31, wherein the ion selection system is robotically mounted to give permit scanning of the therapeutically suitable high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam. 33. The laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam treatment center of claim 31, further comprising at least one beam splitter to split the laser beam to each of at least two target assemblies. 34. The laser-accelerated high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam treatment center of claim 16, wherein the laser-targeting system comprises a plurality of target assemblies, each of said target assemblies capable of producing a high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam, said high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam comprising high energy polyenergetic positive ions comprising energy levels of at least about 50 MeV;a plurality of ion selection systems each capable of individually producing a therapeutically suitable high energy polyenergetic positive ion beam from each of said individual high energy polyenergetic positive ion beams; andan individual polyenergetic ion beam monitoring and control system for each of said therapeutically suitable high energy polyenergetic positive ion beams.
	description	Disclosed is a system and method for analyzing the throughput of a manufacturing line, and more particularly, determining the impact of specific event codes on a manufacturing line. In a large production environment, hundreds of machines or stations may make up a production line. The buffer between stations is a storage area such as a conveyor, transport (i.e. forklift, cart, truck, etc.), silo (either manual or automatic), or simply a place within the flow of product. Every station is configured to generate event codes and transmit event data for analysis. Event codes are generated for many different reasons, for example, when a machine is broken, is starved (no parts are available to process), is blocked (unable to unload a completed part), the machine or station takes to long to complete the manufacturing process and the machine or station requires a tool change. Production efficiency, throughput, is high when a minimum number of parts are on the line or in a specific buffer such as is required only to maintain continuous flow of products through the manufacturing line at the intended speed. If a station breaks down or becomes inoperable, upstream and downstream stations may be quickly affected. Stations upstream may be blocked if buffers they feed are full. Stations downstream may become starved if buffers they draw from are empty. A breakdown can occur for a number of different reasons. There may be thousands of possible fault codes associated with a machine. When a breakdown occurs, information about the breakdown is stored in the Production Monitoring and Control (PM&C) system. Commonly this includes a reason for the breakdown (called an event code or a fault code) and the duration. The duration might be further subdivided into a response time, a diagnostic time (time to diagnose the problem), an order time (time to order or acquire the replacement part), and the actual time to repair the machine. Other types of subdivisions for times might be appropriate as well. The term “breakdown” as used herein may include any number of other conditions of a machine. It truly may be a non-operating machine, or inoperable or become offline. However, it may also be non-functional for many different reasons unrelated to the machine itself. In certain situations, stock may become unavailable. For example, an assembly line that receives components to be mounted on the product (crankshafts and pistons for an engine assembly line) from feeder lines may become slowed if components arrive at a machine late. A shortage of these parts also interrupts production, but this situation should not normally occur on a manufacturing line. Also utilities, such as water, electricity, or compress air may become unavailable. The categories of reasons for a machine not producing parts may vary from line to line and for different types of lines. A manufacturing line has frequent tool changes that cause the interruption of production but which do not normal occur on an assembly line. Other words, including “down” or “downed” may be jargon for any type of inoperability. As used herein, any of the terms or others discussed above are interchangeable. The flow or progress of a line, its throughput, is impacted whether a machine is inoperable, ceases to function or is waiting for parts. A production facility may have a communications network connecting the stations to a centralized unit. Sensor for determining a station's status and sensors for determining the flow or progress of product making its way through a line may be connected to the centralized unit by wires or they may be wireless. Machine controller may also be connected to the centralized unit. An error or fault code may be generated by sensors or controllers and sent to the centralized unit when a station breaks down or stops operating for any reason. The fault code identifies the reason for the stoppage so that when the fault code and time stamp are available, the time and reason of the breakdown may be determined. A supervisor may be alerted by the centralized unit when a station has stopped operating. Maintenance personnel may be alerted to attend to the downed station. If adjacent buffers become full or empty, other stations may also stop operating. Once a station that has had a breakdown becomes again operational, the line will thereafter start up again. The starved stations will begin receiving product and the blocked stations will be able to process product. However, some stations may be slow to recover after such a problem or fault occurrence. When all the breakdown data are available, the average duration or MTTR (mean time to repair) and the MCBF (mean count between faults) or MTBF (mean time between faults) and other useful measures can be calculated. Sometimes a curve fit to an analytical function is made. Other times the analytical function is assumed to be a negative exponential. Disclosed is a throughput analysis method and system for a manufacturing line including a plurality of machines, each configured to generate event codes which are input to the throughput analysis. The event codes are used to calculate MTTR and MCBF, and these values are input to the throughput analysis. Described herein is a method and system to determine changes which would occur to the MTTR and MCBF if specific faults became less frequent or were eliminated or if the repair time were reduced. The throughput analysis method includes calculating a first throughput value for the plurality of machines based on the input, ranking the plurality of machines and their associated event codes according to their effect on throughput, altering a value of a first event code associated with a first machine to generate an altered first event code for a new event code input, recalculating a second throughput value based on the new event code input, and comparing the first throughput value with the second throughput value to generate a weight of the first event code on the first throughput value. Oftentimes production monitoring and control will identify a list of the top five or ten stations that have failed. These may be listed in order of duration of failures or frequency of failures and may be discoverable in a curve fitting analysis, for example. In the data however, there may be found other stations, not in the top five or ten stations whose reliability could be improved at a lower cost, for example, to provide a higher throughput. The method and system described herein may determine those fault codes with respect to particular stations that have an impact on throughput, not otherwise part of the top five or ten stations that have failed. Analyzing throughput in the manner described herein may identify stations and event codes not previously thought to substantially impact production. Described is a method and system for evaluating stations of a system for improvability according to predetermined criteria. The method that will be described in more detail below includes selecting among the stations, a set of susceptible stations that are affected by at least one selected event, ranking the susceptible stations with respect to a selected event and the predetermined criteria to determine an ordered list of more susceptible stations, altering the selected events to generate a new set of events, reranking the susceptible stations with respect to the selected events comprising the new event to determine a new ordered list of more susceptible stations and determining the most susceptible station based on a comparison criterion of the original ordered list of more susceptible stations and the new ordered list of more susceptible stations. This invention may be embodied in the form of any number of computer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing those processes. Embodiments of the invention may be in the form of computer program code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. The present invention may also be embodied in the form of computer program code, for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits. FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing certain elements of the manufacturing line in communication with a central computational apparatus. The line 102 includes Stations 1, 2 and 3, and buffers A, B, C and D. Respectively, Stations 1, 2 and 3 having communication 104, 106 and 108 with the central system 110 that is in communication with the central communication apparatus 112. While the central apparatus 112 is depicted in communication with the line 102, the data of course may be input to one or more remote units via one or more communication networks. Buffers A, B, C and D may also be in communication with the central system 110 and 112 as well, either individually or through the Stations 1, 2, and 3 even though this is not shown on the figure. Communication networks such as 110 including communication lines 104, 106 and 108 are used to transmit digital or analog data both through land lines and through radio frequency links, and satellite links. Examples of communication networks are cellular telephone networks, messaging networks, and Internet networks. The central apparatus includes a memory 114 can store the input event code data and can also include instructions modules 116. The central apparatus further may include a processor 118 for processing instructions and data. Output from the throughput analysis is provided to an output device such as a display 120 or is transmitted via transmitter/receiver (T/R) 122. Output is provided in any suitable manner. The calculations performed at the central apparatus weigh the effect of an individual event code on production by determining how it affects throughput. For clarity, the predetermined criterion is described as throughput in this embodiment; other criteria might be used as well. Substantial data is provided as input. A specific fault is selected for analysis. Once a specific fault has been selected, a modified MTTR and MCBF can be calculated from the repair times and number of incidences (using the procedure on the most frequently occurring faults or longest duration faults may represent a special case). The throughput value under these conditions is determined, for example, with the discrete event simulation of the production line. Sorting the throughput for the combinations under consideration can give the impact of the events on production so that maintenance planners can prioritize the sequence of machine repairs. Generally, the process is shown in FIG. 2 which is a flow chart illustrating a number of steps of the method. A database of event codes 201 is established on a machine-by-machine basis, and MTTRs and MCBFs are calculated for each machine that is under consideration 202. The calculation can occur in building, for example, a discrete event simulation 204 of a line based in production data. It will be understood that other types of decision-making tools may be used as well. The stations for which improvements to MTTR and MCBF will have the most significant effect on throughput are identified. In principle, this may be done for every station by making a ten percent improvement in repairs. The results are sorted on throughput in descending order 206. The stations which showed the biggest improvement in throughput are the ones on which the efforts should be concentrated 208. In step 210, the MTTRs and MCBFs are modified. The duration of the selected faults (commonly the most frequently or most significant fault codes) is determined from the database on a machine-by-machine basis. The greatest importance can be given to those stations identified in the previous step. Then in step 210 MTTRs and MCBFs are recalculated eliminating (or reducing) the repair times and interruptions for one or more event codes as shown in the equation (see below). That is, the event code k is removed from MTTR and MCBF data according to the following formula: MTTR revised = ∑ repair ⁢ ⁢ times - ∑ repair ⁢ ⁢ times ⁢ ⁢ ( fault ⁢ ⁢ code k ) ∑ repairs - ∑ repairs ⁢ ⁢ ( fault ⁢ ⁢ code k ) where the original MTTR was calculated from the entire list of fault codes and durations as: MTTR original = ∑ all ⁢ ⁢ repair ⁢ ⁢ times ∑ all ⁢ ⁢ repairs that is, the discrete event simulation is rerun 210, once for each proposed change. More than one change may be made prior to a discrete event simulation as well. The ranking then begins 212. To weigh the importance of an individual fault code k for some arbitrary station, two runs of the discrete event simulation are needed. First the baseline is run 204, and then there is a run with that particular fault code removed from the MTTR and MCBF values 210. The “importance” or weight, then, is the difference in throughput for the two runs. The term importance is another term for weight, and should be considered in that light in accordance with this discussion. In this example, “importance” or the predetermined criteria means throughput. The ranking may also be done based on other quantities, for example, the cost of making the adjustments which eliminate the fault codes, the cost effectiveness (cost per unit of throughput improvement), or the amount of time (production) lost making the adjustments. This list is not intended to be exhaustive; many such measures of value are known to the plants and are tracked by their monitoring systems. Alternatively, the consequences of improving the maintenance at a station may involve reducing the production lost because of several faults, k, l, m, & n. This can be evaluated as well by following the same procedure but using all the appropriate fault codes and their occurrences. As before, in this type of calculation, each individual vault may be eliminated or reduced by some percentage Running the discrete event simulation with the revised MTTR 210, as shown in the equation, provides the upper bound on throughput if the repair were totally eliminated, meaning the cause of the failure is removed and the machine never again has this failure. If the response times of the maintenance crew to the occurrence of breakdowns (fault codes) can be determined from data collected by monitoring systems, other hypothetical (intermediate in effect) scenarios can be created for evaluation, such as: the same number of faults and repair time, but a faster response; some fraction of the faults, but the same repair time; same number of faults, but a faster repair time. For these cases, it may be necessary to modify MCBF as well as MTTR. Several embodiments are disclosed herein and include (but are not limited to): 1) recalculating MTTR and MCBF after eliminating a single fault code on a single machine, 2) recalculating MTTR and MCBF after eliminating a single fault code on two or more machines (multiple machines), 3) recalculating MTTR and MCBF after eliminating a single fault code on one machine and reducing the consequences of that fault code on a second machine, 4) recalculating MTTR and MCBF after eliminating a single fault code on one machine and a different fault code on a second machine. Many, many such combinations are possible involving single faults, multiple faults, single machines, multiple (two or more) machines, elimination of one or more faults, and reducing the consequences of one or more faults. In all of these embodiments it is understood that after the revised MTTR's and MCBF's have been calculated that the throughput or other predetermined criteria is re-evaluated with the computer program code and a determination of the consequences of the changes is made. In another embodiment the analysis may be extended to multiple machines, some or all of which might optionally have certain specific error codes eliminated or their effects reduced for the computation of MCBF and MTTR. Some repairs, such as repairs to the utilities, might affect groups of machines. Certain types of repairs or adjustments may be carried out on similar machines in the same line. Either of these situations would require an analysis that covers multiple machines. Furthermore, it may be very expensive (in terms of maintenance effort, cost, or lost production time) to eliminate all breakdowns of a certain type. Frequently, the last few are much harder to eliminate than the first. Such a situation requires that an analysis works on a fault code with a reduced impact as well as a fault code which has been eliminated. Returning to a discussion of steps 202 and 204, this embodiment includes the case where a change in the performance of more than one machine by altering (determining the consequences of eliminating/reducing) one or more types of failure (event code) for certain machines. The procedure which stems from this embodiment or implementation can determine the effectiveness on throughput of correcting breakdowns so that the improvements can be ranked. Varying the effects of breakdowns on multiple machines may be accomplished in any suitable manner. As an example, a change in the performance of a manufacturing line might be made with two machines (machines 3 and 7) being improved in the following manner: TABLE 1Proposed Improvements to Production Line OperationMachine 3Failure mode 1eliminatedFailure mode 2reduced 25%Failure mode 3eliminatedFailure mode 4no changeMachine 7Failure mode 1no changeFailure mode 2eliminatedFailure mode 4reduced 50%Failure mode 5reduced 10%Machine 8Failure mode 1no changeFailure mode 5no changeFailure mode 6no change For purposes of this example, only six failure modes are listed, and the same six modes could occur for all eight machines in the production line. Furthermore, as a result of adjustments made to Machine 7, failure mode 4 has the same number of failures but can be repaired in 50% less time; failure mode 5 has the same repair time per incident but the number of incidents is 10% less. Numerical values relating to the failures and repairs are listed in Table 2 in order to illustrate the calculation procedure. Moreover, for purposes of this example, these failures and repairs were encountered during the manufacture of 1000 parts. TABLE 2Numerical Example of Improvementsto Production Line OperationOriginal OperationImproved OperationTotalNumberTotalNumberRepairofRepairofMachineFailure ModeTimeIncidentsTimeIncidentsMachine 11350 sec80sec0Machine 12160 sec4120sec3Machine 13315 sec60sec0Machine 14200 sec7200sec7Machine 71350 sec7350sec7Machine 72325 sec60sec0Machine 74240 sec4120sec4Machine 75300 sec10270sec9 The original MTTR for Machine 1 is:MTTRMachine 1=(350+160+315+200)/(8+4+6+7)=1025/25=41 secThe MTTR for Machine 1 after the performance of the machine is altered becomes:MTTRMachine 1=(120+200)/(3+7)=320/10=32 secThe original MCBF for Machine 1 is:MCBFMachine 1=1000/(8+4+6+7)=1000/25=40.0The MCBF for Machine 1 after the performance of the machine is altered becomes:MCBFMachine 1=1000/(3+7)=1000/10=100.0The original MTTR for Machine 7 is:MTTRMachine 7=(350+325+240+300)/(7+6+4+10)=1215/27=45 secThe altered MTTR for Machine 7 is:MTTRMachine 8=(350+120+270)/(7+4+9)=740/20=37 secThe original MCBF for Machine 7 is:MCBFMachine 7=1000/27=37.0The altered MCBF for Machine 7 is:MCBFMachine 7=1000/20=50.0 Turning to FIG. 3 which shows certain other steps for carrying out the method as described with reference to FIG. 2. The method for evaluating stations of a system for improvability according to predetermined criteria includes selecting among the stations, a set of susceptible stations that are affected by at least one selected event 302. The event may be one of the more common faults, but it may also be selected, for example according to cost, difficulty, time to fix, or time the line would be inactive. The susceptible stations are ranked with respect to a selected event and the predetermined criteria to determine an ordered list of more susceptible stations. The ranking may come from common knowledge, including the identification of a few stations that are the most sensitive to improvements in MTTR or MCBF, or the most affected by improvements to MTTR and/or MCBF. The ranking may further be with respect to, for example, cost, maintenance priorities, production throughput. As described above with respect to the equations, the method includes altering the selected events to generate a new set of events 306 and then reranking the susceptible stations with respect to the selected events including the new event to determine a new ordered list of more susceptible or more affected stations. The most susceptible station is found based on a comparison criterion of the original ordered list of more susceptible stations and the new ordered list of more susceptible stations 310. FIG. 4 which shows certain other steps for carrying out the method as described with reference to FIG. 2. A throughput analysis method for a manufacturing line, which could be for the manufacture of, for example, motorized vehicles. The line as discussed above includes a plurality of machines (see FIG. 1), each configured to generate event codes which are input to the central apparatus for throughput analysis 402. The throughput analysis method and a system of instruction modules provides for calculating a first throughput value for the plurality of machines based on the input 404. The method and instruction modules provides for ranking the plurality of machines and their associated event codes according to their effect on throughput 406. The method and instruction modules further provide for altering a value of a first event code associated with a first machine to generate an altered first event code for a new event code input 408. The method and instruction modules further provide for recalculating a second throughput value based on the new event code input 410 and comparing the first throughput value with the second throughput value to generate a weight of the first event code on the first throughput value 412. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis is performed using a discrete event simulation to identify the stations for which an improvement in MTTR and/or MCBF would product the largest increase in throughput. Sensitivity can be defined as the percent change in throughput for a percent change in repair time. The method for determining sensitivity (that is, the process in going from 204 to 206 or from 404 to 406) includes comparing the first throughput value with the second throughput value to generate a percentage difference in throughput, comparing the difference between the first event code having a repair time and the altered first event code having a repair time to generate the percentage difference in repair time, and dividing the percentage difference in throughput by the percentage difference in repair time to generate the sensitivity. In one calculation for example with 100 stations, the sensitivities for the certain stations can be determined. For purposes of shortening the calculations, MTTR is decreased 5% for a single station at the same time that MCBF is increased 5%, giving a 10% decrease in repair time. One throughput calculation is then made for each possible configuration which has had the values changed for one station while the other 99 remain unchanged. Since the sensitivity is defined as the percentage difference in throughput divided by the percentage difference in repair time, the same procedure is repeated for a 10% increase in repair time, and the average sensitivity is determined by averaging the sensitivities to a repair time decrease and increase. The disclosed method and system may identify stations for which proposed improvements will have no influence on productivity. By eliminating effort (resources—financial and personnel) wasted on improvements which do not improve throughput, resources may be used more effectively. While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.
	claims	1. A combined cycle propulsion system for an aerodynamic vehicle, comprising: a propellant store housed in the vehicle for storing a fuel therein; a nuclear-based thermal rocket (NTR) coupled to said propellant store, said NTR burning said fuel and producing a hydrogen exhaust stream whereby a thrust force is applied to the vehicle so that the vehicle is propelled through the air; and means for selectively introducing an uncompressed flow of the air surrounding the vehicle into said exhaust stream at speeds of the vehicle up to approximately Mach 6 , and for stopping said flow of air when a specified combination of speed of the vehicle and altitude of the vehicle is achieved, said specified combination being defined by a speed of the vehicle of approximately Mach 6 and an altitude of the vehicle of approximately 40 kilometers. 2. A system as in claim 1 wherein said fuel is a hydrogen-based fuel. claim 1 3. A method of propelling an aerodynamic vehicle into space, comprising the steps of: providing an aerodynamic vehicle with a nuclear-based thermal rocket (NTR) propulsion system capable of producing a hydrogen exhaust, wherein a thrust force is applied to the vehicle; operating said NTR propulsion system starting at a static at-launch condition of the vehicle and all during flight of the vehicle through the air; introducing a flow of uncompressed air into said hydrogen exhaust to augment said thrust force at speeds of the vehicle up to approximately Mach 6; adjusting said flow of uncompressed air into said pure hydrogen exhaust based on the speed and altitude of the vehicle; and stopping said flow of uncompressed air when a specified combination of speed of the vehicle and altitude of the vehicle is achieved, said specified combination being defined by a speed of the vehicle of approximately Mach 6 and an altitude of the vehicle of approximately 40 kilometers. 4. A method according to claim 3 wherein said step of adjusting comprises the step of reducing the mass of said flow of uncompressed air as the speed and altitude of the vehicle increase. claim 3 5. A combined cycle propulsion system for an aerodynamic vehicle, comprising: a propellant store housed in the vehicle for storing a fuel therein; a nuclear-based thermal rocket (NTR) coupled to said propellant store to receive said fuel therefrom at a static at-launch condition of the vehicle and throughout flight of the vehicle, said NTR burning said fuel at said static at-launch condition and continuously throughout flight of the vehicle to produce a hydrogen exhaust stream whereby a thrust force is applied to the vehicle so that the vehicle is propelled through the air; and means for selectively introducing an uncompressed flow of the air surrounding the vehicle into said exhaust stream at speeds of the vehicle up to approximately Mach 6, and for stopping said flow of air when a specified combination of speed of the vehicle and altitude of the vehicle is achieved, said specified combination being defined by a speed of the vehicle of approximately Mach 6 and an altitude of the vehicle of approximately 40 kilometers. 6. A system as in claim 5 wherein said fuel is a hydrogen-based fuel. claim 5
06084146&	summary	FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a method and composition for immobilizing solid or aqueous contaminated materials including radioactive wastes and non-radioactive hazardous materials, to facilitate their safe disposal. More particularly, the invention relates to producing a solid composition containing the contaminated material for its convenient and safe disposal. Corrosion resistant coatings and ceramic bodies may also be produced using the solid composition. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Radioactive and hazardous waste disposal continues to present technical, environmental and economic problems. Containment of such contaminated waste materials, which are often in the form of liquid solutions, wet slurries and particulate solids, such as soil particles or ion exchange resin beads, is difficult. In addition, the volume of contaminated wastes requiring disposal has been growing, while available storage space is limited. The cost of storing such wastes is therefore rising. Reducing the volume of the wastes is important to minimize costs. Major efforts have therefore been expended in recent decades to develop compact waste form materials with high resistance to cracking, pulverization, corrosion and leaching. Such efforts have met with limited success. Borosilicate glasses, for example, have been used to contain wastes for disposal. Such glasses, however, have high melting temperatures (1100-1450.degree. C.). Many radioactive contaminants, such as cesium and ruthenium, have oxides which volatize at those high temperatures, requiring large off-gas treatment systems. In addition, the need for materials resistant to high temperature corrosion in the processing system and the high energy requirements of the system result in high costs. Cement is also used to contain wastes. While containment in cement is a relatively inexpensive, low temperature process, cement is susceptible to leaching and cracking upon exposure to aqueous environments. In addition, cement enables only limited reduction in the volume of the contaminated material. Incineration, vitrification, metal melt and pyrolysis have also been proposed for the immobilization and volume reduction of hazardous wastes. Incineration and vitrification, however, pose a significant risk of gaseous release of hazardous wastes to the environment. Currently, metal melt and pyrolysis are only available for the disposal of slightly contaminated wastes. Resistance to corrosion is a basic consideration in the selection of appropriate materials for waste immobilization, as well as in the protective coating of materials. The susceptibility of various metals to corrosion is determined by their standard electrochemical potentials and the properties of their oxides. Aluminum, for example, has a high oxidation potential, but its oxide forms a continuous film which strongly adheres to the metal surface, protecting the aluminum metal against further attack. In the case of iron, oxides associated with both the +2 (ferrous) and +3 (ferric) oxidation states can be formed in corrosion processes. In pure water environments, the major corrosion product is the black ferrous-ferric oxide magnetite (Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4). Magnetite films on steel are moderately protective. In the presence of dissolved oxygen as well as chloride or sulfate ions, however, the corrosion products become fully oxidized to the ferric state. These corrosion products include a variety of more hydrated and less hydrated ferric oxides, which form non-adherent, flake-like, non-protective films. Thus, when iron and steel become covered with rust, the corrosion process is not arrested, but continues to attack progressively deeper regions. The ultimate product of drying ferric oxides is hematite (Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3), which is a widely used pigment. The formation of hematite from hydrated iron oxides generally results in the formation of a loose, non-consolidated, powdered product. Iron oxides have been used to immobilize hazardous materials. The resulting products, however, are powders. U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,323 to Li et al., for example, discloses methods of waste treatment by producing magnetic powders from heavy metal sludges by adding ferric compounds, such as ferric hydroxide or ferric oxide. The mixture is heated in an oven at 500-1400.degree. C. and then cooled. Li's examples are at 1,000-1,200.degree. C. The resulting powders are ground. A weak acid solution or inorganic sodium salts are added to the ground powders to aid in the separation of magnetic materials with a magnetic separator. The magnetic powders are then dried. Processes at temperatures above 500.degree. C., and particularly those over 1,000.degree. C., release volatile oxides which can contaminate the environment. Furthermore, powders stored in a containment vessel can be released into the air or the ground water if the vessel is damaged or disintegrates. The precipitation of hydrated ferric oxide from aqueous solutions can be used to remove dissolved or suspended contaminants from such solutions through co-precipitation, sorption or both. A substantial fraction of certain contaminants, such as cobalt-60, can be removed from solution in this manner. The resulting material is typically a wet sludge or dried powder. Powders have been treated to resist leaching by water. U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,832 to Hooykaas, for example, discloses treating waste material, including hazardous metals, with an acid solution of iron and preferably manganese to dissolve the hazardous metal. The waste material can be sludge, for example. The solution is made alkaline by the addition of ammonia to precipitate the hydroxides of the hazardous metals and the hydroxide of the iron or manganese. The mixture of hydroxides is air dried. Consolidation of the dried precipitate is specifically avoided. The particles are mixed with a water repellent substance, such as a polymeric silicon compound. Contaminated materials containing iron compounds have been consolidated with binding materials. U.S. Pat. No. 4,508,641 to Hanulik, for example, discloses disposing of waste generated upon the decontamination of steel surfaces in radioactive facilities by treating the wastes, which contain iron, to precipitate insoluble iron compounds or iron hydroxide. The iron compounds are decomposed into iron oxide, which is consolidated in cement. U.S. Pat. No. 4,118,243 to Sandesara uses iron oxides to immobilize arsenic in solid or liquid waste material. The product is incorporated in a calcium sulfate matrix. The use of porous binding materials, such as cement or calcium sulfate, limits the amount of volume reduction which can be achieved. In addition, the presence of other materials may interfere with the formation of the matrix. Cement and calcium sulfate are also prone to leaching. Protective ferric oxide coatings have been formed on surfaces by the treatment of the surface with acids. U.S. Pat. No. 2,728,696 to Singer, for example, discloses producing an adherent coating of hydrated ferric oxide on iron, steel and objects having a ferrous surface, by first forming a film of a dilute aqueous solution of acid or acid-reacting salt on the surface of the object to be coated. The film reacts with the surface of the object, yielding ferrous oxide, which is oxidized in humid air. U.S. Pat. No. 4,369,073 to Fukutsuka et al., discloses formation of a thin corrosion protective coating on the inner surface of a condenser tube made of a copper alloy. A thin layer of an acidic suspension containing iron powder is applied to the surface, which is then exposed to an oxidizing gas. The resulting film comprises ferric oxyhydroxides. The acid residues in the methods of Singer and Fukutsuka could cause local corrosion beneath the coating. Singer's method is also not applicable to coating materials which do not comprise ferrous alloys, such as stainless steel. Neither reference discloses the direct deposition of ferric oxide on a surface. It is expected that the costs of immobilization and storage of hazardous wastes will continue to rise. A safe and secure immobilization process which is easy to implement and yields a solid product of reduced volume, is needed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It has been found that steam generator tubes in certain nuclear power plants have developed ferric oxide coatings which protect them from corrosion. Corrosion of carbon steel pipes which are exterior to and feed water into the generator, yields hydrated iron oxide and dissolved iron ions in the water. The hydrated iron oxide and iron ions are carried by the water and deposited on the steam generator tubes, which are commonly Alloy 600 (an alloy of 76% nickel, 16% chromium, and 7% iron). The hydrated ferric oxides form a corrosion resistant coating of 1-3 mm which adheres well to the Alloy 600. The coating develops over a period of about several months. Nanocurie to microcurie levels of radioactive material per gram, which leak into the generator, have been found within the coating. Surprisingly, it has been found that under certain combinations of temperature, pressure, initial water content, and time, a hydrated ferric oxide precursor can be consolidated into a solid composition with high hardness and crush strength and low leachability. Temperatures of less than about 500.degree. C. can be used. Such solid compositions can be used to contain and thereby immobilize contaminated materials in solid form and dissolved in aqueous solutions. They can also be used in coating surfaces to retard corrosion, and in forming ceramic bodies. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a process for immobilizing contaminated solid materials comprises mixing the contaminated materials with hydrated ferric oxide, and pressing the mixture at a temperature of at least about 150.degree. C. and gradually removing a large part of the water while under pressure for a period of time to produce a solid composition containing the contaminated materials. The amount of hydrated ferric oxide comprises at least about 20% Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, by dry weight of the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the amount is at least about 30%. The water content of the mixture is adjusted if necessary to be within a range of about 5% to about 40% of the weight of the mixture of hydrated ferric oxide and the contaminated material. About 10% to about 30% is preferred. The water content of the resulting composition is preferably between about 2.0% to about 7.0%. The temperature of the pressing process is preferably greater than 150.degree. C., less than 500.degree. C. and more preferably is between about 180-400.degree. C. Pressures of about 15,000 psi to about 90,000 psi may be used for periods of time of from about 2.5 to about 5 hours, for example. In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, a process for immobilizing contaminated materials contained in an aqueous solution comprises precipitating hydrated ferric oxide from solution to incorporate at least a fraction of the contaminated materials, and pressing the mixture at a temperature of at least about 150.degree. C. and gradually removing a large part of the water while under pressure for a period of time to produce a solid composition containing the contaminated materials. The water content of the precipitate is adjusted, if necessary. The ferric oxide content, water content, temperatures and pressures referred to in the first embodiment of the invention, are preferred. The solid composition resulting from the processes of the first and second embodiments is a third embodiment of the present invention. The solid composition comprises a matrix of ferric oxide and contaminated materials distributed throughout and encapsulated by the matrix. The ferric oxide content of the composition is preferably at least about 20% Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, by dry weight of the total weight of the body. Preferably, the ferric oxide content is at least about 30% Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3. If the contaminated material is radioactive, the body can effectively immobilize contaminated material with low level radioactivity in the nanocurie per gram to millicurie per gram range. The water content of the composition is preferably between about 0.1% to about 10.0%, and is more preferably between about 2.0% to about 7.0%. In accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention, a process for coating a surface comprises depositing on the surface a composition comprising hydrated ferric oxide, and pressing the ferric oxide at a temperature of at least about 150.degree. C. and gradually removing a large part of the water while under pressure for a period of time to produce a solid coating adhered to the surface. The water content is adjusted if necessary. The coated article is a fifth embodiment of the invention. In accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention, a process for producing a ceramic body comprises precipitating hydrated ferric oxide, and pressing the mixture at a temperature of at least about 150.degree. C. and gradually removing a large part of the water while under pressure for a period of time to produce a solid composition. The water content is adjusted, if necessary. The introduction of additives to facilitate the consolidation and hardening process or to enhance the mechanical properties of the solid composition is optional in all the embodiments of the invention. For example, certain additives may be used to facilitate the formation of the hard, consolidated ferric oxide composition by reducing the required pressure, temperature, or duration of the process, or to improve the properties of the product, such as its hardness, strength, and adhesion to metal surfaces. Such additives include substances used or proposed for use as ceramic binders, alumina, silica, silicates, aluminosilicates, phosphates, phosphoric acid, titania, titanates, and metal fines such as iron powder.
043812805	description	DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings wherein like numbers represent like parts, FIG. 1 discloses a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein a triggering device is disclosed for producing nuclear fusion reactions. The triggering device comprises an electron accelerator 10 having plurality of linear pinch discharge tubes 12, 14, 16 and 18, which are coupled between accelerator 10 and a plurality of anodes 20 disposed around a target 22. A Marx bank 24 provides high voltage power to accelerator 10. An operationally controlled light pipe 26 is coupled to one of the discharge tubes (18) for providing an optical signal to optical attenuator 28 which activates a photo diode 30 to provide a signal to signal delay generator 32 for timely activation of Marx bank 24. The Marx bank contains its own power supply and is normally charged, being in a condition for discharge when the triggering signal is supplied by generator 32. Electron accelerators for providing high electron flow are well established in the art and include a cathode assembly as typically shown at 36 for generating electron flow through an accelerating anode or electrode structure 38 to the target. Typical of such electron beam generators and accelerators are U.S. Pat. No. 3,864,640 to W. H. Bennett and U.S. Pat. No. 3,968,378 to T. G. Roberts et al. In view of the well established prior art teachings respecting such disclosures, the particular inner workings of the electron accelerator and related equipment is not detailed herein. A power supply system 40 is shown for supplying power to the linear pinch discharge tube electrodes 20 and 38, electrode 38 also being the anode of the electron accelorator. FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic view of pinch discharge tubes 12, 14, 16 and 18 projecting from the anode 38 of the electron accelerator 10. Each pinch tube is shown having two straight portions 42 and 44 connected by a curve portion 46. A plurality of return conductors 48 are selectively arranged on the surface of each pinch discharge tube for providing a magnetic field to the pinch tube plasma for guiding the relativistic electron beam therein. The transport of the relativistic electron beam around the curve 46 of the pinch tube must not cause a perturbation which drives the plasma column unstable. Conductors 48 produce a curved, stable plasma column in each tube by providing current distribution in the return conductors so that the pinched discharge is partially back-strapped only on the curved portion of the tube. Thus the return conductors are properly arranged on the curved portions of the pinch tubes so that the curved discharges remain in the center of the respective tubes and do not move toward the outer walls. Typically, the coaxial pinch tube may be Pyrex glass containing a 90.degree. turn on a 6 inch radius. For a 4-inch inside diameter Pyrex glass used as a coaxial pinch tube, return conductors have been provided using 8 copper conductors made from the outer shields of an RG8 coaxial cable. These return conductors are fitted closely to the outside surface of the glass tube and are equally spaced apart on the straight portions 42 and 44 of the tube. With the return conductors aligned axially with the pinch tube and correctly spaced around the circumference of the tube stable pinched plasma columns are obtained in the curved tubes. FIG. 3 shows the magnetic field contoures in the 90.degree. turns of the pinch tubes. For the example shown, the coaxial pinch tube is made of 4-inch inside diameter Pyrex glass having a 90.degree. turn radius of 6 inches. Eight conductive wires 48 are selectively spaced around the surface of the tube for creating a uniform, circular magnetic field, maintaining the plasma within the tube away from the tube wall. Thus, current distribution comprises 9 current elements, 8 of which are the conductive wires located about the outside of the pinch tube, and the other is the plasma column which is located within the pinch tube. The particular structure and operation of curved pinch tubes is well established in the art as suggested by "Return Current Distributions for Improved Stabilization of Pinched Plasmas in Curved Tubes" by T. G. Roberts and T. A. Barr, Jr. published in the Journal of the Alabama Academy of Science Vol 41, No. 4, October 1970, pp 254-262. Roberts et al discloses that the stability of a pinched discharge in curved tubes can be improved by the simple method of arranging the return conductors so that the discharge is particially back-strapped in the proper manner. FIG. 4 discloses an alternative embodiment of the linear pinch discharge tube structure showing two tubes 12 and 16 projecting from the accelerating anode 38 and curved to direct the electron beam in the plasma to the target which is placed between the anodes 20. Pyrex tube 46 is shown cutaway to show the plasma 17 and electron flow therein. Cathode 36 is shown having two projections 37A and 37B for emitting electron flow through the anode 38 at a point where the electron beam can be picked up by the plasma flowing in tubes 12 and 16. A spherical target lends itself to activation by a trigger system involving a sufficient number of pinch discharge tubes to initiate the fusion reaction, as long as there is sufficient space for all tubes to terminate in the proximity of the target. Thus, while a spherical target, which expands 3-dimensionally, is operable with the structure of FIG. 2, the alternative embodiment of FIG. 4 lends itself to operation with a thin cylindrical target adapted for 1-dimensional expansion. The thin cylindrical target is held in target holder 50, (shown also in FIG. 5). The target holder may be cooled by cooling coils (not shown). Target holder 50 is shown comprising first and second sheets 51 and 52 having a neck portion and terminated or folded to form a cylindrical portion 54 for providing a cylindrical target chamber therein. The structure is very similar to that of a door hinge. The two conductive plates are separated by an insulator 55. The thin cylindrical target 56 is disposed within the insulated cylinder 54. Cylinder 54 provides the theta pinch magnetic field to the target during operation. Cylindrical target 56 is constructed of the same materials as a spherical target. Typically, target 56 may comprise the fuel sealed in a cylindrical chamber 57 of a metal housing 58 which is similar in appearance and size to a segment of a small hypodermic needle. The housing 58 is then encomposed by a cylindrical shell 59 and placed in the insulator of cylinder 54. Each discharge tube 12, 16, etc., requires a power souece 60. Power source 60 develops a potential between the thin target anodes 20 and the accelerating electrode 38 of the accelerator for providing the pinch effect to each tube. Where the target is a thin cylindrical target providing 1-dimensional expansion, an additional power source 62 is required for developing the magnetic field across the target holder 50, thereby restricting heat transfer to the target holder. For this embodiment power source 62 is coupled through a transformer 64 primary winding to plate 51 of holder 50, and through a primary winding of transformer 66 and a control switch 65 to plate 52 for providing the potential across the target. The secondary of transformer 64 is coupled to a switch 68 and the secondary of transformer 66 is coupled to a switch 69 for activating the respective switches after the magnetic field is developed across the target. Activation of switches 68 and 69 allows the pinch current to start flowing from power supplies 60 through conductors 48 for controlling the plasma position within tubes 12 and 16. The behavior of high energy electron beams in pinched discharges is well established. For details concerning this established behavior, references include: T. G. Roberts and W. H. Bennett, "The Pinch Effect in Pulsed Streams at Relativistic Energies," Plasma Physics, Vol. 10, pp 381-389, Pergammon Press 1968; T. G. Roberts T. A. Barr, Jr., "Return Current Distributions for Improved Stabilization of Pinched Plasmas in Curved Tubes" Journal Alabama Academy of Sciences, Vol 41, No. 4, October, 1970; pp 254-262; T. G. Roberts, "Condition for Injection of Intense Relativistic Electron Beams into a Z Pinch," IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, Vol. PS-3, No. 4, December 1975, pp 216-221; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,968,378 issued to Thomas G. Roberts et al. Since the electron beams in accelerator 10 are born at one electrode 36 at the same time, the difference in their arrival time at the target is just the difference in their transient times through their respective pinch discharges. By making the discharge paths substantially the same lengths, this time difference may be made to be less than 10.sup.-11 seconds. These pinch tubes are curved to insure that the high energy electron beams approach the target at the same time from different directions, but elaborate methods are not required to stabilize these discharges. They are stabilized by the simple method of properly spacing the return conductors about the curved portion of the pinch tubes as noted hereinabove and set forth in detail in the article "Return Current Distribution for Improved Stabilization of Pinched Plasmas in Curved Tubes." Also, while two or more beams have been produced from one pulse of high energy electron accelerators by the use of multiple point cathodes as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,892,970 issued to Freeman et al these multiple beams were injected into the same pinched discharge where they coalesced to form one beam before ever reaching the target. In the nuclear fusion device of FIG. 4 wherein only two electron beams are used, the target 56 which contains a 50/50 liquid deuterium-trituim (D-T) mixture is located between the anodes of the two pinched discharges and is held in place by the ".theta. pinch" coil 54 which is used to produce a high magnetic field to limit the radial heat conduction and provide one-dimensional expansion. The length of the target is determined by the range of the overlapping electron beams. The electrical force produced by the overlapping of the beams is sufficient to stop these beams in the target where their energy is deposited nearly uniformly raising the temperature of the target to a very high value. Due to the one-dimensional expansion of this configuration, the inertial confinement time, without depending on compression to higher densities, is long enough to allow the thermonuclear material to burn, thus producing a release of energy much greater than that released by the trigger. This configuration may also be used with an implosion target. Here again the high energy electron beams strike the target at both ends, but, instead of entering the target, they are absorbed in an outer layer end cap of appropriate material of prescribed thickness. This end cap may be made of a high density material such as gold, tungsten, or uranium or the like and alloys with these materials, or an appropriate electron absorbing lower density material, such as lead, iron or the like. This end cap must be formed with proper thickness to absorb substantially all of the electron beams energy before the electron beam pulse terminates and the end cap is ablated and imploded. That is the end cap thickness should be great enough (of the order of one millimeter) to prevent or block substantially all of the electrons from penetrating the interiors of the target holder which contains the thermonuclear fuel (D-T mixture). An end cap made of the above material, and particularly the high density material with proper thickness will efficiently absorb the electron beam energy in its outer portions and act as a pusher by accelerating essentially cold, high density material inwardly to compress and heat the fuel and further function as a tamper during burning of the fuel. The end cap may be formed of a single material as indicated above, or it may be in discrete layers of different materials which will provide enhanced operation of the respective functions of absorption of the electron beams energy and acting as a pusher and tamper. For example, the outer layer which is most effective as an electron beam absorber and an inner layer of gold or tungston or the like which function more effectively as a pusher and tamper material during fuel compression and burning. In either case, the target 56 in this one-dimensional configuration must be held in the ".theta. pinch" coil, cylindrical portion 54. The magnetic field of the ".theta. pinch" is neccessary to retard the loss of heat in the radial direction and is not used for confinement. However, it does help to insure that the electron beams hit the ends of the target holder. It should also be noted that the curved pinch discharges not only remove the target from the anode of the electron accelerator, but also, cause the targets expansion to be parallel to instead of toward the anode of the accelerator. When four or more electron beams are used as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the target is a spherical shell with the interior containing the thermonuclear fuel. In this case the magnetic field of the ".theta. pinch" is not needed as the confinement is inertial in all directions, and the mechanism with the most rapid rate of energy loss is the mechanical disassembly of the target. Thus, both the need to insure hydrodynamic stability and the requirement that the beams arrive at the target simultaneously are possible and are met. For a typical operation, with reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 1, the events which occur after the power supplies 60, capacitor banks, and the Marx bank of the electron accelerator have been charged are as follows. When the switch 65 is closed, current from condenser bank 63 rises to a high value producing a magnetic field in the ".theta. pinch" coil 54 which is parallel to the projected directions from which the high energy electron beams will arrive. The change in the current (dl/dt) in the transmission line of the ".theta. pinch" machine causes a high voltage pulse to be formed in the pulse transformers 64 and 66. These pulses are transmitted through equal length coax-transmission lines and trigger switches 68 and 69. When switches 68 and 69 are closed the current from condenser banks 76 and 78 flows through the plasmas 17 of discharge tubes 12 and 16 and returns through the return conductors 48. As the current rises in these discharge tubes, the plasmas which are produced move away from the wall of the tubes and collapse toward the center of the pinch tubes. As the plasmas move toward the center of the tubes, the density, temperature, current, current density, and the light which is produced increase rapidly. When this light reaches a predetermined level set by the optical attenuator 28, the photo diode 30 actuates signal delay generator 32. After a predetermined delay set by the signal delay generator, the Marx bank which drives the electron accelerator is erected. This produces a very high voltage wave which causes a high current pulse of electrons to be drawn from the cathode elements 37. These electrons are accelerated toward the anode 38 and through the thin metal foil apertures (not shown) therein where they find themselves in the argon plasmas 17 which have been previously produced in the pinch tubes. These high energy electron beams propagate through the plasmas until they reach the target anodes 20. The difference in transit times for the two electron beams is determined by their propagation velocities and the difference in length of the two plasma columns. These lengths are made the same to within a fraction of an inch, thus insuring that the two beams arrive at very nearly the same time. That is the difference in arrival time may be as small as 10.sup.-11 seconds. These high energy electron beams, after passing through the thin film aperatures in the anodes 20, enter the target from both ends. The target holder is made of steel and is about the size of a fairly small hypodermic needle and is held between these anodes by the insulator of the ".theta. pinch" coil 54. The magnetic field produced by the coil not only limits the radial heat conductivity, but also serves as a guide field for the electron beams after they leave the anodes 20. In this configuration, the energy which is lost to the steel ends which seal the D-T mixture in the target causes a compression wave to be propagated into the target. This compression increases the density of the D-T mixture and may heat it some. However, most of the energy delivered to the target comes from the beams remaining energy (which is most of it) being dissipated in the target. The range of these electrons in liquid D-T mixtures can be as long as tens of centimeters (for 10 MeV electrons). However, high current beams are suppose to have a much shorter range due to cooperative phenomena which arise between the beams' particles and the target material. But even if these cooperative phenomena do not limit the range of these beams, the forces produced by the counterstreaming currents in this configuration will. In this manner the volume of the thermonuclear fuel is kept small enough so that the energy in these electron beams is sufficient to raise the temperature of the fuel so that thermonuclear fusion of the target material takes place before the target is cooled by radiation, heat conduction, or expansion. In an implosion target configuration where shorter target holders are used with the special end caps as described earlier hereinabove, the electron beams cause the outer portions of the end caps to ablate and vaporize and drive the inner portions of the end caps inward to implode the same against the fuel inside the target holder. As is known in the art, the implosion heats and compresses the fuel and cause ignition thereof. During the burning of the fuel, the inner portion of the end caps also serve as a tamper to hold the fuel compressed for a period of time to insure consumption of a substantial portion of the fuel. The fuel may be as little as 1 milligrams of isotopes. For spherical targets as noted hereinabove, the ".theta. pinch" coil is not used, and the anodes of the discharge tube are made very close to each other with the target held in an insulator between these anodes as illustrated in FIG. 2. In this case, four or more electron beams are used to insure uniform erradiation by the high energy electron beams and the respective capacitor banks associated with each discharge tube are simultaneously triggered to start discharge current in the tubes. The ".theta. pinch" magnetic field lasts for times of the order of 10.sup.-4 seconds. The plasmas in the pinch tubes last for several times 10.sup.-6 seconds and the high energy electron beams last for times of the order of 10.sup.-8 seconds. After compression of the fuel has been completed the fuel burns in times of the order of 10.sup.-12 seconds. Although a particular embodiment and form of the invention has been illustrated, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that modification may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the foregoing disclosure. Therefore it is understood that the invention is limited only by the claims appended hereto.
048470406	description	DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 shows a reactor protection building 1 enclosing a prestressed concrete pressure vessel 2. The pressure vessel defines a reactor cavity 3 clad with a metal liner 4, containing a gas cooled high temperature reactor 5. The core 6 of the reactor contains spherical fuel elements. The reactor cavity 3 also contains several steam generators 7 for operational heat removal, and at least two auxiliary heat exchangers 9 for removal of decay heat. The cooling gas, which flows downward through the reactor core is circulated in normal operation by blowers 8. Blowers 10 circulate the cooling gas in the decay heat removal mode. A shutdown system 11 is provided for control and shutdown of the high temperature reactor 5. The shutdown may include a plurality of absorber rods insertable into the reactor core 6. A thermal protection system made up of a thermal insulating layer 12 and a liner cooling system 13 is arranged on the inside of the prestressed concrete pressure vessel 2. The liner cooling system contains a plurality of cooling pipes 14. Water flows through the cooling pipes which are part of a closed intermediate cooling loop 15 (shown in subsequent figures). The liner cooling system 13 and the intermediate cooling loop 15 are laid out in a manner and have sufficient capacity such that they are capable of removing all of th decay heat in case of a failure of the auxiliary heat exchanger 9. FIG. 2 shows the prestressed concrete pressure vessel 2 with the (highly schematically drawn) liner cooling system 13 and the intermediate cooling loop 15, connected by a forward or feed line V and a return line R connect the intermediate cooling loop 15 to the liner cooling system 13. The intermediate loop 15 further includes a plurality of intermediate heat exchangers 16 each with a corresponding cooling water pump 17 (only one of each is shown in the figures). The intermediate heat exchanger 16 is located in a position elevated above the upper edge of the prestressed concrete pressure vessel 2 in order to have available a sufficiently large driving pressure difference. The driving pressure is a function of the height H. A bypass line 18 is provided for every cooling water pump 17. A check valve 19 is located in the bypass line. The check valve may be actively controlled by the speed of the pump. The valve may be set so that it opens at a number of rotational speed equal to or less than 100 rpm. A supplemental pump 20 may be connected in parallel with every cooling water pump 17 in order to assure an adequate driving pressure difference even in case of a power failure (resulting in the deactivation of the cooling water pump 17). The supplemental pump may have a significantly lower capacity than the main pump and is connected to the emergency power system. The liner cooling system 13 is divided into several cooling pipe zones of differing elevations available for the creation of a driving pressure difference within the protective reactor building. At least one cooling pipe zone in a lower height location is connected to at least one zone in a higher location. Each of FIG. 3 and 4 shows an alternative of the interconnection of different cooling pipe zones. The liner cooling system is divided into individual zones. In order to facilitate natural convection through the various zones it is important that zones of differing elevations be connected serially rather than in parallel. As can be seen in FIG. 2 the height differential between a roof reflector zone and the heat exchanger may be minimal due to required layout within the pressure vessel. By connecting the roof reflector zone to a zone of lower elevation, such as a side reflector zone, the effective height differential is greatly increased (to H) thereby increasing the driving pressure to the roof zone and facilitating natural convection when needed. Driving pressure and thus natural convection is further facilitated by a vertical "hot-strand". If the height of the "hot-strand" is insufficient there will not be an adequate driving pressure. For this reason at least the horizontal roof reflector zones are serially coupled to lateral wall zones thus establishing a sufficient "hot-strand" to drive natural convection. During normal operation of the facility the parallel zone layout enhances performance by favorable impacting design considerations, i.e. redundancy, reliability, lowering pressure differential etc. FIG. 3 shows direct coupling of individual cooling pipe zones, i.e. the interconnection of the cooling pipe zones has been effected in the course of the layout of the liner cooling system 13. As seen in FIG. 3, the liner cooling system 13 is divided into six zones I . . . VI, of which zones IV and V impact the roof with a lower .DELTA.P.sub.tr, the cooling pipe zones IV and are coupled with the cooling pipe zones II and III. In this embodiment the check valve 19' of the intermediate cooling loop 15 is controlled passively by the pressure difference applied to the cooling water pump 17. For the purpose, the check valve 19' is moved into its closed position upon the start-up of the cooling water pump 17 by a single electromagnetic impulse (for example the starting current) and remains closed due to the aforementioned pressure difference in normal operation. In case of a failure of the cooling water pump 17, the pressure difference is reduced approximately to 0, and the check valve 19' is opened without any additional energy by gravitational force due to its own weight only. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment where cooling pipe zones I . . . VI are interconnected by valves 22 and 22' accessible from the outside. A passively controlled check valve 19" is provided in the intermediate cooling loop 15. This check valve may be closed by an electromagnetic impulse and remains in this position under the effect of the pressure difference applied to the cooling water pump 17. However, the check valve 19" is opened here in case of the failure of the cooling water pump 17 not by gravity, but by a tension spring 21, which is stressed when the valve is close and is released when the pressure difference is eliminated. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 the liner cooling system 13 is laid out in the planning stage so that it is possible to short-circuit the feed lines V1, V2 . . . V5 and the return lines R1, R2 . . . R5 of the cooling pipe zones concerned in case of an accident, by means of the valves 22, 22'. Thus for example the cooling pipe zones II and V or III and IV, which in normal operation are supplied individually, may be interconnected by valve actuation in the following manner: interconnection of cooling pipe zones II and V by connecting the return R2 and the forward line V5 and interconnection of the cooling pipe zone III and IV by connecting R3 with V4. During normal operation all valves 22 are open and valves 22' are closed. In order to establish natural convection valves 22 are closed and 22' are opened thereby establishing serial connection between zones II and V, and zones II and IV. FIG. 5 shows an installation for decay heat removal by natural convection, in addition to the liner cooling system 13 with the intermediate loop 15. The natural convection installation is actuated when the intermediate heat exchangers fail. The installation is made up of a water reservoir 23 with a nitrogen cushion, connected with the forward line V of the liner cooling system 13, a vertical boiling tube 24 located in the intermediate cooling loop 15 and being placed geodesically higher than the liner cooling system 13 and connected to the return line R of the liner cooling system 13, a water separator 25 with a nitrogen cushion, also located in the intermediate cooling loop 15 and connected to the vertical boiling tube 24, and a safety blow-off valve 26 mounted on the water separator 25. The nitrogen cushion in the water reservoir 23 and the water separator 25 has a pressure of-.gtoreq.1.5 bar. An embodiment of the water or steam separator 25 is illustrated in FIG. 6. The steam separator is made up of a horizontally aligned water-steam drum 40. One or more vertical boiler tubes 24 are connected to the bottom of the drum. The tube diameter is large enough to remove the quantity of steam generated in the liner cooling system. Baffles or diverting plates 41 may be built into the drum to prevent escape of water through steam outlet 42. In order to maintain appropriate pressure in the steam separator (and the water reservoir 23) a volume of nitrogen, referred to as a cushion is present in the freespace above the water surface. The installation operates in the following manner: The safety blow-off valve 26 is set for example at 2 bar. In normal operation the nitrogen cushion of .gtoreq.1.5 bar and the setting of the safety blow-off valve 26 establish a pressure of between 1.5 bar and 2 bar at the uppermost point of the intermediate cooling loop 15 (water separator 25). The water separator 25 prevents the release of a water and steam mixture by the blow-off valve 26 upon the occurrence of bubble boiling and thus the rapid emptying of the intermediate cooling loop 15 without the complete utilization of the heat of evaporation. Natural convection in the intermediate cooling loop initially takes place in the single phase zone. Up to a temperature of approx. 111.degree. C. and a saturation pressure of 1.5 bar, the pressure in the water supply of the loop 15 is controlled by th nitrogen cushion at 1.5 bar. If the cooling water outlet temperature continues to rise, the corresponding saturation pressure determines the pressure in the water separator 25 (a check valve 28 provided on the water separator 25 for the N.sub.2 supply, closes). At a water outlet temperature of 120.degree. C.=2.0 bar saturation pressure boiling begins on the surface in the water separator 25. At a continued rise of the water outlet temperature to approx. 130.degree. C., the onset of boiling is shifted to the lower end of the vertical boiling tube 24, which has a height of about 5 to 10 m. If the amount of heat supplied by the liner cooling system 13 is larger than the amount of heat discharged in the boiling tube 24 by evaporation, the onset of boiling is also displaced to the geodesically lower areas of the liner cooling system 13. To increase the evaporation energy contained in the intermediate cooling loop 15, the water reservoir 23 is provided. The latter may have an open or closed configuration. FIG. 5 shows a closed water reservoir 23. In this case the reservoir must be brought to the pressure of the water separator 25 by a connecting line 27. The geodesic height of the water reservoir 23 must be such that the water levels in the water separator 25 and the water reservoir 23 may establish themselves at the same height. In the downward direction, an extension of the water reservoir 23 to the lowest point of the liner cooling system 13 is useful and appropriate. A battery of standing pipes is used conveniently as the water reservoir. While FIG. 5 illustrates a vertical cylinder for a reservoir 23, any configuration may be used as long as the water level in the reservoir 23 is the same as that in the water or steam separator 25. If the water reservoir has an open configuration, it must be at a geodesic height such that in case of a rise of the pressure in the intermediate cooling loop 15 to the actuating pressure of the safety blow-off valve 26, the blowing of the intermediate cooling loop 15 though the open water reservoir is prevented (not shown). With an actuating pressure of the safety blow-off valve 26 of for example 2 bar, the water level in the water reservoir must therefore be at least 10 m above the water level of the water separator 25. If these requirements relative to the geodesic height of a water reservoir cannot be satisfied (for example because reactor protective building is too low), a closed water reservoir must be used.
	abstract	According to one embodiment, an energy conversion device comprises a nuclear battery, a light source coupled to the nuclear battery and operable to receive electric energy from the nuclear battery and radiate electromagnetic energy, and a photocell operable to receive the radiated electromagnetic energy and convert the received electromagnetic energy into electric energy. The nuclear battery comprises a radioactive substance and a collector operable to receive particles emitted by the radioactive substance.
	abstract	A transport or storage cask comprises a cask body, a modular thermal conducting and shielding system and a mechanical attachment. The modular thermal conducting and shielding system includes a modular fin and a modular neutron shield. The mechanical attachment retains the modular thermal conducting and shielding system to the cask body. The modular fin is disposed between the modular neutron shield and the cask body. The modular fin is capable of dissipating thermal energy from the cask body.
	abstract	The invention relates to a multileaf collimator having a plurality of leaves mounted displaceably in an adjusting direction for establishing a contour of a beam path. Each displaceably mounted leaf is assigned at least one linear drive having at least one piezoelectric actuator for displacing the leaf in the adjusting direction. Because the piezoelectric actuator can be driven precisely, an improved radiation therapy can be achieved, particularly in the case of a radiation therapy device having a multileaf collimator of said kind, owing to precise establishing of the contour.
	summary
	claims	1. A multi element solid state X-ray detection device comprising: an X-ray detection element array which includes an array of photo diodes for multi channels arranged with a predetermined pitch on a substrate, a plurality of scintillators each being adhered onto the respective photo diodes for every channel and isolation walls disposed between the neighboring scintillators for respective channels, wherein an isolation band for isolating the respective channels is provided between respective light receiving portions of the photo diode array for the multi channels, and the surface of the isolation band is covered by a material having light absorbing property. 2. A multi element solid state X-ray detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the width of the region which is covered by the material having light absorbing property is equal to a region occupied by the width of the isolation wall provided between the neighboring scintillators for the respective channels, smaller than a width region of respective scintillators including the corresponding isolation walls not contributing to X-ray detection, or larger than the thickness of the adhesive layer adhering the photo diode array and the scintillators for every channel. claim 1 3. A multi element solid state X-ray detection device according to claim 2 , further comprises a reflection preventing film formed on the surface of the respective light receiving portions of the photo diode array, and wherein the refractive index of the adhesive layer adhering the photo diode array and the scintillators is determined smaller than the refractive index of the scintillators and the refractive index of the reflection preventing film. claim 2 4. An X-ray CT apparatus which uses the multi element solid state X-ray detection device according to claim 1 . claim 1 5. An X-ray CT apparatus which uses the multi element solid state X-ray detection device according to claim 2 . claim 2 6. An X-ray CT apparatus which uses the multi element solid state X-ray detection device according to claim 3 . claim 3 7. An X-ray detection device comprising: a silicon photo diode array which includes a plurality of light receiving portions arranged on a substrate along both channel direction and slice direction perpendicular to the channel direction with a predetermined pitch and an isolation band with a predetermined width which separates respective neighboring light receiving portions; a scintillator which is optically coupled with each of the respective light receiving portions via a adhesive layer; an isolation wall which is disposed between respective neighboring scintillators so as to oppose to the corresponding isolation band on the silicon photo diode array; and a light absorbing film which covers a portion on the isolation band on the silicon photo diode array opposing to the isolation wall with a width not more than the width of the isolation wall. 8. An X-ray detection device according to claim 7 , wherein the predetermined width of the isolation band is determined larger than the width of the isolation wall. claim 7 9. An X-ray detection device according to claim 8 , wherein both end portions on the isolation band not covered by the light absorbing film are respectively covered by a light reflecting film. claim 8 10. An X-ray detection device according to claim 7 , further comprises a reflection preventing film formed on the surface of the respective light receiving portions of the silicon photo diode array, and wherein the refractive index of the adhesive layer adhering the silicon photo diode array and the scintillators is determined smaller than the refractive index of the scintillators and the refractive index of the reflection preventing film. claim 7 11. An X-ray detection device according to claim 7 , further comprises a plurality of signal taking out leads for respective silicon photo diodes in the silicon photo diode array are wired in the isolation band. claim 7 12. An X-ray detection device according to claim 7 , further comprises a light shielding and reflecting film is disposed beneath the light absorbing film on the isolation band. claim 7 13. An X-ray detection device according to claim 7 , wherein the thickness of the adhesive layer is determined less than xc2xd of the width of the isolation wall. claim 7 14. An X-ray detection device comprising, an X-ray detection element array including a plurality of X-ray detection elements which are arranged on a substrate along both channel direction and slice direction perpendicular to the channel direction with a predetermined pitch; and a reflection plate which is disposed over an upper face of the X-ray detection element array at an X-ray incident side, wherein the X-ray detection element array is constituted by: a silicon photo diode array which includes a plurality of silicon photo diode elements having light receiving portion arranged on the substrate along both channel direction and slice direction perpendicular to the channel direction with a predetermined pitch and an isolation band with a predetermined width which electrically separate respective neighboring silicon photo diode elements; a scintillator which is optically coupled with each light receiving portion of the respective silicon photo diode elements; an isolation wall for optically separating the neighboring scintillators which is disposed between respective neighboring scintillators so as to oppose to the corresponding isolation band on the silicon photo diode array; an adhesive layer which adheres the respective scintillators and isolation walls at predetermined positions on the silicon photo diode array; and a light absorbing film which covers a portion on the isolation band on the silicon photo diode array opposing to the isolation wall with a width not more than the width of the isolation wall.
	abstract	An absorber body arranged to absorb radiation in a nuclear energy arrangement. The absorber body comprises more than one area with a locally reduced thickness.
	abstract	A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.
	abstract	A system for radioisotope production uses fast-neutron-caused fission of depleted or naturally occurring uranium targets in an irradiation chamber. Fast fission can be enhanced by having neutrons encountering the target undergo scattering or reflection to increase each neutron's probability of causing fission (n, f) reactions in U-238. The U-238 can be deployed as one or more layers sandwiched between layers of neutron-reflecting material, or as rods surrounded by neutron-reflecting material. The gaseous fission products can be withdrawn from the irradiation chamber on a continuous basis, and the radioactive iodine isotopes (including I-131) extracted.
	description	This application is a continuation-in-part of prior application Ser. No. 10/219,892, filed on Aug. 15, 2002, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,804,626 on Oct. 12, 2004, which itself is a continuation-in-part of prior application Ser. No. 09/951,104, filed on Sep. 11, 2001, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,671,646 on Dec. 30, 2003, the benefit of the filing dates of which is hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 120. The present invention is generally directed to a method and system to provide evidence that a person was physically at a designated position while making an inspection, and more specifically, provides evidence that a person was physically disposed to have completed a pre/post-trip inspection of an interior of a vehicle (or some other type of inspection), before a predefined event occurs. Every day, millions of people rely on mass transportation to safely transport them to and from their destinations. For example, many children rely on school buses to transport them to and from school. However, all to often, a school bus driver makes the last stop for the day and returns the bus to the school bus yard only to discover that a child has failed to unload at the appropriate bus stop and is still on the bus. Although this situation is undesirable because of the unnecessary delay and the concern caused parents, it can be remedied by a return trip to the child's bus stop (or home) to properly deliver the child. Far worse is the result when the school bus driver does not discover that a child has fallen asleep on the bus, and the school bus is parked in a yard overnight with the child still onboard. As a result, a child can be left alone on the bus in the yard for hours, with the parents experiencing much greater concern, believing that their child might have been abducted after getting off the bus. Clearly, it would be desirable to ensure that every school bus driver does a post-trip inspection of the school bus immediately after completing the driver's route, e.g., after the bus is returned to the yard where it is kept during the day or overnight, to determine if any child remains on the bus. There is another reason why vehicle inspections are important. Many adults rely on mass transit systems, such as trains and buses, to transport them to and from work. Tragically, however, a recent terrorist attack that consisted of a series of ten explosions occurring onboard four commuter trains left approximately 200 people dead and more than 1,800 people wounded in Madrid, Spain when bombs packed in sports bags left on the trains detonated. It would be desirable to check for packages left on vehicles after each trip is completed, to ensure that any suspicious package is identified and appropriate measures taken. Such an inspection would also be useful in detecting packages inadvertently left on the vehicle, thereby facilitating their return to the rightful owner. U.S. Pat. No. 5,874,891 (Lowe) discloses one prior art device that seeks to remind the driver to check for remaining passengers or articles left behind on a bus and to perform an inspection of the rear door on a bus to ensure that it is working properly. The system uses the existing wiring of the school bus and is coupled to the ignition, lighting, and rear door switches of the bus. When the driver turns on the ignition of the bus at the start of a run, the system enters a stand-by state until a light activating switch has been turned on and off. At this point, the system is in an armed state while the driver completes the run. When the run is complete and the driver turns off the ignition switch, the system enters an alarm state, and a buzzer sounds immediately. The buzzer is silenced only when the driver walks to the back of the bus and opens and closes the rear door. It is expected that while moving to the rear of the bus, the driver will inspect for people still on the bus, or articles that have been left behind. However, this system only alerts those who are within hearing distance of the alarm sounding inside the bus and does so immediately upon the vehicle being powered off at any time, even before a run is completed. Furthermore, if the vehicle is parked alongside other buses, it is not apparent which bus has an alarm activated, since there is no unique identification of the bus in which the alarm is active. And the alarm can only be silenced by manually engaging or disengaging a switch to open and close the rear door, which may not require the driver to walk all the way to the rear of the bus, since the rear door is a few rows in front of the last row of seating in the bus. The disclosed system is only usable on a bus with a rear door, which most school buses do not include. Thus, it is apparent that the prior art does not teach or suggest a complete solution to the problems discussed above. It would therefore be desirable to provide a method and apparatus for performing an inspection usable for any type of vehicle that provides an alarm not only to the driver but also to those outside the vehicle, and only at a location where the inspection should occur. This alarm should be provided if it is determined that the inspection has not been performed before a predefined event has occurred. In addition, the method and apparatus should provide a unique identification to monitoring personnel of any vehicle where the required inspection apparently has not been completed. The present invention verifies whether an inspection has likely been performed during a specified period. The present invention is particularly well suited to determining whether a post-trip inspection of a vehicle has been performed. The vehicle can be any form of conveyance that carries one or more passengers or cargo, including over the road vehicles, air vehicles, marine vehicles, fresh water vehicles, submersibles, and space vehicles. It is important that a post-trip inspection be carried out for the reasons noted above. This invention thus can provide evidence that a person making the inspection was at least actually physically present at a checkpoint or location that is reached by moving through the vehicle, so that the person would should have completed the inspection. The inspection may be done because of safety, maintenance, or security concerns, or for other reasons, such as checking for a person who might still remain on the vehicle. Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for verifying that a post-trip inspection of a vehicle has been performed. The first step is to detect that the vehicle has completed a trip. Next, a signal is produced indicating that a person has moved through the vehicle to a predefined location within the vehicle. While this approach cannot guarantee that the person actually did the inspection, it can provide evidence that the person moved through the vehicle along a path that would be followed if conducting the post-trip inspection. Since time may be important, the method determines if the signal has been received before a predefined event occurs. The predefined event can be a lapse of a predefined interval of time since detecting that the vehicle completed the trip, a lapse of a predetermined time after powering off the vehicle, or activation of a switch that is external to the vehicle, where activation of the switch is intended to indicate that at least the post-trip inspection has been completed. If the signal has not been received before a predefined event occurs, then the method determines that the person cannot yet have completed the post-trip inspection of the vehicle, which produces an alarm condition. The alarm condition is preferably either an audible alarm that is audible outside the vehicle, or a visible alarm that is visible outside the vehicle. When detecting that the vehicle has completed a trip, the method may include the step of uniquely identifying the vehicle and sensing the vehicle arriving at a location that corresponds to an end of the trip. For example, to uniquely identify the vehicle, a token on the vehicle can be remotely read. Since the token is uniquely associated with the vehicle, the arrival of that specific vehicle at the end of its trip is thus detected. Furthermore, the step of transmitting the signal can occur several different ways. In one embodiment, a token that is disposed in the predefined location is read. The person moving through the vehicle can carry a portable device used to read the unique identification code that is disposed at the predefined location. The portable device also preferably displays at least one prompt to the person regarding the post-trip inspection. For example, the display may prompt the person to check for a child remaining on a school bus, or to check for a package that may have been left on the vehicle. In a second embodiment, the steps include actuation of a switch that is disposed in the predefined location. The switch is actuated by the person upon reaching the predefined location. Alternatively, a unique identification code that is disposed proximate the predefined location is read with a sensor. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a system for verifying whether a post-trip inspection of a vehicle has been performed. The system includes a detector, sensor, and monitor. The detector detects when the vehicle has completed a trip by producing a first signal indicative thereof. A suitable detector may be a pressure sensor disposed at a location corresponding to an end of the trip and which responds to a weight of the vehicle by producing the first signal, or a light sensor that detects passage of the vehicle as the vehicle interrupts light received from a source, or a video camera disposed at a location corresponding to an end of the trip and which produces an image of at least a portion of the vehicle that is indicative of the vehicle. Another type of detector that may be used responds to a signal from a radio frequency (RF) source. In this case, either the RF source or the RF detector can be disposed on the vehicle, and the other of the RF source and the RF detector disposed at the location corresponding to the end of the trip. The detector can also be a token reading device that responds to a token disposed on the vehicle, which is read by the token reading device when the vehicle completes the trip, or a responder that responds by producing the first signal when the responder is proximate a token. Again, either the token or the responder can be disposed on the vehicle, and the other of the two devices disposed so as to detect the vehicle as it completes a trip. A sensor produces a second signal indicating that a person has reached a predefined location within the vehicle, where the predefined location is accessible only by moving through an interior of the vehicle while nominally completing a post-trip inspection. The sensor includes a responder that responds by producing the second signal when the responder is proximate a token. Either the token or the responder is disposed at the predefined location within the vehicle and the other of the token and the responder is portable and carried by a person moving to the predefined location within the vehicle. The responder includes a display on which at least one prompt regarding the post-trip inspection is displayed to a person. A monitor that receives the first signal from the detector and the second signal from the sensor is also included in the system. The monitor produces an indication that the person cannot yet have performed the post-trip inspection of the vehicle if, after the first signal was received by the monitor, the second signal has not been received by the monitor before a predefined event occurs. The indication is an alarm condition and includes at least one of a status message displayed on the monitor; an audible sound, and a visible light. The predefined event comprises at least one of a lapse of a predefined interval of time since detecting that the vehicle completed the trip, a lapse of a predetermined time after powering off the vehicle, and activation of a switch that is external to the vehicle, wherein activation of the switch is intended to indicate that at least the post-trip inspection has been completed. The first signal is conveyed to the monitor over at least one of a wireless communication link or a wired communication link. The second signal is conveyed to the monitor over at least one of a wireless communication link; and a wired communication link. One of the first signal and the second signal uniquely identifies the vehicle. In one preferred embodiment of the system, also included are a transmitter for transmitting the second signal produced by the sensor and a receiver that receives the second signal. The receiver produces an output in response to the second signal, and the output signal is conveyed to the monitor. In another preferred embodiment, the sensor also includes a switch that is actuated by a person arriving at the predefined location, causing the first signal to be produced. A transmitter activated by the switch transmits the first signal. The system can include an optically encoded identifier, and the sensor then comprises an optical reader for reading the optically encoded identifier. Either the optical reader or the optically encoded identifier is disposed at the predefined location within the vehicle, and the other of the optical reader and optically encoded identifier is carried by a person to the predefined location within the vehicle. In accord with the present invention, the inspection is not limited to the interior of the vehicle, and includes external locations as well. In a generally similar embodiment of the invention, the invention determines whether a person was in a position to make a pre-trip inspection of a vehicle, with respect to both internal and external portions of the vehicle, and embodies similar steps and components. A first signal is generated after a triggering condition indicates the vehicle has completed a trip, or is ready to start a trip. A second signal is generated once the inspection has been completed. After a predetermined event has occurred, such as the expiration of a predefined time period, a monitor that has received the first signal determines if the second signal has also been received, and if not, an indication is provided that the inspection has not yet been completed. Yet another embodiment of the present invention determines whether a person was in a position to perform at least one of a pre-trip inspection and a post-trip inspection. This embodiment differs from those described above in that the first signal is not transmitted to a monitor; instead, the first signal (generated after a triggering condition indicates the vehicle has completed a trip, or is ready to start a trip, as described above) is sent to a sensor. The sensor is configured to determine if a person has been proximate at least one predefined location associated with the vehicle. The sensor is configured to transmit a wireless communication to a remote receive indicating the inspection has not been not completed, if: (1) the sensor has received the first signal; (2) a predetermined event has occurred, and (3) the sensor has not detected that a person has been proximate the at least one predefined location. In this embodiment, a signal is sent when it is determined that the required inspection has not been performed, and in the earlier described embodiments, it is the lack of a second signal that indicates the required inspection has not been performed. This invention can also determine whether a person was in a position to carry out other types of inspections that are not limited to inspections of a vehicle. Applicability of the Present Invention The present invention is applicable to verifying whether a person was in a position to perform an inspection within a period of time designated for the inspection to occur. The present invention is particularly well suited to pre-trip inspections, or post-trip inspections, of any conveyance device that carries one or more passengers (or cargo). This invention can provide evidence that a person who is intended to make the inspection was actually physically present at a predefined location associated with the vehicle, where such a location corresponds to a part of the vehicle that requires inspection. For example, the predefined location might be the rear of a school bus, so that the person must move through the vehicle along a path that would enable an inspection to be done. The invention does not actually confirm that the person looked for all conditions that are to be checked during the inspection, but at least, can confirm that the person was likely to have performed the inspection. For time critical inspections, the invention can also ensure that the person reached the predefined location within a predetermined time interval after a triggering condition (such as the arrival of the vehicles at a designated location, or the powering up or powering down of the vehicle) has been detected. Moreover, the invention is applicable to ensuring that inspections are likely to have been performed on trains, buses, vans, cars, aircraft, water vessels, ferries, cargo containers, cargo vessels, and any other device in which freight or people are conveyed between two points. The purpose of the inspections may be for safety, maintenance, security, or other reasons. A particularly important motivating factor for developing this invention was to provide a system useful to ensure that a school bus was checked for students who might have failed to disembark at a usual stop, and who remain on the school bus at the end of the route. Thus, while a specific preferred embodiment described herein is a system and method configured to verify that a post trip inspection of a school bus has been performed, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to post trip inspections, or inspections only in school buses. The present invention can be implemented in regard to any type of transportation or shipping vessel, as well as to inspections unrelated to vehicles. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to pre-trip inspections and to verify that a person was in a position to perform a required inspection during a trip. While many trips are of short duration and no in-trip inspection is required or reasonable, many trips associated with marine vessels (such as cruises, or the delivery of cargo) are of long duration. During such a trip, the present invention can be employed to verify whether required inspections of the vehicle were likely performed. Further, the present invention can be employed in connection with inspections that are not associated with a vehicle, as will be discussed in greater detail below. The present invention can store data providing evidence that a person reached the predefined location associated with the vehicle. While the data accumulated with the present invention are not conclusively presumptive evidence that the person carefully carried out the inspection, in most cases, if the person is required to visit a predefined location, e.g., at the rear of the vehicle interior, it is very likely that the person will actually do the inspection. By encouraging the person making an inspection to be physically disposed to carry out an inspection, and by providing evidence of that fact in the data recorded, there should be at least a justifiable presumption that the person actually did the inspection. FIG. 1 illustrates the overall, logical steps implemented in connection with the present invention and is applicable to embodiments of the invention in which a post-trip inspection of the interior of a vehicle is required (for example, inspecting a school bus to ensure no child has been left in the bus). From a start block 10, a step 12 provides that a detector detects a vehicle completing a trip and optionally, determines the identification of the vehicle. Details of how this step can be carried out are described below. The detector transmits a first signal (to a monitor), either by wire or wirelessly, in a step 14, to indicate that the vehicle being detected has completed a trip. At some time after the transmission of the first signal, a person should begin to move towards a predefined location in the interior of the vehicle that is to be inspected, reaching the predefined location, as noted in a step 16. This predefined location can be anywhere on the interior of the vehicle, but preferably is selected so that in order to reach the predefined location, a person has to move through the interior of the vehicle to a position where the person should visually perceive a condition of the vehicle, or any other person or any package or parcel remaining in the vehicle. Alternatively, the predefined location can be disposed within a portion of the vehicle that requires a post-trip inspection, such as a cargo hold. For example, as described below, a school bus that has just finished its run for the day should be inspected for safety and maintenance issues, but more importantly, to ensure that no children remain on board. If the predefined location is located at the rear of the school bus, it is very likely that the school bus driver will notice if there are children remaining on board if the driver proceeds to the back of the bus along the central aisle. In contrast, if the conveyance is an airplane having multiple overhead storage bins that need to be inspected, the person should be required to move down the aisle to the rear of the aircraft while inspecting each of the bins. In this scenario, the person needs to individually inspect each cargo bin and each seating row to make sure that all articles have been removed so that there are no unauthorized articles (or passengers) remaining onboard. A person might be required to enter a cargo hold to inspect it for unauthorized packages or to detect damaged cargo that might have shifted during a flight. Those of ordinary skill will understand that the post-trip inspection can be for many reasons other than the exemplary ones noted above. It is also important that the term “post-trip inspection” not be interpreted in a limiting fashion. As used herein and in the claims that follow, this term is intended to encompass the arrival of a vehicle at any designated location where an inspection is intended to be carried out by a person. The person can be an operator of the vehicle or any other person who has been assigned the responsibility for making such an inspection. Once the person reaches the predefined location, as noted in step 16, the person should access a sensor in a step 18, causing a second signal to be output, as shown in a step 20. The sensor can take different forms, as discussed below. Both the first signal and the second signal will be provided to a monitor as shown in a step 22. The second signal can be provided by storing data indicating that the sensor was accessed, and subsequently downloading the data to the monitor, by transmitting the second signal as an RF signal. The second signal is thus conveyed to the monitor over either a wireless communication link or a wired communication link. Next, a decision step 24 determines whether the person completed the post-trip inspection of the vehicle before a predefined event occurs. The predefined event may be a lapse of a certain interval of time after detecting that the vehicle completed the trip. For example, a person may be given 15 minutes to reach the predefined location from the time that the detector detected that the vehicle completed the trip. The predefined event can also be a lapse of a predetermined time after powering off the vehicle. For instance, a person may only have five minutes to reach the predefined location after the vehicle is powered off. Or the predefined event can be the activation of a switch that is external to the vehicle. For example, in order to be paid for working that day, a driver who has completed a trip and is checking out may be required to insert a time card into a time clock (to be stamped with the current time), which activates a switch signaling the occurrence of the predefined event. In a step 26, if the monitor receives the second signal before the predefined event occurs, then the monitor will do nothing, or more preferably, will produce an indication that the post-trip inspection was performed. Conversely, in a step 28, if the monitor does not receive the second signal before the predefined event occurs, then the monitor will produce an alarm indication that the post-trip inspection was not performed. The alarm can be visual, audible, or both and may also include display of a message on the monitor indicating which vehicle has not been inspected as required. Once this indication is produced, appropriate steps can be taken to address the failure of the person to complete the post-trip inspection properly, in a step 30. For example, a school bus that was not inspected properly will be inspected by management or administrative personnel, to ensure that any child or package remaining on the bus is found. The process is then complete. FIG. 2A illustrates how the present invention is employed in connection with a bus arriving at an end of its route. As shown in this Figure, a school bus 42 is pulling into a school bus yard 40 where the school bus is due for a post-trip safety and security inspection. For example, this post-trip inspection will be repeated at the end of the day in the school bus yard after all of the school children have been dropped off at their respective bus stops. The term “school bus yard” is used herein to encompass an area where one or more school busses are temporarily stored when not in use, e.g., over night or on weekends, etc. The school bus yard is just one example of a location where some type of scheduled event such as a maintenance inspection, a safety inspection, vehicle refueling, vehicle cleaning, and/or vehicle loading and unloading of either passengers or cargo is carried out in regard to a vehicle. School bus 42 enters the school bus yard through a sliding gate 46. Adjacent to sliding gate 46 is disposed an RF detector 48 that detects school bus 42, as the school bus drives past the open sliding gate at the end of its trip. RF detector 48 can produce an RF signal to query an RFID 50 that is located on school bus 42 to determine its unique identity, based upon changes in the resulting RF signal that is then received by RF detector 48. These bi-directional RF transmissions are shown by a dash line 52. RF detector 48 conveys this information as signal, to a monitor 54 that is disposed in an administrative office 56. The signal that detector 48 sends to the monitor is conveyed over a wired or wireless link, as indicated by shown as a dotted line 58, and is the first signal that monitor 54 receives in connection with school bus 42 reaching the end of its trip at the school bus yard. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that RF detector 48 can simply comprise an RF receiver that responds to an RF signal transmitted from a transmitter on the school bus. Also shown are school buses 44 that have already had their post-trip inspection performed. In addition, this invention is not limited to verifying that the post-trip inspection has occurred for a newly arrived school bus before another school bus arrives at the gate. For instance, immediately after the detector has detected school bus 42, another school bus may be pulling though the gate and will similarly be detected and preferably identified. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the positions of RF detector 48 and RFID 50 (or the RF transmitter) are interchangeable. For example, when school bus 42 pulls into the school bus yard through gate 46, RF detector 48 detects that a specific school bus has completed a trip. Instead, the RF detector can be located on the school bus (rather than fixedly mounted near the sliding gate in the school bus yard) and can then query the RFID that is now located in the yard (rather than on the school bus), but this approach will not determine the unique identity of the school bus. It is also contemplated that many other types of detectors could be used in place of the RF detector and RFID (or transmitter) described above, so long as the detector conveys a first signal over either a wireless communication link or a wired communication link to the monitor to at least detect the arrival of the school bus in the school yard. For example, the detector may be a pressure plate 63 that is embedded in the sliding gate entrance or under an assigned stall 65 where the school bus is parked after completing its trip, such that the weight of the school bus triggers this pressure sensitive plate, producing the first signal conveyed to monitor 54, as indicated by dot line 58′. The sensitivity of this pressure plate would be selected to only detect a school bus and not other lighter weight vehicles, particularly, if the pressure plate is disposed at the sliding gate. By using pressure plate 63 in an assigned stall, the likely identity of the school bus being parked in that stall will be indicated to monitor 54. The detector may be also comprise one or more light sensors, such as a photocell that detects reflected from the school bus or detects the interruption of light from a suitable source and is placed strategically to detect a school bus as it completes its trip, but not smaller vehicles. While conventional light detectors can identify that a school bus has completed a trip, they cannot identify a specific school bus that has completed the trip. However, a light detector that detects an encoded pattern such as a bar code that is applied to a side of the school bus, using reflected light from the encoded pattern, could be used to identify a specific school bus completing its trip. A further possible type of detector comprises a video camera disposed proximate the area where the school bus completes its trip. The video camera would be used to produce an image of a license plate or a visual identification number applied on the side or the top of the exterior of the school bus, which with appropriate optical character recognition software used to process the image, would enable the arrival of a specific school bus in the school bus yard to be detected. FIG. 2A also illustrates a second signal that is sent to receiver 62 located in the school bus yard office, as illustrated by a dash-dot line 60. It originates, for example, from a portable device (not shown) that is being used proximate the rear of the interior of a school bus 45 that has just been parked. The details of the portable device will be described in conjunction with FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. Returning to FIG. 2A, this second signal is emitted by the portable device if the person making the post-trip inspection has moved through the interior of school bus 45 carrying the portable device to the predefined location within the school bus where a token (not shown) is disposed. The token (e.g., an RFID) is read by the portable device, which thus serves as a sensor of the token. The portable device includes a transmitter that sends the signal to a receiver 62. Receiver 62 then produces an output that is coupled to monitor 54. This output in response to receipt of the second signal will preferably include the unique identification of the vehicle and a confirmation that the token was read, actuating the portable device to transmit the second signal. Although it cannot be guaranteed that a person actually carried out the post-trip inspection, if the person has had to move through the interior of the school bus to a predefined location near the rear of the school bus interior and be physically disposed adjacent to the token, it is likely that the person will have done the inspection, either at the predefined location or along the route the person moved to reach the predefined location. The monitor now utilizes reception of the first signal and the receiver output to determine the status of the post-trip inspection. If the person has reached the predefined location and (as described above) has employed the portable device to transmit the second signal to the receiver before a predefined event occurs, the monitor will preferably display a status message (not shown) and record data to indicate that the post-trip inspection was likely completed as desired. For example, the monitor may display a message that “School bus 45 has been likely been inspected” or “School bus 45 appears to be in compliance with post-trip inspection requirement.” Conversely, if the person has not reached the predefined location and employed the portable device to transmit the second signal to receiver 62 before the predefined event occurs, the monitor will display a status message (not shown) to indicate that the post-trip inspection was not completed as desired and will store data to that effect. More likely, the monitor may be coupled to an alarm system 67, as shown in FIG. 2A, to produce either an audible or visual alarm, e.g., using a claxon horn (not shown) mounted in the school yard, or the bus may have an audible alarm that is triggered by the monitor. The monitor may also itself emit a visual alarm in the form of blinking or flashing lights or there may be blinking or flashing lights on alarm system 67, which is mounted in the schoolyard. In addition, the monitor may cause the school bus lights to blink or flash to provide an alarm indication. Regardless of the method selected to sound the alarm, the alarm should be heard and/or be visible outside the school bus such that the alarm indication will alert persons in the vicinity where a post-trip inspection should have been done that the post-trip inspection was not properly performed. For example, it is critical that if there is a child left on the school bus, the child be promptly found and steps taken to transport the child to an appropriate guardian. Similarly, there might be unauthorized articles left behind on the school bus that should be returned to a rightful owner, or which could pose a danger, and these unauthorized articles should be found and disposed of properly. FIG. 2B illustrates an application of the present invention in an airport 66. As described above, the invention is not limited to vehicles that convey passengers on wheels over pavement, it may be applicable to airplane post-trip inspections. An airplane 64 is illustrated in FIG. 2B after just landed at airport 66 and prior to taxiing to an airport terminal 68. An airplane 64a is parked and has just had its post-trip inspection performed. An RF detector 48a queries an RFID 50a that is located on airplane 64 to determine its unique identity. These transmissions between the RF detector and RFID are shown by a dash line 52a. RF detector 48a subsequently conveys this information to a monitor 54a that is located in the airport terminal. This signal that detector 48a sends to the monitor corresponds to a first signal indicating the arrival of airplane 64 at the airport, as it completes its trip. FIG. 2B also illustrates a second signal indicated by a dash-dot line 60a that is sent to a receiver 62a located in the airport terminal. This second signal is transmitted by the portable device (not shown) that is carried on the airplane after reading a token 45a that is on the aircraft in a predefined location. In a manner similar to the exemplary school bus application of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 2A and discussed above, this second signal is emitted if the person has moved through the interior of the airplane to the predefined location within the airplane where token 45a is disposed and reads the token with the portable device. The portable device has a transmitter and responds to reading the token sending the second signal to receiver 62a. Receiver 62a then produces an output in response to receipt of the second signal, and the output is coupled to monitor 54a. This output will include the unique identification of the airplane and a confirmation that the token was read. The monitor then uses the reception of the first signal and the receiver output to indicate the status of the post-trip inspection. If a person has reached the predefined location and used the portable device to read the token so that the portable device transmits the second signal to the receiver before a predefined event has occurred, the monitor will preferably either produce a written status message (not shown) to indicate that the post-trip inspection was completed and store that information as data, or simply do nothing. For example, the monitor message or printout may read “Airplane 64a has been inspected,” or “Airplane 64a is in compliance.” Conversely, if a person has not reached the predefined location and enabled (as described above) the portable device to transmit the second signal to the receiver before the predefined event has occurred, the monitor may produce a written status message (not shown) to indicate that the post-trip inspection was not completed, and may also cause an alarm indication that alerts appropriate other personnel to take steps appropriate to address the failure of the post-trip inspection to be properly completed. FIG. 3A is an illustration showing a post-trip inspection in the interior of the school bus in accord with one preferred embodiment of this invention. As explained above, post-trip inspections may be made for security reasons, e.g., to either ensure that only authorized passengers remain in the vehicle, or to ensure that no unauthorized packages remain in the vehicle, or to check on the safety of vehicle components and/or maintenance. In the illustration of FIG. 3A, school bus 42 has completed its run for the day, and a person 80 is making a post-trip inspection to check for any child 88 who remains on the school bus. The child may still be on the school bus because of being asleep, mentally disabled, or may have failed to unload at an appropriate bus stop because of uncertainty, or for some other reason. A predefined location 82 in this preferred embodiment is at the back of the bus where a token 85 is disposed. Person 80 is instructed via at least one prompt on a portable device 86, which is being carried by the person, to look for children who may still be on the bus. Thus, as person 80 walks from the front of the bus to the rear along the central aisle, the person can visually perceive whether a child 88 is present in any of the seats on the bus. When the person reaches the rear of the bus, the person moves portable device 86 within a predefined range of token 85. A sensor 84 (which is shown in FIG. 5) on portable device 86 responds to token 85 when the portable device is held less than the predetermined distance from the token, recording data indicating that the person had moved to a position that would enable the person to readily inspect the interior of the bus for any child 88, who remained on the bus after the route had been completed. Portable device 86 also includes a transmitter 120 (also shown in FIG. 5), and when it reads token 85, will send a signal to receiver 62, as shown in FIG. 2A. In this preferred form of the present invention, the token that is preferably employed is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that is attached with a fastener or an appropriate adhesive to a point near the predefined location within the interior of the bus or other vehicle. One type of RFID tag that is suitable for this purpose is the WORLDTAG™ token that is sold by Sokymat Corporation. This tag is excited by an RF transmission from portable device 86 via an antenna (not shown). In response to the excitation energy received, the RFID tag modifies the RF energy that is received from the antenna in a manner that specifically identifies the vehicle associated with the RFID tag, and the modified signal is detected by sensor 84, as shown in FIG. 5. An alternative type of token that can also be used in this invention is an IBUTTON™ computer chip, which is armored in a stainless steel housing and is readily affixed to a frame or other portion of the vehicle, adjacent to the predefined location that the person is supposed to reach when performing the post-trip inspection. The IBUTTON chip is programmed with JAVA™ instructions to provide a recognition signal when interrogated by a signal received from a nearby transmitter, such as from an antenna on portable device 86. The signal produced by the IBUTTON chip is received by sensor 84, which determines the identification of the vehicle associated with the token. This type of token is less desirable, since it is more expensive, although the program instructions that it executes can provide greater functionality. Yet another type of token that might be used is an optical bar code in which a sequence of lines of varying width encode light reflected from the bar code tag. Other types of light reflective or light absorbing optical patterns can alternatively be employed. The encoded reflected light is received by sensor 84, which in this embodiment, comprises an optical detector. Optically encoded pattern recognition technology is well understood in the art and readily adapted for identifying a particular vehicle. One drawback to the use of an optically encoded tag as a token is that the optically encoded pattern can eventually become covered with dirt or grime that must be cleaned before the encoded pattern can be properly read. If the optically encoded pattern is applied to a plasticized adhesive strip, it can readily be mounted to any surface and then easily cleaned with a rag or other appropriate material. Yet another type of token usable in the present invention is a magnetic strip in which a varying magnetic flux encodes data identifies the particular vehicle associated with the token. Such magnetic strips are often used in access cards that are read by readers mounted adjacent to doors or in an elevator that provides access to a building. However, in the present invention, sensor 84 on portable device 86 comprises the magnetic flux reader. The data encoded on such a token are readily read as the portable device is brought into proximity of the varying magnetic flux encoded strip comprising the token. As yet another alternative, an active token can be employed that conforms to the BLUETOOTH™ specification for short distance data transfer between computing devices using an RF signal. However, it is likely that the range of the signal transmitted by the token would need to be modified so that it is substantially less than that normally provided by a device conforming to the BLUETOOTH specification. It is important that the portable device be able to detect that it is proximate the component only within a predetermined maximum range selected to ensure that the operator is positioned to actually carry out an inspection of the component. As a further alternative, it will be appreciated that the token can be carried to the predefined location by person 80, where a fixed reading device is installed, so that the hand carried token is then read by the reading device. Any of the various types of tokens discussed above can be hand carried by the person. This approach is less desirable, since it would be preferable to use a portable device to read other tokens on in the vehicle, for example, when carrying out a safety inspection of various components of the vehicle. Each token is associated with a different component that should be inspected, and the portable device stores data confirming that each component was visited and preferably an indication of any problem observed in connection with a component thus inspected. FIG. 3B illustrates a post-trip inspection of the school bus for another purpose in the first preferred embodiment. Person 80 is instructed via at least one prompt on portable device 86 to look for any unauthorized items left on the bus such as knives or other weapons, chemicals (e.g., mace or pepper spray), explosives, matches, or any other undesirable article. Also detected in such an inspection would be any packages or articles inadvertently left behind by a passenger who rode the school bus. As person 80 walks to the back of the school bus to reach predefined location 82, the person can see any unauthorized packages 90 and 90a still remaining on the bus. When the person reaches the back of the bus, the person moves portable device 86 within a predefined range of token 85. Portable device 86 detects and responds to token 85, recording data indicating that the person had moved to a position along a route that should have readily permitted the person to inspect the bus for unauthorized packages left behind. Portable device 86 also has a transmitter, and when token 85 has been read, will send a signal to receiver 62, as shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 4 is an illustration of portable device 86 and shows two exemplary prompt messages that may be displayed to direct the person performing the post-trip inspection to look for specific items. For example, before beginning the post-trip inspection indicated in FIG. 3A, person 80 receives a prompt message 102 as shown in FIG. 4, which reads, “Are there any children remaining on the bus?” In response to this prompt, person 80 can depress a control 104 to indicate “Yes” on the portable device, since child 88 remains on the bus, as shown in FIG. 3A. Or during a different post-trip inspection, if all children have unloaded at their appropriate bus stop, the person can depress a control 106 to indicate “No”—there are no children remaining on the bus. In regard to the post-trip inspection shown in FIG. 3B, before beginning the post-trip inspection, person 80 might receive a prompt message 102a on screen 108 of portable device 86 as shown FIG. 4, “Are there any unauthorized packages present on the bus?” In response to this prompt, person 80 can depress control 104 to indicate “Yes” on the portable device, since unauthorized packages 90 and 90a, as shown in FIG. 3B, remain on the bus. Or during a different post-trip inspection, if no articles have been left behind on the bus, the person can depress control 106 to indicate, “No,” there are no articles left on the bus. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many other different prompts may be displayed on the portable device's screen and thus, the prompts are not limited to those exemplary messages shown in FIG. 4. In addition to the “Yes” or “No” response that the person can give, as illustrated in FIG. 4, sub-menus of dependent prompts (not shown) based on the initial prompts 102 and 102a may direct the person to answer additional questions concerning the post-trip inspection. FIG. 5 illustrates the functional components that are included in portable device 86, either on or inside housing 112, which is shown in FIG. 4. A central processing unit (CPU) 114 comprises the controller for portable device 86 and is coupled bi-directionally to a memory 116 that includes both random access memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM). Memory 116 is used for storing data in RAM and machine instructions in ROM, which control the functionality of CPU 114 when executed by it. CPU 114 is also coupled to receive operator input from controls 118, such as control 104 and control 106, which are shown in FIG. 4. In addition, CPU 114 provides text and graphics to display 108 for displaying the prompts and other messages. Transmitter 120 allows data that have been collected during the post-trip inspection to be transferred either through a wireless RF link, or through a docking station in which the portable device is placed to download stored data. FIG. 6A illustrates the functional components 122 that communicate in the first preferred embodiment to enable the monitor to determine whether the post-trip inspection has been performed before a predefined event occurs. Portable device 86 detects and responds to token 85, recording data indicating that the person was in the predefined location and was thus able to readily have performed the post-trip inspection, such as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Transmitter 120 (shown in FIG. 5) can respond to reading token 85 by sending the second signal to receiver 62. Receiver 62 then produces the output that is conveyed to monitor 54. Monitor 54 can then determine whether person completed the post-trip inspection of the vehicle before the predefined event occurred, since it also receives the first signal from detector 48. If, after the monitor received the first signal, the second signal was received as an RF signal by receiver 62 before the predefined event occurred, then the monitor will produce an indication that the post-trip inspection was performed in the desired manner. But, after the monitor receives the first signal, if the second signal is not received before the predefined event occurs, the monitor indicates that the post-trip inspection was not performed and produces an alarm indication 124. FIG. 6B illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment to enable the monitor to determine whether the post-trip inspection has been performed as desired. Portable device 86 detects and responds to token 85, recording data indicating that the person was in the predefined location and thus, should have readily been able to perform the post-trip inspection, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Although portable device 86 has transmitter 120 (shown in FIG. 5) such that when it receives a signal from token 85, it could send the second signal to receiver 62, the second signal can instead be conveyed to monitor 54 by inserting portable device 86 into a docking station 128 that is coupled to the monitor, as shown in FIG. 7. Docking station 128 receives portable device 86 to facilitate downloading the data stored within the portable device. An interface link 130 couples portable device 86 to monitor 54 through a lead 130. The interface link conveying the data from portable device 86 can be a universal serial bus (USB) link, a serial RS-232 link, or an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1392 link. The docking station may be located inside or close to administrative office 56, as shown in FIG. 2A, or there may be a plurality of docking stations disposed at different locations within the school bus yard. The docking station thus transfers data corresponding to the second signal to monitor 54. The monitor can then determine whether the person completed the post-trip inspection of the vehicle, as described above. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of another preferred embodiment for ensuring a post-trip inspection is likely to be performed, again in regard to school bus 42. Instead of token 85, this embodiment includes a sensor comprising a switch 85a that is disposed proximate predefined location 82 in the school bus. In this embodiment, person 80 does not use the portable reader. Instead, the person walks down the aisle of the bus in order to manually actuate switch 85a before the predefined event occurs. Person 80 is still able to visually perceive that child 88 has remained behind on the bus. But, since there is no portable device present that will act as a transmitter, when person 80 manually actuates switch 85a, a transmitter 134 on the bus is activated to send the second signal to receiver 62. Switch 85a and transmitter 134 may either be coupled to the school bus's battery or may run using a separate power supply (not shown). Also, those skilled in the art will recognize that still other ways can be employed to sense the user at the predefined location and in response, to transmit the second signal. For example, a sensor can be disposed at the predefined location to read a unique identification code on a device carried by person 80. The sensor can be a bar code scanner or other optical or magnetic scanning device. Also, the person can carry the scanning device to the predefined location to read an encoded pattern affixed there, or can carry a key chain on which the encoded optical or magnetic pattern uniquely identifying the bus or other type of vehicles is attached, so that when scanned, the scanning device will transmit the second signal to the monitor. Transmitter 134 could also be utilized to transmit the second signal in response to a correct identifying code being read at the predefined location. FIG. 9 illustrates how the functional components communicate in the preferred embodiment discussed above. An optical or magnetic reader is used to read an appropriately encoded tag, or even a simple switch is activated to indicate that the person was in the predefined location and was thus able to have readily performed the post-trip inspection. The reader and switch are indicated by a reference number 84a. Transmitter 134 responds to the reader or the switch detecting that the person had reached the predefined location and sends the second signal as an RF transmission to monitor 54. Monitor 54 can thus determine whether the person is likely to have completed the post-trip inspection of the vehicle before a predefined event occurred, since it also has received the first signal from detector 48. If after monitor 54 receives the first signal, the second signal was received from transmitter 134 before the predefined event occurs, then the monitor will produce an indication that the post-trip inspection was performed. Otherwise, monitor produces an alarm indication 124 to indicate that the post-trip inspection has not properly been completed. FIG. 10 illustrates functional components of monitor 54. A central processing unit (CPU) 132 is coupled bi-directionally to a memory 140 that includes both random access memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM). Memory 140 is used for storing data in RAM and machine instructions in ROM that control the functionality of CPU 132 when executed by it, to achieve the functions of the monitor that were disclosed above. CPU 132 is also connected through appropriate data ports to display 138. Optionally, receiver 62 is included within monitor 54, but can instead be external to the monitor. Receiver 62 receives the RF signal transmitted from portable device 86 or transmitter 134, which is on the vehicle, indicating that the person has reached the predefined location within the vehicle, as explained above. Additional embodiments of the present invention can be implemented wherein more than one predefined location must be visited to complete the inspection, which as described above, may be a pre-trip inspection, a post-trip inspection, or an in-trip inspection (for example, for long trips, such as a voyage on a cruise ship, a cargo vessel, or a military vessel). Each separate predefined location can include a token that must be read using a hand-held reader, as described above. The reader can be programmed to send the second signal only if each token identified for a specific inspection has been read, or the second signal can be sent such that each token that has been read is identified. The monitor can then provide a report as to whether any predefined location was missed in the inspection. If desired, a complete additional inspection can then be performed, or an inspection only of the location that was missed can be performed. Instead of placing a token to be read by a hand held reader at each predefined location, a switch can be installed at each location. When the person is at the location, the person can activate the switch to verify that the person was proximate the specific location. In one embodiment, each switch is coupled to a transmitter that transmits the second signal, indicating that the person was present at that location to the monitor. The monitor can then determine which, if any, of the switches were not actuated to transmit a second signal (as long as the second signals uniquely identify the switch). The switches might be coupled to different transmitters, or all of the switches can be coupled to a common transmitter (for example, each switch is electrically coupled to a transmitter located within or upon the vehicle). The common transmitter can be configured to transmit the second signal after each switch is activated, and the second signal for each switch will uniquely identify the switch. Again, the monitor can determine any switch that was not activated during the inspection. In a different embodiment, the common transmitter is configured such that a second signal is not transmitted until all of the switches are activated. In such an embodiment, the monitor cannot determine a specific switch that was not activated, but can determine that the inspection was not completed properly. The common transmitter embodiment offers the advantage of a lower cost system, since only a single transmitter is required. For vehicles with many switches at different predefined locations, this approach can result in significant cost savings. Many different types of switches can be employed. Mechanically activated switches, such as toggle switches, or switches activated by depressing a button are preferred. Individual switches can be lighted to enable the switch to be more easily located under low light conditions. In some applications, it may be desirable to prevent switches from being activated by unauthorized persons. Switches can be secured by requiring a lock to be unlocked to gain access to the switch. A switch that is activated by reading a magnetic strip, or an optical pattern, such as a bar code, can also be employed. Switches can be configured to respond to a reader, so that each switch includes an RFID tag and is activated only when interrogated by an appropriate reader or RF transmitter (such as the hand held reader described above in connection with FIG. 4). Some RF ID tags respond to an inductively coupled signal as well as RF interrogation. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to a specific type of switch, and that any switch that can be activated by a person, either by physically manipulating the switch, or by interacting with the switch via some other mechanism (e.g., short distance RF communication or inductive coupling) can be employed. It is important that the switch be activatable only when the person is physically proximate the switch; otherwise, activation of the switch will not serve as an indication that the person was proximate a location requiring inspection. Thus, a switch responsive to activation using RF communication over relatively long distances (i.e., more than a few feet) will not be preferred. On a very complex vessel, such as a large ocean going vessel, it may be desirable to designate many locations, and inspect only a subset of those locations during each inspection. The reader described above in conjunction with FIG. 4 will be particularly useful in such an implementation. Before the inspection is started, the reader (portable device 86) can be programmed with a list of locations that are to be inspected. If the person performing the inspection is sufficiently knowledgeable about the vessel, the reader may provide a brief prompt to guide the person to the first inspection point (e.g., Inspect equipment locker XYZ). More detailed instructions, such as a map of the vessel and the locations of the inspection locations, can be displayed if required. As noted above, the second signal (confirming that the inspection has been completed) may be generated regardless of how many inspection locations were actually visited, if the second signal uniquely identifies each location that was actually visited (i.e., each location where the handheld reader was positioned sufficiently close to a token that is proximate the location, to enable the reader to sense the token). A less useful embodiment would be configured to generate the second signal only if all locations were visited (this would be less efficient, because the monitor would only be able to determine that the inspection was improperly conducted, if at all, rather than being able to determine each location, or locations, that were missed). Enabling an inspection of fewer than all designated inspection locations to be verified may have significant security ramifications. In a large vessel (or a large land-based facility), there will likely be many thousands of separate locations that arguably should be inspected on a regular basis, for example, to ensure the vessel/facility is in good repair, and also to enable suspicious activity to be noticed. It would require an excessive time to inspect 10,000 locations daily, but a subset of those locations could be easily inspected each day. The present invention enables the verification that a person was at a subset of many designated locations before a predetermined event has occurred (such as the end of a work shift, or the end of an allotted amount of time). Switches activated by the user at each location could be used in place of the hand held reader (portable device 86), however, electrically coupling all such switches to a common transmitter would be a significant task. Similarly, providing each switch with its own transmitter would be more expensive to implement than using a hand held reader and tokens (such as RFID tags or bar codes) disposed at each different predefined location. The specific locations inspected at any one time can be based on a predetermined pattern, or can be randomly generated for each new inspection. In addition to randomizing the locations inspected, the monitor and the portable device could be used to randomize when specific locations are inspected. Consider a security sweep of a military facility. If the sweep follows a repeating pattern, an observer might be able to determine that a specific location is regularly inspected at a certain time. Someone wishing to access that location surreptitiously would merely avoid the location at the time indicated by the repeating pattern. The hand held device of FIG. 4 could be provided with a randomizing function, such that a plurality of inspection points is checked in a randomized order, to prevent a pattern from being recognized. This approach might increase the time required for inspections, because the person may have to back track several times, to visit all of the inspection points in the subset. The randomizing function could be implemented by the processor of the portable device, or a randomized list could be provided to the hand held device (for example, when the hand held device is placed in a docking station, as shown in FIG. 7). The list may include all the locations associated with the facility (or vessel), or a subset of the locations to be inspected. The present invention thus enables the verification that a randomized inspection of a plurality predefined locations was likely completed, before a predetermined event has occurred (such as the end of a work shift, or the end of an allotted amount of time). Again, while such a functionality could be enabled by providing a user-activatable switch at each location, a hand held device reading a token disposed at each predefined location is likely to be more cost effective to implement. FIG. 11 illustrates an example including a plurality of predefined inspection locations in a school bus 42a. Again, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to school buses, or even to vehicles, but can be applied to other inspections, for example, an inspection of a land-based facility, such as a factory or military base. Bus 42a includes a plurality of predefined inspection points. Either a token or a switch with a transmitter is disposed proximate each inspection point, such that activation of the switch or reading of the token provides verification that a person was in a position to perform the required inspection. Thus, person 80 may use a portable reader, if tokens are disposed at each inspection point. As indicated above, some switches can be configured to be activated by a reader, as opposed to being manipulated by the person directly. The person walks to each inspection point, which likely includes locations within the bus and outside the bus. The person then either activates the switch or reads a token disposed at the predefined inspection location. If the person is using a hand held device such as portable device 86 (see FIG. 4), the device can prompt the person to move from one inspection point to the next. In embodiments where a portable device reads each token associated with a predefined inspection location, the second signal is transmitted to the monitor by the portable device, either via a hard wire connection (i.e., by a docking station) or wirelessly. Where each location to be inspected has a switch disposed proximate the location, then the second signal is transmitted either by a common transmitter (such as transmitter 134a, which is electrically coupled to each switch), or by a separate transmitter that is associated with each switch. For a bus, it will likely to be important to inspect an inspection point 150 corresponding to a floor of the bus, an inspection point 152 corresponding to the areas under the seats of the bus, an inspection point 154 corresponding to a driver station, an inspection point 156 corresponding to steps in the bus, an inspection point 158 corresponding to any wheelchair lift in the bus, an inspection point 160 corresponding to any lights for the bus, an inspection point 162 corresponding to the wheel wells of the bus (reading a token or activating a switch for inspection point 162 preferably requires the person to examine the interior of the wheel well), an inspection point 164 corresponding to an engine of the bus, an inspection point 166 corresponding to an exhaust system for the bus, an inspection point 168 corresponding to fuel tanks and or air brake tanks for the bus, and an inspection point 170 corresponding to any emergency exits for the bus. More than one token/switch may be required for each type of inspection point. For example, inspection point 162, corresponding to the wheel wells, will preferably be implemented using four different switches/tokens (one at each wheel well). FIG. 12 illustrates a vehicle 172 that includes a plurality of switches 176a–176h. Each of the eight switches is disposed proximate a predefined inspection point, and each switch is coupled to a common transmitter 174. In this embodiment, the number of transmitters required to transmit the second signal is reduced. As noted above, the common transmitter can be configured to transmit a second signal after each separate switch is activated, which will enable the monitor to identify any switch that was not activated. The common transmitter can also be configured not to transmit the second signal until all of the switches have been activated. This latter embodiment will enable the monitor to determine that the second signal was not received before the predefined event has occurred, thus indicating that the inspection was not properly performed. However, the latter embodiment will not enable the monitor to identify a specific switch that was not activated. FIG. 13 is based on FIG. 1, and has been modified to illustrate that the present invention is not limited to only post trip inspections, or to predefined inspection locations within a vehicle. Thus, block 12a has been changed to provide for detecting a triggering condition, rather than detecting that the vehicle has completed a trip. The triggering condition preferably indicates that the vehicles has either recently completed a trip, or will soon begin a trip. Detecting the completion of a trip has been discussed above. Similar methods can be used to detect that a trip will soon begin. One technique for detecting that a trip will begin is detecting that an engine on the vehicle has been started. Using the example of a school bus, when a driver starts the engine of the bus, a triggering condition (the bus starting) is detected. A circuit coupled to the ignition system of the bus can readily accomplish this task. Some vehicles are moved to a staging area before a trip is begun. For example, airplanes taxi to a certain area on a runway before takeoff. Fleet vehicles (such as police cars, service vehicles, rental cars, and buses) stored in a yard when not in use generally pass through a designated exit before leaving the yard, and a portion of the yard near the exit can be designated as an inspection area. The techniques discussed above for detecting the end of a trip can also be used to detect a vehicle entering such an inspection area. The triggering event can also be the lapse of a predefined interval of time. For example, some vehicle operators may require vehicles to be inspected every 24 hours. Ocean going vessels may have long intervals of time between the “start” of a trip and the “end” of a trip. Such vehicles will may require inspection during the trip. For long trips, the trip can be defined as a plurality of segments, the segments being based on a specific time interval (such as 24 hours) or a specific distance traveled. Thus, a measured time or distance can be used as a triggering condition. Referring once again to the specific differences between FIG. 1 and FIG. 13, block 16a has been changed to indicate that a person has reached a predefined location associated with the vehicle, rather than a predefined location in the interior of the vehicle. Blocks 26a and 28a have been changed to emphasize that the inspection is not limited to just a post-trip inspection, but can be required at any point in a trip, or at any time. FIGS. 14A–14C are flow charts illustrating the steps employed in the present invention to verify whether an inspection has likely been performed. While such inspections are often performed in connection with a vehicle, such as a bus, train, plane, ferry, cruise ship, cargo ship, military vessel and the like, either before, after or during a trip, it should be understood that the present invention can be employed in connection with inspections of a land-based installation, such as a school, factory, museum, office building, public building, power plant, dam, military installation, or any facility where there is a need to determine if a required inspection has likely been performed before a predetermined event occurs. The logical process starts in a block 180. In a block 182, a triggering condition is detected. The purposes of detecting a triggering condition is to define a starting point after which the inspection should be conducted. In the embodiments described above, the starting point is typically associated with the beginning or end of a trip. Particularly for land-based installations, other starting points, such as the beginning of a work shift, will be more appropriate. A predetermined event will be used as an endpoint. The method verifies whether a person was in a location that would have enabled them to conduct the required inspection after the starting point (as indicated by the detection of a triggering condition) and before the endpoint (as indicated by the predetermined event). In some implementations of this invention, the triggering condition will be time dependent. For example, an administrator tasked with overseeing such inspections may mandate that a certain inspection will be conducted between the hours of 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM. In this case, detecting the triggering condition involves detecting that it is 6:00 AM in the corresponding time zone, and the predetermined event is the detection that it is 7:00 AM. Clearly other events can be used as a triggering condition. Unlocking a door into a factory could be a triggering condition, where an inspection of the factory is to be made before a certain assembly line is started (the predetermined event). Certain individuals may be specifically tasked with inspections, and the triggering condition can be based on actions of that employee. Where an employee keeps track of hours worked using a time clock, “clocking in” at the beginning of a shift can be used as a triggering condition, and “clocking out” at the end of a shift can be used as the predetermined event. Some employee badges include tokens (such as RFID tags or magnetic strips encoding employee data) that are read by appropriate sensors as the employee moves through a facility. The detection of an employee identification badge (or a biometric parameter, such as a handprint, a finger print, or a retinal scan) in a specific area can be a triggering condition. It should therefore be understood that the triggering condition is not limited to the conditions described above, but instead, can include almost any conditions, items, and phenomena that can be detected using available sensor technology. In a block 184, the detector that identifies the triggering condition transmits a signal to a monitor. As described above, the function of the monitor is to determine if the predetermined event has occurred, and thereafter, to determine if a signal (indicating that a person was in a position to perform the inspection before the predetermined event occurred) has been received. If this signal has not been received before the predetermined event occurs, the monitor provides an indication of the failure to perform the inspection, so that appropriate action can be taken. The appropriate action may include contacting the person responsible for the inspection to determine why the inspection was not performed, or sending other personnel to complete the inspection. In certain cases, failure to be able to verify an inspection was performed may require preventing a planned action from be taken. For example, in a factory setting, the monitor can be configured to prevent an assembly line from being energized if the monitor determines that a required inspection has not been performed (i.e., that a person was not detected in a location proximate an area to be inspected, after a triggering condition was detected, and before a predetermined event occurs). Generally, the monitor will be disposed in a location remote from the detector. A single monitor can be configured to monitor signals from multiple detectors, and to monitor multiple required inspections. Where a plurality of detectors are employed, each detector preferably uniquely identifies itself, and the triggering condition detected. Each detector can communicate with the monitor via a wired connection or a wireless connection, or a combination thereof. For example, in a large facility, a network of detectors in a single building may be coupled to a common transmitter located in that building, and the common transmitter can wirelessly communicate with the receiver. In a block 186, the monitor waits for the predetermined event to occur. As discussed above in detail, the predetermined event can be the lapse of a specific period of time, or can be the occurrence of a specific event (such as a vehicle or piece of equipment being powered on or off, or an employee logging in or out, or almost any other type of event). Where the specific predetermined event is time based, the monitor is configured to track elapsed time, or is configured to receive notification when the time has elapsed. Where the specific predetermined event is an activity, such as powering up a piece of equipment, the monitor will be configured to detect the activity, or to receive an indication that the activity has occurred. In a decision block 188, after the monitor has detected or received an indication that the predetermined event has occurred, and the monitor determines whether a second signal has been received, indicating that a person has been detected proximate a location requiring inspection, thereby indicating that the inspection could have been performed. If the second signal has been received, the logic terminates in a block 196 (as described above, the monitor can be configured to provide an indication that the inspection was performed). If the second signal was not received before the predetermined event occurred, then in a block 192, an indication is provided that the inspection has likely not been performed. This indication can be a visual readout, a visual or audible alarm, or any combination thereof. In a block 194, appropriate steps are taken to address this condition. Such steps can include, but are not limited to, notifying specific personnel, contacting the person who was to have performed the inspection, sending other personnel to complete the inspection, and preventing certain equipment from being operated until the inspection has been completed. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the appropriate steps to be taken will largely depend on the specific type of inspection being done, and thus, the above corrective actions ought not be considered to limit the invention. FIGS. 14B and 14C illustrate different steps that can be employed to produce the second signal, in accord with the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 14B, as indicated in a block 198, a person is now proximate a location to be inspected (after the triggering condition has been detected). In a block 200, the person activates a switch proximate the location to be inspected. As discussed above, many different types of switches can be employed, including those physically manipulated by the person, and those responsive to a portable device carried by the person. In a block 202, the second signal, indicating the person was proximate the location to be inspected (and thus, that it is likely the inspection has been performed) is sent to the monitor. The switch can include a transmitter that sends the second signal, or the switch can be connected to a separate transmitter (such as the common transmitter of FIG. 12). Where an inspection relates to a plurality of locations and a plurality of switches, the second signal can indicate the switches that have been activated, or the second signal may be transmitted only after all switches are activated. While a portable device (such as that shown in FIG. 4) can be employed in connection with the steps of FIG. 14B (to activate a switch), a portable device will only be required if the switch employed requires the portable device for activation of the switch. In some embodiments, no portable device is required, and the person simply physically manipulates the switch. Referring now to FIG. 14C, in a block 198a, a person with a portable reader (such as the reader of FIG. 4) is proximate a location to be inspected (after the triggering condition has been detected). In a block 200a, the person reads a token proximate the location to be inspected with the reader. As discussed above, many different types of token/readers can be employed, including RFID tags and readers configured to read RFID tags, and optical tokens (such as bar codes) and readers configured to read optical tokens. In a block 202, the second signal, indicating that the person was proximate the location to be inspected (and thus, is likely to have performed the inspection) is sent to the monitor. The portable reader itself can include a transmitter that sends the second signal, or the portable reader may be placed into a docking station (see FIG. 7) to enable the second signal to be transmitted to the monitor. Where an inspection relates to a plurality of locations and a plurality of tokens, the second signal can indicate the tokens that have been read, or the second signal may be transmitted only after all tokens are read. Finally, yet another embodiment of the invention employs the logical steps shown in FIG. 15. In this embodiment, the second signal is sent only if a sensor (disposed at the predefined location to be inspected, or in a reader used to facilitate the inspection) determines that a triggering condition has been detected, and that the person was not proximate the location to be inspected before a predetermined event occurs. The second signal can be sent to a monitor, which then produces an indication the inspection was not performed as described above. Alternatively, the second signal can be transmitted to an individual tasked with performing appropriate steps to correct the failure to inspect. The logical process of this embodiment of the invention starts in a block 204. In a block 182a, a triggering condition is detected. Different types of triggering conditions and detectors have been discussed in detail above, and need not be repeated here. In a block 184a, the detector that identifies the triggering condition transmits a signal to a sensor, rather than to the monitor, as described above. Where the sensor is part of a portable reader (such as the one shown in FIG. 4), the portable reader must be in range of the signal sent by the detector that detects the triggering condition. In this embodiment, the detector will likely transmit the signal as a wireless communication, although if the portable reader is stored in a docking station (see FIG. 7), the detector can send the first signal to the reader via a wired connection. If the sensor is part of a switch disposed at the predefined location to be inspected, the detector may be logically coupled to the sensor/switch, and the sensor/switch can be configured to receive a wireless communication from the detector. In a block 186a, the sensor waits for a predetermine event to occur. In a decision block 206 (i.e., after the predefined event has occurred), the sensor determines if a person has been proximate the predefined location. As discussed in detail above, such a determination can be based on the person activating a switch at the predefined location, or the person can use a portable reader to read an RFID tag or an optical token (or some other token as discussed above). If in a decision block 206, if it is determined that the person has been detected at the predefined location, then the logic is finished, as indicated in a block 196a. If the sensor (which is capable of logical processing) determines that the person has not been detected at the predefined location, then in a block 208, the sensor transmits a second signal (which in this aspect of the invention indicates that the inspection has not been properly executed). Preferably, the sensor includes a transmitter configured to transmit the second signal to a receiver (such as a monitor as described above, or a person tasked with managing the inspection). Where the sensor is disposed at the predefined location (i.e., as the sensor in a sensor/switch activated by the person or by a portable device as described above), the sensor can be physically connected to a monitor or communication system, so that a transmitter is not required. Further, individual sensor/switches can be coupled to a common transmitter, as discussed above (see FIG. 12). If the sensor is part of a portable device reading tokens disposed at the predefined locations, the portable device (which includes the sensor) preferably also includes a transmitter. While portable devices without a transmitter can still send a second signal via wired connection (e.g., using the docking station of FIG. 7), if the portable device does not include a transmitter and is not returned to the docking station, then no second signal could be sent to indicate the inspection had not been completed. Thus, it is preferred for the portable device to include a transmitter. In a block 194, an appropriate action, such as discussed above, can be taken to correct the failure to properly conduct the inspection. Although the present invention has been described in connection with the preferred form of practicing it and modifications thereto, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that many other modifications can be made to the present invention within the scope of the claims that follow. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the invention in any way be limited by the above description, but instead be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.
052176789	description	DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. First, the general construction of a control rod controlling system of this embodiment will be explained by referring to FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a pressure vessel of a boiling water reactor in which several hundreds fuel assemblies are accommodated to constitute a core 2. Control rods 3 for controlling reactor power are provided in the core 2 at a ratio of one control rod to four fuel assemblies, and are inserted or withdrawn into or from the core 2 by a control rod drive 4. Also, a power detector 5 for detecting the reactor power is installed in the core 2, and position sensors 6 in number corresponding to the number of control rods for detecting respective axial positions of the control rods 3 are installed in the control rod drive 4. In FIG. 2, the control rod controlling system of this embodiment comprises a gang control-rod operating unit 10 for selecting a plurality of control rods to be operated in a ganged manner and determining whether the control rods are to be inserted or withdrawn, and a control rod drive controller 11 for driving the control rod drive 4. The gang control-rod operating unit 10 comprises a central processing unit 13 for executing predetermined processes and arithmetic operations, the central processing nit 13 being operate by a command signal from a control panel 12. The central processing unit 13 has a storage 14 in which there are stored, as operation sequences of ganged control rods which are to be operated at the same time, three kinds of sequence data such as an A type sequence for configuring an A type control rod pattern, a B type sequence for configuring a B type control rod pattern, and a control rod pattern exchange sequence for exchanging an control rod pattern between the A type control rod pattern and the B type control rod pattern. The central processing unit 13 also includes a sequence select circuit 15 for selecting any one of the aforesaid three stored sequences, an AND circuit 16 for inhibiting the selection of the control rod pattern exchange sequence when the reactor power is below a set value, a rod worth minimizer (RWM) 17 which functions when the reactor power is below a set value whereby withdrawal of control rods is inhibited when reactivity worth of those control rods exceeds a predetermined range so that the reactivity worth of the withdrawn control rod is held within the predetermined range, a gang control-rod select circuit 18 for selecting the control rod group number in the selected sequence and then selecting the ganged control rods to be operated at the same time, and a control rod insert/withdraw select circuit 19 for selecting insertion or withdrawal of the selected control rods. The control panel 12 comprises a sequence select switch 12a actuatable by an operator for selecting any one of the A type sequence, the B type sequence and the control rod pattern exchange sequence, a control rod group select switch 12b actuatable by the operator for designating the group number to select a plurality of control rods to be operated at the same time, and a control rod insert/withdraw select switch 12c actuatable by the operator for selecting as to whether the selected control group is to be inserted or withdrawn. In the central processing unit 13, the sequence select circuit 15 selects, in response to a command from the sequence select switch 12a, corresponding one of the aforesaid three sequences stored in the storage 14. The AND circuit 16 receives a signal from the power detector 5 to inhibit the selection of the control rod pattern exchange sequence when the reactor power is below the set value, and to permit the selection of the control rod pattern exchange sequence when the reactor power is above the set value. The rod worth minimizer 17 receives signals from the power detector 5 and the control rod position sensors 6 to output the sequence selected by the circuit 15 to the gang control-rod select circuit 18 when the reactor power is above the set value, and to determine whether the control rod group number selected by the operator via the control rod group select switch 12b is in match with the sequence selected by the sequence select circuit 15 when the reactor power is below the set value, followed by outputting the sequence selected by the circuit 15 to the gang control-rod select circuit 18 only when the selected group number is as per the sequence. The gang control-rod select circuit 18 receives the control rod group number selected by the operator and, in accordance with the sequence selected by the sequence select circuit 15, selects position data of plural control rods to be operated at the same time, followed by outputting the selected position data to the insert/withdraw select circuit 19. The insert/withdraw select circuit 19 selects, in accordance with the selection 7 by the operator via the insert/withdraw select switch 12c, either insertion or withdrawal of the plural control rods to be operated at the same time, followed by outputting a command signal to insert or withdraw the plural control rods corresponding to the position data selected by the gang control-rod select circuit 18 to the control rod drive controller 11. The set value of the reactor power at which the rod worth minimizer 17 is to be released is usually set to 10 % -35 % of the rated power. The set value used for the AND circuit 16 is the same as the set value used for the rod worth minimizer 17. FIG. 3 shows details of the rod worth minimizer 17. The rod worth minimizer 17 comprises two switch functions 17a, 17b arranged parallel to each other and two decision functions 17c, 17d for respectively operating the switch functions 17a, 17d. The decision function 17c determines whether the reactor power is below the set value or not in accordance with the signal from the power detector 5, to open a switch of the function 17a when the reactor power is below the set value, and to close the switch of the function 17a when the reactor power is above the set value. The decision function 17d grasps the current withdrawal state of all the control rods in accordance with the signals from the control rod position sensors 6, and knows the correct number of the control rod group to be next withdrawn based on both the current withdrawal state of all the control rods and the sequence selected by the sequence select circuit 15, followed by closing a switch of the function 17b when the control rod group number selected by the control rod group select switch 12b is the same as the aforesaid correct group number, and opening the switch of the function 17b when the control rod group number selected by the control rod group select switch 12b is different from the aforesaid correct group number. Accordingly, under a condition that the reactor power is above the set value, since the switch of the function 17a is closed, the sequence selected by the sequence select circuit 15 is always outputted to the gang control-rod select circuit 18. Under a condition that the reactor power is below the set value, when the control rod group number selected by the operator via the control rod group select switch 12b is not in match with the correct group number of the sequence selected by the sequence select circuit 15, both the switches of the functions 17a, 17b are opened to prevent the selected sequence from being outputted to the gang control-rod select circuit 18, and when the selected control rod group number is in match with the correct group number, the switch of the function 17b is closed to output the selected sequence to the gang control-rod select circuit 18. The A type sequence, the B type sequence and the control rod pattern exchange sequence which are stored, as an operation sequence of the ganged control rods to be operated at the same time, in the storage 14 of the central processing unit 13 will be next described below. The control rods in the core are generally divided or classified into two groups A and B so that every adjacent control rods (herein those control rods arranged in diagonal relation are defined as not adjacent to each other) will not be included in the same group. The A group comprises those control rods arranged in the form of a checker board including a control rod positioned at the core center (see FIGS. 5(b) and FIG. 6(a)). The B group comprises those control rods other than ones in the A group, i.e., control rods arranged in the form of a checker board in which the control rod positioned at the core center is not included (see FIGS. 5(a) and FIG. 6(b)). On the premise of the above grouping (classification) of control rods, the control rod pattern in a state of the objective rated power is divided into an A type control rod pattern and a B type control rod pattern. The A type control rod pattern is of, as shown in FIG. 4(a), a pattern in which the control rods which are inserted (or not fully withdrawn) in the state of the rated power all belong to the A group, i.e., a pattern of only those control rods arranged in the form of a checker board including the control rod at the core center. The B type control rod pattern is of, as shown in FIG. 4(b), a pattern in which the control rods which are inserted (or not fully withdrawn) in the state of the rated power all belong to the B group, i.e., a pattern of only those control rods arranged in the form of a checker board in which the control rod at the core center is not included. It will be noted that each box in FIG. 4 indicates one control rod and contains four fuel assemblies associated with that one control rod. The encircled numeral in the box stands for an amount of withdrawal of the control rod. Practically, the numeral 48 represents full withdrawal of the control rod and the numeral 0 represents no withdrawal, i.e., full insertion, of the control rod. Taking an example, the numeral 8 means that the control is withdrawn at a proportion of 8/48. Incidentally, the blank means 48, i.e., full withdrawal of the control rod. The A type sequence is to configure the A type control rod pattern at the start-up of reactors and other occasions, while the B type sequence is to configure the B type control rod pattern. Each of both the sequences is set to divide the control rods into finer groups than the A or B group so that the before-mentioned RWM rules may be followed to hold the reactivity worth of any withdrawn control rod below a certain reference value. More specifically, the A type sequence is set such that the B-group control rods are divided into four groups, i.e., groups 1 to 4, in such a manner that the control rods of the respective groups are evened in number and arrangement in order to follow the rules of the rod worth minimizer (RWM) 17 so that the reactivity worth of any withdrawn control rod may be held below a certain reference value, and the A-group control rods are divided into 18 groups, i.e., groups 5 to 22, each comprising one, four, eight or twelve control rods, in consideration of symmetry. FIG. 5 shows one example of the A type sequence. In FIG. 5, each box indicates one control rod and the numeral in each box represents the control rod group number as with FIG. 4. All the control rods belonging to the same control rod group number are always operated to position at the same axial level in a ganged manner. The control rod groups 1 to 4 each comprise, as shown in FIG. 5(a), a part of the control rods (the B-group control rods: about half the number of total control rods) which are arranged in the form of a checker board in which the control rod at the core center is not included, and the control rod groups 5 to 22 each comprise, as shown in FIG. 5(b), a part of the control rods (the A-group control rods: about half the number of total control rods) which are arranged in the form of a checker board including the control rod at the core center. The number of control rods for each of the groups 1 to 4 is about 1/8 of the total number of control rods and the control rods in each of the groups 1 to 4 are evenly arranged across the core. The reason is to cut down a time necessary for operating the control rods and hence a start-up time, as well as to follow the rules of the RWM 17 as stated above. Also, the B type sequence is set such that the A-group control rods are divided into four groups, i.e., groups 1 to 4, in such a manner that the control rods of the respective groups are evened in number and arrangement in order to follow the rules of the RWM 17 so that the reactivity worth of any withdrawn control rod may be held below the certain reference value, and the B-group control rods are divided into 18 groups, i.e., groups 5 to 22, each comprising two, four, eight or twelve control rods, in consideration of symmetry. FIG. 6 shows one example of the B type sequence. In FIG. 6, each box indicates one control rod and the numeral in each box represents the control rod group number as with FIG. 4. All the control rods belonging to the same control rod group number are always operated to position at the same axial level in a ganged manner. The control rod groups 1 to 4 each comprise, as shown in FIG. 6(a), a part of the control rods (the A-group control rods: about half the number of total control rods) which are arranged in the form of a checker board including the control rod at the core center, and the control rod groups 5 to 22 each comprise, as shown in FIG. 6(b), a part of the control rods (the B-group control rods: about half the number of total control rods) which are arranged in the form of a checker board in which the control rod at the core center is not included. The number of control rods for each of the groups 1 to 4 is about 1/8 of the total number of control rods and the control rods in each of the groups 1 to 4 are evenly arranged across the core for the same reason as that in the case of the A type sequence. The control rod pattern exchange sequence is a sequence for exchanging the control rod pattern between the A type control rod pattern and the B type control rod pattern in the state of the rated power, and it comprise a combination of the control rod group 5 to 22 for the A type sequence and the control rod group 5 to 22 for the B type sequence. FIG. 7 shows one example of the control rod pattern exchange sequence. In FIG. 7, each box indicates one control rod and the numeral in each box represents the control rod group number as with FIG. 4. All the control rods belonging to the same control rod group number are always operated to position at the same axial level in a ganged manner. The control rod groups 1 to 18 shown in FIG. 7(a) corresponds to the control rod group 5 to 22 for the A type sequence shown in FIG. 5(b), and the control rod groups 19 to 36 shown in FIG. 7(b) corresponds to the control rod group 5 to 22 for the B type sequence. Accordingly, the number of control rod in each of the control rod groups ranges from 1 to 12. The contents of practical data of the aforesaid three sequences stored in the storage 14 of the central processing unit 13, as well as the foregoing respective functions of the sequence select circuit 15, the rod worth minimizer 17, the gang control-rod select circuit 18 and the insert/withdraw select circuit 19 will be next described below in relation to the practical data. In the storage 14 of the central processing unit 13, there are stored the A type sequence, the B type sequence and the control rod pattern exchange sequence as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. In FIGS. 8 to 10, numerals in the left column each indicate the control rod group number and data in the right column are control rod coordinate values indicating radial positions of the control rods. Here, the radial position of each control rod in the core is defined by X - Y coordinate values. More specifically, in FIGS. 4 to 7, numerals arranged in the horizontal direction under the core are X coordinate values and numerals arranged in the vertical direction on the left side of the core are Y coordinate values. For example, the radial position of the control rod located at the bottom of FIG. 5(a) and belonging to the group 4 is expressed by coordinate values (30, 03). Using such a method of describing the position coordinate values, the storage 14 stores the control rod group numbers and the control rod coordinate values in correspondence to each other, such as the group number 1 of the A type sequence and the coordinate values (26, 55), (42, 55), (18, 47), (34, 47)..., for example. When the A type sequence is selected by the sequence select switch 12a, for example, the sequence select circuit 15 takes in the A type sequence which comprises the group numbers from the control rod group 1 to 22 and the control rod coordinate data corresponding to the respective group numbers as shown in FIG. 8. The rod worth minimizer 17 recognizes the correct control rod group number to be next operated based on both the A type sequence and the current control rod positions detected by the position sensors 6, and then determines whether the group number selected by the control rod group select switch 12b is in match with the correct group number, as explained before. When the group number selected by the control rod group select switch 12b is in match with the correct group number, or when the reactor power is above the set value of the rod worth minimizer 17, the gang control-rod select switch 18 takes in the data that have been taken in by the sequence select switch 15, and then extracts the coordinate value data corresponding to the group number as selected by the control rod group select switch 12b, followed by outputting the extracted data to the insert/withdraw select circuit 19. In accordance with the selection made via the insert/withdraw select switch 12c, the insert/withdraw select circuit 19 outputs a command signal to insert or withdraw the plurality of control rods associated with the coordinate value data selected by the gang control-rod select circuit 18 to the control rod drive controller 11. Operation of the control rod controlling system as previously constructed will be next described below. First, operation at the start-up of a reactor will be explained in connection with the case where the control rods are withdrawn to increase the reactor power and attain the A type control rod pattern as shown in FIG. 4(a). To begin with, the operator actuates the sequence select switch 12a and selects the A type sequence shown in FIG. 5. Upon receiving such a command from the sequence select switch 12a, the sequence select circuit 15 selects the A type sequence data shown in FIG. 8. Then, the operator actuates the control rod group select switch 12b and first selects "1" as the group number of control rods to be operated at the same time. Upon receiving such a command from the control rod group select switch 12b, the gang control-rod select circuit 18 selects the coordinate values, shown in FIG. 8, corresponding to the control rod group number 1 out of the A type sequence data. After that, the operator actuates the insert/withdraw select switch 12c and selects withdrawal of the control rods to be operated at the same time. Upon receiving such a command from the insert/withdraw select switch 12c, the insert/withdraw select circuit 19 selects withdrawal of the control rods belonging to the group 1 and shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 8. The control rods belonging to the group 1 and shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 8 are thereby fully withdrawn in a ganged manner. Subsequently, the above steps using the control rod group select switch 12b and the insert/withdraw select switch 12c are repeated for each of the control rod groups 2 to 4, to thereby fully withdraw the control rods in each of the groups 2 to 4 shown in FIG. 5(a) in a ganged manner. As a result, the control rods about half of total ones in the core are withdrawn in the form of a checker board while following the rules of the RWM 17. Here, the number of control rods for each of the groups 1 to 4 is about 1/8 of the total number of control rods in the core. By setting the number of ganged control rods in the groups 1 to 4 so large, the start-up time can be cut down. In the above process of withdrawing the control rods of the groups 1 to 4, when the reactor power is below the set value of the rod worth minimizer 17, i.e., 10 % -35 % of the rated power, the rod worth minimizer 17 functions such that even if the operator should select the incorrect control rod group number by mistake, withdrawal of the control rod belonging to that group is inhibited to hold the reactivity worth of any withdrawn control rod within a predetermined range. Then, the control rods of the groups 5 to 22 shown in FIG. 5(b) are withdrawn in a ganged manner by the operator actuating the control rod group select switch 12b and the insert/withdraw select switch 12c similarly to the above case. Consequently, the A type control rod pattern shown in FIG. 4(a) is obtained as a final objective pattern. In this withdrawing step, whichever control rods in the groups 5 to 22 are selected, the reactivity worth of any withdrawn control rod is held small because all the control rods adjacent thereto have already been withdrawn. Also, in order to configure the B type control rod pattern as shown in FIG. 4(b), the operator actuates the sequence select switch 12a and selects the B type sequence shown in FIG. 6. Upon receiving such a command from the sequence select switch 12a, the sequence select circuit 15 selects the B type sequence data shown in FIG. 9. After that, the control rods are withdrawn group by group in a ganged manner with the similar steps to those in the above case of selecting the A type sequence. Operation of exchanging the control rod pattern in the state of the rated power will be next described below by referring to FIG. 11. In FIG. 11, of the control rod pattern exchange sequence shown in FIG. 7, those control rod which are used to exchange the control rod pattern between the A type pattern of FIG. 4(a) and the B type pattern of FIG. 4(b) are indicated by fat lines surrounding the boxes. Reactors usually keep on operating for approximately one year, but the control rod pattern is required to be exchanged several times during the continued operation. Let it now be supposed that the control rod pattern is exchanged from the A type pattern of FIG. 4(a) to the B type pattern of FIG. 4(b). Such exchange of the control rod pattern is carried out by first inserting the control rod used in the B type pattern to lower a power level, and then withdrawing the control rods used in the A type pattern to raise the power level. With this embodiment, the above exchange of the control rod pattern is performed as follows. First, the operator actuates the sequence select switch 12a and selects the control rod pattern exchange sequence shown in FIG. 7. Upon receiving such a command from the sequence select switch 12a, the sequence select circuit 15 selects the control rod pattern exchange sequence data shown in FIG. 10. At this time, should the operation of selecting the control rod pattern exchange sequence is made when the reactor power is below the release power level (i.e., the set value) of the RWM 17, this selection would not be allowed under the function of the AND circuit 16. It is thus possible to avoid such a risk that adjacent control rods may be withdrawn in succession below the release power level of the RWM 17, which risk would otherwise occur upon selecting the control rod pattern exchange sequence, and also to follow the rules of the RWM 17. Then, the operator actuates the control rod group select switch 12b and the insert/withdraw select switch 12c to select the group number of control rods to be operated at the same time and insertion or withdrawal of those control rod, whereupon the gang control-rod select circuit 18 and the insert/withdraw select circuit 19 are operated to carry out the control pattern exchange from the A type pattern to the B type pattern. This pattern exchange from the A type pattern to the B type pattern corresponds, in FIG. 11, to steps of inserting the control rods of the group 32 from the fully withdrawn state to a position of 10 notches and the control rods of the group 34 from the fully withdrawn state to a position of 8 notches, and steps of fully withdrawing the inserted control rods of the group 18 (at 8 notches), the group 15 (at 10 notches) and the group 13 (at 12 notches). In this connection, since the control rods are operated above the release power level of the RWM 17, this operation of the control rod would not be inhibited by the RWM 17 even if the control rods of the groups 32 and 34 are all inserted at a time and the control rods of the groups 13, 15 and 18 are all withdrawn at a time. However, if insertion and withdrawal of the control rods are each carried out at a time a mentioned above, the reactor power would be too low and, for this reason, the following procedure is usually adopted. Specifically, the control rods are inserted and withdrawn in several steps such as inserting a part of the control rods to be inserted, withdrawing a part of the control rods to be withdrawn, inserting another part of the control rods to be inserted, withdrawing another part of the control rods to be withdrawn, and so on, in order that the reactor power will not be too low. For example, the control rods of the group 32 are inserted from 48 notches (i.e., the fully withdrawn state) to 24 notches, the control rods of the group 18 are withdrawn from 10 notches to 20 notches, the control rods of the group 32 are inserted again to 12 notches, the control rods of the group 15 are withdrawn from 10 notches to 18 notches, and so on. Such repeated operations can be easily implemented in this embodiment because the control rod pattern exchange sequence shown in FIG. 10 is stored beforehand. The reason why the operation of exchanging the control rod pattern is facilitated in this embodiment will be next described below with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. In FIG. 12, those control rods in the A type sequence of FIG. 5 which are utilized in the A type pattern and the B type pattern of FIG. 4 are indicated by fat lines surrounding the corresponding boxes. In FIG. 13, those control rods in the B type sequence of FIG. 6 which are utilized in the A type pattern and the B type pattern of FIG. 4 are indicated by fat lines surrounding the corresponding boxes. In existing boiling water reactors, with the control rods operated one by one, there are used two sequence data, i.e., the A type sequence (FIG. 5) and the B type sequence (FIG. 6), to follow the RWM rules at the start-up of the reactors. Usually, only one of the A type sequence and the B type sequence is stored in the storage of the central processing unit. Thus, the A type sequence is stored in the storage when the A type control rod pattern is to be configured, and the B type sequence is stored in the storage instead of the A type sequence when the B type control rod pattern is to be configured. Additionally, in the exchange of the control rod pattern, no sequence is required and the control rods are inserted or withdrawn one by one because the reactor power is above the set level at which the RWM is to be released. On the other hand, in the case of adopting the gang operation, there would occur the following problem in exchanging the control rod pattern if only the A type sequence and the B type sequence are used as exchange sequences. Let it now be assumed, for example, that the control rods of the group 32 shown in FIG. 11(b) are inserted from 48 notches to 24 notches in the exchange from the A type control rod pattern shown in FIG. 4(a) to the B type control rod pattern shown n FIG. 4(b) as with the above case. Since the group in match with the control rod group 32 shown in FIG. 11(b) is not present in the A type sequence of FIG. 12, the B type sequence of FIG. 13 is first selected and the control rod group 18 is then selected from the B type sequence of FIG. 13, followed by pushing the insert switch to insert the control rods of the group 18 until 24 notches. Here, if the A type sequence were selected, even those control rods which must be kept fully withdrawn would be inserted through the gang operation, as will be seen from FIG. 12(a), whichever one of the control rod groups 1 to 4 is selected. Next, let consider the operation of withdrawing the control rod group 18 shown in FIG. 11(a) from 10 notches to 20 notches. In this case, it will be found from FIG. 13(a) that the control rod group 18 shown in FIG. 11 belongs to the control rod group 1 in the B type sequence, but this group 1 includes other control rods which must be kept fully withdrawn. Accordingly, the operation is carried out by first selecting the A type sequence, selecting the control rod group 22 shown in FIG. 12(b), and then pushing the withdraw switch to withdraw it until 20 notches. Subsequently, the B type sequence is selected again. In this way, the A type sequence and the B type sequence are required to be alternately selected for each gang operation of the control rods. As explained above, when operating the control rods in a ganged manner, if only the A type sequence and the B type sequence are used as exchange sequences, selection of the sequence (A type or B type) which has not been needed in the existing scheme of operating the control rods one by one is required to be always made before starting the control rod operation. In the above process, the A type sequence is practically selected by storing the A type sequence in the storage of the central processing unit, and the B type sequence is also selected by storing the B type sequence in the storage. This means that each time the other sequence is selected, the sequence currently stored in the storage requires to be changed, resulting in the very complicated operation. On the other hand, control rods are quite important as means for controlling reactivity of reactors and required to have high reliability in operation. This necessitates that in the gang control-rod operation to operate a plurality of control rods at the same time, only those control rods which are designated as belonging to the same group are surely operated at the same time. In the gang controlrod operation to operate a plurality of control rods at the same time, therefore, whenever the stored sequence is changed, it is indispensable to confirm whether the newly stored sequence is correct, or whether any error has occurred. Alternate selection of the A type sequence and the B type sequence entails confirmation of the newly stored sequence whenever it is stored, which makes the operation more complicated and deteriorates the reliability. To the contrary, in this embodiment, the A type sequence (FIG. 5) and the B type sequence (FIG. 6) are utilized to follow the rules of the RWM system when the reactor power is low at the start-up of the reactor. In exchanging the control rod pattern, the control rod pattern exchange sequence (FIG. 6) is newly added in view of the fact that the reactor power is above a set level at which the rules of the RWM system is to be released. By first selecting the control rod pattern exchange sequence as an exchange sequence, further selection of the sequence is no longer required. This is because the control rod pattern exchange sequence includes all the control rod groups which are needed in the exchange operation of the control rod pattern, i.e., all the groups subsequent to the control rod group 5 in both the A type sequence and the B type sequence. Since these A type and B type sequences are previously stored in the storage 14 of the central processing unit 13, selection of the control rod pattern exchange sequence only requires the operator to actuate the sequence select switch 12a and select it. As a result, the operation of exchanging the control rod pattern is facilitated and high reliability is ensured in the gang control-rod operation. According to the present invention, as has been described above, since an operation sequence for the control rod pattern exchange is stored in advance in a gang control-rod controlling system for operating a plurality of control rods at the same time, it is possible to very easily carry out the operation of exchanging the control rod pattern and also to achieve high reliability while adopting the gang control-rod operation. In addition, should the operation of selecting the control rod pattern exchange sequence is made when the reactor power is below a set level at which the RWM is to be released, that selection would not be allowed, making it possible to avoid such a risk that adjacent control rods may be withdrawn in succession below the release power level of the RWM, and thus to ensure a high degree of safety.
	summary
	abstract	The invention refers to a fuel assembly comprising a lower end structure, an upper end structure including a top nozzle (5), a plurality of fuel rods and a plurality of guide thimbles (3). The top nozzle includes a passageway and an annular groove (10) in said passageway. A sleeve (11) is provided for attaching the guide thimble (3) to the top nozzle (5). The sleeve has at least three slots (12) and includes at least three bulges (13). Each bulge (13) has two ends and extends between two of the slots (12). At least one of the ends of the bulge (13) extends to a position at a distance (d) from the respective slot (12). The invention also refers to a guide thimble device (9) for use in a fuel assembly.
	abstract	A process is described for synthesizing a mixed peroxide or hydroxo-peroxide of an actinyl and at least one cation X1, wherein the actinyl is a uranyl or neptunyl and the at least one cation X1 is a di-, tri- or tetra-charged metal cation. This process includes the reaction in a solvent of a salt of the at least one cation X1 with a compound C2 selected from mixed peroxides and hydroxo-peroxides of the actinyl and of at least one singly charged cation X2, whereby compound C2 is converted to the peroxide or hydroxo-peroxide by replacement of the at least one cation X2 by said at least one cation X1. Also disclosed is a process for synthesizing a mixed oxide of an actinide selected from uranium and neptunium, and of at least one metal able to form a di-, tri- or tetra-charged cation, which implements the preceding synthesis process. The disclosure further relates to a mixed peroxide or hydroxo-peroxide of an actinyl and of at least one di-, tri- or tetra-charged metal cation, and the use thereof for the preparation of a mixed oxide of an actinide and of at least this metal.
052308600	summary	BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is generally related to nuclear reactor installations and more particularly to a reactor vessel cavity seal plate. 2. General Background Commercial nuclear reactor vessels are positioned inside a cavity of a reactor shield structure such that there is an annular space between the reactor vessel and the shield structure. The annular space has instruments positioned therein for monitoring reactivity, accommodates thermal expansion of the reactor during operations, and provides a path for air flow from the bottom of the reactor vessel. Prior to refueling the reactor, the upper portion of the annular space is flooded with borated water to provide neutron shielding while the reactor vessel head is removed. To protect instrumentation in the lower portion of the space it is necessary to install a seal plate over the space before the water is added. The inner diameter of the seal plate rests upon the reactor vessel flange and the outer diameter is bolted to the shield structure. After refueling is completed the borated water is drained from the space and the seal plate is removed and stored to allow air flow from below the reactor. During normal reactor operations the reactor vessel is subject to radial and axial thermal expansion. Seal plates currently in use for refueling operations can not be left installed around the reactor vessel and shield structure after refueling because they are unable to accommodate the thermal expansion of the reactor vessel. Attempts at developing a permanent seal plate that does not require removal after refueling have incorporated a bellows that would accommodate the thermal expansion of the reactor vessel. This has proven to be unacceptable because the bellows traps water after the space is drained. The trapped water must then be manually removed by plant personnel, resulting in increased exposure to personnel and additional equipment maintenance. Seal plates that can not be left installed around the reactor between refuelings also present the problem of requiring storage space during the interim between refuelings. From the above it can be seen that a need exists for a reactor vessel cavity seal plate that does not have to be removed between refuelings. Such a plate must accommodate thermal expansion of the reactor, provide the necessary liquid seal during refueling operations, provide access to monitoring instruments below the plate during reactor operations, and allow air flow from below the reactor. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention addresses the above needs in a straightforward manner. What is provided is a reactor vessel cavity seal plate that can be left in its installed position during normal reactor operations. An annular support plate formed from several sections has inner and outer spacer rings that respectively rest on the reactor vessel flange and the shield structure. A plurality of ports are provided in the support plate. A relatively thin annular seal rests upon the support plate and extends beyond the inner and outer diameter of the support plate. Inner and outer seal rings attached to the inner and outer diameter of the seal are respectively attached to the reactor vessel flange and the liner on the shield structure. The seal is provided with ports corresponding to those in the support plate. Mounting blocks on the seal receive cover plates that seal the ports during refueling operations. The support plate and seal move independently of one another. The reactor vessel flange slides under the inner spacer ring while the seal flexes and bows over the support plate during thermal expansion of the reactor vessel.
055263887	abstract	A debris resistant fuel rod sleeve that is received over the lower end of a fuel rod. The sleeve extends above the top of the lowermost spacer grid. Openings are spaced apart around the circumference of the sleeve to correspond to the location of hard stops in the spacer grid. The hard stops are received in the openings and retain the sleeves in position during operation and during reconstitution or recaging if necessary. The outboard side of the peripheral sleeves may be provided with top and bottom lead-in features to prevent hang-ups.
	description	FIG. 1 shows extremely schematically an analysis system 1 which essentially comprises four components: a neutron source 3, a xcex3 radiation detector 4 with evaluation electronics 5, shielding devices 9 and 10. Retaining and adjusting devices 6, 7, 12, and 13 have been left out of FIG. 1 for simplicity""s sake. Neutron source 3 is designed as a neutron generator in which a deuteron beam hits a deuterium-containing target 8, where it releases neutrons which are emitted from the target, essentially isotropically, with an energy of approx. 2.5 MeV. Due to the use of deuterium instead of the otherwise usual tritium, neutron source 3 contains no radioactive material. The emitted neutrons penetrate case 22 of an object 2 and are scattered inelastically by the atomic nuclei inside object 2 or, possibly after several scattering processes, absorbed. In both cases the atomic nuclei concerned emit characteristic xcex3 radiation in the range between 100 keV and approx. 11 MeV, which is detected by a xcex3 detector 4 (e.g. HPGe). Detector 4 is thermally coupled to a cooling system 11, which keeps it at approximately the temperature of liquid nitrogen. To keep direct xcex3 radiation or neutron radiation away from detector 4, shields 9 and 10 are positioned between source 3 and detector 4. They are made of tungsten blocks 9, which surround cadmium plates 10. Downline of detector 4 there is an electronic measurement and evaluation unit 5, which processes the signal received from detector 4 by energy dispersion turning them into a spectrum. Due to the use of fast amplifiers and ADC, counting losses are kept to a minimum. Electronic unit 5 can also include an evaluation computer which can then also control the pulse sequences of neutron generator 3. However, as an alternative, a portable (laptop) computer can be used at some distance from analyzer 1. FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the geometric arrangement of the components of analyzer 1. Neutron generator 3, detector 4 and a holder 7 for test object 2 are attached to a common frame 6. Adjusting devices 12 and 13 ensure that neutron source 3 and the detector 4 can be moved along several axes relative to object 2. This adjustment option permits optimization of the geometry of the arrangement with regard to signal strength and stray radiation. In addition, it can be adapted to different objects 2. Optionally, parts of shields 9 and 10 can also be adjustable or can be replaceable. Apart from the preferred materials tungsten and cadmium, lead and 6Li or a combination of polyethylene and boron can be used, for instance. Parts of the common frame 6, electronics unit 5 and cooling system 11 are accommodated in a housing 14. The number of nuclear reactions of an element depends on the neutron flux, the interaction cross sections of the element atomic nuclei and the concentrations in the substance being investigated. The interaction cross sections differ very much, not only from element to element, they also depend considerably on the neutron energy. Due to the large number of different interactions, mutual influencing and disturbances occur. A solution to the problem is the pulsed operation of the neutron generator and the recording of the xcex3 spectra in measurement windows during and after pulsed excitation. FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the measuring principle. The upper part shows a neutron pulse 100 between relative times 0 and t1, which is repeated periodically. Typical pulse lengths are in the region of several microseconds and the repetition times are a few milliseconds. The lower part shows the measurement windows 101 and 102, during which signals from the detector can be recorded. The first detection window 101 in the illustrated cycle coincides temporally with neutron pulse 100 in each case. Generally speaking, there is at least one temporal overlap range between time windows 100 and 101. The first measurement interval 101 is followed by one or more further measurement windows 102, which do not overlap temporally with neutron pulse 100. In the first measurement interval 101 it is chiefly xcex3 quanta which are detected due to inelastic neutron scattering. During the subsequent one 102 they are essentially detected by neutron capture when the neutron concerned has already been scattered inelastically. The energy windows for the respective xcex3 radiation to be detected can be selected accordingly, particularly if the presence of certain substances has to be specifically confirmed. FIG. 4 shows the spectrum of the mustard gas simulation substance obtained in this way and the characteristic xcex3 lines of hydrogen, sulfur and chlorine (2) which are identified by the identification software stored in the computer. The upper spectrum stems from the first measurement window 101 and is based on inelastic neutron scattering on sulfur nuclei and the lower one is from a further one 102. It is based on neutron capture by chlorine nuclei with subsequent emission of two characteristic lines. The wall thickness of the iron container 22 was 15 mm. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the characteristic peaks of arsenic (2) for lewisite (simulation mixture) and phosphor and fluorine (2) from sarin (simulation mixture) were identified, each in the first detection window 101. Here the wall thickness of the container was 10 mm steel in each case. These examples demonstrate in which way substance detection takes place. The presence or absence of key elements leads to typical patterns in the xcex3 spectrum. By analyzing certain energy regions of the xcex3 spectra the software can decide which substance is in the container. On the PC monitor, a graph shows the result of measurement and analytical calculations (FIG. 7). For each key element a bar is displayed which, when a threshold is exceeded, indicates that the element was detected. These identified elements are indicated on the top lines of the graph. At the same time, the substance determined thereby is stated. A special symbol at the top right-hand corner gives a warning if a chemical warfare agent was detected. Evaluation of the xcex3 spectra and indication of the results takes place during measurement. The data can be saved and therefore analysis can also be performed at any time after the current measurement.
040173577	abstract	A nuclear core arrangement for admitting reactor coolant into nuclear reactor fuel assemblies. Inlet nozzles having main and alternate inlets are attached to the fuel assemblies. Each of the nozzle inlets receive reactor coolant from a separate flow plenum. The flow plenums are arranged in parallel and are separated by a perforated sealing member. Should the main inlet to the fuel assembly become clogged by debris, the alternate inlet supplies the fuel assembly with reactor coolant.
	summary
	abstract	A system for radiographic tissue density evaluation includes a cassette for exposure to an X-ray source, where the cassette is configured to obtain information to perform intensity standardization of a captured radiographic image of a subject, a calibration bar with a predetermined radiographic signature on or within the cassette to serve as reference for performing the intensity standardization, and a software program to perform analysis on and to provide a display of the captured radiographic image. The cassette also includes a radio-opaque backing with a spatial homogenous X-ray radiographic signature used to estimate a source-detector geometrical inhomogeneity.
	description	The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional application No. 62/358,608 filed on Jul. 6, 2016 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The present disclosure relates generally to investigating the insides of a patient using an intra-lumen imaging capsule and more specifically to the radiation source for performing the investigation. One method for examining the gastrointestinal tract for the existence of polyps and other clinically relevant features that may provide an indication regarding the potential of cancer is performed by swallowing an imaging capsule that will travel through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and viewing the patient's situation internally. In a typical case the trip can take between 24-48 hours, after which the imaging capsule exits in the patient's feces. Generally the capsule will be surrounded by non-transparent liquids therefore a radioactive material is used to image the patient and not a visible light source. Typically the patient swallows a contrast agent to enhance the imaging ability of the imaging capsule. Then the patient swallows the imaging capsule to examine the gastrointestinal tract while flowing through the contrast agent. The imaging capsule typically includes a radiation source, for example including a radioisotope that emits X-rays or Gamma rays. The radiation is typically collimated to allow it to be controllably directed in a specific direction during the imaging process. In some cases the imaging capsule is designed to measure Compton back-scattering and/or X-ray florescence and wirelessly transmit the measurements (e.g. a count rate) to an external analysis device, for example a computer or other dedicated instruments. In a typical implementation a radio-opaque contrast agent is used so that a position with a polyp will have less contrast agent and will measure a larger back-scattering count to enhance accuracy of the measurements. Alternatively, other methods may be used to image the gastrointestinal tract. U.S. Pat. No. 7,787,926 to Kimchy, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes details related to the manufacture and use of such an imaging capsule. The radiation source used in the imaging capsule should preferably have a long half-life so that it does not need to be used immediately after preparation, rather there would be sufficient time to ship a few imaging capsules to a clinic and have them applied without urgency, for example within a few days before they expire. Generally a selected amount of radioactive material is placed in a radiation chamber in the imaging capsule. However since the radioactive material is generally a dense molecule it interferes with itself and blocks a large portion of the radiation from being emitted from the imaging capsule. Therefore it is desirable to have the radioactive material arranged differently in the radiation chamber to enhance the emission of radiation. An aspect of an embodiment of the disclosure relates to a system and method for separating an Osmium powder to serve as a radiation source for an intra-lumen imaging capsule. An Osmium powder is bombarded with a neutron flux forming a powder comprising various isotopes of Osmium and Iridium, for example Os 191 and Ir 192. A chemical process is used to separate between the Osmium and Iridium. In the chemical process the Osmium in the powder is oxidized into gaseous form. The oxidized Osmium is then captured into a trapping solution serving as a collection trap. Optionally, the gas may be transferred through multiple tubes serving as collection traps with the trapping solution to completely dissolve the gas. After dissolving the gas in the trapping solution can be collected and a reducing solution is added to the trapping solution to release the Osmium from the trapping solution. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the trapping solution may include chromic Oxide (CrO3) in a sulfuric acid solution or potassium permanganate (KMnO4) in a sulfuric acid solution. There is thus provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a method of separating Osmium from Iridium, comprising: Receiving a powdered mixture of Osmium and Iridium; Oxidizing the Osmium of the powdered mixture; Capturing the oxidized Osmium in a trapping solution; Reducing the oxidized Osmium from the solution to release the Osmium. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the oxidizing comprises placing the powder in a solution and heating the solution to transfer the oxidized Osmium to gaseous form. Optionally, the solution is heated to about 110° C. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the Osmium is oxidized using a chromic Oxide (CrO3) in a sulfuric acid solution. Optionally, the Osmium in the powder is oxidized by the following equation:3Os+4H2Cr2O7+12H2SO4→3OsO4↑+4Cr2(SO4)3+16H2O. Alternatively or additionally, the Osmium is oxidized using a potassium permanganate (KMnO4) in a sulfuric acid solution. Optionally, the Osmium in the powder is oxidized by the following equation:8KMnO4+12H2SO4+5Os=5OsO4+8MnSO4+4K2SO4+12H2O. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the method includes a side reaction having the following equation:4KMnO4+2H2SO4=4MnO2+2K2SO4+3O2+2H2O. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the oxidized Osmium is agitated by air or N2 passing through a system for performing the method. Optionally, the oxidized Osmium is trapped in a KOH solution in one or more sequential trapping stages; and wherein the Iridium remains dissolved in the solution that oxidized the Osmium. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the oxidized Osmium of the powder is trapped in the KOH solution forming a complex according the following formula:OsO4+2KOH→K2[OsO4(OH)2]. Optionally, the KOH solution has between 10% to 25% KOH. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a Sodium Hydrosulfide solution is added to the KOH solution to precipitate the Osmium as Osmium disulfide (OsS2). Optionally, the Osmium is precipitated according to the following equations:NaHS+2KOH(Excess)→K2S+H2O+NaOH2K2[OsO4(OH)2]+5K2S+4H2O→2OsS2↓+12KOH+K2SO4. There is further provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a system for separating Osmium from Iridium comprising: Test tubes; Tubing for connecting between the test tubes; Wherein said test tubes and tubing are configured to perform a method of separating Osmium from Iridium, comprising: Receiving a powdered mixture of Osmium and Iridium; Oxidizing the Osmium of the powdered mixture; Capturing the oxidized Osmium in a trapping solution; Reducing the oxidized Osmium from the solution to release the Osmium. FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an imaging capsule 100 with a radioactive material 130. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the imaging capsule includes a radiation chamber 110 for placing the radioactive material 130. Optionally, radiation chamber 110 is designed with openings having collimators 120 extending therefrom so that the radiation will be emitted through the collimators to image the surroundings of imaging capsule 100. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the radiation material 130 is composed from a radioisotope such as Os191, W181, Hg197, Tl201, Pt195m or other radioisotopes with a half life time of at least 2-3 days and having specific activity strong enough to image inside the user. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the radioisotope is processed as described below so that small amounts of the radioisotope will be surrounded by light material that will maximize efficiency by reducing blocking emission of X-rays and Gama-rays from the radioactive material. In contrast using a radiation material 130 with a highly concentrated radioisotope consistency is less cost efficient since a lot of the radiation will be blocked by the material itself. In some embodiments of the disclosure, Osmium 191 (Os 191) is used as the radioisotope for preparing a radioactive substance (e.g. in powder form) that will be used to form radioactive material 130 for use in imaging capsule 100. Os191 has a half life of about 15.4 days making it attractive for use in radioactive material 130. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method 200 of preparing the radioactive substance (e.g. OsS2 powder from enriched or non-enriched Osmium), according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, enriched Osmium 190 (e.g. 92% or more enriched) is received (210) for preparing the radioactive substance. Optionally, the enriched Osmium is activated (220) in a nuclear reactor, for example by bombarding the Os 190 with an appropriate thermal neutron flux, for example of the order of 1E14 n/cm2 per second to 5E15 n/cm2 per second. Optionally, the activation is performed for a period of a few hours to a few hundred hours to prepare a sufficient amount of radioactive material Os191 with sufficient specific activity, for example between 10 mCi/mg to 100 mCi/mg. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the results from the activation process include Osmium 190 (non activated), Osmium 191 and Iridium 192. Optionally, a chemical process is applied (240) to form a powder based on the Osmium molecules (of all isotopes e.g. 190, 191) and to discard the Iridium. Alternatively or additionally, an isotope separation process (230) is applied to the results of the activation process, separating between all the isotopes including between Iridium and Osmium. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the isotope separation process is applied first and renders the chemical process superfluous. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the chemical process is applied first. Optionally, the chemical process (240) includes heating the radioactive mixture resulting from the activation process, provided as a powder, to about 200 degrees centigrade or higher in air to release an OsO4 gas. Alternatively, the mixture is mixed with concentrated HNO3 or H2SO4 and heated to release the OsO4 gas. Alternative strong chemical oxidation systems can be used to oxidize the radioactive mixture and release the OsO4 gas. Non-limiting examples of suitable oxidizing agents include the Chromic oxide—CrO3, Potassium Permanganate—KMnO4 and the Hydrogen peroxide—H2O2 in Sulfuric acid—H2SO4 acidic solutions. Mixing and gradual heating of the radioactive mixture in these acidic solutions convert efficiently the osmium metal powder to the osmium tetra oxide gas required for the osmium separation as described below in exemplary chemical processes. Further alternatively, one part Osmium powder is fused with four parts KNO3 and four parts KOH at 350 to 500 degrees centigrade and dissolved in water to give K2[OsO4(OH)2] in an aqueous solution (with some Iridium radioisotope (Ir192) impurity in the solution). Optionally, HNO3 or H2SO4 is added to neutralize the solution. The solution is heated to 50-60 degrees centigrade and OsO4 is released in the process by passing an inert gas such as Argon in the solution. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, an OsS2 powder is then prepared (250) by having the OsO4 gas cold trapped in a KOH solution forming K2[OsO4(OH)2], which now has no Iridium impurities. Optionally, by adding NaHS, OsS2 precipitate can be separated and dried. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the resulting OsS2 powder is used as the radioisotope for production of the radioactive material 130 to be placed in radiation chamber 110 of imaging capsule 100. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the isotope separation process (230) is applied to separate between Os191 and Os190 when it is in gas form as OsO4 before being trapped by the KOH solution. Optionally, the isotope separation process (230) can be by laser isotope separation, electromagnetic isotope separation diffusion isotope separation, SILEX isotope separation, centrifugal isotope separation or any other know method of isotope separation. Optionally, when performing isotope separation, OsF6 can be used instead of OsO4. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, once the Osmium isotopes have been separated the same process (250) for producing OsS2 powder is applied. However the advantage in separating the isotopes is that the OsS2 powder can be selected to be prepared entirely with the enriched Os191 molecules instead of having both Os190 and OS191 wherein the Os191 typically constitutes only a small percent of the Osmium molecules in the OsS2 powder, for example about 0.1-1 percent. Optionally, the specific activity of the isotope separated OsS2 powder is approximately 100-1000 times higher (e.g. 10 mCi/μg to 100 mCi/μg) so that less powder can be used to achieve the same level of radiation. Accordingly, less of radioactive material 130 can be used as the radioactivity is more concentrated, so the size and weight of elements of imaging capsule 100 (e.g. the collimator) can be reduced. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, non-enriched Osmium can be received (210), for example a mixture of Os188, Os189, Os190 (e.g. about 26% Os190—as in its natural abundance) and all other isotope of Osmium. Optionally, the mixture is activated (220) in a nuclear reactor by bombarding it with an appropriate thermal neutron flux. After activating the mixture the isotopes are separated by a separation process (230) such as laser isotope separation, electromagnetic isotope separation diffusion isotope separation, SILEX isotope separation, centrifugal isotope separation or any other know method of isotope separation. Optionally, the separation process will separate between Os191 from all other Osmium isotopes by transforming it into a gas form such as OsO4 or OsF6. Afterwards the radioactive Os191 is trapped by a KOH solution and the process described above is applied to prepare (250) an OsO2 powder from the Os191 molecules. Since Os191 is used, the specific activity of the powder is about 100-1000 times higher (e.g. 10 mCi/μg to 100 mCi/μg) than by preparing the powder from non-separated Os190 and Os191. Accordingly, a few micrograms of OsO2 are sufficient to give the required activity per source. Accordingly, the initial Osmium molecules received (210) may be non-enriched or enriched. Optionally, preparation of the radioactive substance for use in preparing radioactive material 130 may be by using a chemical separation process (240), an isotope separation process (230) or a combination of both. Optionally, the use of isotope separation process (230) is generally more costly but will provide in the end a radioactive material 130 that is more homogenous and with considerably reduced self absorption relative to a radioactive material 130 prepared by only using a chemical separation process without isotope separation. Optionally, after preparing a radioactive substance (e.g. OsO2 powder) from the received material, a preparation process (300) will be applied to prepare radioactive material 130 having a desired form to serve as the radiation source in imaging capsule 100 from the radioactive substance. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of method (300) of preparing radioactive material 130 for use as a radiation source in imaging capsule 100. In some embodiments of the disclosure, other materials can be used to prepare a radioactive substance that can then be converted into the required form to serve as radioactive material 130. In some embodiments of the disclosure, enriched Tungsten (W180) with e.g. more than about 92% isotopic enrichment is activated in a nuclear reactor. Optionally, the Tungsten is placed in a thermal neutron flux of the order of about 1E14 n/cm2 per second to 5E15 n/cm2 per second for a period of a few hours to a few hundred hours to achieve sufficient specific activity, for example 10 mCi/mg to 100 mCi/mg of W181. Optionally, the W181 with a half life of about 121 days is provided as a powder that can serve as the radioactive substance for applying preparation process (300) to prepare radioactive material 130. In some embodiments of the disclosure, enriched Mercury (Hg196) with e.g. more than about 92% isotopic enrichment is activated in a nuclear reactor. Optionally, the Mercury is placed in a thermal neutron flux of the order of about 1E14 n/cm2 per second to 5E15 n/cm2 per second for a period of a few hours to a few hundred hours to achieve sufficient specific activity, for example 10 mCi/mg to 100 mCi/mg of Hg197. Optionally, the Hg197 with a half life of about 64 hours is provided as a powder that can serve as the radioactive substance for applying preparation process (300) to prepare radioactive material 130. In some embodiments of the disclosure, Platinum (Pt195m) with specific activity, for example 10 mCi/mg to 100 mCi/mg is produced to serve as the radiation source for imaging capsule 100. Pt195m has a half life of about 4 days. Optionally, the Pt195 is provided as a powder to serve as the radioactive substance for applying preparation process (300) to prepare radioactive material 130. In some embodiments of the disclosure, Thallium (Tl201) with a half life of about 3 days is produced using a cyclotron. Optionally, the Tl201 is provided as a powder to serve as the radioactive substance for applying preparation process (300) to prepare radioactive material 130. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the method (300) of preparing one of the radioactive substances described above or other radioactive substances for use as the radioactive material 130 in imaging capsule 100 includes: 1. Receiving the radioactive substance (310) optionally in powder form; 2. Applying one of the following three options to form a solid radiation material with grains of the radioactive substance essentially homogenously dispersed in the resulting solid and wherein the rest of the solid is made up from a less-dense material with lower radiation absorption, so that the radiation emitted by the radioactive grains will flow freely from radioactive material 130: (I) Mixing (320) the radioactive powder with a binder polymer, for example EPO-TEK 301 that is manufactured by Epoxy Technology INC from Massachusetts U.S.A. Optionally, the mixture is placed in a small container with low absorption of X-ray and Gamma radiation (e.g. a plastic or aluminum container) to form a small pellet. The binder polymer is allowed to cure (330) slowly (e.g. with a low heat source) while keeping the pellet continuously and/or randomly rotating in 3 orthogonal axis to maintain uniform distribution of the heavy radioactive substance powder, so that it won't sink to one side. Optionally, the resulting small pellet serves as radioactive material 130 in imaging capsule 100. The pellet is then placed (395) in radiation chamber 110 to serve as radiation material 130. (II) Mixing the radioactive powder with a low radiation absorbing polymeric paste, for example the denture silicone impression material elite HD+ manufactured by Zhermack from Italy. Either the base part, the accelerator part or their mixture can be used. Optionally, the paste mixture is placed in a small container (e.g. plastic or aluminum) and sealed with a polymer binder such as EPO-TEK 301 or other adhesive material to form a small radioactive source. The small source is then placed (395) in radiation chamber 110 to serve as radiation material 130. (III) Mixing (340) the radioactive powder with a low radiation absorbing powder, for example aluminum powder and/or a ceramic binder. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the mixture is sintered (350) into a small pellet. Optionally, the small pellet is dipped (360) in a polymer binder such as EPO-TEK 301 or other adhesive material to prevent crumbling of the pellet. The pellet is then cured (e.g. with a low heat source) and placed (395) in radiation chamber 110 to serve as radiation material 130. (IV) Form (370) a pellet from activated carbon. Optionally, prepare (380) a liquid solution from the radioactive substance powder, and then immerse (390) the pellet in the liquid solution, so that the activated carbon absorbs the radioactive material homogeneously in the pellet. Optionally, the pellet is dipped (360) in a polymer binder such as EPO-TEK 301 or other adhesive material to form a film around the pellet and prevent crumbling of the pellet. The pellet is then cured (e.g. with a low heat source) and placed (395) in radiation chamber 110 to serve as radiation material 130. Exemplary Chemical Processes: In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, purification of the osmium radioisotopes involves the oxidation of the osmium metal activated powder and distillation of the formed volatile OsO4 gas, capturing the OsO4 gas in a trapping solution and subsequent recovery of the osmium by reducing the captured osmium solution. Optionally, a strong oxidation agent such as chromic oxide (CrO3) and potassium permanganate (KMnO4) in a sulfuric acid solution are used as efficient oxidation systems for this process. Following is a description of Os purification from a mixture of Os and Ir in response to the outcome of the neutron activation described above, using a chromic oxide or a potassium permanganate solution. Typically, Iridium radiates with high energies that may be harmful to the user, therefore it is desirable to form the radioactive pellet only from Osmium without Iridium. In a first embodiment Chromic Oxide is used to oxidize the powder. FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary system 400 for performing a chemical separation process, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, an aluminum block heater 410 (e.g. regulated by a digital temperature controller) can be used for heating an oxidation mixture 405 to enhance oxidation. Optionally, tubes 415 and joints 420 made for example from silicon or glass can be used to connect a test tube 425 to a first collection trap 435. Likewise glass or silicon rubber tubing 415 can be used to connect a second collection trap 445 and a third collection trap 455. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the reaction mixture is agitated by N2 gas or air passing through the system to help force the oxidized Osmium into the collection traps (435, 445, 455). In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, test tube 425 initially receives the Osmium and Iridium powder mixture. Responsive to the solution and the heating the Osmium is released as a gas to the collection traps (435, 445, 455) and the Iridium remains in test tube 425. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, 21 mg (0.11 mmol) of Osmium (Aldrich) and 1.8 mg (1*10−5 mol) of Iridium (Aldrich) powders were placed inside a 50 mm diameter test tube 425 (15 cm effective length) fitted with a B45/40 ground glass joint 420. This was placed inside the aluminum block heater 410. The Osmium and Iridium powder mixture was added to the oxidation solution 405 that contains 1.8 gr (18 mmol) of CrO3 and 135 ml of 25% H2SO4. The reaction mixture was gradually heated to about 110° C. The reaction mixture was agitated by air passing through the system 400. The air flow was regulated at 30 cc/min using a calibrated flow meter fitted with a needle-valve. Under acidic conditions the CrO3 equilibrates to H2Cr2O7 (bi chromic acid) according to the following equation.2CrO3+H2O+H+=H2Cr2O7 The Osmium is oxidized by bi-chromic acid to osmium tetroxide according to the following equation:3Os+4H2Cr2O7+12H2SO4→3OsO4↑+4Cr2(SO4)3+16H2O The osmium tetroxide is a volatile gas and was trapped in about 250 ml of about 25% KOH solution (or between 10% to 25%) to form a yellow complex according to the next equation:OsO4+2KOH→K2[OsO4(OH)2] Since iridium oxide, IrO2, is not volatile under these conditions, it remained dissolved or precipitated inside the test tube 425:3Ir+2H2Cr2O7+6H2SO4→2Cr2(SO4)3+3IrO2+8H2O The completion of the reaction (after the oxidized Osmium is captured by one or more collection traps e.g. 435, 445 and 455) can be determined by the absence of any yellow color in a freshly replaced KOH solution. Optionally, the first collection trap 435 and/or other collection traps (e.g. 445, 455) are cooled, for example by submerging the collection trap 435 in a basin 460 filled with ice to help dissolve the oxidized Osmium. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, an activated charcoal filter 465 may be used as an outlet of the system to release the air or N2 gas but prevent uncontrolled release of Osmium or other impurities. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, after dissolving the oxidized osmium in the KOH solution, the KOH solution is collected to recover the Osmium. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, 120 ml of 10% Sodium Hydrosulfide solution is added to the Osmium complex in KOH in order to precipitate the osmium as osmium disulfide:NaHS+2KOH(Excess)→K2S+H2O+NaOH2K2[OsO4(OH)2]+5K2S+4H2O→2OsS2↓+12KOH+K2SO4 A very fine black solid was formed immediately which was allowed to precipitate and coagulate over night before separation. This precipitate was too fine for filtration so the suspension was centrifuged in glass tubes. The solid was washed 5 times with water (until pH˜7) and then dried in a vacuum oven (80° C./20 mbar/16 h) to yield ˜21.3 mg (0.084 mmol) of Osmium di sulfide which represents 76% overall Osmium yield. In the reaction tube, the excess of H2Cr2O7 was neutralized by the addition of Na2SO3 aqueous solution:H2Cr2O7+3H2SO4+3Na2SO3→Cr2(SO4)3+4H2O+3Na2SO4 IrO2 also can react with Na2SO3 giving Ir metal backIrO2+2Na2SO3→Ir↓+2Na2SO4 The Ir was filtered out from the green solution of chromium sulfate yielding traces of metal. In a second embodiment potassium permanganate is used to oxidize the powder. Optionally, the same experimental setup as with the chromic oxide method can be used. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, 22.6 mg (0.119 mmol) of Osmium (Aldrich) and 2.7 mg (0.014 mmol) Iridium powders were placed inside a 50 mm diameter test tube 425 (15 cm effective length) fitted with a B45/40 ground glass joint 420. The test tube 425 was placed inside the aluminum block heater 410. The Osmium and Iridium powder mixture was added to the oxidation solution 405 that contains 4.2 gr (26 mmol) of KMnO4 and 135 ml of 25% H2SO4. The reaction mixture was gradually heated to 110° C. The reaction mixture was agitated by N2 gas passing through the system. The N2 flow was regulated at 30 cc/min using a calibrated flow meter fitted with a needle-valve. The Osmium is oxidized by potassium permanganate to osmium tetroxide according to the following equation:8KMnO4+12H2SO4+5Os=5OsO4+8MnSO4+4K2SO4+12H2OPossible side reaction4KMnO4+2 H2SO4=4MnO2+2+K2SO4+3O2+2H2O The osmium tetroxide is a volatile gas and was trapped in about 100 ml of 10% KOH solution (or between 10% to 25%) to form a yellow complex according to the next equation:OsO4+2KOH→K2[OsO4(OH)2] Since iridium oxide, IrO2, is said not to be volatile under these conditions, it remained dissolved or precipitated inside the test tube. The completion of the reaction was determined by the absence of any yellow color in a freshly replaced KOH solution. 2.5 ml of 10% Sodium Hydrosulfide (NaHS) solution was added to the Osmium complex in the KOH trap in order to precipitate the osmium as osmium disulfide:NaHS+2KOH(Excess)→K2S+H2O+NaOH2K2[OsO4(OH)2]+5K2S+4H2O→2OsS2↓+12KOH+K2SO4 A very fine black solid was formed immediately which was allowed to precipitate and coagulate over night before separation. This precipitate was centrifuged in glass tubes and washed 5 times with water (until pH˜7) and then dried in a vacuum oven (60° C./20 mbar/48 h). The process yield was ˜75%. To the reaction tube containing the excess of permanganate acidic solution with the formed black MnO2 precipitate and the IrO2 left, Na2SO3 aqueous solution was added. Reduction of MnO2 to MnSO4 is occurred and the undissolved residue was determined to be the left Ir (IrO2) behind. It should be appreciated that the above described methods and apparatus may be varied in many ways, including omitting or adding steps, changing the order of steps and the type of devices used. It should be appreciated that different features may be combined in different ways. In particular, not all the features shown above in a particular embodiment are necessary in every embodiment of the disclosure. Further combinations of the above features are also considered to be within the scope of some embodiments of the disclosure. It will also be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove.
	abstract	The radiation shielding composition and method of the present invention relate to a conformal coating material composed of a matrix of densely packed radiation shielding particles, which are disbursed within a binder. The shielding composition is applied to objects to be protected such as integrated circuits, or to packages therefor, as well as for protecting animals including humans from unwanted exposure to radiation in outer space or other environments.
	description	1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to methods for evaluating nuclear power core operation, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for determining the safety limit minimum critical power ratio (SLMCPR). 2. Related Art A Boiling Water Nuclear Reactor (BWR) generates power from a controlled nuclear fission reaction. As shown in FIG. 1, a simplified BWR includes a reactor chamber 101 that contains a nuclear fuel core and water. Generated steam is transferred through pipe 102 to turbine 103, where electric power is generated, then water returns to the core through pipe 104. As shown in FIG. 2, the core 201 is made of approximately five hundred (500) bundles 202 of fuel rods arranged in a specific manner within the reactor core. As shown in FIG. 3, each bundle 301 contains roughly one hundred (100) fuel rods 302. Water in the core surrounds the rods. Heat generated by a nuclear reaction is transferred from the rods to the water circulating through the core, boiling some of the water. The heat generated in the core is carefully controlled to maintain safe and efficient reactor operations. In a Boiling Water Nuclear Reactor there are basically three modes of heat transfer that must be considered in defining thermal limits for the reactor: (i) Nucleate boiling, (ii) transition boiling and (iii) film boiling. “Nucleate boiling” is the preferred efficient mode of heat transfer in which the BWR is designed to operate. “Transition boiling” is manifested by an unstable fuel rod cladding surface temperature which rises suddenly as steam blanketing of the heat transfer surface on the rod occurs, then drops to the nucleate boiling temperature as the steam blanket is swept away by the coolant flow, and then rises again. At still higher fuel rod/bundle operating powers, “film boiling” occurs resulting in higher fuel rod cladding temperatures. The cladding temperature in film boiling, and possibly the temperature peaks in transition boiling, may reach values which could cause weakening of the rod cladding and accelerated corrosion. Fuel rod overheating is conservatively defined as the onset of the transition from nucleate boiling to film boiling. The conventional basis for reactor core and fuel rod design is defined such that some “margin,” accommodating various design and operational “uncertainties,” is maintained between the most limiting operating condition and the transition boiling condition at all times for the life of the core. The onset of transition boiling can be predicted by a correlation to the steam quality at which boiling transition occurs-called the “critical quality.” Steam quality can be readily measured and is generally a function of measuring distance above the boiling boundary (boiling length) for any given mass flow rate, power level, pressure and bundle flow geometry among other factors. A “critical power” is defined as that bundle power which would produce the critical quality of steam. Accordingly, a “critical power ratio” (CPR) is defined as the ratio of the critical power to the bundle operating power at the reactor condition of interest. CPR is descriptive of the relationship between normal operating conditions and conditions which produce a boiling transition. CPR is conventionally used to rate reactor design and operation. To assure a safe and efficient operation of the reactor, the CPR is kept above a prescribed value for all of the fuel assemblies in the core. Reactor operating limits are conventionally defined in terms of the most limiting fuel bundle assembly in the core—defined as the “minimum critical power ratio” (MCPR). Reactor operating limits are often stated in terms of MCPR. In nuclear power generation engineering, it is widely recognized that there is a possibility, however small, that the occurrence of a reactor transient event combined with the various “uncertainties” and tolerances inherent in reactor design and operation may cause transition boiling to exist locally at a fuel rod for some period of time. Accordingly, MCPR operating limits are conventionally set in accordance with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) design basis requirement that transients caused by a single operator error or a single equipment malfunction shall be limited such that, taking into consideration uncertainties in the core operating state, more than 99.9% of the fuel rods are expected to avoid boiling transition during that error or malfunction. A safety limit minimum critical power ratio (SLMCPR) defined under current USNRC requirements as the MCPR where no more than 0.1% of the fuel rods are subject to boiling transition (also known as NRSBT for Number of Rods Subject to Boiling Transition). The corresponding OLMCPR describes the core operating conditions such that the MCPR is not lower than the SLMCPR to a certain statistical confidence. i. An Ideal Approach In principle, the OLMCPR could be calculated directly such that for the limiting anticipated operational occurrence (AOO), less than 0.1% of the rods in the core would be expected to experience boiling transition. This approach is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,912,933, by Shaug et at. The process involved is shown in FIG. 4, which depicts histogram 400 of rod CPR values 401 versus number of rods 402 at the specific CPR value. While the CPR value is usually associated with a fuel bundle, it actually refers to the limiting rod in a bundle. Each rod in the bundle has a CPR value is determined by the local power distribution and relative position of the rod within the bundle (R-factor). The lowest CPR of any one rod in the bundle is used to characterize the CPR for the entire bundle. The CPR 401 for a given rod has an associated probability distribution function (PDF) which reflects the uncertainties in its determination. The PDF may be determined experimentally and is shown as an Experimental Critical Power Ratio (ECPR) distribution 410. Thus, if a nominal CPR value (411) is 1.0, then the PDF 410 of probable actual CPR values range from 0.90 to 1.10. The variability in the rod CPR values is due to uncertainties in the initial rod condition, i.e., uncertainties in the measurements of parameters at the reactor operating state (core power) and in the modeling of derived parameters (power distribution). To take the effect of a transient event on the CPR values into account, a safety margin is introduced to CPR values by shifting the acceptable nominal CPR value 405 for the lowest rod CPR to a larger CPR value, i.e., 1.25. The ECPR histogram distribution 403 for the lowest CPR rod is thus shifted such that the entire CPR histogram is above a CPR value of 1.20, and well above a CPR value of 1.0. Moreover, the nominal CPR values 407 for rods other than the lowest CPR rod are above the nominal CPR value, e.g., 1.25, of the lowest CPR rod. During a transient in rod operation, the histogram 407 of rod CPRs shifts to the left to lower CPR values, resulting in the histogram 408. With this shift, the “nominal” CPR value 406 during the transient is at the point, e.g., 1.05, where the minimum CPR value is reached during the transient. The limiting rod will have an associated PDF 404, which includes both the uncertainties in the initial rod conditions and “transient uncertainties.” The maximum change in critical power ratio during the transient (ΔCPR 409) includes uncertainties in the modeling of the transient, both the physical models and plant parameters. Ideally, this transient ΔCPR 409 and associated OLMCPR would be generated as shown in FIG. 5, and described as follows: Step 1: Assume a set of base core operating conditions using the parameters to run the plant that generates a core MCPR equal to the OLMCPR, as shown by block 501. Step 2: Using the parameters, such as core power, core flow, core pressure and others, that predict a general bundle CPR set forth in block 506, determine the MCPR for each bundle in the core, as shown by block 502. Step 3: Using the parameters, such as rod placement within each bundle and rod power, that change each bundle CPR into individual rod CPR values set forth in block 507, determine the MCPR for each rod in the core, as shown by block 503. Step 4: Using the ECPR probability distribution, generated by Equations 1 and 2, set forth in block 508, determine the percentage of NRSBT in the core by summing the probabilities of each rod in the core that is subject to boiling transition, as shown by block 504. This summation is shown by Equation 3. ECPR = ( CriticalPower ⁢ ⁢ Predicted ⁢ ⁢ by ⁢ ⁢ Correlation ) ( Measured ⁢ ⁢ CriticalPower ) ( Equation ⁢ ⁢ 1 ) P i = P ⁡ ( z i ) = 1 2 ⁢ π ⁢ ∫ z i ∞ ⁢ ⅇ - 1 2 ⁢ u 2 ⁢ ⁢ ⅆ u ( Equation ⁢ ⁢ 2 ) NRSTB ⁡ ( % ) = 100 N rod × ∑ i = 1 N rod ⁢ [ P i × ( 1 ⁢ ⁢ Rod ) ] ( Equation ⁢ ⁢ 3 ) Step 5: Vary the parameters set forth in blocks 506 and 507 for a set number of Monte Carlo statistical trials, as shown by block 505. Compile the statistics from all the trials from steps 2 through 4 to generate a probability distribution of NRSBT. Step 6: Compare the value of NRSBT percentage to 0.1%, as shown in block 509. If the percentage is greater than 0.1%, reset the core parameters to different initial conditions in order to comply with the USNRC regulations, as shown in block 510. Similar to Step 1 and block 501, the new initial conditions are assumed to generate an OLMCPR. The determination of NRSBT restarts and loops until the value of NRSBT is equal to 0.1%. Similarly, if the percentage is less than 0.1%, the core parameters are reset to increase the value of NRSBT in order to operate the core more efficiently or with fewer effluents. Step 7: If the percentage of NRSBT equals 0.1%, the assumed value of OLMCPR, which equals core MCPR, complies with the USNRC regulations, as shown by block 511. Accordingly, the operating core conditions are set as the assumed parameters. Because of the computational difficulties and the need to evolve efficient algorithms, the ideal process outlined above has not been followed. The currently approved process and the new approach to determining the OLMCPR are described in the following sections. ii. The USNRC Approved Approach In the current process, the OLMCPR determination is divided into primarily two steps, as shown by FIG. 6. Using a process similar to the ideal process, first the SLMCPR is determined so that less than 0.1% of the rods in the core will be expected to experience boiling transition at this value. In other words, 99.9% of the fuel rods in the core will be expected to avoid boiling transition if the MCPR in the core is greater than SLMCPR. Second, the OLMCPR is then established by summing the maximum change in MCPR (ΔCPR95/95) expected from the most limiting transient event and the SLMCPR. Since FIG. 6 is similar to the FIG. 4, only a brief description of its components follows. Histogram 600 shows the number of rods at a specific CPR value 602 versus the corresponding CPR value 601. The histogram 608 results with the lowest CPR rod 607 at a value of, e.g., 1.05, which equals the SLMCPR 603. Limiting rod distribution 606 shows the uncertainty in determination of the limiting CPR rod 607. Similar to the ideal process, the SLMCPR 603 is determined when the percentage of NRSBT is equal to 0.1%. However, unlike the ideal process, the current process is unable to fully predict and measure certain parameters, such as the power distribution within each bundle and the power distribution along each rod. Thus, the uncertainties in calculating the SLMCPR do not allow equating the OLMCPR with the SLMCPR. Accordingly, an error factor, ΔCPR95/95 605, is linearly added to the SLMCPR 603 to determine the OLMCPR 609. ΔCPR95/95 605 conservatively corrects for the inherent limitations in the calculation of the SLMCPR 603. Using the currently approved process, the OLMCPR 609 is generated as shown in FIG. 7, and described as follows: Step 1: Assume a set of base core operating conditions using the parameters to run the plant generates a core MCPR equal to the SLMCPR as shown by block 701. Step 2: Using the parameters, such as core power, core flow, core pressure, bundle power and others, that predict a general bundle CPR set forth in block 706, determine the MCPR for each bundle in the core as shown by block 702. This process step has large uncertainties in predicting the bundle power, biasing the calculations. Step 3: Using the parameters, such as rod placement within each bundle and rod power, which change each bundle CPR into individual rod CPR values set forth in block 707, determine the MCPR for each rod in the core, as shown by block 703. Individual rod power is difficult to measure; combining that uncertainty with bundle power distribution uncertainty serves to increase the uncertainty in practical calculations of the SLMCPR. Step 4: Using the ECPR probability distribution set forth in block 708, generated by Equations 1 and 2 shown above, determine the percentage of NRSBT in the core by summing the probabilities of each rod in the core that is subject to boiling transition, as shown by block 704. This summation is performed using Equation 3, shown above. Step 5: Vary the parameters set forth in blocks 706 and 707 for a set number of Monte Carlo statistical trials, as shown by block 705. Compile the statistics from all the trials from steps 2 through 4 to generate a probability distribution of NRSBT. Step 6: Compare the value of percentage of NRSBT to 0.1%, as shown in block 709. If the percentage is greater than 0.1%, reset the core parameters to different initial conditions in order to comply with the USNRC regulations, as shown in block 710. Similar to Step 1 and block 701, the new initial conditions are assumed to generate the SLMCPR. The determination of NRSBT loops until the value of NRSBT is equal to 0.1%. Similarly, if the percentage is less than 0.1%, the core parameters are reset to increase the value of NRSBT in order to operate the core more efficiently. Step 7: If the percentage of NRSBT equals 0.1%, the assumed value of SLMCPR, which equals core MCPR, is the limit at which the core may operate, as shown by block 711. Step 8: Since this process includes relatively uncertain simulations in steps 2 and 3, as shown by blocks 702 and 703, the change in CPR is evaluated at a 95% confidence interval, ΔCPR95/95. The OLMCPR equals the linear addition of the SLMCPR to the ΔCPR95/95. The resulting value of the OLMCPR complies with the USNRC regulations. Motivated by the difficulties in calculating OLMCPR directly and the overly conservative approximation technique currently used, the inventors were led to examine more closely some of the processes conventionally used in evaluating BWR designs and calculating OLMCPR. For example, the following is a brief list summarizing two of the most prominent factors identified by the inventors as constraining the ability to calculate OLMCPR directly using the ideal method: 1. The number of calculations necessary to evaluate each AOO would be too cumbersome. To establish a statistically sound estimation of the NRSBT, approximately one hundred trials for each AOO would have to be performed. The currently-available equipment has inherent limitations that prevent the requisite number of transient calculations from being performed within the necessary timeframe. 2. The currently-available equipment cannot simulate local power distribution or the relative position of the rod within the fuel bundle (R-factor). The variations within each rod bundle are essential to compute an accurate NRSBT. Without a precise method of estimating the effects of the variations, a direct calculation of OLMCPR would be unavoidably inaccurate. The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for determining a safety limit minimum critical power ratio for a nuclear fuel core. In an example embodiment, the method includes determining the safety limit minimum critical power ratio using an operating limit minimum critical power ratio, a change-in-critical-power-ratio distribution bias and a change-in-critical-power-ratio distribution standard deviation. A practical method for determining the operating limit minimum critical power ratio (OLMCPR) of a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) nuclear core is disclosed here. This practical improvement results in the realization of greater operating margins for the core which in turn results in more efficient and cost effective core operation and/or configurations. This is a more direct approach towards demonstrating compliance of a nuclear reactor with USNRC licensing requirements than processes conventionally used for such purposes. A data processing system is disclosed including a computer having memory and various I/O or display devices that is specifically programmed for providing simulation of transient operational events in a BWR and for a subsequent compilation and display of one or more response histogram(s) that incorporate all the inherent “uncertainties” associated with reactor plant initial state conditions and other parameter(s) of interest or importance. A method is used to calculate a generic bias in change in critical power ratio during a transient event (ΔCPR/ICPR) and uses the resulting Probability Distribution Function (PDF) to predict a more accurate OLMCPR without first calculating a SLMCPR. From a large number of experimental trials that take many factors into account, a PDF for the transient ΔCPR/ICPR is created and the standard deviation in ΔCPR/ICPR is determined for each transient event. A nominal ΔCPR/ICPR for the transient event starting from nominal initial conditions is also determined. Histograms of individual rod CPR values for the minimum point in the transient are created by drawing random values of initial CPR and transient ΔCPR/ICPR uncertainty. The initial critical power ratios (ICPR) are converted, or translated, to MCPRs by a common random value of ΔCPR/ICPR. From the MCPR values, the percentage of NRSBT is calculated for each trial. If the percentage of NRSBT is greater than 0.1%, initial operating conditions are changed and the process is repeated until the NRSBT is equal to 0.1%. The NRSBT distribution histogram is analyzed using statistical methods to determine the “central tendency” of the distribution. Typically the mean or median is used as a statistic to quantify central tendency. The value of this statistic is defined here as the nominal value. In the discussions that follow, examples are given where the mean value is chosen as the nominal value although the present invention is not limited to this choice. Use of the median value or the value of some other statistic for central tendency as the nominal value is also contemplated as part of the present invention. The uncertainty in the nominal value of the statistic that is used to quantify central tendency is expressed in terms of a “confidence interval” for the nominal value. A confidence interval is defined such that there is a specified probability (usually of 50% or greater) that the interval contains the nominal value. For example, a 95% probability that the interval bounds the mean, defines a 95% confidence interval for the mean. The specified probability used to establish this confidence interval is called the “level of confidence” or confidence level. The susceptibility to boiling transition during the transient is quantified statistically as either (1) the probability that a single rod in the core is susceptible to boiling transition or (2) the expected fraction of total rods in the core susceptible to boiling transition. Such a statistical relationship is possible because each individual trial value of NRSBT has been determined by summing the probabilities that individual fuel rods have CPR values less than 1.0 during the transient. The nominal value for each NRSBT distribution can also by the present invention be associated with the distribution of initial rod CPR values for all fuel rods in the core. It is by this process that a relationship can be established between the minimal initial MCPR value for all fuel rods in the core and the probability and confidence level that the fuel rods will be susceptible to boiling transition during the transient. The minimal initial MCPR value for the core when determined in this way using the probability and confidence level established by the USNRC design basis requirement for the number of rods not susceptible to boiling transition during the AOO transient, is by definition, the minimum Operating Limit MCPR required to demonstrate compliance. In accordance with one aspect, the present invention is a system including a data processing apparatus programmed to execute specific routines for simulating BWR core operating conditions and for calculating and statistically demonstrating the OLMCPR of a reactor in accordance with the improved method of the present invention as described in detail below. FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an example data processing system, contemplated for performing the multi-dimensional simulation of reactor core transient response and for the direct evaluation of OLMCPR for a BWR reactor core in accordance with the present invention. Essentially, the system includes a central processing unit 801 (CPU), a storage memory 802, and a user interfacing I/O devices 803 and, optionally, one or more displays 804. Storage memory 802 includes a data base (not shown) of reactor plant state information, parameter values and routines for implementing multi-dimensional simulations of core operating conditions and evaluating OLMCPR in accordance with the improved method of the present invention as described herein below. A statistical study is performed for each type of AOO, for each class of BWR plant type, and for each fuel type to predetermine the generic transient bias and uncertainty in the ΔCPR/ICPR. Enough trials (on the order of one hundred) are made starting with the nominal initial conditions, using random variations in the model and plant parameters. Uncertainties in initial conditions that contribute to ΔCPR/ICPR (e.g., core power) are also included in the perturbations. The data are utilized to determine bias and standard deviation on the transient ΔCPR/ICPR. A flow chart for the process of the present invention is shown in FIG. 9. Block 909 remains unvaried throughout the calculation of the OLMCPR, and the ΔCPR/ICPR for individual transient events for each reactor type and fuel type must be determined before the process is used. FIG. 10 shows the resulting graph of ΔCPR/ICPR for one specific type of AOO. Histogram 1000 shows the number of trials 1002 with a resulting CPR 1001 for each rod versus the corresponding CPR 1001 values. The PDF 1003 represents the distribution of CPR before the transient event. Each CPR value then changes according to individual ΔCPR/ICPR 1006 values. The aggregate of the transient CPR values yields the PDF 1004 during the transient event. The nominal ΔCPR/ICPR 1005 is defined to be the difference in the nominal CPR value of the PDF 1003 and the nominal CPR value of the PDF 1004. The calculation of the OLMCPR is as follows. Step 1: Assume a set of base core operating conditions using the parameters to run the plant generates a core MCPR equal to the OLMCPR as shown by block 901. Step 2: Using the parameters, such as core power, core flow, core pressure, bundle power and others, that predict a general bundle CPR set forth in block 907, determine the ICPR for each bundle in the core, as shown by block 902. Step 3: Using parameters, such as rod placement within each bundle and rod power distribution, that change each bundle CPR into individual rod CPR values set forth in block 908, determine the ICPR for each rod in the core, as shown by block 903. Step 4: Using a randomly drawn individual ΔCPR/ICPR 1006 value from the graph of the appropriate transient represented in FIG. 10, MCPR values are projected for corresponding values of ICPR according to Equation 4. In FIG. 11, this process is represented by Shift 1109. FIG. 11 shows the number of rods at a specific CPR value 1102 versus the corresponding CPR value 1101. The histogram 1107 is translated to histogram 1108 during the transient using a randomly selected ΔCPR/ICPR 1006 value. Lowest CPR value 1105 becomes lowest CPR value 1106, and lowest CPR rod PDF 1103 becomes lowest CPR rod 1104. MCPR 1 = ICPR 1 ⁡ ( 1 - ( Δ ⁢ ⁢ CPR ICPR ) i ) ( Equation ⁢ ⁢ 4 ) Step 5: Using the ECPR probability distribution shown as PDF 1104 and set forth in block 910, determine the percentage of NRSBT in the core by summing the probabilities of each rod in the core that is subject to boiling transition as shown by block 905. This summation is performed using Equation 3, shown above. Step 6: Vary the parameters set forth in blocks 907 and 908 for a set number of Monte Carlo statistical trials as shown by block 906. Compile the statistics from all the trials from steps 2 through 5 to generate a probability distribution of NRSBT. Step 7: Compare the value of percentage of NRSBT to 0.1% as shown in block 911. If the percentage is greater than 0.1%, reset the core parameters to different initial conditions in order to comply with the USNRC regulations as shown in block 912. Similar to Step 1 and block 901, the new initial conditions are assumed to generate the OLMCPR. The determination of NRSBT restarts and runs until the value of NRSBT is equal to 0.1%. Similarly, if the percentage is less than 0.1%, the core parameters are reset to increase the value of NRSBT in order to operate the core more efficiently or to reduce effluents. Step 8: If the percentage of NRSBT equals 0.1%, the assumed value of OLMCPR, which equals core MCPR, complies with the USNRC regulations as shown by block 913. Accordingly, the operating core conditions are set as the assumed parameters. Two assumptions are made for the above estimation of OLMCPR. First, in performing step 4, shown in FIG. 11 as shift 1109 and in FIG. 9 as block 904, the inventors assume that random draws from the ΔCPR/ICPR distribution are permissible for a perturbation in the initial conditions. Therefore, variations in ΔCPR/ICPR must be independent of perturbations in initial conditions or have a negative correlation, so that the interaction tends to diminish the individual effects. Second, in performing step 4, the inventors assume that the transient change in the ΔCPR/ICPR applies to all rods. A demonstration analysis shows that the ΔCPR/ICPR is not sensitive to the uncertainty in core power, core flow, core pressure, feedwater temperature, and rod peaking factor (R-factor). Of these, one of the most important parameters in the currently approved process is core power. This parameter actually results in an effect opposite the effect on ICPR. If the power increases, the ICPR will decrease but the ΔCPR/ICPR will also decrease. This will result in an MCPR that would be higher than derived through the currently approved process. Another conservative factor is the intended use of the nominal ΔCPR/ICPR. If the core was adjusting to a limiting rod pattern to maximize the number of contributing bundles, as is done for the currently approved process, the ΔCPR/ICPR is 4% lower. TABLE 1IMPACT OF CRITICAL ICPR UNCERTAINTIESON ΔCPR/ICPRUncertaintyΔCPR/ICPRQuantityin Quantityimpact at 1σ (%)Total Core Power+1σ = +2% −0.6%−1 σ = −2% +0.7%Total Core Flow+1σ = +2.5%+4.4%−1σ = −2.5%−0.2%Steam Dome Pressure+1σ = +0.7%−0.5%−1σ = −0.7 +0.6%Feedwater Temperature+1σ = +0.8%+0.3%−1σ = −0.8%−0.3%R-factor+1σ = +1.6%−0.5%−1σ = −1.6%+0.5%+1σ = 3.19%−5.0%Radial Power Distribution(increase radial peakingwith SLMCPR typelimiting rod pattern)(column 101)(column 102)(column 103) Table 1 shows the impact of uncertainty in critical ICPR values on ΔCPR/ICPR values. Column 101 lists the critical parameter quantities that affect the ΔCPR/ICPR. Column 102 lists the percentage uncertainty of each parameter corresponding to the standard deviation of the associated PDF. σ is the standard deviation of the PDF corresponding to the uncertainty in parameter quantity. Column 103 lists the change in the ΔCPR/ICPR corresponding to a change of one standard deviation of each parameter. The ΔCPR/ICPR is not sensitive to the other unknown parameter in the currently approved process. The axial power distribution is also part of the local power distribution (TIP uncertainty) calculation in the currently approved process. For a very large change in axial power shape (nearly two times higher power in the bottom of the bundle), the sensitivity to ΔCPR/ICPR is less than 2%, which is insignificant. The other assumption to be validated is that a constant value of ΔCPR/ICPR can be applied to rods at different ICPR values. As described above, the transient MCPR distribution will be obtained by transforming the ICPR distribution using Equation 4. To further validate this assumption, a specific set of calculations were performed. Benchmark calculations were made for a transient event that included the uncertainties in core power and channel pressure drop as initial conditions, as well as uncertainties in the model. Core power and channel pressure drop uncertainties were chosen, because they are the only currently approved process compatible uncertainties that are also varied in generating the generic uncertainty probability distribution function. MCPR distributions during the transient were generated for two fuel bundles in the core through ninety-eight transient calculations. The two bundles are very close in ICPR values and have identical ΔCPR/ICPR values. To verify the translation process, ninety-eight Monte Carlo calculations were then performed where only the core power and pressure drop were varied to generate a PDF of ICPRs at the initial operating state. FIG. 12 shows histogram 1200, which is the number of rods 1202 at a certain CPR versus the corresponding CPR 1201 value. PDF 1203 is the ICPR distribution that was created using the Monte Carlo calculations varying core power and pressure drop. PDF 1205 is the corresponding transient MCPR distribution after the process of the invention transformation was applied. PDF 1204 is the reference ICPR distribution. PDF 1206 is the transient MCPR distribution when applying the currently approved process. PDF 1205 and PDF 1206 are very similar in both the most probably value of MCPR and the associated standard deviation of each distribution. Since there is a strong resemblance between the two resulting MCPR distributions, the transformation using the process of the invention is valid. It has been demonstrated that: (1) the ΔCPR/ICPR is independent relative to the uncertainties that affect the ICPR, or the covariance is such that it is conservative to assume independence and (2) the transient MCPR distribution can be determined by applying the transient ΔCPR/ICPR uncertainty to the rod ICPR distribution using the proposed approach. An example of the process of the invention is described by FIG. 13. In FIG. 13, histogram 1300 shows the number of rods 1302 of a certain CPR value versus the corresponding CPR value 1301. The PDF 1303 shows the resulting ICPR values from a set of approximately ninety-eight ICPR trials with all uncertainties applied. Ninety-eight new trials were run to generate a ΔCPR/ICPR distribution for the specific transient event in order to translate the ICPR values to MCPR values. This ΔCPR/ICPR distribution is not shown in FIG. 13. The ΔCPR/ICPR distribution was applied using the process of the invention to the ICPR PDF 1303 to obtain the MCPR PDF 1304. The NRSBT was determined using the process of the invention, and the OLMCPR was determined to be 1.26. As a comparison, using the currently approved process, the SLMCPR was determined to be 1.10. Thus, the process described herein is more conservative than the first stage of the currently approved process. Ultimately, however, the currently approved process generates a unnecessarily conservative value after the error factor is added to the SLMCPR value, which yields a OLMCPR value needlessly larger than the process of the invention. FIG. 14 illustrates a flow chart of a method for determining a safety limit minimum critical power ratio according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in step 915, the CPU/Main Processor 801 (FIG. 8) determines the safety limit minimum critical power ratio using the OLMCPR value from step 913 of FIG. 9, and the bias and standard deviation of the change-in-critical-power-ratio distribution from step 909 of FIG. 9. For example, the CPU/Main Processor 801 may determine the safety limit minimum critical power ratio according to Equation 5, below:SLMCPR=OLMCPR[1−(u+k*σ)] (Equation 5)where u=bias for the ΔCPR/ICPR distribution σ=standard deviation for the ΔCPR/ICPR distribution k=a statistical multiplier The statistical multiplier, k, is used to multiply the standard deviation of Equation 5 in order to cover any desired confidence level for a normalized ΔCPR/ICPR distribution. For instance, a multiplier of 2 provides 95% confidence that the calculated OLMCPR value bounds the mean. Current NRC regulations require a 95% confidence level in the OLMCPR, such that a multiplier of k=2 would be appropriate in meeting current NRC requirements. With regards to use of the term “standard deviation” and “uncertainties” as they are each applied to a ΔCPR/ICPR distribution, these terms are meant to be synonymous with each other. Although the improved methods, as described herein below, are preferably implemented using a high speed data processing system capable of processing simulation routines that require highly accurate calculations and multiple reiterations, the present invention is not intended as limited to any one particular type of computer or data processing system. Any generic data processing system having sufficient, speed, storage memory and programmable computational capabilities for implementing statistical data analysis/reduction may be utilized to implement the present invention.
062367021	claims	1. A fuel assembly spacer grid for a nuclear reactor comprising a plurality of longitudinally-extending, parallel, spaced vertical straps, and a plurality of laterally-extending, parallel, spaced vertical straps perpendicularly interconnecting the longitudinally-extending straps, the interconnecting straps supporting at least one fuel element of a nuclear fuel assembly, further comprising: a plurality of interior interconnections each formed about an axis at the interconnections of the interconnecting straps and the interconnections having an upper end; a plurality of swirl deflectors each respectively arranged at an interior interconnection on the upper end of the interconnections, the swirl deflector comprises a pair of interconnecting substantially triangular base plates extending upwardly from a respective strap, each triangular base plate comprises a base on the strap and a side surface extending upwardly at an obtuse angle from the base on each of the respective strap toward the axis and a pair of vanes attached to each side surface of each substantially triangular base plate wherein the vanes are bent at an angle to the base plate to have an air vane shape; and a spring in a fixed state at one end thereof while being in a free state at the other end thereof, the spring having a curved contact portion arranged between the ends thereof, the curved contact portion being in surface contact with a circumferential surface of a fuel element supported thereby, and the spring being configured to utilize, as a spring force, a hydraulic drag force generated when a cooling water flow passing through the spacer grid comes into contact with a bent portion at the free end of the spring, the bent portion being inclinedly bent with respect to a flowing direction of the cooling water flow in such a manner that it has a larger area at an upper portion thereof than that at a lower portion thereof wherein the spring force of the spring varies with the cooling water flow such that an increase in cooling water flow rate increases the spring force so as to support the fuel element more firmly. 2. The fuel assembly spacer grid according to claim 1, wherein each of the vanes included in each of the swirl deflectors has, at an upper portion thereof, a width determined in accordance with a desired swirling diameter of the swirling flow. 3. The fuel assembly spacer grid according to claim 1, wherein the vanes of neighboring ones of the swirl deflectors are bent in such a manner that they have one of the same rotational direction and opposite rotational directions. 4. The fuel assembly spacer grid according to claim 1, wherein each of the springs has an opening adapted to adjust the spring strength of the spring while maintaining a contact height of the spring required to suppress vibrations of the fuel element supported by the spring. 5. The fuel assembly spacer grid according to claim 4, wherein the opening of the spring has a shape determined in accordance with characteristics of the spring.
	summary
	description	This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/674,588 which was filed on Sep. 30, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,993,456 and which is entitled “Mechanical-Electrical Template Based Method and Apparatus” which was a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/614,634 which was filed on Jul. 7, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,266,476 and is titled “Simulation Method And Apparatus For Use In Enterprise Controls” which was a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/304,190 which was filed on Nov. 26, 2002 now U.S. Pat No. 6,862,553 and is titled “Diagnostics Method and Apparatus For Use With Enterprise Controls” which was a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/410,270 which was filed on Sep. 30, 1999 which issued on Apr. 29, 2003 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,556,950 and is also titled “Diagnostics Method and Apparatus For Use With Enterprise Controls”. Portions of this patent application contain materials that are subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document, or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office. Not applicable. The field of the invention is object oriented design and more specifically object oriented methods and apparatus for associating and modifying existing and related mechanical and electrical systems in a simplified fashion. This section of this document is intended to introduce various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present invention described and/or claimed below. This section provides background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present invention and it should be understood that the statements in this section of this document are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. Automated control systems are often used in industrial facilities to control machine lines including manufacturing equipment such as drills, mills, transfer lines, stitching machines, gluing machines, material handlers, and so on. While most of the machine line equipment includes mechanical components, the control systems typically include electrical components such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), transformers, relays, switches, resistors, capacitors, inductors, memories, registers and so on. Hereinafter, unless indicated otherwise, a machine line-control system will be referred to as a line-control system. The design/build process for a line-control system typically includes several different stages during which engineers having different and specific skill sets perform various functions. During one stage a mechanical engineer specifies mechanical schematics that are suitable to perform an automated process. After the mechanical schematics are complete, an electrical engineer typically uses the mechanical schematics to identify electrical components required to control the mechanical components and specifies a set of electrical schematics. After the electrical schematics are complete one or more line engineers typically build the machine line specified by the mechanical schematics and the control system specified by the electrical schematics. After a line-control system is configured, a debugging process is performed during which the system is tested to ensure that the system correctly performs the automated process. If the system does not perform correctly, one or more engineers usually go back to the schematics to identify the sources of the errors, change the schematics, and then use the modified schematics to modify the system. In many industries, while a basic product may remain unchanged for long periods, product features may be changed regularly. For example, life preserver features may be updated routinely despite the fact that basic preserver design may only be overhauled every several years. As one instance of a preserver change, a manufacturer may decide to change a securing mechanism from a snap fit to a Velcro mechanism while leaving the other preserver features unchanged. Where only some product features are altered while most features remain unchanged, many manufacturers opt to use as much of their legacy line-control system as possible and only change the parts of the system that are required to facilitate the small number of feature changes. For instance, in the case of the life preserver example above, assuming a complete line-control system including twenty different machine and control sub-systems where three of the sub-systems are for providing the preserver securing mechanism, the manufacturer may opt to replace the three sub-systems instead of redesigning the complete line-control system. Partial system replacement reduces system downtime and also saves costs associated with redesigning a completely new line-control system, tearing down the old system, constructing the new system and debugging the new system. Unfortunately current systems that support mechanical and electrical schematic specification have several shortcomings. First, in many cases several thousands and even tens of thousands of electrical and mechanical components are required to configure a complete system. Here, while the task of specifying mechanical components is substantial, the added task of specifying complimentary electrical components exacerbates the specifying process appreciably. Second, in most cases mechanical and electrical schematics comprise segments of schematics where the segment size is selected to fit on paper (e.g., 11 by 14 inches, etc.) that can be printed out for use by an engineer charged with the task of building the system on a facility floor. The mechanical and electrical components for even simple systems typically include more components than can fit within a single component segment (i.e., on a single sheet of paper) and therefore most schematics include a plurality of segments to be printed on a plurality of sheets of paper. In many cases the electrical schematics will include several hundreds or even thousands of sheets of paper, each sheet including a different segment of the electrical components. Where schematics are broken into segment sized sub-sets of components, it is very difficult to move from mechanical components on the mechanical schematics to associated electrical components and vice versa. For instance, in a case where a mechanical schematic includes 500 segments and a roller assembly on the 189th segment, an electrical schematic includes 700 segments and components for controlling the roller assembly are illustrated on the 512th electrical schematic segment, where an engineer wants to examine the electrical components associated with the roller assembly, the difficulty of locating the controlling components on the 512th electrical schematic segment is clear. Third, in most cases, mechanical and electrical design engineers are free to name components however they choose. Thus, for instance, a mechanical engineer that develops the mechanical components and generates the mechanical schematics and an electrical engineer that develops the electrical components and generates the electrical schematics may use different nomenclature for associated mechanical and electrical components. In these cases, moving between mechanical and associated electrical components is very difficult. For instance, instead of associating components on the different schematic types using common labels, when identifying electrical components that are associated with mechanical components on a set of schematics, engineers are often forced to identify specific relationships between mechanical components on the mechanical schematics, surmise a likely relationship or relationships between electrical components required to control the mechanical components and then search the electrical schematics for the electrical components having the surmised relationship. In some cases there are only slight distinctions between sets of electrical components on the electrical schematics so that temporary confusion regarding related electrical and mechanical components is common. In addition to causing confusion, lack of naming rules also means that personnel training costs must be increased appreciably to provide engineers with required skills. Fourth, often the electrical components associated with a set of proximate mechanical components on a mechanical schematic are not proximately located on the electrical schematics. Thus, for instance, a mechanical schematic may include, among other components, components associated with a drill press station including a first drill press, a second drill press, two activation switches (i.e., a separate one for each of the drill presses) and three mechanical limit switches. In this case, an engineer may expect to find two inverters, a programmable logic controller (PLC) having I/O ports linked to each of the two separate inverters (i.e., one for each drill press) and three PLC I/O ports receiving limit switch signals. Here, the controller and two separate inverters may all be on different electrical schematic segments (i.e., on different pages) thereby complicating the task of locating the components based on expected relationships surmised from the mechanical component relationships on the mechanical schematics. Fifth, in many cases legacy line-control systems may outlast the job cycles of their creators so that engineers slated to make changes to line-control systems are different than the engineers that actually designed and constructed the systems. Here the adverse effects of inconsistent naming and segmentation of schematics are exacerbated as new engineers may not be familiar with naming systems employed by previous engineers. This invention generally relates to improvements in computer systems, and more particularly, to system software for managing the design, simulation, implementation and maintenance of a manufacturing process. A visit to virtually any modern manufacturing facility in the world leaves room for little doubt that assembly and machining lines have become an integral part of the manufacturing process. Robots, computers, programmable logic controllers, mills, drills, stamps, clamps, sensors, transfer bars, assemblers, etc., are more numerous than people in most modern manufacturing facilities. This is because almost every industry has recognized that use of automated assembly and machining lines to form and assemble product components and assemblies reduces manufacturing time, reduces product costs and increases product quality. Hereinafter, automated assembly and machining will be referred to collectively as automated manufacturing. Unfortunately, while automated manufacturing has a large number of advantages, such manufacturing also has a number of shortcomings. In particular, the process (hereinafter “the development process”) of designing, constructing and debugging a manufacturing process has a large number of shortcomings. To understand the shortcomings of the development process, it is helpful to consider an exemplary development process. To this end, an exemplary development process will be described in the context of developing a manufacturing line for producing a basic automobile door frame assembly (i.e. the door without the window, window motors, activation buttons and other trim components). To this end, initially a body engineer designs a door assembly based on experience of parts, structural knowledge and welding information. To facilitate the door frame design process a body engineer typically uses a standard computer aided design (CAD) package (e.g. CATIA, Pro-Engineer, etc.). Using such a package the body engineer can change frame dimensions, component thicknesses, rivet numbers, angles, the shapes of curved surfaces and so on. A. The Development Process From beginning to end, including the skills of a body engineer, the development process required to design, build and debug an automated manufacturing line involves no less than four separate engineering disciplines, each of which has a different set of required engineering skills. The three disciplines in addition to body engineering include process engineering, mechanical engineering, controls engineering and manufacturing engineering. Once the door frame assembly has been designed, the frame design information is given to a process engineer. The process engineer designs a process which will be required to manufacture the door frame assembly. To this end, the process engineer translates management numbers for finished door frame assemblies into a high-level process of actions and resources based on acquired experience. When specifying the high-level process the process engineer specifies required manufacturing tools (e.g. robots, clamps, workcells, etc.). This tool defining process, like the door frame design process, has been streamlined by use of computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software packages which enable a process engineer to virtually specify different mechanical tool types and tool configurations including clamps, robots, mills, drills, assemblers, etc. which can be used to actually manufacture the door frame assembly. Sometimes a tool library will be provided in a CAM package which includes commonly used mechanical tools, the mechanical tools selectable for reuse when required. Where a required tool is not provided in a library, the CAM package and or CAD package can be used to design the required mechanical tool for use in the door frame manufacturing process and for storage in the library for subsequent use if desired. In addition to specifying the mechanical tools, the process engineer may also specify mechanical tool movements required during the manufacturing process. For example, for a clamp, the process engineer may specify an open position and a closed position and thereby may define a range of movements therebetween. This ability to specify tool actions allows a process engineer to build a model of a mechanical tool in software such that the model has both static and kinematic characteristics. The virtual tool can then interact with other parts in an automated virtual manufacturing process in the time dimension. Moreover, the process engineer also specifies mechanical tool timing and sequencing via either a bar chart timing diagram, a flow chart or some other suitable sequence specifying tool. This sequencing information indicates the sequence of tool movements during the automated manufacturing process. Furthermore, the process engineer specifies resources and goals to drive the manufacturing process and may attempt to generate a cost justification for the frame assembly manufacturing process. Hereinafter, the term “mechanical resources” will be used to refer generally to the manufacturing tools which are specified by a process engineer and the specified tool movements will be referred to as “behavior”. In addition the information as a whole provided by the process engineer will be referred to as “process information”. Next a control engineer receives the process information and, based on experience, uses the process information to select control mechanisms and determines how to configure the mechanisms for controlling the mechanical resources. The control system includes at least one PLC (i.e. a controller), sensors and actuators and electrical lines and hydraulic tubing for linking the PLC to the actuators and sensors. The actuators and sensors are control mechanisms. The actuators are eventually linked to the mechanical resources for motivating the mechanical resources in a manner consistent with the process information. Sensors are eventually linked to mechanical resources or are positioned adjacent mechanical resources and indicate an instantaneous condition (e.g. the position of a resource, the temperature of a liquid, the position of a work item—the upper left corner of a door frame, etc.) in the manufacturing process. In addition, the control engineer has to integrate the mechanical sequencing information, causal relationships, a Human Machine Interface (HMI), I/O tables and safety and diagnostic information into the control system design. To aid in the process of selecting and configuring control devices to control the mechanical resources and to provide a blue print for subsequent assembly of the control system, the control engineer also generates a control system schematic with representations of each control device and electrical and hydraulic links between devices and the PLC. Hereinafter the information provided by the control engineer will be referred to as “controls information”. Next, a manufacturing engineer receives the controls information and the process information, uses the process information to construct the line via specified mechanical resources, uses the controls information to construct the control system and links the control system to the mechanical resources. After the line is completely developed, the control engineer further generates execution code to execute on the PLCs to implement the automated manufacturing processes. Then a control engineer performs tests on line tools to identify execution code bugs in the system design. For example, the control engineer may check to determine if a robot arm will crash into a work item on a transfer bar during a specified tooling process or if a sensor is operating properly to detect the presence of a clamp during a clamp extending movement. While an engineer other than the control engineer may be able to debug specific systems, in most cases the control engineer is required for the debugging process. This is because any change in the system may ripple through other parts of the control process which are not intuitive and which may only be known to the control engineer. In most cases many bugs show up during this debugging process and therefore this step in the automated manufacturing process is extremely tedious. This is particularly true in automated manufacturing which requires complex control systems. Hereinafter, the separate sub-processes of the development process which are performed by the separate engineers will be referred to as “process phases”. B. Development Process Shortcomings The above described development process has a large number of shortcomings. First, the development process is extremely time consuming. In fact, the typical time required for designing, building, testing and reworking a simple manufacturing line is often months and the time required for a relatively complex line often takes years of man hours. In many industries the import of time is exacerbated by competitive product cycles where getting a new product to market before a competitor is crucial to a companies competitive posture. For example, in the automotive industry fresh styling is extremely important to entice product turnover. Second, while some of the development process phases have been streamlined using design software (e.g. CAD and CAM are used to design a door frame assembly and the mechanical tools required to construct the frame assembly), other process phases are not streamlined. This is particularly true of the PLC logic programming process. While the industry is starting to employ various programming languages, most industrial PLCs are still programmed in Ladder Logic (LL) where instructions are represented graphically by “contacts” and “coils” of virtual relays connected and arranged in ladder-like rungs across power rails. LL, with its input contacts and output coils, reflects the emphasis in industrial control on the processing of large amounts of input and output data. LL also reflects the fact that most industrial control is “real time”; that is, an ideal industrial controller behaves as if it were actually composed of multiple relays connected in parallel rungs to provide outputs in essentially instantaneous response to changing inputs. Present industrial PLCs do not, in fact, employ separate parallel relay-like structures, but instead simulate the parallel operation of the relays by means of a conventional Harvard or Von Neumann-type computer processor which executes instructions one at a time, sequentially. The practical appearance of parallel operation is obtained by employing extremely fast processors in the execution of the sequential control program. As each rung is executed, inputs represented by the contacts are read from memory (as obtained from inputs from the controlled process or the previous evaluation of coils of other rungs). These inputs are evaluated according to the logic reflected in the connection of the contacts into one or more branches within the rungs. Contacts in series across a rung represent boolean AND logic whereas contacts in different branches and thus in parallel across a rung represent boolean OR logic. Typically a single output coil at the end of each rung is set or reset. Based on the evaluation of that rung, this setting or resetting is reflected in the writing to memory of a bit (which ultimately becomes an output to the industrial process or to another LL rung). Once a given rung is evaluated the next rung is evaluated and so forth. In the simplest form of LL programming there are no jumps, i.e. all rungs are evaluated in a cycle or “scan” through the rungs. This is in contrast to conventional computer programming where branch and jump instructions cause later instructions or groups of instructions to be skipped, depending on the outcome of a test associated with those branch or jump instructions. While LL is well suited for controlling industrial processes like those in the automotive industry, LL programming is not an intuitive process and, therefore, requires highly skilled programmers. Where hundreds of machine tool movements must be precisely synchronized to provide a machining process, programming in LL is extremely time-consuming. The time and relative skill associated with LL programming together account for an appreciable percentage of overall costs associated with a control system. Industry members have made several attempts to streamline the logic programming process. One way to streamline any type of programming is to provide predefined language modules, expressed in a language such as LL, which can be used repetitively each time a specific function is required. Because of the similar types of tools and movements associated with different mechanical tools, industrial control would appear to be an ideal industry for such language modules. The predefined logic module approach works quite well for certain applications, like small parts-material handling or simple machining. The reason for this is that the LL required for these applications tends to be very simple. In small parts material handling applications the I/O count is low and the interfaces between modules are minimal. In fact, the mechanisms are often independent units, decoupled from neighboring mechanisms by part buffers such that no signals are required to be exchanged between modules. These “loosely coupled” systems lend themselves to “cut and paste” programming solutions. Unfortunately the predefined, fixed logic module approach does not work well for other applications, for example metal-removing applications. There are several reasons for this. First, there can be considerable variation in how components, such as sensors and actuators, combine to produce even simple mechanisms. Second, processes like metal removing normally require tightly controlled interaction between many individual mechanisms. Exchanging signals called interlocks between the control logic modules of the individual mechanisms control the interaction. The application of specific interlocks depends on knowledge of the process and the overall control strategy, information not generally needed or knowable when the control logic for each mechanism is defined. For example, a drill is a typical metal-removing tool used in the automotive industry. In this example an ideal drill is mounted on a carriage that rides along a rail between two separate limiting positions on a linear axis, an advanced position and a returned position. Two limit switches, referred to herein as returned and advanced LSs, are positioned below the carriage and, when tripped, signal that the drill is in the returned and advanced positions, respectively. Two separate dogs (i.e. trigger extensions), an advanced dog and a returned dog, extend downwardly from the bottom of the carriage to trip the LSs when the advanced and returned positions are reached, respectively. In the ideal case, both LSs may be assumed to be wired in the same “normally opened” manner, so that electrically speaking they are open when released and closed when triggered. In this ideal case, where the physical characteristics of the switches are limited, a single LL logic rung can determine when the drill is in the returned position and another rung can determine when the drill is in the advanced position. Unfortunately, in reality, there are electrically two types of LSs, one LS type being wired normally opened and the other type wired normally closed. Furthermore, any LS can be mechanically installed in a tripped-when-activated configuration, or a released-when-activated configuration. All combinations of these types are used for various types of applications. Thus, application requirements may demand control logic capable of handling any configuration of LS types. Simple mathematics demonstrates that with two different electrical types of LSs and two mechanical configurations, there are sixteen possible configurations of a two-position linear slide. Consider the language modules required to implement position logic for all these configurations. To accommodate all sixteen-switch configurations, there could be sixteen different language modules, each containing fixed LL logic, and each named for the case it could handle. In this case, there would be duplicate logic under different names. Alternatively, four unique language modules could be provided, but then the user would have difficulty identifying which of the sixteen physical configurations that the four modules could handle. Clearly, even for a simple drill mounted on a two position linear slide, application variables make it difficult to provide a workable library of fixed language modules. Adding more switches to the linear slide only increases, to an unmanageable level, the number of language modules required in the library. Moreover, the contents of a complete language module for a drill must also consider other variables. These variables include, for example, the number and type of actuators required; the type of spindle, if any; whether or not a bushing plate is required; what type of conveyor is used; whether or not the drill will include an operator panel to enable local control. If an operator panel is included, what type of controls (i.e. buttons, switches and indicator lights) are required, just to name a few. Each tool variable increases the required number of unique LL modules by more than a factor of two, which makes it difficult at best to provide an LL library module for each possible drill configuration. Taking into account the large number of different yet possible machine-line tools, each tool having its own set of variables, the task of providing an all-encompassing library of fixed language modules becomes impractical. Even if such a library could be fashioned, the task of choosing the correct module to control a given tool would probably be more difficult than programming the required LL logic from scratch. For these reasons, although attempts have been made at providing comprehensive libraries of fixed language modules, none has proven particularly successful and much LL programming is done from scratch. Third, the process of generating schematic control diagrams is extremely labor intensive and thus time consuming. This is because most schematic control diagrams have to be constructed by hand linking electrical and hydraulic lines from one control mechanism to another, from devices to a PLC representation, linking control devices to mechanical tools and so on. To reduce the time required to generate control system schematics, most control engineers now use one or more commercially available CAD systems specifically designed for generating schematic designs. These CAD systems enable an engineer to select standard representations for specific control mechanisms and enable relatively quick electrical and hydraulic linking representations to be generated. Nevertheless, these CAD systems can result in erroneous connection specification as a control engineer makes the decisions about how to link control mechanisms. This is particularly true in the case of a large control system where only a small portion of the entire control system can be viewed on a work station screen at one time. In this case, the possibility of linking electrical and hydraulic lines incorrectly is exacerbated. Moreover, in complex control systems, while reducing the overall time required to form a control system schematic, the time is still appreciable. Fourth, the process of generating diagnostic tools is also not streamlined. For example, there may be specific conditions which should not occur during a machining cycle. For instance, where the control mechanisms for a clamp include both extended and retracted limit switches, there should never be an instance when both the extended and retracted switches are triggered. Unlikely or unpredictable conditions are referred to hereinafter as interesting conditions. In current systems, a control engineer should identify the most troubling interesting conditions which should be identified during a machining cycle and provide logic outputs to support indicators of the interesting conditions. In addition, some systems require actual diagnostic functions to be performed. For example, many times an interesting condition has only one or two possible causes. In these cases, the system may be required to, when the interesting condition occurs, identify the possible causes so that a system operator can locate the cause of the interesting condition and eliminate the cause. Here, the system usually includes a screen for providing an alphanumeric message to the operator. Moreover, some applications may require a system to attempt to further identify or even eliminate the cause of an interesting condition. In this case, when an interesting condition occurs, the system may check other system I/O to further diagnose the cause of the condition, providing a report to the operator via a system screen. In the alternative, when an interesting condition occurs and there is only one possible cause, the system may attempt to eliminate the condition. For example, where a transfer bar is stuck, the system may be programmed to reverse the transfer bar prior to moving forward again. Where a system requires diagnostic functions in addition to interesting condition reporting, in addition to identifying interesting conditions, the control engineer has to identify all possible causes of each interesting condition, compose informative instructions for display to an operator indicating the causes of the interesting conditions, provide logic to identify the interesting conditions and, in some cases, provide logic to eliminate the interesting conditions. In addition to interesting conditions which should not occur, there may also be other interesting conditions which should be reported to a system operator. In these cases diagnostic logic should be provided to identify these other interesting conditions and provide some type of indication. Clearly identifying all interesting conditions and their causes, composing messages for each cause and providing logic to do the same is a complex and time consuming endeavor. Fifth, the process of specifying HMI design and logic required to support HMI representations is not streamlined. Here the control engineer, while creating the control logic generally, has to weave HMI logic into the system which provides desired PLC input signals (e.g. signals from sensors) and enables control via PLC output signals to control actuators. Sixth, the process of debugging is not streamlined. As indicated above, an entire mechanical line (including all tools and accompanying control system) has to actually be designed and constructed and PLC execution code has to be generated prior to performing the debugging process. Obviously, once tools have been constructed and execution code has been provided the process of backtracking to modify design is difficult and extremely costly. Seventh, while the process described above may be manageable for a single door frame assembly, similar processes are required for virtually every separate part of a final product and similar processes are also required to assemble parts into the final product. For example, because a typical automobile requires many thousands of different parts, a development process similar to the process described above must be repeated several thousand times to provide a completed automobile. In the end, if line throughput is not sufficient parts of the line or even the entire line may have to be modified to increase line throughput. Once again, line modification is expensive as any system change can ripple through the entire control system thereby requiring additional changes. To streamline the debugging process and facilitate cost justification prior to actually building and testing a manufacturing line, the industry has attempted to debug an automated manufacturing line virtually. In theory, virtual building and simulation enables a designer to modify line design relatively inexpensively when a bug is identified or when the costs associated with a particular line design cannot be justified by an expected throughput. One virtual simulation solution has been to effectively provide a cartoon or movie illustrating all mechanical tools on a line in three dimensions and to run the manufacturing line in the virtual world to illustrate system operation. One way to accomplish this is to provide a video module which includes a video clip for each separate mechanical tool included on an assembly line. The video module is driven by the mechanical timing diagram such that, when the timing diagram indicates a specific resource movement, the video module plays the video clip associated with the specific resource movement. The video module is capable of running several video clips at a time on different sections of a display screen so that, by arranging the separate video clips on the screen a general picture of a complete manufacturing process can be provided. While this solution is helpful in visualizing a manufacturing process, unfortunately this solution does not illustrate tool control in the real world which will result from actual execution code. Another virtual simulation solution has been to provide off-line programming for certain tools which is then linked to virtual representations of those tools for simulating actual tool movements. For example, most robots are controlled by specialized controllers which execute controller specific languages (i.e. languages which typically are very different than the PLC language) in such a way that a robot can move a work piece through space along a variety of path profiles. Some companies have developed virtual simulation tools which enable robot programs which are developed off-line and in the controller specific languages to be used to drive virtual representations of the robot and a work piece handled thereby, including robot and work piece translation through virtual space. Importantly, the actual program used to drive the robot in the real world is used to drive the virtual robot in the virtual environment. As described above, the components in the work cell (including the part or part components) already exist in some mechanical CAD environment and are available to these programming tools. With these simulation tools a process engineer can interact with a virtual work cell and verify that his robot program does what he intends the program to do. In order to truly debug the robot program in a virtual world, the rest of the robot's real world environment must also be simulated such that the environment interacts dynamically with the robot motion. For example, clamps need to open and close, parts need to move into and out of the work cell, humans need to start and stop processes, sensors need to sense part and manufacturing tool locations and so on. Unfortunately, while the simulation tools described above are used to drive virtual robots with the actual robot programs which will be used in the real world, similar tools have not been developed for simulating the robot environment (e.g. clamps, sensors, actuators, stops and starts, contingencies, HMIs, etc.). Existing tools simulate the robot's environment in the virtual world through a combination of proprietary modeling languages and graphical interfaces which are wholly disconnected from the programs which are used to control the manufacturing tools in the real world. Thus, while the virtual environment is controlled via modeling languages, in the real world these non-robotic components are controlled via a PLC and a control language (e.g. LL). It should also be noted that, while robots themselves are internally controlled via controller specific languages, ultimately, each robot is linked to other system tools via a PLC which provides commands and receives feedback via a more conventional control language. To provide pre-construction cost justification, in addition to the virtual simulation tools described above, various systems have been developed for estimating both the costs associated with automated manufacturing lines and groups of related lines and the throughput for specific lines. While these justification system may sometimes fortuitously generate cost data which is close to the actual cost data corresponding to a completed system, in most cases these justification systems provide a ball park figure at best. Unfortunately, while a ball park figure may be acceptable in some industries, in other industries where competition is particularly keen, such ball park figures are not very helpful in strategic financial planning as even a few percent error may require line redesign. Thus, it should be appreciated that despite industry efforts to streamline the development process, the development process remains extremely complex. The transition from part design to process design to mechanical design and then to controls is a paper activity. Each of these activities separately have their own software tools, and of course, a competent set of engineers. The barriers between the software tools aren't just a matter of bridging different data types. Because the tools used in each phase of the development process evolved through solving their respective user's unique problems, their views of the world are very different, even though they ultimately solve a common problem: how to build a product. In addition to the system development problems discussed above, failure and interesting condition reporting diagnostics have a number of shortcomings. One important shortcoming is that a system which supports interesting condition or failure reporting typically provides insufficient information to enable a system operator to identify the cause of the failure. This is because system events may be contingent upon the conclusion of many other events and the diagnostics provided typically cannot indicate which of a long string of contingent events causes a failure or an interesting condition to occur. For example, where extension of a clamp is to be monitored and failure reported, if clamp extension is contingent upon 10 previous events, when clamp failure occurs and is reported, which of the 10 previous events failed is not reported and some investigation is required. In addition, where prescriptive diagnostics are provided, the prescriptive messages (i.e., the text which indicates likely cause of the problem) are only pre-failure hunches as to what the actual cause of failure might be. While based on experience and hence correct much of the time, these hunches may not be correct and hence may lead an operator in the wrong direction to address the failure this wasting system and operator resources. For example, while the process engineer can specify specific tools and movements required to carry out a process, the process information is in a form which, while providing specifying information to the control engineer, cannot be used directly by control engineers to perform his development tasks. Instead, each time the development process is handed from one engineer to another, the receiving engineer must start by generating his own set of information which is based on the information specified by the previous engineers and, only then can the receiving engineer begin to perform his task of specifying further information for the next engineer down stream. Thus, the development process is broken up into separate pieces despite the fact that common information threads pass through each of the separate phases of the development process. For at least the aforementioned reasons, it would be advantageous to have a system which would streamline the entire development process including defining an automated manufacturing line, developing execution code to control the manufacturing line tools including tool movements, sequencing, emergency situations, etc., specifying and supporting HMIs for the line, specifying diagnostics for the line, simulating line operation in a virtual environment prior to building the line and using the actual real world control programs to drive a virtual line in the virtual environment, debugging the control programs, and providing schematic diagrams for a complete control system automatically. It would also be advantageous to have a system wherein the common threads of information which are provided by one engineer are sustained throughout the development process and automatically provided in a form which is useable by engineers in subsequent process phases. Moreover, it would be advantageous to have a diagnostics scheme which could specifically and immediately identify the symptoms which are associated with a failure. Certain aspects commensurate in scope with the originally claimed invention are set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of certain forms the invention might take and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Indeed, the invention may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below. It has been recognized that, while specific components on a schematic may not individually be distinguishable from other specific components on the schematic, often relationships represented on schematics can be used to distinguish specific instances of similar components. For instance, a first drill press on a mechanical schematic may be schematically linked to three limit switches while a second drill press on the same mechanical schematic may be linked to only two limit switches. Here the first and second press instances are distinguishable via schematic linkages. It has also been recognized that, in the case of existing and related mechanical and electrical schematics, schematic component relationships (i.e., intra-schematic linkages) can be used to associate specific components represented on one of the schematics with specific components on the other of the schematics. Thus, for instance, in the case of the drill press assembly linked to three limit switches described above, electronic components required to control the drill press as a function of the states of the three limit switches may require an inverter linked to DC bus lines and having three outputs linkable to a press motor, an I/O card linked to three limit switches and a controller linked to the inverter and linked to the I/O card. Herein the electronic components described above will be referred to as an electronics sub-set. In this case, where the electronics sub-set is unique on an electronic schematic, it can be assumed that the electronics sub-set is associated with the first roller assembly linked to three limit switches. Moreover, it has been recognized that mechanical and electrical components and their relationships are determinable from existing schematic information including icons that represent the components and lines or other associating information that represent relationships. Based on these realizations, according to at least one aspect, the present invention includes a system wherein electrical components on an existing schematic associated with mechanical components on an existing schematic can be automatically identified by using a processor to identify relationships between mechanical components, use the component relationships to identify expected relationships between electrical components, search the electrical schematics for components that match the expected relationships and, when an expected relationship exists, render the relevant section or segment of the electrical schematic accessible. In at least some embodiments a set of templates are provided that associate mechanical components and specific relationships to electrical components and relationships to facilitate the mechanical-electrical association. In some embodiments the association is triggered by selection of a mechanical component or a sub-set of inter-related mechanical components on an electronically stored mechanical schematic. In other embodiments the association is triggered by deletion of mechanical components from a mechanical schematic so that associated electrical components to be deleted or at least modified can be identified. According to another aspect of the present invention the same templates used to associate existing mechanical and electrical components can also be used to augment electrical schematics when mechanical components are added to mechanical schematics. In this regard, when mechanical components are added to a schematic and relationships therebetween are indicated in some fashion on the schematic, a processor may be programmed to identify a template, if such a template exists, that includes the added components and the indicated relationships. If a template matches the added components and relationships the processor may be programmed to suggest electrical components and relationships from the matching template or, in the alternative, may simply add electrical components and relationships from the matching template to an existing electrical schematic diagram. A similar process is contemplated to either suggest electrical components to be removed from an electrical schematic or to automatically remove electrical components from the schematic when mechanical components are removed from a related mechanical schematic. Moreover, a similar process is contemplated to generate new electrical schematics or at least sections thereof for supporting or association with existing mechanical schematics Furthermore, the processes describes above may be reversed according to at least some aspects of the present invention. Thus, for instance, changes to electrical schematics can be used to automatically identify likely or possible related changes to mechanical schematics. As another instance, selection of components on an electrical schematic may cause a processor to identify mechanical components on an associated mechanical schematic that are related to the selected electrical components. In some cases, it is contemplated that template specifications could match more than one schematic component icon subset and relationships. In this case, in at least some embodiments, the invention may provide a list of instances of schematic component icons and relationships that match the template specification and enable a system user to select an option. Thus, for instance, where a user selects a specific roller component subset on a mechanical schematic that matches a first template and the electrical specification in the first template matches five instances of electrical component icons and relationships on an electrical schematic, a processor would provide the list of selectable instances. Consistent with the above, at least some embodiments of the invention include a method for identifying at least a section of a first schematic associated with at least a section of a second schematic wherein each of the first and second schematics includes a set of components for configuring a system to perform a process and wherein the components of the first and second schematics are first and second different types, respectively, the method comprising the steps of identifying the components of the first type included in the first section of the first schematic, examining the second schematic to identify at least one instance of components of the second type that are associated with the identified components of the first type and when at least one instance of components of the second type is identified, rendering the at least one instance accessible. Here, in at least some embodiments the first and second schematics include schematic icons of first and second types, respectively, and wherein the step of identifying the components of the first type includes identifying the icons in the first section of the first schematic. In some cases the method further includes the step of providing a specification that associates icons of the first type with icons of the second type and wherein the step of examining the second schematic includes using the specification to identify icons of the second type that are associated with the identified icons of the first type and searching the second schematic for the identified icons of the second type. In some embodiments the first schematic is a mechanical schematic including icons corresponding to mechanical components in an automated facility and the second schematic is an electrical schematic associated with the mechanical schematic and including icons corresponding to electrical components used to control mechanical components in an automated facility. In some cases the step of providing a specification includes providing a set of templates, each template including a mechanical template icon subset corresponding to mechanical components and an electrical template icon sub-set corresponding to electrical components for controlling the components associated with the icons in the mechanical template set, the step of identifying icons in the first schematic including identifying at least one mechanical template sub-set in the mechanical schematic. In some cases at least a sub-set of the templates include child template specifications, each child template specification indicating possible inclusion of at least one other template. At least some inventive embodiments also include a method for generating electrical schematics including electrical icons indicating electrical components useable to control mechanical components that are indicated by mechanical icons on pre-existing mechanical schematics, the method comprising the steps of using a processor to perform the steps of identifying at least one sub-set of mechanical components on the mechanical schematic, identifying electrical components suitable for controlling the identified at least one sub-set of mechanical components and using the identified electrical components to generate an electrical schematic for controlling the identified at least sub-set of mechanical components on the mechanical schematic. In addition, some embodiments of the invention include a method for use with pre-existing electronically stored electrical and mechanical schematics where the electrical schematics indicate a control system to be used to control mechanical components corresponding to the mechanical schematics, the method for identifying mechanical components on the mechanical schematics that are not supported by the control system defined by the electrical schematics, the method comprising the steps of using a processor to perform the steps of identifying at least a sub-set of mechanical components in the mechanical schematics that are not supported by the electrical components in the electrical schematics and indicating the identified sub-set of mechanical components. According to at least one aspect of the invention, some embodiments include a method for use with pre-existing electronically stored electrical and mechanical schematics where the electrical schematic indicates a control system to be used to control mechanical components corresponding to the mechanical schematic, the method comprising the steps of monitoring for changes to the mechanical schematic, for each change to the mechanical schematic, storing an indication of the change in a database and after a change to the mechanical schematic is stored in the database and during an electrical schematic modifying process, when the mechanical schematic is accessed, indicating the changes to the mechanical schematic in a distinguishing manner. In some cases the invention includes a method for use with pre-existing electronically stored electrical and mechanical schematics where the electrical schematic indicates a control system to be used to control mechanical components corresponding to the mechanical schematics, the method comprising the steps of monitoring for changes to the mechanical schematic and, for each change to the mechanical schematic, providing suggested changes to the electrical schematic. Here, the method may be for use with a visual display and the step of providing suggested changes may include displaying via the interface segments of the electrical schematics including suggested changes to the electrical schematics where electrical components to be removed from the schematics are indicated in a first distinguishing manner, electrical components to be added to the schematics are indicated in a second distinguishing manner and electrical components that existed in the original electrical schematics but will be used in a different capacity in the augmented electrical schematics are illustrated in a third distinguishing manner. Some embodiments include a method for use with pre-existing electronically stored electrical and mechanical schematics where the electrical schematic indicates a control system to be used to control mechanical components corresponding to the mechanical schematics, the method comprising the steps of providing a visual interface, displaying at least a segment of the mechanical schematics via the interface, when at least one mechanical component is selected on the mechanical schematics, identifying components on the electrical schematics associated with the selected mechanical component on the mechanical schematic and displaying at least the identified electrical components. According to another aspect the invention includes a method for identifying sections of an existing schematic that are consistent with best design practices, the method comprising the steps of providing a template set, each template specifying a sub-set of components and relationships that are consistent with best design practices and examining the existing schematic to identify sections of the existing schematic that are inconsistent with the best design practices specified in the template set. Here, the section that is inconsistent with the best design practices is an inconsistent section and the method may further include the step of, when a section of the existing schematic is inconsistent with the best design practices specified in the template set, performing a function on the existing schematic. The function may be to visually display the inconsistent section in a distinguishing manner. The function may be to identify a template that indicates a possible replacement for the inconsistent section and providing at least a section of the identified template. These and other objects, advantages and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention. Such embodiment does not necessarily represent the full scope of the invention and reference is made therefore, to the claims herein for interpreting the scope of the invention. It has been recognized that during the development process there are certain common information threads which pass through various development process phases. By studying the information passed from one process phase to the next, inventive tools have been developed which enable one engineer to use information in the form provided by previous engineers to continue the development process without reworking the received information. In this manner, the common threads of information flow continuously through the development process from beginning to end. It has further been recognized that the control engineering phase is a critical juncture for the common threads of information and, that by providing suitable tools to the control engineer which organize the development information, the entire development process can be streamlined and many advantages result. In effect, the inventive tools operate as a lynchpin which enables a control engineer to easily generate controls information from the process information (i.e. specified mechanical tools, behavior and sequencing) and which also enables controls information to be fed back and combined with the process information to virtually simulate a manufacturing process using the actual execution code which will be used in the real world. To this end, among other things, the present invention includes a data construct referred to generally as a “control assembly” (CA). It is contemplated that a plurality of different CAS will be provided, a separate CA for each type of mechanical resource which may be specified by a process engineer. Each CA includes several different information types associated with the specific CA. For example, a CA for controlling a specific clamp may include: (1) specification of control mechanisms for controlling the clamp; (2) a schematic diagram of the clamp illustrating clamp control mechanisms and electrical and hydraulic links; (3) logic for controlling the control mechanisms used to in turn control the specific clamp; (4) diagnostic logic for indicating either erroneous conditions which occur, other interesting conditions or status of a process, (5) logic for supporting an HMI associated with the clamp; and (6) simulation specification for simulation purposes. Herein, the term “logic” is used to refer to sequencing rules associated with the control mechanisms corresponding to a specific CA. As another example, a CA for controlling a robot may include: (1) specification mapping PLC I/O to robot I/O; (2) a schematic diagram referencing the inputs and outputs and electrical and hydraulic links; (3) logic for interfacing to the robot; (4) diagnostic logic for indicating interesting conditions; (5) logic for supporting an HMI associated with the robot; and (6) simulation specification for simulation purposes. The CA is essentially an object in an object oriented system for specifying information which a control engineer must generate for an associated mechanical resource. By observing the process information, including specified mechanical resources, mechanical resource behavior and mechanical resource sequencing, an engineer can divide the mechanical resources into separate mechanical blocks, each block assigned to a specific instance of a CA. By including each mechanical resource in a mechanical block and assigning a CA for each mechanical block, control information is easily specified for each mechanical resource. After all CAS have been specified, an inventive compiler is used to compile all of the information in the CAS and to generate several different types of information. To this end, the compiler compiles the schematic diagrams of the separate control devices, linking the devices according to a schematic rule set (SRS) to generate a complete schematic illustrating all line control devices, controllers and electrical and hydraulic links therebetween. In addition, the compiler uses the logic from each of the CAS to generate execution code for controlling and monitoring the entire manufacturing line. Moreover, the compiler compiles the HMI logic from each of the CAS into HMI supporting code which enables a suitable HMI. Furthermore, the compiler automatically compiles diagnostic information from each of the CAS and generates diagnostic code which is interweaved with the control code and which can be used to facilitate diagnostic functions during virtual testing and in real world operation. In addition to the CA structure and the inventive compiler, the invention further include a CA editor which enable a control engineer to easily link to process information upstream thereby streamlining the processes of generating the controls information by carrying common threads of information from the process information into the controls information. To this end, mechanical resources, their behavior and their sequencing is displayed on a CA editor screen as a mechanical timing diagram with mechanical resources and specific behaviors along a vertical axis and behavior sequencing mapped along a horizontal timing axis. Using the CA editor, the control engineer identifies specific mechanical resource types on the mechanical timing diagram and selects suitable CAS for controlling each of the mechanical resources or blocks of mechanical resources which can be controlled by a single CA. As a CA is selected, the CA editor automatically creates an instance of the CA and places the CA in a control bar chart. The control bar chart includes CAS and CA behavior along the vertical axis and sequencing of CA behavior along a horizontal time axis. To distinguish between CA behavior and mechanical resource behavior, CA behavior will be referred to hereinafter as CA requests. In one embodiment, as CA requests are added to the timing diagram, the requests are sequenced in the same-timing sequence as associated mechanical resource behavior in the timing diagram. For example, if the first mechanical resource behavior in a process is to close a clamp within a first period, the CA request to extend a piston (i.e. an actuator) to close the clamp is placed in the bar chart during the first period. If the clamp behavior in the timing diagram is to open during a tenth period, the CA request to retract the piston to open the clamp is placed in the bar chart during the tenth period and so on. After all CAS have been selected and the control bar chart is completely populated, the CA editor enables the control engineer to specify contingencies at the edges of each request in the bar chart. In addition to the CA editor, the invention is meant to be used with an HMI editor and a diagnostics editor, each of which use CA information to configure and specify HMI and diagnostics features, respectively. After all of the sequencing information required to completely control the control system has been provided, an inventive compiler is used to generate execution code as described above. Moreover, the CA simulation specification can be used to provide at least a subset of data which is required by a simulator for virtually simulating a process via video screens or the like. To this end, a core modeling system (CMS) is a simulator which models all aspects of mechanical resources supported by a system and which are simulatable. For example, when suitably programmed a CMS may model several different mechanical resources including a clamp with position sensors. Clamp operation may have specific characteristics such as reversibility, average stroke speed, velocity limiting factors, a variable stroke speed curve between start and stop, operating characteristics which change as a function of environmental characteristics (e.g. temperature, humidity, etc.) and so on. To model mechanical resources a CMS requires a plurality of data structures, a separate data structure for each simulatable resource in each instantiated CA. Unlike a one-to-one I/O-function paring, advanced data structures reflect real world resource behavior wherein request execution varies as a function of a plurality of different circumstantial characteristics. A CMS which is equipped with separate data structures for each simulatable resource in each instantiated CA can operate as an interface between a PLC and a movie module to receive PLC I/O combinations and, based thereon, cause the movie module to virtually simulate the mechanical resources. The CMS also provides feedback to the PLC. Behavior characteristics such as simulation speed are simulated by the CMS controlling movie frame speed. To facilitate data structure specification, the present invention contemplates that information required to form the structures portion thereof may be specified in CA simulation specifications and could be imported by the CMS for simulation purposes. While any sub-set of simulation information required by a CMS may be specified in a CA simulation specification, there is a specific information sub-set which is particularly easy to support and which makes sense to specify within a CA. To this end, the characteristics of a mechanical resource set associated with a specific CA which affect resource operation can be divided into two general categories or first and second simulation information sets including control characteristics and circumstantial characteristics. On one hand, with respect to control characteristics, from a controls perspective, a sub-set of resource characteristics are fundamental to the specific resource and do not vary as a function of the circumstances related to the resource (i.e., are universal for the specific resource). For example, many hardware vendor's provide clamps including control mechanisms (e.g., valves, cylindicators, etc.) which, although configured using different hardware, perform the same general functions in response to PLC I/O combinations. Thus, each clamp will attempt to extend when a PLC “extend” I/O combination is received and each clamp will attempt to retract when a PLC “retract” I/O combination is received and so on. In this case corresponding I/O-function is independent of hardware configuration. Similarly, in this case, the I/O-function pairings are independent of clamp environment including temperature, humidity, etc. (i.e., despite temperature and humidity, extension is attempted when a specific I/O combination is received). Thus, with respect to similar clamps provided by different vendors, I/O-function pairings are control characteristics which are universal for clamps which would be used to perform the functions required by a specific resource. On the other hand, circumstantial characteristics include all secondary characteristics which are not control characteristics and which affect request execution. For example, a first manufacturers clamp may have a different closing speed than a second manufacturers clamp. Similarly, a first manufacturers clamp may close at different speeds depending upon temperature and humidity conditions or speed may vary as a function of recent clamp use (e.g., recent closing and opening may result in more rapid closure speed). In a preferred embodiment the CA simulation specifications include only control characteristics and do not include circumstantial characteristics. The CMS preferably includes a database wherein circumstantial characteristics are stored which can be used to alter simulation events making simulation more realistic. The circumstantial characteristics are stored in simulation data structure templates (DSTs) and, upon export of the CA simulation specification, the control characteristics and circumstantial characteristics are combined to populate data structure fields required for simulation. Thereafter the CMS receives controller output signals and based on those output signals, modeling algorithms within the data structure and other data structure information, causes realistic simulation. In this manner the CA simulation specification is made relatively general and the CMS facilitates modification of circumstantial characteristics without recompiling CAS. After a data structure is populated, circumstantial characteristics may be modified using a CMS interface to reflect various environmental or resource characteristics and simulation will also reflect such changes to facilitate realistic simulation. In addition to facilitating circumstantial characteristic modifications, by including only control characteristics in the CA simulation specifications the number of CAS required to support design choices is minimized. In effect circumstantial parameterization is accomplished via the CMS instead of via the CA. Moreover, dividing characteristics between control and circumstantial characteristics and including control characteristics in the CAS makes sense as the control characteristics can typically be gleaned from other CA information which is specified for other than simulation purposes. For example, where a CA may support anywhere between one and four clamps and a user specifies that a CA will support only two clamps such that a compiler will provide execution code for controlling two clamps, clearly this parameterization will be reflected in simulation such that, during simulation, only two clamp animations are generated. Thus, supported CA devices are specified for control purposes and such specification is also useful for simulation purposes. In effect, the effort required to specify two clamps for execution code purposes can be exploited a second time for generating control characteristics required for simulation. While this example is relatively simple, it should be appreciated that a huge amount of specification required for execution code purposes is exploited in this double-duty fashion thereby appreciably streamlining an otherwise daunting simulation specification process. In another embodiment, the data required to populate essentially an entire data structure including both control and circumstantial characteristics may be specified within each CA simulation specification. In this case, upon compiling, sub-sets of the required simulation information for each simulatable resource are gleaned from each parameterized CA and are used to populate the data structures. After compiling, the data structure are imported by the CMS and then used for interfacing purposes. Other simulation specification embodiments may include other sub-sets of control and circumstantial characteristics. In a simplified embodiment of the invention where a one-to-one pairing of PLC I/O and virtual simulation is supported without circumstantial characteristics, the parameterization simulation specification may simply be a PLC I/O mapping table which maps PLC I/O combinations to specific video clips. In this case, after the parameterized specification is compiled, the specification is imported by the CMS and used for interfacing purposes. The inventive address mapper facilitates mapping of PLC I/O to virtual mechanical resources to cause virtual simulation, identifies mechanical resource conditions (e.g. position, temperature, etc.) which are to be sensed during real world operation and provides inputs to the PLC indicating identified conditions during virtual processing. In addition to control and circumstantial characteristics, a third type of character referred to as a third entity characteristic is contemplated. Third entity characteristics include characteristics of entities other than mechanical resources which interact with the PLC or which only minimally interact with the PLC and which must be modeled to facilitate realistic simulation. For example, third entities include system operators, a shot pin used to lock two devices together, an E-stop and corresponding hardware and so on. Thus, the invention provides a system which streamlines the entire development process including defining an automated manufacturing line, developing programs to control the manufacturing mechanical resources including resource movements, sequencing, emergency situations, etc., specifying and supporting HMIs for the line, simulating line operation in a virtual environment prior to building the line and using the actual real world execution code to drive a virtual line in the virtual environment, debugging the control programs, and automatically providing schematic diagrams for a complete control system. In addition to the inventive aspects described above, in another aspect the invention includes status based diagnostics wherein every event which is to occur during a process is monitored and, when an expected event fails to occur, the failed event is reported. For example, where a clamp extension request is contingent upon the occurrence of ten previous events, when one of the previous events fails, status based diagnostics reports the failed event. In this manner, when a failure occurs, the specific symptoms of the failure are immediately reported and the operator can then surmise the cause of the failure quickly. Request events are represented in the CAS and therefore status based diagnostics can easily be provided in each CA to minimize the task of programming diagnostics code for each event in a process. For example, where a clamp CA includes extend and retract requests and ten separate events, diagnostics can be provided once for each event in a template CA and, therefore, as CA instances are instantiated (i.e. selected by an operator for control purposes), the status based diagnostics are proliferated throughout the control process. In this manner, the task of providing status based diagnostics which seemed virtually impossible before can easily be accomplished through CA duplication (i.e., instantiation). These and other objects, advantages and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention. Such embodiment does not necessarily represent the full scope of the invention and reference is made therefore, to the claims herein for interpreting the scope of the invention. One or more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals correspond to similar elements throughout the several views and, more specifically, referring to FIG. 122, the present invention will be described in the context of an exemplary computer aided design (CAD) system 6010 including a workstation 6012 linked via a communication network (e.g., a local area network, a wide area network, an Ethernet, etc.) to both a schematic database 6014 and a specification database 6016. Referring also to FIG. 123, workstation 6012 includes, among other things, a process 6022 which is linked to an input device (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse or trackball, etc.) and to a visual display such as a flat panel display screen 6018. One or more software programs are stored in a workstation database (not illustrated) and are accessible to processor 6022 to perform various methods and processes according to the present invention. In this regard, more specifically, processor 6022 has access to at least two different types of CAD programs that enable display and modification of various types of schematics. The first program enables specification, display and modification of mechanical drawings or schematics which illustrate mechanical components used to configure an automated industrial assembly via components specific icons. For example, a mechanical roller assembly may be represented by a first icon, a mechanical drill press may be represented by a second icon, a mechanical milling machine may be represented by a third icon, a transfer line may be represented by a fourth distinct icon, and so on. The relationships between mechanical components on schematics may be indicated in any of several different manners including relative juxtaposition of those components, actual lines between components to indicate linkage relationships, labels on or proximate the mechanical component icons, etc. The second CAD program accessible to processor 6022 enables specification, display and modification of electrical schematics which illustrate electrical components used to configure a control system for an automated industrial facility via component specific icons. For example, a first electrical icon may correspond to a programmable logic controller (PLC), a second electrical icon may correspond to a resistor, a third electrical icon may correspond to a specific filter topology, a fourth electrical icon may correspond to a memory storage device, and so on. Each of the mechanical schematic and electrical schematic programs may be independently accessed via workstation 6012 so that any of the various schematic pages is observable. Other programs accessible via workstation 6012 to facilitate the various aspects of the present invention will be described in greater detail below. Referring still to FIGS. 122 and 123, schematic database 6014, as its label implies, is a database wherein a plurality of different mechanical and electrical schematics associated with the mechanical and electrical schematic software described above are stored. In FIG. 122, a plurality of mechanical schematics (MSs) are collectively identified by numeral 6022 and include first through Nth mechanical schematics. Each of the mechanical schematics, as described above, includes mechanical icons, sometimes numbering in the tens of thousands, that are arranged on the schematics to indicate relationships between the mechanical icons and hence the associated mechanical components needed to perform an intended automated process. A plurality of electrical schematics (ESs) including first through Nth schematics are collectively identified by numeral 6024 in FIG. 122. As in the case of the mechanical schematics, each electrical schematic includes a large number, often in the tens of thousands, of electrical component icons that correspond to electrical components required to control a related set of mechanical components represented by one of the mechanical schematics 6022. Thus, for instance, where a mechanical schematic 6022 includes a motor that has to be controlled by a PLC, an associated electrical schematic 6024 will include a PLC to be linked to the motor upon configuration of a working automated assembly. Hereinafter, although many electrical and mechanical schematics would typically be stored in database 6014, the present invention will be described in the context of a related schematic pair including one mechanical schematic and an associated electrical schematic unless indicated otherwise. In addition, it will be assumed that each schematic includes several hundreds of separate pages of schematic information. Referring still to FIGS. 122 and 123, in addition to the mechanical and electrical schematics 6022 and 6024, respectively, schematic database 6014 also includes, at least at times during some methods according to the present invention, intermediate mechanical schematics (IMSs) and intermediate electrical schematics (IESs). In FIG. 122, first through Nth intermediate mechanical schematics are collectively identified by numeral 6026 and first through Nth intermediate electrical schematics are collectively identified by numeral 6028. Generally, in at least some methods according to certain aspects of the present invention, when a mechanical schematic is modified, it has been recognized that it may be advantageous to generate a record of the changes made to the mechanical schematics to memorialize those changes including mechanical icons deleted from the schematics, mechanical icons added to the schematics as well as modifications to relationships between icons that previously existed on the schematics. In addition, it has been recognized that where mechanical icons are added to a mechanical schematic, in some cases, is advantageous to divide added mechanical icons in to two different groups as a function of their associations with electrical component icons in related electrical schematics. In this regard, where a mechanical icon is added to a mechanical schematic and cannot be supported by electrical components associated with preexisting electrical icons on a related electrical schematic, the mechanical icon is placed into the first added group. In contrast, where a mechanical component associated with an added mechanical icon may be supported by an electrical component associated with a preexisting electrical icon on an associated electrical schematic, a mechanical icon is placed in the second group. Hereinafter, unless indicated otherwise, the first group of mechanical icons (i.e., icons corresponding to added mechanical components that are unsupportable by electrical components associated with preexisting electrical icons) will be referred to as “unsupported” mechanical icons and the added mechanical icons in the second group (i.e., mechanical icons corresponding to mechanical components that are supportable by electrical components associated with preexisting electrical icons in associated electrical schematics) will be referred to as “supported” mechanical icons. As explained in greater detail below, in at least some embodiments, the IMSs 26 include mechanical schematics where icon deletions are memorialized and marked in a visually distinguishing manner, unsupported added icons are memorialized and marked in a visually distinguishing manner and supported added icons are memorialized and marked in a visually distinguishing manner. Moreover, IMSs 26 may also memorialize and indicate modifications to relationships between various schematic icons. In at least some embodiments of the present invention the deleted, unsupported added and supported added icons as well as associated relationships are all memorialized and marked and, when an IMS is accessed and displayed, all of the icons are shown in visually distinct manners to distinguish original (i.e., icons and relationships that remain unchanged from original mechanical schematics), deleted, supported and unsupported added mechanical icon components and relationships. For example, when an IMS is accessed and where original mechanical components and relationships are illustrated in black, deleted icons and associated relationships may be illustrated in red, unsupported added icons and relationships may be illustrated in yellow and supported (or supportable) added icons and relationships may be illustrated in green. Referring still to FIG. 122, the IESs 6028 are similar to the IMSs 6026 except that the IESs 6028 include electrical schematics where added icons, deleted icons and what are referred to hereinafter as “reused” electrical icons are memorialized and earmarked in distinguishing manners. As the label implies, reused icons on an IES 6028 indicate icons corresponding to electrical components that, when one or more mechanical component icons were deleted from an associated mechanical schematic, were rendered unnecessary to support the deleted icons but that, nevertheless, when one or more mechanical component icons were subsequently added to the associated mechanical schematic, were identified as reusable to support the added icons. Herein, while it is a fiction to state that an electrical icon “supports” a mechanical icon, this terminology is adopted to reflect the electrical-mechanical component relationship that is symbolized by the icons. Thus, where a set of electrical components are provided to control or “support” a set of mechanical components and the components are represented by electrical and mechanical component icons and relationships expressed on schematics, it can be said that the electrical icon set supports the mechanical icon set. When an IES is displayed, as in the case of an IMS, the differently characterized icons and relationships (e.g., original, added, etc) may be visually distinguished. Thus, for instance, when an electrical component icon is deleted from an electrical schematic, the deleted component and associated relationships may be shown in red in a resulting IES 6028. Similarly, electrical icons added to a schematic may be shown in green, reused icons may be shown in yellow and original icons may be shown in black. Referring still to FIGS. 122 and 123, specification database 6016 includes a plurality of data structures that relate mechanical component icons and groups of mechanical component icons having specific relationships with electrical component icons and groups of electrical component icons having specific relationships that are usable to support the mechanical components and mechanical component groupings. In FIG. 122 and throughout this specification, the data constructs are referred to as templates. A first template in specification database 6016 is identified by numeral 6030, a second template by numeral 6032 and a plurality of other templates collectively identified by numeral 6034. Each template, (e.g., 6030) includes a mechanical template section and a related or associated electrical template section. The mechanical template section includes a mechanical icon subset and associated relationships corresponding to a common mechanical component configuration that may be employed with other mechanical component configurations to configure an automated assembly. Similarly, the electrical template section includes an electrical icon subset and relationships corresponding to at least one set of electrical components and relationships that may be used to support mechanical components associated with the intra-template mechanical template section. The relationships may be indicated via lines or other symbolic structures on the schematics, via labels, via relative juxtapositions of subset icons, via location on the same page of a multi-page schematic, etc. In FIG. 122, the first template 6030 includes mechanical template section 6036 and electrical template section 6038, the second template 6032 includes mechanical template section 6040 and electrical template section 6042, and so on. Referring once again to FIGS. 122 and 123, according to at least one inventive method, workstation 6012 and databases 6014 and 6016 are usable by a systems engineer to automatically and quickly identify electrical component icons on electrical schematics that are related to specific instances of mechanical component icons on related mechanical schematics. In this case, it is assumed that related mechanical and electrical schematics for a specific automated assembly already exist. In operation, a system user accesses a set of mechanical schematics via workstation 6012 and displays those schematics on display 6018. For large automated assemblies, the mechanical schematics may include several hundred or even thousand separate pages and therefore, workstation 6012 may be equipped with some type of scrolling software to enable a system user to easily jump back and forth between the various pages of an exemplary mechanical schematic. With at least one segment of the mechanical schematics displayed via display 6018, the system user may select any of the mechanical schematic icons. In at least some embodiments of the invention, when a mechanical schematic icon or set of icons is selected, processor 6022 accesses specification database 6016 and attempts to match the mechanical icon subset and associated relationships in each of the mechanical template sections (e.g., 6036) with the selected icons and other related icons on the displayed schematic. Hereafter, when a mechanical component icon subset and relationships in a mechanical schematic match the subset and relationships specified by a specific database template, the template will be referred to as a “matching template” and the mechanical template section in the matching template section will be referred to as a “matching mechanical template section”. In some cases, processor 6022 will not be able to find a matching template. In this case, processor 6022 may be programmed to simply indicate that no match occurs. However, where a matching template is identified, processor 6022 may be programmed to access the electrical icon subset and relationships specified in the electrical template section of the matching template. Where the electrical icon subset and relationships specified by the electrical template section are located in the related electrical schematic 6024, processor 6022, in at least some embodiments of the present invention, immediately displays the portion of the electrical schematic including the electrical icon subset and relationships for the system user to view. Referring now to FIG. 124, an exemplary method 6070 consistent with the comments above, is illustrated. Referring also to FIGS. 122 and 123, at block 6072, a system user uses workstation 6022 to access and display a mechanical schematic. At block 6024, while the mechanical schematic is displayed on display 6018, the system user uses one of the interface devices 6020 to select one or a group of components from the mechanical schematic. For example, workstation 6012 may be programmed to provide a cursor selectable “submit” icon on display screen 6018, along with the mechanical schematic and to enable a user to select one or more component icons on a displayed schematic via a mouse controlled cursor. When a component is selected, processor 6022 may highlight the component (e.g., turn the component yellow). Hereinafter, the selected icons/relationships from the mechanical schematics will be referred to as a schematic segment of interest. After icon selection, when the submit icon is selected, control passes to block 6076 where processor 6022 examines the templates in specification database 6016 to identify a template including a mechanical template section (e.g., 6036) that matches the schematic section of interest. At block 6080, where no match is made, control passes to block 6078 where processor 6022 indicates via screen 6018 that no matching template exists in database 6016. After block 6078, in at least some embodiments, control passes back up to block 6072. Referring still to FIGS. 122 through 124, where one of the mechanical template sections in database 6016 matches the mechanical schematic section of interest, control passes to block 6082. At block 6082, processor 6022 identifies the electrical template section in the matching template. For example, in FIG. 122, where second template 6032 includes a mechanical template section 6040 that matched the schematic section of interest, at block 6082 processor 6022 identifies the electrical template section 6042 in matching template 6032. At block 6084, processor 6022 searches the electrical schematic related to the mechanical schematic accessed at step 6072 for a set of related icons that match the electrical icon subset and relationships indicated by electrical template section 6042. Continuing, at block 6086, where no match occurs, control passes to block 6088 where processor 6022 indicates via display 6018 that no matching electrical section has been identified. After block 6088 control passes back up to block 6072 where the mechanical schematic is displayed. At block 6086, where a related icon subset on the electrical schematic matches the electrical icon subset and relationships specified by electrical template section 6042, control passes to block 6090. At block 6090, processor 6022 displays the segment of the electrical schematic that includes the matching set of icons. Hereinafter, a matching segment on an electrical schematic will be referred to as a “matching schematic segment.” In at least some embodiments, when an electrical schematic is displayed including a matching schematic segment, the icons and relationships that comprise the matching schematic segment are shown in a visually distinguishing manner (e.g., green as opposed to black). After block 6090, control passes to block 6092 where processor 6022 monitors a mechanical/electrical toggle tool. Here, it is contemplated that processor 6022 may be programmed to provide a mouse selectable toggle icon on screen 6018 to switch between the electrical and mechanical schematics. Where the toggle icon is not selected, control loops back up to block 6090 where the electrical schematic is continually displayed. Once the toggle icon is selected, control passes from block 6092 back up to block 6072 where the mechanical schematic is again displayed. In at least some embodiments of the present invention it is contemplated that more than one set of related electrical icons on an electrical schematic may match a related electrical icon subset specified by an electrical template section (e.g., 6042 in FIG. 122). Where more than a single match occurs, in at least some embodiments, it is contemplated that processor 6022 will be programmed to identify all instances of the related electrical icon subset specified by a template that occur in an electrical schematic and will provide the system user the ability to access all of the matching schematic segments in an intuitive fashion. For instance, in at least some embodiments, processor 6022 may provide a list of matching electrical schematic segments within a workstation window and allow the system user to hyperlink from any one of the instances to the section of the electrical schematic that includes the instance. In another example, processor 6022 may identify the first matching schematic segment and display the electrical schematic section including the first matching schematic segment via screen 6018 along with some type of scrolling tools (e.g., mouse selectable forward and reverse arrow icons). In this case, the scrolling tools may be used to scroll to the other matching schematic segments and thereby access the other relevant parts of the electrical schematic. According to yet one other aspect of at least some embodiments of the present invention, after a component or a group of related components are selected from a mechanical schematic, if no matching template is identified, processor 6022 may be programmed to help the system user specify a specific relationship of electrical components to be located in the electrical schematic. Once the specific set of components has been manually specified, processor 6022 may be programmed to search for the manually specified set and, when located, may render the set accessible via screen 6018 in a manner similar to that described above. Referring now to FIG. 125, another inventive method 100 that includes several of the features described above is illustrated. Referring also to FIGS. 122 and 123, at block 6102, a system user uses workstation 6012 to access and display mechanical schematics. At block 6104, the system user selects one or more related mechanical component icons from the displayed mechanical schematic. At block 6106, processor 6022 examines the templates in database 6016 to identify a mechanical template section including a related mechanical icon subset that matches the schematic segment of interest. At block 6108, where the mechanical template section matches the schematic segment of interest, control passes to block 6112. At block 6112, processor 6022 identifies the electrical template section of the matching template. At block 6114 processor 6022 searches the electrical schematic for instances of the related electrical icon subset specified by the matching electrical template section. At block 6116, where no match occurs, control passes to block 6118 and processor 6022 indicates via screen 6018 that no match occurred. After block 6118 control passes back up to block 6102. Where at least one electrical template section—electrical schematic match occurs, control passes to block 6130 where processor 6022 displays the section of the electrical schematic that includes the first matching schematic segment and, in at least some embodiments, visually distinguishes the matching schematic segment. At block 6132, where more than one instance of a match occurs, scrolling tools are provided on display 6018. Where a scrolling activity is selected, control passes to block 6128 where processor 6022 displays the next matching schematic segment via screen 6018. Where the scrolling activity is not selected, control passes to block 6126 where the mechanical/electrical toggle icon is monitored. While the toggle icon remains unselected, control loops back up to block 6030 and processor 6022 continues to display the first matching schematic segment. Once the toggle icon is selected, control again passes back up to block 6102 where the process is repeated. In FIG. 125, where only a single matching schematic segment is identified in some embodiments, it is contemplated that no scrolling tools would be provided and instead, control would pass from block 6130 to block 6126. Referring again to FIG. 125 and, more specifically to block 6108, where the selected schematic segment of interest does not match one of the mechanical icon subsets and relationships specified by templates in database 6016, control passes to block 6110. At block 6110, processor 6022 facilitates manual electrical component specification whereby the system user may specify related mechanical components, related electrical components and a relationship between the mechanical and electrical components thereby, in effect, specifying a new template. Systems and software for specifying templates like the template described above should be well known to one of ordinary skill in the CAD art and therefore, in the interest of simplifying this explanation, those systems and software will not be described here in detail. In addition, at block 6110, processor 6022, in at least some embodiments, provides a template storage option. At block 6120, where the system user does not want to store the newly specified template, control passes to block 6124. If, at block 6120, the system user elects to store the newly specified template, control passes to block 6122 where the new template is stored in specification database 6016 (see again FIG. 122). Continuing, at block 6124, processor 6022 searches the electrical schematic related to the mechanical schematic accessed and displayed at block 6102 to identify instances of the electrical icon subset and relationships specified in the new template that occur in the electrical schematic. After block 6124, control passes again to block 6116 and the method proceeds as described above. Thus, it should be appreciated that the FIG. 125 process differs from the FIG. 124 process in two important ways. First, in process 6100, where more than one matching electrical schematic segment is identified in an electrical schematic, processor 6022 renders all instances of the matching schematic segments rapidly accessible (see blocks 6130, 6132 and 6128). Second, where no match is identified between a schematic segment of interest (i.e., a segment selected on a mechanical schematic) and a mechanical template section, in process 6100, processor 6022 facilitates specification and optional storage of a new template for searching purposes. While not illustrated, it should be appreciated that in at least some embodiments it is contemplated that the mechanical-electrical associating process described above may be performed prior to access by a system user to establish at least some of the associations automatically. Here, for instance, where pre-existing related mechanical-electrical schematics are accessible to processor 6022, processor 6022 may be programmed to automatically work through the mechanical schematics to identify schematic segments of interest that match mechanical template sections specified in database 6016 and, for each matching template, to search the related electrical schematics for electrical template sections to create mechanical-electrical associations. Where mechanical segment-electrical segment matches are identified or one-to-one relationships cannot be automatically resolved by processor 6022, processor 6022 may be programmed to earmark un-associated segments and potentially multiply-associated segments so that a system user can help resolve specific relationships in a manner similar to that described above with respect to FIG. 125. After all mechanical-electrical segment associations have been resolved, upon subsequent schematic access and selection of a set of related mechanical components, processor 6022 simply accesses the associated electrical segment and displays that segment for examination. At this point, it should also be noted that while most users will use the inventive system to move from mechanical to electrical schematic segments, it has been recognized that movement and association in the opposite direction is also possible and in some cases will be desirable. The inventive system is applicable to facilitate movement in either direction between mechanical and electrical schematic segments. Thus, for instance, in at least some embodiments, a system user examining electrical schematics may access associated mechanical schematics by selecting a schematic segment of interest from the electrical schematic thereby causing processor 6022 to perform any of the associating methods described above or any combination thereof. In addition to being useful for locating electrical schematic icons that are associated with mechanical schematic icons or vice versa, it has been recognized that the exemplary specification database described above may, in at least some embodiments, also be useful for generating an entirely new electrical schematic or at least a large part thereof, automatically, from existing mechanical schematics. Thus, for instance, in at least some embodiments of the invention, processor 6022 may be programmed to search a mechanical schematic for instances of mechanical icon subsets and relationships specified by mechanical template sections and, where an instance of a mechanical template section is identified, may add an instance of a related electrical template section to an electrical schematic. In many cases, it is believed that, given a well developed and relatively complete specification database 6016, 80% or more of an electrical schematic may be completely generated from a related mechanical schematic thereby substantially reducing the time and effort required to produce a set of electrical schematics for controlling mechanical components related to a set of mechanical schematics. Referring now to FIG. 126, exemplary method 6134 for producing at least a portion of an electrical schematic from a related mechanical schematic is illustrated. Referring also to FIGS. 122 and 123, at block 6136, processor 6022 accesses a mechanical schematic and also accesses specification database 6016. At block 6138, processor 6022 begins with the first template 6030 and internally labels that first template 6030 the current template. At block 6140, processor 6024 identifies the mechanical template section 6036 of the current template 6030. At block 6142, processor 6022 searches the mechanical schematic for instances of the current mechanical templates section 6036. At block 6144, when processor 6022 identifies the related mechanical icons from a mechanical template section, control passes to block 6146. At block 6146 processor 6022 identifies the electrical template section in the current template. At block 6148, for each identified instance of the matching mechanical template section located in the mechanical schematic, processor 6022 adds an instance of the electrical template section to the electrical schematic. After block 6148 control passes to block 6150. At block 150, processor 6022 determines whether or not a complete electrical schematic has been specified by processor 6022 by determining whether or not all of the mechanical schematic components have been associated with electrical schematic components. Where a complete electrical schematic has been specified, control passes to block 6151 where processor 6022 indicates that a complete electrical schematic has been specified. Where a complete electrical schematic has yet to be specified, control passes to block 6154. Referring still to FIGS. 123 and 126, a block 6154, processor 6022 determines whether or not the mechanical template sections of all of the templates in database 6016 have been sought in the mechanical schematic. Where all of the mechanical template sections from all of the templates have been sought, control passes to block 6156 where processor 6022 identifies all unassociated mechanical schematic component icons and, in at least some embodiments, renders those icons visually distinguished via display 6018. Thereafter, the system use may be provided with a suite of tools for manually specifying related electrical schematic components in the form of icons to support the unassociated mechanical schematic component icons. At block 6154, when additional mechanical template sections of the template in database 6016 need to be searched, control passes to block 6152 where the current template is set equal to the next template. After block 6152, control again passes back up to block 6140 where processor 6022 repeats the loop illustrated until either the conditions of block 6150 or the conditions of block 6154 have been met. Thus, after method 6134 has been completed, at least a partially specified electrical schematic results and, in some cases, a complete electrical schematic including related icons for supporting the assembly specified in a related set of mechanical schematics is provided. In addition to facilitating automatic generation of electrical schematics from mechanical schematics and facilitating access to sections of electrical schematics that are associated with specific sections of mechanical schematics as described above, it has been recognized that the specification database 6016 including templates as described above can also be used by a workstation user to update electrical schematics so that they are consistent with associated mechanical schematics when modifications are made to the mechanical schematics. To this end, referring now to FIGS. 127a and 127b, an exemplary method 6050 is illustrated. In the examples that follow, it will be assumed that whenever processor 6022 (see again FIG. 123) accesses a mechanical or electrical schematic to facilitate modifications, from the time the schematic is accessed to the time when a system user indicates that schematic changes should no longer be memorialized, processor 6022 maintains some type of an intermediate schematic (e.g., IMS, IES) as described above. Thus, whenever a schematic is initially accessed by processor 6022, processor 6022 makes a copy of the accessed schematic as an intermediate schematic and, as modifications are made, those modifications are memorialized on the intermediate schematic in one form or another. In some cases, the intermediate schematic will reflect modifications made by actually deleting icons and eliminating relationships between icons that have been deleted or eliminated and by adding icons and indicating relationships between icons that have been added or indicated. In other cases the intermediate schematics will indicate additions and deletions by recording the additions and deletions in some distinguishing manner for subsequent use prior to an indication that a history of those changes should no longer be recorded. Referring to FIG. 127a and also to FIGS. 122 and 123, at process block 6052, a system user using workstation 6012 causes processor 6022 to access and display an intermediate mechanical schematic. Consistent with the comments above, at this point, because no mechanical schematic modifications have made, the intermediate mechanical schematic is simply a copy of the mechanical schematic accessed by the system user. At block 6054, processor 6022 monitors workstation 6012 for modifications to the displayed intermediate mechanical schematic. Where no modifications are made, control loops through blocks 6056, 6052 and 6054 as processor 6022 monitors for modifications. Once a modification is made, control passes from block 6056 to block 6058 where processor 6022 stores the modified intermediate mechanical schematic with the modifications marked as deletions or additions. For instance, in at least some embodiments, deletions are represented in the intermediate mechanical schematic by icons and relationships in the same manner that they were represented in the initial mechanical schematic accept that they are earmarked in some fashion to indicate that they are to be deleted. Similarly, additions to the mechanical schematic are represented by icons and indications of relationships and are marked in some fashion to indicate that they are being added to the original mechanical schematic. After block 6058, control passes to decision block 6060 where processor 6022 monitors workstation 6012 for an indication as to whether or not mechanical edits have been completed. In this regard, processor 6022 may provide some type of mouse selectable icon on screen 6018 for indicating when mechanical edits have completed. Where the complete icon is not selected and additional modifications are made to the intermediate mechanical schematic, control passes back up to block 6054 where the loop described above is repeated. Where the system user indicates that all of the mechanical edits have bene made, control passes from block 60 in FIG. 127a to block 6182 in FIG. 127b. Thus, after the sub-process of FIG. 127a has been completed, in at least some embodiment of the invention database 6014 will include several schematics relevant to the present inventive method including the original and un-altered mechanical schematics and electrical schematics as well as the intermediate mechanical schematic including a record of modifications to the original mechanical schematic. In addition, in at least some embodiments, the IMS will include information useable by processor 6022 to distinguish additions and deletions for subsequent use. Referring now to FIG. 127b, an automatic electronic schematic updating portion of method 6050 is illustrated wherein processor 6022 attempts to update a preexisting electrical schematic corresponding to the IMS modified by the process illustrated in FIG. 127a. In this regard, at block 6182, processor 6022 accesses the modified IMS. At block 6184, processor 6022 identifies the first marked modification in the IMS as a current modification. Here, the current modification is akin to the schematic segment of interest in the above discussion related to FIGS. 3 and 4. At block 6186, processor 6022 examines the templates in database 6016 for a mechanical template section that matches the current modification. At block 6188, where no match is identified, control passes to block 6189 where processor 6022 maintains an unmatched modification list and adds the current modification to the unmatched list. After block 6189, control passes to block 6210. Referring still to FIGS. 122, 123 and 127b, at block 6188, where one of the mechanical template sections matches the current modification, control passes to block 6198. At block 6198, processor 6022 identifies the electrical template section in the matching template. At decision block 6200, processor 6022 determines whether or not the current modification is an addition or a deletion. Where the current modification is an addition, control passes to block 6202 where processor 6022 augments the intermediate electrical schematic (IES) with the matching electrical template section. Here, augmentation may include adding an instance of the electronic template section to the intermediate electronic schematic and indicating suitable linkage to the associated mechanical component icons in the mechanical schematic as well as any required linkage to other icons in the electronic schematic. Rule sets and tables for specifying appropriate linkages may be included as part of each template. After block 6202 control passes to decision block 6210. Referring again to decision block 6200, where the current modification is a deletion, control passes to decision block 6208 where processor 6022 attempts to locate the electrical template section identified at block 6198 in the IES. Where the electrical template section sought is not located in the IES, control passes to block 6189 where, once again, the current modification may be added to the unmatched list. At block 6208, where only one instance of the electrical template section is located in the IES, control passes to block 6212 where processor 6022 modified the IES as a function of the matching electrical template section. Here, augmentation may include deleting the matching schematic segment from the IES. In some cases the segment will simply be deleted while in other cases the segment will be marked as to be deleted but will remain as part of the IES to memorialize the modification. After block 6212 control passes to block 6210. At decision block 6210, processor 6022 determine whether or not all of the IMS modifications have been considered. Where one ore more modifications have not been considered, control passes to block 6206 where processor 6022 identifies the next modification in the IMS as the current modification. After block 6206 control passes back up to block 6186 where the loop described above is repeated. At block 6210, where processor 6022 determines that all of the IMS modifications have been considered, control passes to block 6211. At block 6211, processor 6022 indicates, via screen 6018, that the automatic electrical schematic update process has been completed. In addition, in at least some embodiments, at process block 6211 processor 6022 may provide the unmatched modification list to quickly and automatically identify modifications to the mechanical schematic for which associated modifications to the electrical schematic could not be automatically made via the database templates. A system user may also be provided with a suite of tools to manually modify the electrical schematic to support the mechanical schematic modifications included on the unmatched list. Referring now to FIG. 128, a sub-method 6101 which may be used to replace the portion of the method illustrated in FIG. 127b that follows block 6186 is illustrated wherein the sub-method 6101 includes steps that facilitate manual template specification when no match occurs at block 6188 between a current mechanical schematic modification and at least one of the mechanical template sections. In FIG. 128, many of the decision and process blocks illustrated are similar to the decision and process blocks described above with respect to FIG. 127b and therefore, in the interest of simplifying this explanation, those blocks will not be described again here in detail. Here, it should suffice to say that similar blocks in FIGS. 127b and 128 are similarly labeled. The primary differences between FIGS. 127b and 7 are that block 6189 in FIG. 127b has been replaced by block 6189′ in FIG. 128 and block 6211 in FIG. 127b has been replaced by block 6211′ in FIG. 128. Referring now to FIGS. 122, 123, 127b and 128, after block 6186 in FIG. 127b, control passes to block 6188 in FIG. 128. At block 6188, processor 6022 determines whether or not a match exists between the current mechanical schematic modification and any of the mechanical template sections in any of the templates in specification database 6016. As in FIG. 127b, when a match exists, control passes from block 6188 to block 6198 where processor 6022 identifies the electrical template section in the matching template. At decision block 6200, processor 6022 determines whether or not the current modification is an addition or a deletion. Where the current modification is an addition, at block 6202, processor 6022 augments the IES as a function of the matching electrical template section and then control passes to block 6210. At block 6200, where the current modification is a deletion, control passes to block 6208 where processor 6022 determines whether or not the identified electrical template section is located in the IES. Where the electrical template section is not located in the IES, control passes to block 6198′. Where the electrical template section is located in the IES, control passed to block 6212 where processor 6022 modifies the IES as a function of the matching electrical template section. After block 6212 control passes to block 6210. Referring still to FIGS. 122, 123 and 128, where no match is identified at block 6188, control passes to block 6189′. As illustrated, block 6189′ includes a plurality of other blocks which, generally, help a system user manually specify a template related to an unmatched mechanical schematic modification. In this regard, at block 6190, processor 6022 indicates via display 6018 that no matching template exists for the current mechanical modification. Here, this indication may be facilitated by actually presenting the current mechanical modification via display 6018 along with some type of textual indication. After block 6190, processor 6022 facilitates manual template specification at block 6191. Here, the manual template specification process may take any of several different forms and the present invention should not be limited to a specific form. In at least one exemplary embodiment a suite of CAD tools may be accessed by processor 6022 and provided to the system use via workstation 6012. Using the tools the system user specifies an electrical template section in the same fashion as a user would with prior types of electrical schematic specifying software suites. After block 6191, control passes to block 6192 where processor 6022 provides a template storage option for the system user. If the user elects to store the new template at block 6194, control passes to block 6196 where the new template is stored. After block 6196 control passes to block 6208 described above and the electrical schematic specification process is repeated as described above. At block 6194, if the user opts not to store the new template control passes to block 6208 without storing the new template. In some cases where electrical schematics are to be updated to reflect modifications to related mechanical schematics, a system user may want to have more control over the updating process. For example, while a template set may specify specific mechanical electrical relationships, a user may prefer to customize some relationships in other ways due to known limitations in electrical components. To this end, FIG. 129 illustrates a sub-method that may be used to replace the sub-method of FIG. 127b where the system user exercises greater control. Referring also to FIGS. 122 and 123, after an IMS modifying process like the process of FIG. 127a has been completed and the modified IMS has been stored in database 6014, control passes to block 6292 in FIG. 129. At block 6292, processor 6022 access the modified IMS. At block 6294, processor 6022 displays the modified IMS with all of the modifications visually distinguished. Here, for example, icons and relationships that have been deleted may be shown in red while icons and relationships that have been added may be shown in green. After block 6294, control passes to decision block 6296 where the system user uses an interface device (e.g., 6020 in FIG. 122) to select one of the visually distinguished modifications shown on screen 6018. Once one or more modifications is selected, control passes to block 6298 where processor 6022 examines the templates in database 6016 for a mechanical template section that matches the schematic segment of interest (i.e., the selected modification). After block 6298, at block 6300, where no match exists, control passes to block 6189′ where processor 6022 facilitates manual template specification with aid from the system user as illustrated in FIG. 128 (i.e., see block 6189 ′ in FIG. 7). After block 6189 ′ control passes to block 6312. Where a match does exist at decision block 6300, control passes to block 6312. At block 6312, processor 6022 identifies the electrical template section in the matching template. At block 6314, processor 6022 determines if the modification is an addition or a deletion. Where the modification is an addition, control passes to block 6318 where processor 6022 augments the IES as a function of the matching electrical template section. Control passes from block 6318 to block 6320. At block 6314, where the selected modification is a deletion, control passes to block 6316 where processor 6022 determines whether or not at least one instance of the electrical template section is present in the IES. Where no instance of the electrical template section is present in the IES, control passes back up to block 6189′ where processor 6022 walks the system user through the manual template specification process again. Where at least one instance of the electrical template section is found in the IES, control passes from block 6316 to block 6323 where processor 6022 modifies the IES as a function of the matching electrical template section. After block 6323, control passes to block 6320. At block 6320, processor 6022 displays the augmented/modified IES with all of the modifications to the IES visually distinguished. Here, added icons and relationships may be shown in green while deleted icons and relationships may be shown in red. After block 6320, at decision block 6323, processor 6022 monitors workstation 6012 for an indication that the displayed modification is being affirmatively accepted by the system user. Where the user indicates that the modification should not be accepted, control passes to block 6330 where processor 6022 undoes the most recent IES modification. After block 6330 control passes to block 6324. At block 6322, where the user accepts the displayed modification, control passes to block 6324. At block 6324, processor 6022 stores the IES. Continuing, at block 6325, processor 6022 determines whether or not the electric schematic update process has been completed. When the update process has not been completed control loops back up to block 6294 where the process continues. When the update process has been completed, control passes to block 328 where processor 6022 stores the IES as the modified electric schematic and the process ends. Thus, in FIG. 129, when processor 6022 identifies a modification to the IES based on a selected modification to the IMS, according to method 6220, prior to storing the identified IES modification, processor 6022 in effect, suggests the change to the system user and requests confirmation. Upon receiving affirmative confirmation that the change should be made, processor stores the change as part of the updated electronic schematic for subsequent use. In at least some cases, it has been recognized that at least some electrical components used to configure an automated assembly can be reused when the automated assembly is reconfigured to perform some other process. This is particularly true in cases where only parts of an existing automated assembly are modified to perform a new process. To this end one method 6350 which provides a mechanical and electrical road map for modifying an existing automated assembly and reusing existing electrical components where possible is illustrated in FIGS. 130a-130c. Although not always the case, in the interest of simplifying this aspect of the invention, it will be assumed that templates exist in database 6016 to correlate every related set of mechanical icons to a related set of electrical icons in the mechanical and electrical schematics so that no manual template specification is necessary. In more complex cases where database 6016 is less complete, a more complex process than method 6350 is contemplated including additional steps and sub-methods similar to those described above to manually specify templates. Similarly, here it will be assumed that only a single matching instance occurs between each electrical template section sought and a match in the IES so that processor 6022 can associate schematic sections without the help of a user. Method 6350 in FIGS. 130a-130c is to be used after a method similar to method 6050 described above with respect to FIG. 127a so that, prior to method 6350, a modified IMS already exists where added and deleted related mechanical schematic icons have been earmarked or indicated in some fashion in an IMS. Referring now to FIG. 130a and also to FIGS. 122 and 123, at block 6352, processor 6022 access the modified IMS. At block 354, processor 6022 identifies the first marked IMS modification as a current modification. At block 6356 processor 6022 determines whether the current modification is an addition or a deletion. When the current modification is an addition, control passes to block 6368. At block 6356, where the current modification is a deletion, control passes to block 6358. At block 6358, processor 6022 identifies the template associated with the current modification. At block 6350, processor 6022 identifies the electrical template section of the identified template. At block 6362, processor 6022 identifies the electrical template section in the IES. At block 6364, processor 6022 marks the identified electrical template section in the IES as obsolete. Here, the “obsolete” qualifier simply means that the component associated with the icon(s) is not required in light of the associated mechanical schematic modification. At block 6366, processor 6022 stores the association between the current modification and the IES section most recently marked as obsolete. After block 6366, control passes to block 6368. At block 6368, processor 6022 determines whether or not all of the IMS modifications have been considered. Where one or more modifications have not been considered, control passes to block 6370 where processor 6022 identifies the next modification and sets the current modification equal to the next modification. After block 6370 control loops back up to block 6356 where the process described above is repeated. At block 6368, where all of the IMS modifications have been considered, control passes to block 6382 in FIG. 130b. At block 6382, processor 6022 again access the modified IMS. At block 384, processor 6022 identifies the first marked IMS modification as the current modification. At block 6386, processor 6022 determines whether or not the current modification is an addition or a deletion. In this case, when the current modification is a deletion, control passes to block 6396. At block 6386, where the current modification is an addition, control passes to block 6388. At block 6388, processor 6022 identifies the template associated with the current modification. At block 6390, processor 6022 identifies the electrical template section of the identified template. At block 6392, processor 6022 determines whether or not the identified electrical template section matches any of the electrical components and relationships that are marked as obsolete in the IES. Here, again, the “obsolete” qualifier simply indicates that the components were represented in the original electrical schematic but, because of some mechanical schematic deletion, were rendered no longer needed to support the deleted mechanical components. Where no match occurs at block 6392, control passes to block 6398 where processor 6022 augments the IES as a function of the matching electrical template section. Here, augmentation typically means that an instance of the electrical template section is added to the electrical schematic to support the component added to the mechanical schematic via the current modification. After block 6398, control passes to block 6400 where processor 6022 stores the association between the current modification and the IES section most recently added. After block 6400 control passes to block 6396. Referring once again to block 6392, where the identified electrical template section matches some set of the obsolete electrical components in the IES, control passes to block 6394. At block 6394, processor 6022 reconfigures the matching obsolete components to associate those components with the current mechanical modification and stores the association. In addition, at block 6394, processor 6022 marks the current mechanical modification as associated or supported in the IMS. Furthermore, at block 6394, processor 6022 marks the associated obsolete components in the IES as reused. After block 6394, control passes to block 6396. At block 6396, processor 6022 determines whether or not all of the IMS modifications have been considered. Where additional modifications have to be considered, control passes to block 6402 where processor 6022 sets the current modification to the next modification. After block 6402, control passes back up to block 6386 where the loop described above is repeated. Where all of the IMS modifications have been considered at block 6396, in at lease some embodiments, control passes to block 6412 in FIG. 130c. At block 6412, processor 6022 accesses the IES and, at block 6414, processor 6022 identifies and deletes all of the components in the IES that are still marked as obsolete (i.e., deletes components rendered obsolete by a mechanical schematic deletion and not reusable to fulfill a requirement due to a mechanical schematic addition). After block 6414, at block 6416, processor 6022 stores the modified IES as the electrical schematic. Thus, it should be appreciated that the process of FIGS. 127a and 130a-130c provides a road map for accommodating mechanical schematic changes in a fashion that optimally reuses existing electrical components. In at lease some cases, it has been recognized as advantageous to maintain information related to the changes made to mechanical and electrical schematics so that those changes can be mirrored by the engineer(s) charged with actually configuring the mechanical and electrical systems. Thus, for instance, the engineer that has to modify an existing mechanical assembly to match modified mechanical schematics likely would want schematics that show components to be removed, original components not to be modified and components to be added. Similarly, an engineer modifying an existing electrical system would likely find helpful schematics distinguishing original components to remain unchanged, components to be deleted, components to be added and components to be reused. Here, referring again to FIG. 130b, at block 6396, after all IMS modifications have been considered, the IMS and IES prior to block 6412 in FIG. 130c include all of the information necessary to provide a richly detailed road map of schematics including all of the distinguishing information described above. Thus, in at lease some embodiments, instead of passing control to block 6412 in FIG. 130c, processor 6022 may store the fully distinguishing IMS and IES for subsequent use. Referring now to FIG. 131, a method 420 for accessing and examining the road map by modified IESs and IMSs is illustrated. At block 422, processor 6022 accesses a stored IMS and associated IES. At block 6424, processor 6022 displays the IMS via screen 6018 and visually distinguishes unchanged icons and relationships, deleted icons and relationships and added icons and relationships. At block 6426, processor 6022 monitors workstation 6012 for selection of any of the sections of the IMS displayed on screen 6018. Once a section is selected, control passes to block 6428 where processor 6022 identifies the section of the IES associated with the selected IMS section. At block 6430, processor 6022 displays the identified IES section visually distinguishing added, deleted and reused sections. At block 6432, processor 6022 monitors a mechanical/electrical toggle icon or the like and, when the toggle icon is selected, control passes back up to block 6424 where the IMS is displayed. Although not illustrated, it is contemplated that a complete set of related IMSs and IESs may be downloaded to a hand held or portable computing device that has graphical capabilities and that, once downloaded, the mechanical-electrical toggle function could be employed on a factory floor to aid in assembly/system reconfiguration. In addition, as changes are manually made to electrical components to reflect the information on the hand held device, the device may be used to indicate a completed change and cause the device to eliminate the changes from the IMS and IES. While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. For example, in at least some cases, it has been recognized that where a system user manually defines a template to be used with pre-existing schematics, it may be difficult for the user to actually specify a template including mechanical and electrical sections that will match existing schematic segments. Thus, for instance, a user may believe ten separate electrical components will be arranged in specific relationships whenever they appear in a segment to support a specific mechanical segment and therefore may define an electrical template section including the ten components and expected relationship. Here, in some cases, actual component subsets may include only eight of the components specified by the user or may include all ten of the components but in different relationships than expected by the user. In these cases no matches would be recognized. To overcome the above problem, in at least some inventive embodiments, processor 6022 may be programmed to recognize “near matches” where a certain percent of template detail matches a schematic segment. Thus, in this case, where a user imperfectly specifies template characteristics, processor 6022 would nevertheless be able to identify one or more matches if the template characteristics at lease somewhat accurately represented a relationship in the schematics. Where potential or near matches occur and are identified, it is contemplated that processor 6022 would give a choice list or the like to the system user to indicate possible matches and then would allow the user to affirmatively select a specific instance from the list. Other ways to provide near match choices are also contemplated such as via scrolling presentation of possible choices and so on. As another example, it is contemplated that, for at lest some systems, more than one template or template sections from different templates may match a schematic segment of interest. For instance, referring again to FIG. 122, each of the mechanical template sections 6036 and 6040 may be identical while related electrical template sections 6038 and 6042 are different so that more than one option is provided to support the related mechanical icons associated with each of sections 6036 and 6040. In this case, a modified method is contemplated wherein processor 6022 would identify all templates having mechanical template sections that match a schematic section of interest and would provide options for the system user to select. In an alternative process, where two or more mechanical template sections match a schematic segment of interest, processor 6022 may search for both electrical template sections and, where only one of the sought sections is located, may only provide that segment. Where one or more of each sought section is located, processor 6022 may present a selection list in a manner similar to the lists described above. As one other example, a parent-child template hierarchy is contemplated wherein a parent template includes one or more “place holders” for references to more detailed child templates so that a relatively small number of templates can be combined by processor 6022 to construct a relatively large number of different permutations of templates. Here, the percent of schematic segment-template section matches can be increased appreciably and hence, a better overall system can be provided. To this end, referring to FIG. 122, an exemplary more complex template 6450 is illustrated which, consistent with the above description, includes mechanical and electrical template sections 6452 and 6454, respectively. Mechanical section 6452 includes first, second . . . and Mth mechanical components 6456, 6458 and 6460, respectively, that are arranged according to relationships specified in a relationships segment 6462 of mechanical section 6452. Exemplary first mechanical component 6456 includes at least one instance of a first sub-component 6464, may include anywhere from one to ten instances of a second sub-component 6466, includes one instance of either a first or a second child template 6468 and specific relationships between the sub-components and child templates indicated via a relationships segment 6470. Although not illustrated it is contemplated that each of components 6458-6460 may include a separate specification including child template requirements and ranges of component instances that may be included in an instantiated instance of a template. In addition, it is contemplated that, in at least some cases, variable numbers of child templates may be specified within a parent template specification. Referring still to FIG. 122, electrical template section 6454 includes first, second . . . and Yth electrical components 6480, 6482 and 6484, respectively, that are related in various ways to the mechanical components in mechanical template section 6452, the relationships specified by relationship section 6486. First electrical component 6480 includes instances of first, second and third electrical sub-components 6488, 6490 and 6492, respectively. More specifically, component 6480 includes one instance of first sub-component 6488, two instances of second electrical sub-component 6490 for each instance of the second mechanical sub-component 6466 and one instance of a third electrical sub-component 6492 for either of the first or second child templates 6468 where the electrical sub-components are arranged according to relationships specified by segment 6500. Each of the first and second child templates 6468 may, in at least some embodiments, have a form similar to the template form illustrated in FIG. 122 including both mechanical and electrical template sections where each section specifies components, sub-components, either optional or mandatory child templates and ranges of the number of child templates and/or components that may be included in an instance of a template or required in an instantiated template instance. There, the methods described above simply call for a processor to perform more detailed methods but the general concepts are similar. Moreover, it should be appreciated that, in some cases, a single electrical component or sub-set of components may be useable or modifiable to be useable to support more than one mechanical component or sub-set of components. Thus, for instance, in the case of a power distribution bus, the number of terminal blocks on a single bus may be modifiable so that the bus can provide power to many different motors. Here, in some cases, a single electrical template section for a power distribution bus may be used to support several different mechanical template sections and there would not be a one-to-one mechanical-electrical template section relationship. In this case, where a mechanical component is added to a mechanical schematic and must be supported by an electrical component that is capable of supporting more than one mechanical component, a processor would first determine if an electrical component of the required type exists. Next, where an electrical component of the required type does not exist, the processor specifies that an instance of the component is required, adds the instance to the electrical schematic and indicates the mechanical-electrical relationship in some fashion. Where an electrical component of the required type already exists, the processor determines if the existing electrical component has excess capability required to support the added mechanical component. Where an existing electrical component cannot support the added mechanical component the processor adds an additional instance of the electrical component to the electrical schematic and indicates relationships. Where an existing electrical component can support the added mechanical component, the processor associates the components and indicates association in some suitable manner. Thus, in at least some cases cross-template support where one electrical template provides electrical components for more than one mechanical component in more than one template is contemplated. Furthermore, in at least some embodiments it is contemplated that the inventive template sets described above will be useable independent of mechanical schematics where legacy electrical schematics exist to review the legacy electrical schematics for poorly designed configurations. To this end, it is contemplated that the templates will, in general, reflect best and generally most practical design practices. Therefore, component relationships and use reflected in existing legacy electrical schematics that do not conform to template specifications will, in most cases, be inconsistent with best design practices and, in most cases, an engineer charged will efficiently constructing the electrical system, will want to modify the poorly designed electrical sub-systems. To this end, according to yet another inventive method, a processor may be programmed to examine an existing electrical schematic set to identify all electrical schematic sections that do not conform to template specified relationships and to visually indicate those sections as sections that likely do not conform to best design practices. As above, indication may include displaying poorly designed sections of the electrical schematics in a visually different manner than sections that are consistent with best practices as reflected in the template. In some cases, the processor may be programmed to, when possible, make best practice suggestions to a system user and to enable the user to accept or reject the suggestions. For instance, where legacy schematics include eight electrical racks but all of the electrical components could fit in seven racks, the system may suggest the change. In other cases the processor may be programmed to automatically affect best design practices by amending the electrical schematics appropriately. While it is contemplated that the inventive editors and database may be implemented in any of several different computer technologies, preferably, the editors are implemented using universal technologies such as JAVA by Sun Microsystems or ActiveX by Microsoft. Also, while it is contemplated that the PLC logic may be implemented in any of several different computer languages, because most PLCs run relay ladder logic (LL) programs, it is preferred that the PLC logic be in the LL language and is described as such hereinafter. Unless indicated otherwise, identical numbers and legends on different Figures are used to refer to identical system components, signals, constructs and so on. While the invention includes various interfaces and editors for enabling a system user to specify logic, initially an industrial controls paradigm will be explained which serves as a foundation for the inventive editors, compiler and simulator. This paradigm will make all of the aspects of the present invention more easily understandable. After the industrial controls paradigm is described, a CA editor, an HMI editor and a diagnostics editor are described which use the controls paradigm to specify controls logic. Next, the inventive compiler is described followed by the inventive simulator which uses compiler output to drive a virtual machine line using real world execution code. A. Industrial Control Paradigm When performing the controls engineering tasks, a control engineer has to provide many different types of controls information including, among other types: (1) control mechanism specification; (2) logic or execution code to control the control mechanisms; (3) logic or execution code to support diagnostic requirements; (4) logic or execution code to support HMIs; (5) schematic electrical and hydraulic diagrams and so on. Hereinafter, all of the controls information provided at the end of a control engineering process will be referred to generally as “control products.” It has been recognized that system control can be divided into a hierarchy of separate control levels, each level including similar control concepts and each higher level including instances of control concepts from the immediately lower level. It has also been recognized that each of the separate control levels lends itself uniquely to specifying one or more types or sub-types of the control information which must be specified during the control engineering process. The hierarchy consists primarily of four separate control levels which can be used together to specify, virtually construct, simulate and debug a control system for any mechanical process including any type of mechanical resource. The four levels include what will be referred to hereinafter as factory floor input and output signals (i.e. the I/O level), control devices, control assemblies and control sequencing. 1. Factory Floor I/O As a general rule, a mechanical resource itself is simply a tool which, although capable of certain movements, cannot cause a movement to occur. To cause mechanical resource movement, one or more control mechanisms have to be linked to the mechanical resource. For example, in the case of a clamp which includes a clamping surface (i.e. the surface which moves toward an opposite surface to close), the control mechanisms may include a cylinder and a two position valve wherein a cylinder piston is linked to the clamp surface and the valve includes both extend and retract solenoids which can be controlled to extend or close the clamp surface or to retract or open the surface, respectively. When the extend solenoid is excited, an armature linked thereto allows high pressure air to force the piston and clamp surface into the extended position. When the retract solenoid is excited, the armature allows air to force the piston and clamp surface into the retracted position. Thus, in this case, two control mechanisms, the cylinder and the valve, are required to move the clamp between the open and closed positions. Similarly, as a general rule mechanical resources themselves do not generate signals which can be used to determine mechanical resource position for monitoring purposes. Instead, specific control mechanisms have to be provided to facilitate monitoring. To this end, in the case of the clamp above, where it is important to confirm clamp position during a process, the cylinder may be equipped with proximity sensors for sensing the position of the cylinder piston to ensure that the piston is in the retracted and extended positions when required by the process. To control or manage control mechanisms, control output signals are provided by a PLC to the control mechanisms and, the PLC receives input signals from the control mechanisms indicating current control mechanism and mechanical resource status. For example, an exemplary valve solenoid includes a “hot” terminal and a “common” terminal. To excite a solenoid, for safety purposes it is customary to require that each of the hot and common terminals be excited. Thus, for a two position valve including two solenoids, a PLC must provide four output signals, one hot and one common terminal signal for each of the two separate solenoids. For a two sensor cylindicator (i.e. a cylinder with proximity sensors for the piston inside), no PLC outputs are required but the cylindicator provides two input signals, one indicating an extended piston and the other indicating a retracted piston. Thus, from the perspective of a control engineer, each of the control mechanisms has the appearance of a proverbial “black box” having specific inputs (i.e. feedback inputs to the PLC) and outputs (Control Signals from the PLC). Control mechanism I/O constitute the factory floor inputs and outputs which make up the lowest or I/O controls level. 2. The Control Device (Signal Container) In addition to input and output signals, other control information can be specified for each of the control mechanisms. For instance, given a specific structure, each control mechanism also has specific “normal” or expected states and specific “failure” or unexpected states. For example, for the cylindicator described above, a failure state occurs when both the extended and retracted proximity sensors generate signals (i.e. indicate piston proximity). All other combinations of cylindicator inputs are normal (i.e. both sensors indicating negative or one sensor negative while the other is positive). Moreover, for each failure state the control information may include a specified activity (e.g. reporting the failure state). For example, where two cylindicator sensors simultaneously indicate proximity of the piston, the activity may include generating a text message for indicating mechanism failure such as “Cylindicator Sensor Failure”. Furthermore, given a specific structure, each control mechanism can be represented by a standard schematic symbol preferably similar to the symbols used in the industry to represent the specific control mechanism and including connection points for different energy transferring media (e.g. electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic inputs and outputs, water, mechanical linkages, etc.). In this regard part information relating to the specific control mechanism may be included with the schematic symbol. According to the present invention, all of the control information associated with each control mechanism is encapsulated in a single data construct referred to herein as a “control device” (CD). An exemplary control device includes a device name, a logic section, a schematic section and a diagnostics section. While the exemplary CD's include each of logic, schematic and diagnostics sections, other less complete CD's are contemplated. For example, a CD may not include a schematic section, a diagnostics section or a logic section. Three separate examples of control devices are provided hereinafter to illustrate some of the concepts described above. The three examples include a cylindicator (see FIG. 81), a two-position valve (see FIG. 82) and a spring return valve (see FIG. 83). It should be understood that the three exemplary control devices described herein are not meant to be exhaustive and that many other control devices are contemplated by the present invention. In addition to representing real control mechanisms a control device may also represent a “virtual” device such as a robot controller which receives and provides inputs and outputs, respectively, from a PLC to enable control and feedback. Thus, control devices have both a logic aspect which defines inputs and outputs to and from a controller and a hardware aspect which specifies parts, manufacturers, properties and so on. Despite the fact that many control devices include more than just a grouping of input and output signals and that other CD's may not include I/O groupings, it is helpful to think of an exemplary control device as a signal container including all of the input signals provided by a control mechanism to a PLC and all of the output signals provided to the control mechanism by the PLC. a. Cylindicator Referring to FIG. 81, a cylindicator control device 8500 includes a device name 8502, a logic section 8504, a schematic section 8506 and a diagnostic section 8508. The device name 8502 is chosen such that the name will be recognized by an exemplary control engineer and will be associated with a corresponding control mechanism. Thus, in the present example, the control device 8500 in FIG. 81 is named “cylindicator with two sensors” and corresponds to a cylindicator with two proximity sensors as described above. Hereinafter, when describing logic in the context of I/O, I/O generating components will be said to be active or excited on one hand or passive on the other hand meaning that the components are either providing energized and providing a true signal on one hand or passive and providing a negative signal, respectively. In the context of a LL coil, an excited coil is associated with a true signal and a coil which is not excited is associated with a false signal. In the context of a LL contact, a closed contact is associated with a true signal and an open context is associated with a false signal. In addition, in I/O tables, condition tables and bar charts which follow, cross hatched boxes indicate active or excited I/O and clear boxes indicate passive I/O. Logic section 8504 includes an I/O table 8510, a normal conditions table 8512 and a failure conditions table 8514. I/O table 8510 indicates sub-mechanisms of each control mechanism which are actually linked to specific I/O. Thus, the cylindicator includes both the extended proximity sensor 8516 and the retracted proximity sensor 8518 and indicates PLC inputs 8520, 8522 which are provided by sensors 8516 ad 8518, respectively. In the case of a cylindicator there are no outputs (i.e. terminals which receive control signals from a PLC) and therefore none are listed. Normal conditions table 8512 indicates all possible normal combinations of inputs 8520 and 8522. To this end, table 8512 indicates that when the cylindicator is extended, the extend sensor 8516 generates a positive signal indicating piston proximity and the retract sensor 8518 is negative, when the cylindicator is retracted, the retract sensor 8518 generates a positive signal indicating piston proximity and the extend sensor 8516 is negative and when the cylindicator is between the extended and retracted positions, both of the sensors 8516 and 8518 are negative or passive. The failure table 8514 indicates all possible failure combinations of inputs 8520 and 8522. To this end, the only possible failure combination is when each of sensors 8516 and 8518 generate positive signals indicating piston proximity (i.e. it is impossible for a piston to be simultaneously extended and retracted). Referring still to FIG. 81, schematic section 8506 includes a schematic diagram 8507 of the control mechanism associated with control device 8500. In this case, the schematic 8528 is of a cylindicator with two sensors and includes connector nodes. Although not illustrated, other part information may be provided with the schematic (e.g. cost, specific mechanical requirements, etc.) The diagnostics section 8508 includes information indicating rules for identifying I/O conditions which are “interesting conditions” from a diagnostics perspective and indicating activities which should be performed when an interesting condition is identified. To this end, section 8508 includes a diagnostics table 8509 including I/O requirements 8511 and corresponding activities 8513 wherein each I/O requirement 8511 identifies a specific set of interesting conditions (i.e. I/O) and the activity 8513 indicates the activity to be performed when a corresponding I/O requirement occurs. In the case of a cylindicator an interesting condition occurs when both extended and retracted proximity sensors 8516 and 8618 generate active input signals indicating the failure condition 8514. In table 8509 “failure” 8515 is listed as one requirement or interesting condition. The activity associated with failure 8515 is to generate an alphanumeric text phrase “cylindicator sensor failure” 8517. Other interesting conditions may include normal condition sets which, for some reason (e.g. their order within a sequence), render the normal set diagnostically useful. For example, if a particular sequence is not observable in the real world but is important from a diagnostics perspective, it may be advantageous to provide the end condition set of the sequence as a requirement in table 8509 and include some type of indicating activity in activities column 8513. Other activities, in addition to reporting, may also include diagnostics based on prior experience. For example, the text message specified in the activity may indicate the likely cause(s) of the interesting condition. Moreover, the text message may also specify a prescription to eliminate the diagnosed cause. Furthermore, the diagnostic activity 8513 may also be proactive in diagnosing the cause of an interesting condition. To this end, the activity 8513 may specify additional I/O to be checked if a specific interesting condition occurs and, based on the additional I/O, the activity 8513 may select from a list of other diagnostic activity. Moreover, the diagnostic activity 8513 may be proactive in eliminating an interesting condition. To this end, the activity 8513 may specify output signals which should be modified when a particular interesting condition occurs. For example, in FIG. 81, when a failure condition (e.g. 8514) occurs, in addition providing a text phrase, the activity 8513 may also modify output signals to clamp valves to open the clamps. In any of these diagnostic cases, the requirements 8511 include a sub-set of specific I/O conditions of the control mechanism and the activities include outputs. The diagnostic outputs are, in the case of a text phrase or other indication, to an HMI and, in the case of proactive diagnostics or I/O modification, to one or more control mechanisms. b. Two-Position Valve Referring to FIG. 82, a two-position valve control device 8600 includes a device name 8602, a logic section 8604, a schematic section 8606 and a diagnostic section 8608. The device name 8602 is “two-position valve.” The logic section includes an I/O table 8610 and a normal conditions table 8612. I/O table 8610 indicates sub-mechanisms of each control mechanism which are actually linked to specific inputs and outputs. Thus, table 8610 lists both the valve's extend solenoid 8616 and retract solenoid 8618 and indicates the PLC outputs provided for each of the two solenoids (i.e. outputs 8620 and 8622 to solenoid 8616 and outputs 8621 and 8623 to solenoid 8618. In the case of a two position valve there are no inputs (i.e. PLC feedback signals) and therefore none are listed. Normal conditions table 8612 indicates all possible normal combinations of outputs 8620 through 8623. To this end, table 8612 indicates that when the outputs to solenoid 8616 are active, the outputs to solenoid 8618 must be passive and vice versa. Note that there is no failure conditions table for the two-position valve despite the fact that a failure condition could occur. For example, all four outputs 8620 through 8623 could be active. While a failure table could be provided, providing a failure table is a matter of control device designer choice and may depend on the likelihood of a failure occurring, the importance of such a failure occurring and which part of a control system likely causes a failure. For example, in the case of a valve having no inputs and one or more outputs, any failure in outputs would likely be caused by the PLC itself and thus the PLC, not the device being controlled thereby, should determine failure. The schematic section 8606 includes a schematic diagram 8628 of a two position valve including connector nodes. The diagnostics section 8708 includes diagnostics table 8604 having requirement and activity columns 8611 and 8613, respectively. In this case, because there are no failure conditions specified for the two position valve, no failure diagnostics are provided. However, the example herein includes diagnostics for another “interesting condition.” In this case, the interesting condition is when the extend solenoid hot and common outputs are both excited and the retract solenoid hot and common outputs are both passive. This condition corresponds to an extend request and extend requirement 8615. When the extend requirement 8615 is met, the prescribed activity 8617 provides a text message “Extend Requested” to an HMI for display. Although a requirement and an activity are listed in table 8609 for exemplary purposes, hereinafter, to simplify this explanation, it will be assumed that diagnosis table 8609 is empty. c. Spring Return Valve A spring return valve is a valve which includes a single solenoid, an armature and a spring. The solenoid, like other solenoids described above, includes both a hot terminal and a common terminal, each of which have to be excited to activate the solenoid. The armature is linked to the solenoid and, when the solenoid is activated, the armature is extended against the force of the spring. When solenoid power is cut off, the spring forces the armature and solenoid back to a steady state position. Referring to FIG. 83, a spring return valve control device 8700 includes a device name 8702, a logic section 8704, a schematic section 8706 and a diagnostic section 8708. The device name 8702 is “spring return valve.” The logic section includes an I/O table 8710 and a normal conditions table 8712. I/O table 8710 indicates sub-mechanisms of the control mechanism which are linked to specific inputs and outputs. Thus, table 8710 lists the valve's extend solenoid 8716 and indicates the PLC outputs provided to the extend solenoid (i.e. outputs 8720 and 8722). In the case of a spring return valve there are no inputs (i.e. feedback signals to the PLC) and therefore none are listed. Normal conditions table 8712 indicates all possible normal combinations of outputs 8720 and 8722. To this end, table 8712 indicates that the outputs to solenoid 8716 have to either be both active or both passive. As with the two-position valve there is no failure conditions table for the spring return valve. The schematic section 8706 includes a schematic diagram 8728 of a spring return valve including connection nodes. The diagnostics section 8708 includes a diagnostics table 8709 including a requirement column and an activity column 8711, 8713, respectively. In this case, because there are no failure conditions specified for the spring return valve, no failure diagnostics are provided. Moreover, no other interesting conditions are specified and therefore table 8709 is left blank. Thus, a control device is a database construct which includes, but is not limited to, all of the control information about a control mechanism which would be specified during the control engineering phase of a development process. In addition, as will be understood shortly, the control device is a building block from which control assemblies are formed. 3. The Control Assembly (Control Device Container) Like the control device, a control assembly (CA) according to the present invention is a data construct which includes control information. However, while a control device includes essentially all of the information which a control engineer specifies with respect to a specific control mechanism (e.g. a cylindicator, a valve, etc.), the CA configuration has been designed to include essentially all of the information which a control engineer specifies with respect to a specific mechanical resource (e.g. a clamp, a robot, etc.) or, in some cases, with respect to a group of mechanical resources (e.g. a plurality of clamps which are synchronous). To this end an exemplary CA operates proverbially as a “device container” for all of the control devices which operate together to control a mechanical resource. The invention contemplates a plurality of different CAS. For example, a process engineer may have the choice to select any of three different mechanical clamps for clamping a work item in place along a transfer line wherein each of the three clamps requires different control mechanisms to control the clamp. A first clamp type may require only two control mechanisms including one two-position control valve and a cylinder. The second clamp type may also require only two control devices but the required devices may be different than those required for the first clamp type. For example, the second clamp type may require a two position valve and a cylinder including two proximity sensors (i.e. a cylindicator). The third clamp type, like the second, may require a two-position valve and a cylindicator and, in addition, may also require a redundant spring return valve. In this case, the spring return valve is positioned between the two position valve and the cylinder. When the spring return solenoid is excited, the spring armature extends against the force of the spring and allows high pressure air to force the piston and clamp surface into the closed and extended position and, when solenoid power is cut off, the spring forces the valve into the retracted position allowing the air to force the piston and clamp surface into the open and retracted position. The spring return valve causes the clamp to open if power is cut off from the solenoids. In this case, a CA library would include three separate clamp CAS, a separate CA for each of the possible clamp types. The information in one CA all corresponds to a single mechanical resource and the control devices within the CA which are required to control the mechanical resource. For instance, in the clamp example above, the CA corresponding to the third clamp type would include only information corresponding to a two-position valve, a spring return valve and a cylindicator. In addition to the three CAS described above, the invention contemplates a CA library including many more CAS, each CA corresponding to a different set of control devices used to control a specific mechanical resource. For example, there may be ten different CAS corresponding to ten different robot configurations (i.e. mechanical resources), there may be three CAS corresponding to three different pin locator configurations, there may be eight CAS corresponding to eight different slide configurations and so on. a. Exemplary CA Structure In the interest of simplifying this explanation and an explanation of the control paradigm on which the invention rests, an exemplary CA will be described which is specifically designed to include control information for the third clamp type above (i.e. a CA including a two-position valve, a spring return valve and at least one cylindicator). It will be assumed that the exemplary CA can be used to specify control information for anywhere between one and four separate clamps for each CA instance. To this end, it has been recognized that certain control assemblies and corresponding control mechanisms may be capable of controlling more than a single mechanical resource. For example, if air pressure generated by an air source is high enough, air pressure passing through a single valve has enough force to simultaneously move two or more clamps. To minimize system costs, a single valve design, or any design which reduces the number of control mechanisms, is advantageous. While a single valve may be required to move a plurality of clamps, each clamp requires a dedicated cylindicator. Thus, the exemplary CA includes control devices for controlling up to four cylindicator. In a preferred embodiment a CA is divided into information fields or specifications, a separate specification for each one of the different types of control information. For example, referring to FIG. 84, an exemplary CA 9000 may include, among other information specifications, five control information specifications including (1) logic specification 9002; (2) schematics specification 9004; (3) HMI specification 9006; (4) diagnostic specification 9008; and (5) simulation specification 9300. In addition, the CA is also provided with a template type indicator 9001. As with the control device names, type indicators 9001 are chosen to reflect the nature of the CA type so that the content of the CA template can be understood by a control engineer essentially from the CA template type identifier 9001. In the present example the type indicator 9001 is “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” indicating that the template type is for controlling a clamp and defines a redundant spring return valve for safety purposes. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the CA template includes all controls information required for a specific mechanical resource and which can be used over and over again to specify the information in separate template instances. When a template is accessed for use, the specific template use is referred to as an instance of the CA and the act of using the template is referred to as instantiating an instance of the CA. When a CA is instantiated, the specific CA instance is given a unique name which is then used thereafter to reference the specific CA instance and to identify control system parameters corresponding to the instance. For example, where two identical clamp CAS are required to control different clamps, the first CA instance may be provided the name “1stclamps” and the second CA instance may be provided the name “2nd clamps”. Hereinafter, the exemplary CA 9000 described will be referred to by the name 1stclamps 9003. Hereinafter, each of the CA specifications is described separately. Initially, each of the exemplary specifications would be generic in the sense that the specification would not be parameterized to reflect encapsulated information about a specific CA instance. The described specifications, however, reflect CA instance parameterized as will be explained in more detail below. i. Logic Specification Referring to FIGS. 84 and 85, logic specification 9002 includes I/O tables corresponding to each of the control devices which may possibly be included in the CA. Thus, for a CA including a two-position valve 9421, a spring return valve 9423 and capable of supporting four cylindicators 9425, 9427, 9429 and 9431 (i.e. one cylindicator for each controllable clamp), logic specification 9002 includes I/O tables 8510a, 8510b, 8510c, 8510d, 8610 and 8710 (see also FIGS. 81-83). For the purpose of this explanation the two-position valve 9421 outputs are referred to as 01, 02, 03 and 04, the spring return valve 9423 outputs are referred to as 05 and 06 and the cylindicator inputs are referred to as I1 through I8. In addition, logic specification 9002 also includes I/O request charts including an extend request chart 9030 and a retract request chart 9032 corresponding to extend and retract requests 9031, 9033, respectively. Extend chart 9030 includes a sequence section 9034 and a properties section 9036. Properties Section 9036 is explained below. Sequence section 9034 includes a bar chart 9038 including a separate bar for each of the inputs and outputs in the I/O tables 8510a, 8510b, 8510c, 8510d, 8610 and 8710. Thus, bar chart 9038 includes bars 9040 through 9043 corresponding to I/O table 8610, bars 9044 and 9045 corresponding to I/O table 8710 and bars 9046 and 9047 corresponding to I/O table 8510 and so on. Note that chart 9038 is separated into six sections corresponding to tables 8610 and 8710 for illustrative purposes only and would more likely appear as a single table. The extend clamp request begins at the left edge 9048 of chart 9038 and bars 9040 through 9047 indicate the I/O combinations during an extend clamp request. Chart 9038 is divided into three separate I/O combinations named “all retracted”, “intermediate” and “all extended”. Initially, referring only to the first cylindicator 9425, at left edge 9048, the retracted proximity input signal (bar 9046) is active indicating that the cylindicator piston is in the retracted position. To extend the piston, at edge 9048, both terminals of the two-position valve extend solenoid and both terminals of the spring return valve extend solenoid are activated (see bars 9040, 9041, 9044 and 9045). For a short time the all retracted conditions persist until the retract proximity sensor no longer senses the cylindicator piston. During the period when neither the extended nor retracted sensors sense the cylindicator piston, the intermediate conditions exist. During this period, the extend solenoids of each of the two-position and spring-return valves remain excited (see bars 9040, 9041, 9044 and 9045) so that the piston and clamp surface secured thereto continue to move toward the extended position. Eventually the extended proximity sensor senses the cylindicator piston and generates an active input (see bar 9047) and the all extended conditions occur. During this time and until the extend command subsides, each of the valve extend solenoids remain activated. Similar input conditions occur for cylindicators 9427, 9429 and 9431 during an extend request. Retract chart 9032 also includes a sequence section 9064 and a properties section 9066. Properties section 9066 is explained below. Sequence section 9064 includes a bar chart 9068 including a separate bar for each of the inputs and outputs in I/O tables 8510a-8510d, 8610 and 8710, respectively. Once again, chart 9068 is separated into six sections only for illustrative purposes and would more likely appear as a single table. The retract clamp request begins at the left edge 9070 of chart 9068 and the bars of chart 9068 indicate I/O combinations during a retract clamp request. Chart 9068 is again divided into three separate I/O sections named “all extended”, “intermediate” and “all retracted”. Initially, referring only to cylindicator 9425, at left edge 9070, the extended proximity input signal is active (see bar 9071) indicating that the cylindicator piston is in the extended position. To retract the piston, at edge 9070, both terminals of the two-position valve retract solenoid (see bars 9073 and 9075) are activated. For a short time the all extended conditions persist until the extend proximity sensor no longer senses the cylindicator piston. During the period when neither the extended nor retracted sensors sense the cylindicator piston, the intermediate conditions exist. During this period, the retract solenoid of the two-position valve remains excited so that the piston and clamp surface secured thereto continue to move toward the retracted position. Eventually the retracted proximity sensor senses the cylindicator piston and generates an active input and the all retracted conditions occur. During this time and until the retract command subsides, the two-position valve retract solenoid remains activated. Similar input conditions occur for cylindicators 9427, 9429 and 9431 during an extend request. It is also contemplated that a resource editor will configure an interface screen which resembles the image illustrated in FIG. 85. It is contemplated that resource editor is useable to parameterize unique CA instances as will be explained in more detail below. Thus, logic specification 9002 defines I/O combinations during each possible request for a mechanical resource which is associated with the CA. In the case of the exemplary clamp, the requests include extend and retract requests including the sequences of I/O combinations illustrated in FIG. 85. ii. Schematic Specification Referring again to FIGS. 84 and 85 and also to FIG. 85A schematic specification 9004 includes a table 8001 including a list 8003 of the control devices in logic section 9002. The list 8003 includes devices which are optional in the CA 9000 as will be explained in more detail below. In the present example optional devices include the spring return valve 9423 and the second through fourth cylindicators 9427 through 9431. iii. HMI Specification Referring to FIG. 84, HMI specification 9006 may take any of several different forms. Referring also to FIG. 86, in a preferred embodiment HMI specification 9006 includes an HMI specification table 9460. Consistent with the present example, table 9460 includes information specifying all possible monitorable and controllable I/O for the 1stclamps CA instance. To this end, table 9460 includes a device column 9462, a monitorable I/O column 9464 and a controllable output/request column 9466. Device column 9462 includes a listing of all possible control devices which can be included in a particular assembly. In the present example, possible 1stclamps control devices include two-position valve 9421, spring return valve 9423 and first through fourth cylindicators 9425, 9427, 9429 and 9431, respectively. I/O column 9464 lists all monitorable I/O corresponding to control devices in column 9462. To this end, all of the outputs corresponding to two position valve 9468 are monitorable and therefore, each of those outputs (i.e. O1, O2, O3, O4) are listed in column 9464 in the row corresponding to valve 9421. Both outputs O5 and O6 of spring return valve 9470 are monitorable and therefore, each of those outputs appears in column 9464. First, cylindicator 9425 includes two outputs I1 and I2, each of which are monitorable, and each of which appears in column 9464 in the row corresponding to first cylindicator 9425. Similarly cylindicators 9427, 9429 and 9431 each have two inputs which are monitorable and which appear in column 9464. Controllable outputs/requests column 9466 includes a list of all outputs corresponding to the control devices in column 9462 which are potentially manually controllable via an HMI. To this end, all of the two position valve outputs O1, O2, O3 and O4 are provided in column 9466 in the row corresponding to valve 9421. Both outputs O5 and O6 of spring return valve 9423 are included in column 9466. None of cylindicators 9425-9431 include outputs and therefore blanks corresponding to each of the cylindicators appear in column 9466. In addition to controllable outputs, potentially manually controllable requests are also provided in column 9466. In the present case, there are only two requests which correspond to the 1stclamps CA instance including extend request 9031 and retract request 9033. Each of requests 9031 and 9033 correspond to the similarly named requests in logic specification 9002 (see FIG. 85) and each is listed in column 9466. When any of the outputs or requests in column 9466 is selected for manual control, a manual control request 9035 is also selected. Subsequently, when an HMI is configured, the HMI provides means for controlling each of the selected outputs and selected requests in column 9466 as will be explained in more detail below and provides means for observing each of the selected inputs. Referring to FIGS. 85 and 86, it should be appreciated that table 9460 includes a large number of monitorable I/O and controllable outputs and requests. While such an extensive table 9460 is possible for each CA, whether or not table 9460 is extensive is a matter of choice for the engineer who designs the initial CA template. For example, the engineer designing the initial CA template may have, instead of providing an exhaustive table 9460, provided a table wherein only cylindicator inputs are monitorable and the valve outputs O1 through O6 would not be monitorable. Similarly, the engineering designing the template may have decided that only the extend and retract requests 9490, 9492, respectively, should be controllable and that the outputs for the valves 9468 and 9470 should not be controllable. In addition, it should be appreciated that table 9460 is simply a data construct for keeping track of selected control devices and corresponding selected monitorable I/O and controllable outputs and requests. It is contemplated that other interface tools to be described below are used to select and deselect control assemblies and monitorable and controllable signals and requests and that table 9460 is simply used to track selection and de-selection facilitated via the other tools. iv. Diagnostic Specification Referring again to FIG. 84, diagnostic specification 9008 serves as a repository for control device diagnostic rules which have been designed into the CA template by the engineer who configured the template. Referring also to FIG. 87, diagnostic specification 9008 includes a diagnostic specification table 9600. Table 9600 includes information specifying all possible diagnostic requirements and corresponding activities which may be selected for support by a subsequently compiled execution code. Table 9600 includes three columns including a device/request column 9602, a requirement column 9604 and an activity column 9606. Column 9602 includes a list of devices which include built-in diagnostics. In the present case, first clamps includes at least a first cylindicator 9425 which supports diagnostics. Referring again to FIG. 81, when a failure condition occurs wherein both the extended and retracted proximity sensors indicate presence of a cylindicator piston (see 5418), the diagnostics portion of the control device should indicate, via an HMI, the text “cylindicator sensor failure.” Thus, first cylindicator 9425 is listed within column 9602. Similarly, each of the second, third and fourth cylindicators also correspond to diagnostic messaging when a failure condition occurs. Therefore, each of the second, third and fourth cylindicators 9610, 9612 and 9614 appear in column 9602. In addition to the cylindicators, exemplary requests associated with “interesting conditions” are also provided in column 9602. The exemplary requests include extend and retract requests 9616 and 9618 corresponding to the 1st cylindicator 9425 input signals. Requirement column 9604 indicates the specific diagnostic condition which must occur for corresponding diagnostic activity in column 9606 to take place. Thus, for example, the requirement in column 9604 corresponding to first cylindicator 9425 is a failure condition 9622 (i.e. each of the extended and retracted proximity sensors in FIG. 81 must indicate piston location at the same time). In this case, referring to FIGS. 87 and 81, the activity in column 9606 corresponding to failure 9622 is to provide text 8517 indicating “cylindicator sensor failure”. Similar requirements and activities correspond to each of the second, third and fourth cylindicators 9427, 9429 and 9431, respectively. Referring still to FIG. 87, the requirement 9624 corresponding to the extend request for first cylindicator 9425 is that input I1 remain passive. When input I1 remains passive after an extend request is issued, this indicates that the extended proximity sensor does not generate an active input signal I1 and therefore, for some reason, an error in the system has occurred. The activity corresponding to a passive input I1 is to indicate an error 9626. A similar requirement corresponds to the retract request for cylinder C1 as illustrated. It should be appreciated that, while several diagnostics requirements and activities have been provided in table 9600, table 9600 is by no means exhaustive and other diagnostics devices and requests and corresponding requirements could be specified and, certainly, other activities could also be specified. Thus, table 9600 is meant to be exemplary only and not exhaustive. One particularly useful type of diagnostics which is preferably included in the diagnostics specification is referred to as “status based” or simply “status” diagnostics. Status diagnostics includes diagnostics which, instead of providing a likely diagnosis of a specifically identified abnormal or interesting condition, simply indicates the next expected event in a control process. Thus, when a line shuts down because of a malfunction, an operator can determine the next event and, based thereon, can typically determine how to eliminate the condition which caused the line to stop. One way to facilitate status based diagnostics is for a programmer to go through an entire RLL program and, for each event which occurs during the program, provide status code which, prior to the even occurring and subsequent to the occurrence of a preceding event, indicates the status of the next event to occur via a displayed text message. Unfortunately, the programming task of providing such diagnostic code is so time consuming and complex that such a task is impractical and is not attempted despite the advantages which would result. Importantly, the reusable CA model for programming, execution logic and diagnostics can be used to facilitate status based diagnostics programming. This is because each CA diagnostics specification can include status based diagnostic messages for each event which occurs during one of the CA requests. Each time a new instance of a CA is instantiated, a CA request is sequenced in a control bar chart and the requests are compiled, the code supporting the status based diagnostics messages can be duplicated and interspersed throughout the execution logic code. In this regard, the status based code is added to the execution code and has nothing to do with operation of the execution code. The status based code simply identifies the next event to occur and then generates a text message for visual display indicating the next event to occur. Once the next event to occur has been achieved, the diagnostics displays the next event to occur and so on. Which events should be reported is a matter of designer choice. For example, for a specific request, several events may take place. For instance, to extend a clamp, a first event may be extension of a valve and a second event may be extension of a cylindicator associated with the clamp. In this case, either one or both of the events corresponding to the request may be supported by status based diagnostics. In one embodiment only termination events are supported by status based diagnostics where termination events are the last events which occur in a request and where commencement of subsequent requests depends on completion of the termination events. In other embodiments intermediate events (i.e. non-termination events) are also supported. Referring also to FIG. 87A, an exemplary status based diagnostics specification 3501 corresponding to the 1st clamps CA is illustrated. Specification 3501 includes a specification table 3503 including information specifying all 1st clamps CA requests and all request events. To this end, table 3503 includes a request column 3505, a requirement column 3507 and an activity column 3509. Column 3505 includes a list of all 1st clamps CA requests. Referring also to FIG. 85, 1st clamps includes only two requests including extend and retract requests 9031 and 9033, respectively and therefore extend and retract requests 3511 and 3513, respectively, appear in column 3505. Requirements column 3507 include consecutive I/O combinations which correspond to events which must occur during an associated request (e.g. in this case an extend or retract request). For example, referring to FIGS. 85 and 87A, when an extend 9031 1st clamps request is made first, two position valve 9421 must be activated. Valve 9421 is activated when outputs 01 and 02 are high and outputs 03 and 04 are low. Thus, the requirement for two-position valve activation is 01=1; 02=1; 03=0 and 04=0. All of the other 1st clamps I/O have nothing to do with the status (i.e., active or inactive) of two-position valve 9421. In column 3507 other I/O for which the status is not important for a specific event are identified as “don't care” I/O by a “-”. Thus, the requirement for the two-position valve extend event is I/O combination 3515. Referring still to FIGS. 85 and 87A, the next event to occur during the 1st clamps extend request is a spring return valve extend event which occurs when outputs 05 and 06 are high. The status of all other 1st clamp I/O is unimportant with respect to the spring return valve extend event. The I/O combination requirement in column 3507 for the spring return valve extend event is identified by numeral 3517. Note that in reality, both two-position valve 9421 and spring-return valve 9423 would achieve their respective extend states simultaneously. Nevertheless, by providing status based diagnostics which checks events consecutively, each event is reported separately and if one event does not occur, the single event which does not occur is reported for an operators observation. Referring again to FIGS. 85 and 87A, the next event to occur during a 1st clamps extend request is a 1st cylindicator extended event which occurs when input I1 is high and input I2 is low. This event corresponds to I/O combination requirement 3519 in column 3507. Although not numbered, column 3507 includes other I/O combination requirements which correspond to extended second, third and fourth cylindicators 9427, 9429 and 9431, respectively. Similarly, column 3507 also includes I/O combination requirements corresponding to consecutive events which occur during the 1st clamps retract request (see 9033 in FIG. 85). For instance, a two-position retract event is identified by numeral 3521. Column 3509 includes a single activity corresponding to each requirement in column 3507. For example, activity 3523 corresponds to the two-position value extend event requirement 3515 and specifies text “two-position valve extend” to be displayed. Similarly, activity 3525 specifying text “spring-return valve extend” corresponding to the spring-return valve extend event requirement 3517 and so on. Activities in column 3523 are performed from the time when a previous event is completed until the time the corresponding requirement in column 3507 occurs. For example, after a request prior to a 1st clamps extend request has been completed, message “two-position valve extend” is displayed until I/O combination requirement 3515 is achieved. After requirement 3515 is achieved message “spring-return valve extend” is displayed until requirement 3517 is achieved. After requirement 3517 is achieved message 1st cylindicator extended” is displayed and so on. V. Simulation Specification Referring again to FIG. 84, simulation specification 9300 is used to facilitate virtual three dimensional CAM simulation using real world PLC execution code generated by compiling control logic. The execution code specifies I/O for specific control mechanisms which in turn control mechanical resources linked thereto. When linked to the control mechanisms correctly, the execution code causes a prescribed manufacturing process to be performed. It has been recognized that in the virtual world, while the mechanical resources which form a manufacturing line and their possible movements can be represented by video clips of the resources in operation, unfortunately, control mechanisms have no virtual representation. Thus, while the execution code specifies I/O for controlling virtual mechanical resources via control mechanisms, because there are no virtual control mechanisms, there is a disconnect between the execution code and the virtual mechanical resources. Exemplary specification 9300 effectively maps the PLC outputs to corresponding video clips of the virtual mechanical resources. In addition, simulation specification 9300 also maps signals corresponding to specific occurrences in the video clips back to the PLC as PLC inputs. Referring now to FIG. 88, an exemplary simulation specification 9300 corresponding to 1stclamps logic specifications 9002 is illustrated and includes video tables and feedback tables for each of the four possible cylindicators 9425-9431. Thus, for the first cylindicator 9425, specification 9300 includes video table 9302 and feedback table 9304. For the second cylindicator 9427, specification 9300 includes video table 9303 and feedback table 9305 and, although not illustrated, similar video and feedback tables are provided for third and fourth cylindicators 9429 and 9431, respectively. Each of the video tables is similar and therefore, to simplify this explanation, only tables 9302 and 9304 are explained here in detail. Video table 9302 includes an I/O combination column 9306 and a video clip column 9308. Combination column 9306 includes an I/O row 9310 which lists all of the I/O in logic specification 9002 which is associated with operation of the first cylindicator 9425 to move an associated clamp. Thus, row 9310 includes outputs 01 through 06 and inputs I1 and I2. In the video and feedback tables corresponding to the second, third and fourth cylindicators 9427-9431, combination columns would be essentially identical to column 9306 except that inputs I1 and I2 would be I3, I4; I5, I6; and I7, I8, respectively. Referring still to FIG. 88, below row 9310 is a list of I/O combinations which includes every possible I/O combination corresponding to the I/O in row 9310. In the column 9306 list, a “1” indicates an active signal, a “0” indicates a passive signal and a “-” indicates a “don't care” condition. Thus, for example, the first I/O combination 9312 includes active outputs O1, O2, O5 and O6, passive outputs O3 and O4, a passive input I1 and the state of input I2 does not matter. Video clip column 9308 includes a list of video clip indicators corresponding to the I/O combinations in the rows of column 9306. In the present example (i.e. a clamp associated with the first cylindicators), only three possible video clips can occur. The first video clip identified by “1” corresponds to a video illustrating a clamp extending. A second video clip identified by “2” corresponds to a video illustrating a clamp retracting. The third video clip “3” corresponds to a video illustrating a stationary clamp. Referring to FIGS. 85 and 88, the first combination 9312 corresponds to an extend request in logic specification 9002 and, as desired, is associated with the extend video clip 1 (9314). The second I/O combination 9316 in column 9306 includes outputs which correspond to an extend request in specification 9002. However, input I1 is also active indicating that the extend video has already occurred. In this case, the combination 9316 corresponds to the stationary video 3 (9318). Continuing, the fourth I/O combination 9320 includes all passive outputs and a passive second input I2. In the case of first clamps, a passive input I2 indicates that the clamp is not yet in the retracted position. In addition, because all outputs O1 through O6 are passive, the spring in the spring return valve should force the clamp into the retracted position. Therefore, the video clip corresponding to fourth I/O combination 9320 is clip 2 (9322) which shows the clamp retracting. Thus, table 9302 receives PLC I/O combinations corresponding to a first clamp to be controlled and maps each combination to a specific video clip which illustrates what a clamp in the real world would be expected to do as a result of the specific I/O combination. Video tables for the second, third and fourth clamps which are controllable via the first clamps CA operate in a similar fashion. Referring still to FIG. 88, feedback table 9304 includes both an event column 9324 and a feedback column 9326. Event column 9324 includes events corresponding to specific occurrences in video clips which should be linked to PLC inputs. In the present example, the 1stclamps inputs include extended proximity and retracted proximity signals I1 and I2 which should change from passive to active when an associated clamp video reaches fully extended and fully retracted positions, respectively. In the case of the clamp videos, the fully extended position is achieved at the end of video clip 1 and the fully retracted position is achieved at the end of video clip 2. Therefore, the events in column 9324 include video clip 1 complete and video clip 2 complete. Feedback column 9326 includes feedback input signals for the PLC corresponding to each event in column 9324. For example, at the end of video clip 1, input I1 is set equal to 1 and input I2 is set equal to 0. Similarly, at the end of video clip 2 when the clamp achieves the fully retracted position, input I1 is set equal to 0 and input I2 is set equal to 1 indicating a fully retracted clamp. It should be appreciated that the tables 9302 and 9304 in FIG. 88 are not exhaustive and that other combinations in corresponding video clips could be added to table 9302 and other events and corresponding feedback could be added to table 9304. In addition, it should be appreciated that, instead of being used with a video module which plays video clips, the simulation specification may be used in conjunction with a CAD or CAM system which can simulate three-dimensional movement of three-dimensional virtual mechanical resources on the display of a work station. In this case instead of mapping I/O combinations to specific video clips, the I/O combinations may be mapped to specific requests in a mechanical resource timing diagram which in turn cause the CAD or CAM system to display corresponding mechanical resources in operation. In addition, in this case, instead of linking feedback events to specific occurrences in video clips, the feedback events would be linked to specific occurrences during CAD or CAM simulation. Moreover, other types of simulation specification are contemplated and are described in more detail below. b. CA Parameterization While it would be preferable if all controls information in a CA were completely rigid, unfortunately, as indicated in the Background section above, such a system would likely result in an unworkably large number of CAS. For example, for clamps, if there were five clamp CA features in addition to basic (i.e., a valve and a cylinder) clamp CA requirements, the number of different feature combinations would require a huge number of separate clamp CAS. To avoid requiring a massive CA template library, the inventive CA templates have been designed to strike a compromise between parameterization and permanently specified controls information. While each of the CAS include predefined controls information, some or all of the CAS may include information which can be “parameterized” or “customized”. In this context the term “parameterized” means that a portion of the CA can be modified so that CA features accommodate specific design requirements. While many schemes for facilitating parameterization are contemplated by the present invention, in the interest of simplifying this explanation a single parameterization scheme will be described. In the exemplary scheme each CA template defines all of the control information which is required to support a maximum number of control devices and corresponding HMI characteristics, diagnostics and simulation. However, at least some of the control information defined in each parameterizable CA is selectable and de-selectable via parameterization tools to be described. When CA information is selected, the information is said to be instantiated in the specific CA instance and is subsequently used by a compiler to generate a control execution code, to configure an HMI, to generate schematics and to provide simulation tools. Information which is not selected and instantiated is said to “exist” in the CA instance but is not subsequently used during compilation to generate execution code, configure an HMI, provide control system schematics or to support virtual system simulation. Generally, two types of parameterization referred to as “property setting” and “feature selection” are contemplated. Referring again to FIG. 85, property setting parameterization involves properties sections 9036 and 9066. Properties section 9036 includes indicators for indicating specific properties of the 1stclamps CA instance extend request. To this end, the indicators include a latch set 9050, a restart set 9052 and an inverse request set 9054. Latch set 9050 indicates whether a latch (i.e. a switch) should be set at the end of the extend request. When a latch is set, the latch can be used as a trigger or a condition for other system requests. The latch set 9050 is set when a flag (i.e. a check) appears in the flag box 9051. In FIG. 85 the latch set is not set. Restart set 9052 indicates whether or not the extend request is restartable. Restartable means that during execution of a request, if another identical request is initiated, the second request can restart the request cycle. Some requests cannot be restarted. For example, a particular sequence of robot movements most often would not be restartable without modifying an end result. For instance, if a request requires a robot to move a welding point 12 inches forward and 10 inches to the left during a request, after the robot moves 8 inches forward, if the request was restarted, the end result would be incorrect. Referring still to FIG. 85, in the case of the extend request cycle indicated by chart 9038, it makes no difference during an extend request if another extend request is received, the second extend request can restart the cycle. Thus, a check in a “restartable” flag box 9053 indicates a restartable request. Inverse request set 9054 indicates the inverse request for the extend request. Virtually all requests include an inverse request which is the inverse of the request which returns a mechanical resource back to an initial state. For example, in the case of a clamp, the inverse of an extend request is often a retract request. In the case of a robot, the inverse of a request moving 12 inches forward and 8 inches to the left may be to move 8 inches to the right and 12 inches rearward. While only extend and retract requests are illustrated in FIG. 85, mechanical resources other than a clamp may have many more than two requests specified in their logic specifications 9002. For example, in the case of a robot, a robot may have ten different requests which can be called to cause the robot to cycle through ten different movement sequences. In this case, five of the requests may by the inverse requests for the other five requests and the inverse requests would be indicated using the inverse request set 9054 and an accompanying window 9056. In the present case, window 9052 indicates the inverse request as the retract request specified by retract request chart 9032. Referring again to FIG. 85. Properties section 9066 is similar to section 9036 and therefore will not be explained again in detail. The main difference between sections 9036 and 9066 is that the inverse request set 9084 in section 9066 indicates the extend request instead of the retract request. The 1stclamps request properties in properties sections 9036 and 9066 are an example of features which are parameterizable via property setting. Thus, when the 1stclamps CA instance is instantiated, the control engineer can specify if a latch should be set at the end of the extend request (see latch set 9050), if the extend request is to be restartable (see restart set 9052) and which request is the inverse of the extend request (see inverse request set 9054). Similar parameterization is enabled in properties section 9066. The second type of parameterization, feature selection, as the name implies, simply provides a control engineer the option to select or de-select optional CA control features for compilation which, although desired in certain applications, are not required in all applications. To this end, some of the devices in CA logic specification 9002 are required and others of the listed devices are not necessarily required for the 1stclamps CA to operate properly. In addition, some of the control devices are included in the CA template as default devices whereas others of the listed control devices may optionally be added to the CA as required. Optional default control devices can be deselected so that they are effectively removed from a specific CA instance. For example, the devices in specification 9002 include three default control assemblies including two position valve 9421, spring return valve 9423 and 1st cylindicator 9425. Of the three default control devices 9421, 9423 and 9425, it is assumed that only the two position valve 9421 and first cylindicator 9425 are required, the spring return valve 9423 being optional. Throughout FIGS. 85, 85A, 86, 87, 87A and 88, a plurality of flag boxes (e.g. 9480a, 9482a, 9484a, 9486a, 9480b, 9480c, etc.) are provided, each of which corresponds to a CA device or characteristic which may be selected or de-selected to parameterize a specific CA instance. Flag boxes which include a flag (e.g. see box 9480a in FIG. 85) indicate selection or designation and boxes which are clear (e.g. see box 9991 in FIG. 86) indicate un-selected or un-designated devices or characteristics. Generally there are two different types of flag boxes, designation boxes and selection boxes. On one hand, a designation box is used to designate an associated device, characteristic or characteristic set as an item which is later presented as a selectable item for additional parameterization. Thus, a characteristic or characteristic set which is designated by a flag in a designation box is not instantiated but is later presented for possible instantiation. On the other hand, a selection box is used to select and instantiate a corresponding characteristic for subsequent compilation. Referring again to FIG. 85, to indicate the optional nature of spring return valve 9423, a selection box 9480a is provided adjacent valve 9423. Initially, as value 9423 is a default control device, a flag mark (i.e. check) appears within box 9480 a. Because each of control devices 9468 and 9472 are required, flag boxes are not provided adjacent those two control devices in column 9462. It is contemplated that a tool will be provided for de-selecting valve 9423 by removing the flag from box 9480a. One such tool is described below. In addition to default control devices 9421, 9423 and 9425, the devices in the “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” CA template logic specification 9002 also includes three optional control devices including second, third, and fourth cylindicators 9427, 9429 and 9431. Because each of cylindicators 9427-9431 can optionally be selected or deselected to remove, respectively, the cylindicators from the control assembly, selection boxes 9482a, 9484a and 9486a are provided adjacent each of the cylindicators 9427, 9429 and 9431, respectively. While flags are provided in boxes 9482a, 9484a and 9486a, initially, because each of cylindicators 9427-9431 are not default control devices, flags would not be provided in boxes 9482a, 9484a and 9486a. If cylindicators 9427-9431 are selected flags are placed within corresponding selection boxes to indicate selection. FIG. 85 reflects the state of boxes 9482a, 9484a and 9486a after selection of cylindicators 9427-9431. Referring to FIGS. 85 and 85A, separate selection boxes 9480f, 9482f, 9484f and 9486f which correspond to selection boxes 9480a, 9482a, 9484a and 9486a, respectively, are provided adjacent representations “spring return valve” 9423, “2nd cylindicator” 9427, “3rd cylindicator” 9429 and “4th cylindicator” 9431, respectively. As described below, when a selection or de-selection is made in specification 9002, selection ripples through schematics specification 9004 providing flags in corresponding selection boxes 9480f, 9482f, 9484f and 9486f. As indicated above, flags in any of boxes 9480f-9486f indicate that subsequently, when the schematic is compiled and constructed for the 1stclamps CA instance, the compiler must include representations in the schematic for corresponding control devices (e.g. spring return valve 9423, 2nd cylindicator 9427, etc.) Initially, because spring return valve 9423 is a default control device, a flag appears in box 9480f. Similarly, because each of cylindicators 9427, 9429 and 9431 are not default devices, initially no flags appear in boxes 9482f, 9484f and 9486f. FIG. 85A shows the state of boxes 9482f, 9484f and 9486f after corresponding cylinders have been selected for inclusion in the 1stclamps CA instance. Referring to FIGS. 85 and 86, separate designation boxes 9480b, 9482b, 9484b and 9486b which correspond to selection boxes 9480a, 9482a, 9484a and 9486a, respectively, are provided next to the representations “spring return valve” 9423, “cylindicator-2” 9427, “cylindicator-3” 9429 and “cylindicator 4” 9431, respectively. As described below, when a selection or de-selection is made in specification 9002, the selection ripples through HMI table 9460 providing flags in corresponding designation boxes 9480b, 9482b, 9484b and 9486b. Boxes 9482b, 9484b and 9486b include flags indicating designation. In addition, a separate selection box (e.g. 9991) is provided under each of outputs O1 through O4 for indicating selection of those outputs to be supported by a corresponding HMI. For each of outputs O1 through O4 which is selected to be monitored via an HMI, some type of an HMI indicator is specified during subsequent compilation which corresponds to the selected output. As illustrated in FIG. 86, none of the output selection boxes includes a flag and therefore none of the outputs are selected. Selection boxes (e.g. 9493, 9495) are also provided for outputs 05 and 06 and for each input I1-I8 in column 9464. As illustrated, boxes 9493 and 9495 include flags and therefore have been selected. Referring still to FIG. 86, as with the outputs listed in column 9464, a separate selection box is provided for each of outputs in column 9466 to indicate whether or not the corresponding outputs are selected to be included in the HMI. As illustrated, none of the outputs are presently selected (i.e. the selection boxes are empty). Also, selection boxes are provided each of outputs 05 and 06 in column 9466. Selection boxes 9490, 9492 are also provided adjacent “extend” and “retract” requests in column 9466. Boxes 9490 and 9492 include flags indicating selection. Referring to FIGS. 85 and 87, separate designation boxes 9482c, 9484c and 9486c which correspond to boxes 9482a, 9484a and 9486a, respectively, are provided next to cylindicators 9427, 9429 and 9431, respectively. As described below, when a selection or de-selection is made in specification 9002, the selection ripples through diagnostics table 9600 providing a flag in a corresponding designation box 9482c, 9484c or 9486c. In addition, selection boxes 2001, 2002, 2003, etc. are provided next to each requirement in list 9604 to enable further parameterization as described below. Each of boxes 9482c, 9484c and 9486c include flags indicating designation while box 2001 includes a flag indicating selection. Referring to FIG. 87A, where a status based diagnostics specification is employed, separate designation boxes, 9480g, 9482g, 9484g and 9486g which correspond to boxes 9480a, 9482a, 9484a and 9486a (see FIG. 85), respectively, are provided next to spring return valve extend requirement 3520 and so on. Similarly, boxes 9480g, 9482g, 9484g and 9486g are provided next to return request event requirements which are associated with spring-return valve 9423, second cylindicator 9427, third cylindicator 9429 and fourth cylindicator 9429. Once again, when a selection or de-selection is made in specification 9002. The selection ripples through diagnostics table 3503 providing or eliminating a flag in corresponding designation boxes 9480g, 9482g, 9484g and/or 9486g. With respect to status based diagnostics, when a designation box is blank, upon compilation status based diagnostics code is not provided for a corresponding event. For example, referring to FIGS. 85 and 87A, where box 9480a is deselected to remove the flag therein, the de-selection ripples through table 3501 and removes the flag from boxes 9480g. Then, upon compilation, the status based diagnostics specifies that after requirement 3515 is achieved, requirement 3519 corresponds to the next event and the displayed status based diagnostics message is “1st-cylindicator extended.” Referring to FIGS. 85 and 88, selection boxes 9480c, 9480d and 9480e which correspond to box 9480a are provided in video table 9302. Box 9480c corresponds to column 9037 below output 05. When the spring return valve 9423 is selected, output 05 exists and therefore should affect table 9302. However, when valve 9423 is deselected, output 05 does not exist and hence must not affect the video to be displayed. An empty selection box 9480c renders data in column 9037 under output 05 ineffective. The remaining I/O combinations are still effective for mapping purposes. Box 9480d has a similar relationship to output 06 and column 9039 therebelow. Box 9480e corresponds to the I/O combination 9320 to the right thereof in column 9306. In the present example, if spring return valve 9423 is de-selected, certain I/O combinations, including the combination to the right of box 9480e, are incorrect and therefore should not affect the video to be displayed. An empty selection box 9480 e renders I/O combination 9320 to the right thereof ineffective. Referring still to FIGS. 85 and 88, selection boxes 9482d and 9482e are provided in tables 9303 and 9305 which correspond to box 9482a. When cylindicator 9427 is selected in specification 9002, simulation tables like tables 9302 and 9304 must be provided for the second cylindicator 9427. To this end, flags in boxes 9482d and 9482e select and instantiate tables 9303 and 9305 for subsequent compilation. Boxes 9482d and 9482e each include a flag and therefore indicate selection of corresponding tables 9303 and 9305, respectively. Although not illustrated, similar selection boxes are provided for video and feedback tables corresponding to third and fourth cylindicators 9429 and 9431, respectively. Referring to FIG. 85, as indicated above, spring return valve 9423 is an initial default control device but is optional. Referring to FIGS. 84 and 85 if valve 9423 is de-selected using an editor described below and as indicated by removing the flag from box 9480a, de-selection ripples through each CA specification 9004, 9006, 9008 and 9300 to modify tables therein to reflect de-selection. To this end, referring to FIGS. 85 and 85A, initially a flag appears in box 9480f indicating a default device and that spring return valve 9423 must be represented in a CA schematic representation upon compilation. However, when the flag is removed from box 9480a (see FIG. 85), the flag in box 9480f is also removed. When the flag in box 9480f is removed, spring return valve 9423 is de-selected and, upon compilation, will not be represented in the CA schematic. Referring to FIGS. 85 and 86, initially, a flag appears in box 9480b indicating a default control device and indicating that I/O in columns 9464 and 9466 will subsequently be presented for selection and instantiation via an HMI editor (i.e., corresponding I/O in columns 9464 and 9466 has been designated for subsequent possible selection and instantiation). However, when the flag is removed from flag box 9480a in logic specification 9002, the flag in box 9480b is also removed. The practical effect of removing the flag from box 9480b is that monitorable I/O in column 9464 and controllable output in column 9466 corresponding to valve 9423 are undesignated and therefore, upon subsequent presentation of monitorable and controllable I/O for selection and instantiation, these I/O are not presented. Referring to FIG. 87, diagnostic specification table 9600 does not specify diagnostics for the spring return valve and therefore no flags are modified in table 9600 when spring return valve 9423 is de-selected in logic specification 9002. Referring to FIG. 88, selection boxes 9480c and 9480d are provided for outputs 05 and 06 which correspond to spring return valve 9423 and which are associated with flag box 9480a. Initially, because valve 9423 is a default control device, flags are provided in each of boxes 9480c and 9480d meaning that outputs 05 and 06 in column 9306 are to be included in I/O combinations. When the flag is removed from box 9480a, the flags in boxes 9480c and 9480d are also removed thereby effectively de-selecting and eliminating outputs 05 and 06 from the combinations in column 9306. In addition, when outputs 05 and 06 are eliminated by de-selection, some of the video clips corresponding to combinations in column 9306 may be rendered incorrect. For example, referring still to FIGS. 85 and 88 and specifically to combination 9320, if spring return valve 9423 is de-selected, because the safety spring in the return valve is eliminated, when all of inputs 01 through 04 are passive (i.e. zeros), the clamp linked to the first cylinder will remain stationary. For this reason, the retract video clip 9322 is incorrect. Thus, selection boxes (one illustrated) 9480e corresponding to combination/video clips which are to be de-selected and hence rendered un-instantiated upon de-selection are provided adjacent each such combination. Once again, initially a flag appears in box 9480e as spring return valve 9423 is a default device. Referring to FIG. 84, all other controls information in CA 9000 is also updated when a second cylindicator control device is selected and added to CA 9000 to control a second clamp. Referring to FIGS. 85 and 86, when a flag is placed in selection box 9482a, a flag is also placed in designation box 9482b. A flag in box designation 9482b indicates that the monitorable and controllable I/O corresponding to the second cylindicator 3 should be subsequently presented for selection and instantiation via an HMI editor. In the present example second cylindicator 9427 includes inputs I3 and I4 which are monitorable and includes no controllable outputs. Referring to FIGS. 85 and 87, when a flag is placed in box 9482a, a corresponding flag is placed in designation box 9482c indicating that the requirement and activity in the row corresponding to the second cylindicator 9427 should be subsequently provided for selection and instantiation via a diagnostics editor. If box 9427 is empty, corresponding requirements/activities are not subsequently provided for selection. Referring to FIGS. 85 and 88, when a flag is placed in selection box 9482a, corresponding flags are placed in selection boxes 9482d and 9482e. Flags in boxes 9482d and 9482e select and instantiate tables 9303 and 9305 for subsequent compilation. Referring to FIGS. 85, 85A, 86, 87 and 88, each of the selection boxes 9484a and 9486a correspond to designation and selection boxes in each of schematics table 800, HMI table 9460, diagnostics table 9600 and simulation specification 9300 and, as with box 9482a, flags in boxes 9484a and 9486a ripple through tables 800, 9460 and 9600 and through specification 9300 to designate (i.e., designate information for subsequent selection) and select (i.e., instantiate information for subsequent compilation), respectively. In this manner, any change to logic specification 9002 ripples through other specification sections of control assembly 9000. 4. Control Sequence Bar Chart CA requests can be sequenced to cause a plurality of mechanical components to operate in a specified order to carry out a manufacturing process. Referring to FIG. 89, preferably, the sequencing process is accomplished using a control bar chart 9700. Chart 9700 includes a control resource column 9702, a requests column 9704 and a bar chart diagram 9706 which corresponds to the columns 9702 and 9704. The resources column 9702 includes a list of CA instances which have been chosen to control the mechanical resources (not illustrated) which are associated with a specific manufacturing process. To this end, as illustrated, the CAS include controllers, pins, clamps, dumps, locators and so on. One of the specified CA instances is the 1stclamps CA instance described above which appears twice in column 9702 at 9708 and 9709. Requests column 9704 includes a list of requests corresponding to the CAS in column 9702. Referring to FIGS. 85 and 89, the 1stclamps “extend” request 9710 corresponds to extend request 9031 in CA logic specification 9002. Similarly, the 1stclamps “retract” request 9711 corresponds to retract request 9033 in CA logic specification 9002. Diagram 9706 is temporally spaced along a horizontal axis and includes a separate bar for each request in column 9704. For example the bar corresponding to 1stclamps extend request 9710 is bar 9712. The bars are sequenced from left to right and top to bottom according to the order in which the requests associated therewith occur during the manufacturing process. For example, in section 9706, the extend request associated with bar 9712 occurs after the request associated with bar 9716 and just before the request associated with bar 9718 and so on. Hereinafter, to simplify this explanation, the bars in FIG. 89 will be referred to generally as requests. By selecting and parameterizing CA instances to control each mechanical resource in a manufacturer line and sequencing CA instance requests using a control bar chart like the chart illustrated in FIG. 89, virtually all of the controls information which is required to generate execution code, schematics, HMI code, diagnostics code and simulation tools is completely specified. Thereafter, a compiler is used as explained below to generate the execution code for simulation and PLC control. B. General Overview of System Referring now to FIG. 90, an exemplary system according to the present invention includes a plurality of networked components including a CAD system 9800, a resource editor 9802, an HMI editor 9804, a diagnostics editor 9806, an enterprise control data base 9810, a compiler 9812, a PLC 9814, a simulator or core modeling system (CMS) 9816, a movie module 9818, an HMI work station 8437, a simulation screen 9820 and a printer 8436. System 8458 represents all of the mechanical control mechanisms which are to be controlled by PLC 9814. Hereinafter, each of the components, editors or systems in FIG. 90 will be explained separately or, where advantageous, in conjunction with other components. 1. CAD System/Movie Module Referring still to FIG. 90, it is contemplated that CAD system 9800 has a plurality of capabilities. First, CAD system 9800 is useable to define three dimensional mechanical resources such as clamps, robots, mills, and so on. Second, CAD system 9800 is able to define model movements and movement ranges and limits. These two capabilities, to define 3D mechanical resources and their ranges of motion, enable a process engineer to envision a controls process. In addition, in at least one embodiment these two abilities can be combined with simulation specifications to virtually simulate a manufacturing process. Third, CAD system 9800 can be used by an engineer to label specific model movements or cycles with mechanical resource activity names. Fourth, CAD system 9800 provides tools which allow an engineer to sequence the named activities. Preferably the sequencing is provided using a mechanical resource timing diagram, a tool which is already well known within the controls industry. Movie module 9818 includes exemplary video clips or motion pictures of mechanical resources traversing through each possible mechanical resource activity required during a manufacturing process. For example, in the case of a clamp, the video clips include extend and retract clips corresponding to clamp videos showing extend and retract movements. The clips also include stationary clips showing corresponding static mechanical resources. Video module 9818 is capable of playing a plurality of video clips simultaneously and arranged on a display in a manner which reflects actual layout and configured relationships of mechanical resources. Module 9818 is linked to screen 9820 for this purpose. Module 9818 receives command signals from simulator 9816 indicating clips to play. Module 9818 is also capable of recognizing specific occurrences in video clips and providing feedback signals to PLC 9814 via CMS 9816 for simulation purposes. At this point, it will be assumed that CAD system 9800 has already been used to define all mechanical resources to be used in an exemplary manufacturing process, mechanical resource activity cycles have been given activity names and a mechanical timing diagram has been provided which is stored in database 9810. Referring now to FIG. 91, a portion of an exemplary mechanical resource timing diagram 9650 is illustrated. Diagram 9650 includes a mechanical resource column 9652, an activities column 9654 and a timing diagram 9656. Resource column 9652 lists all of the mechanical resources which a process engineer has specified for an exemplary manufacturing process in the order in which corresponding mechanical resource activities will occur. Although not illustrated, most of the mechanical resources will be listed more than once in resource column 9652 as most mechanical resources perform more than a single activity during a manufacturing process. For example, a clamp will typically extend and retract at least once during a manufacturing process and therefore would appear at least once for an extend activity and at least a second time for a retract activity. The activity column 9654 includes a list of activities corresponding to the mechanical resources of column 9652. For example, with respect to a clamp 9651, a specified activity 9653 is “Fixture” meaning that the clamp 9651 should fix or close or extend onto a work item. Similarly, a plurality of other clamps are to extend along with clamp 9651, the other clamps including, among others, clamps 9655, 9657 and 9659. Timing diagram 9456 is temporarily spaced along a horizontal axis and includes a plurality of bars which are arranged in sequential order from left to right and top to bottom, a separate bar corresponding to each of the activities in column 9654. Thus, bars 9658 through 9660 indicate fixture of three pins (i.e., mechanical resources), bar 9661 indicates a loading activity by a robot gripper, bar 9663 indicates fixture of a dump 9665, bar 9662 indicates fixture of clamp 9651, and so on. Clamp 9651 does not begin to close until after dump 9665 fixture is complete and clamp 9651 must be closed before an operator loader 9666 can load (i.e., perform the specified activity 9668). With a complete mechanical timing diagram specified, the inventive resource editor and other editors can now be described. 2. Editors Referring to FIG. 90, the present invention includes resource editor 9802 and is meant to be used with both HMI editor 9804 and a diagnostics editor 9806. Each of the resource, HMI and diagnostics editors are described separately. a. Resource Editor Referring still to FIG. 90, resource editor 9802, as well as all of the other editors 9804, 9806 used with the present invention, preferably, is provided via software which runs on a work station or the like, enabling a control engineer to use display screen tools such as tables, windows and work spaces and a mouse-controlled icon for selecting various buttons and pull-down menus to specify controls information with the aid of a CA template library which is stored in ECDB 9810. To this end, referring to FIG. 55, an exemplary resource editor image which may be displayed on a work station display screen is illustrated. Hereinafter resource editor 9802 is often referred to as a designer studio. Screen 5500 includes a tool bar 5502 and four work space windows. The work space windows include a mechanical resources window 5504, a mechanical timing diagram window 5506, a control resources window 5508 and a control bar chart window 5510. Tool bar 5502 includes editing tools which will be described in more detail below through exemplary use. When a mechanical timing diagram is imported into the resource editor environment, the mechanical timing diagram is presented within mechanical timing diagram window 5506 and each mechanical resource within the diagram is provided within a list inside the mechanical resources window 5504. Initially, it will be assumed that a plurality of different manufacturing processes have been defined using CAD system 9800 and that a separate mechanical timing diagram corresponding to each one of the defined manufacturing processes is stored in data base 9810. Referring now to FIG. 57, a mouse-controlled cursor (not illustrated) can be used along with the tool bar 5502 to select one of the stored mechanical resource timing diagrams by selecting the manufacturing process name 5512 from a list. Referring also to FIG. 58, once a mechanical timing diagram has been selected, the mechanical timing diagram is imported into window 5506, and the list of mechanical resources is provided in window 5504. The mechanical timing diagram in this case is identified by 5820 while the mechanical resource list is identified by 5810. Referring to FIGS. 58 and 91, it should be appreciated that the mechanical timing diagram 5820 is identical to the diagram 9650. It should also be recognized that only a small portion of the mechanical timing diagram is illustrated in window 5506, the diagram extending to the right and downward further than window 5506 will allow. In addition, diagram 5520 includes a key 5514 above the timing diagram section. Key 5514 indicates differently shaded bars corresponding to different types of resources. A dark bar 5516 corresponds to a mechanical activity, a darkly shaded bar 5518 corresponds to a robot activity (an activity for which additional programming is required) and a lightly shaded bar 5520 corresponds to an activity which must be performed by a human operator. In addition, when a mechanical timing diagram is imported into the resource editor environment, resource editor 9802 assumes that a control system is to be defined for controlling the mechanical resources in the timing diagram. Therefore, resource editor 9802 automatically provides a list 5512 of control assemblies in control resources window 5508, the list 5512 including all possible control assemblies which may be used to control mechanical resources in diagram 5820. Of particular interest in explaining operation and features of the present invention, note that one of the CAS in list 5512 is a “safe bulk head clamp set” CA 5540, CA 5540 corresponding to the clamp template described in detail above. Moreover, resource editor 9802 automatically constructs an initial and blank control bar chart image 5830 within control bar chart window 5510. Referring to FIGS. 58 and 89, image 5830, like control bar chart 9700, includes a control assembly column 5522, a requests column 5524 and a bar chart diagram 5526. While blank diagram 5526 does include a timing grid which is initially identical to the grid of mechanical timing diagram 5820 including identical spaced edges (e.g. 5523, 5527, etc.) and period durations which is helpful for subsequent sequencing of CA requests. In addition, editor 9802 provides a key 5528 above bar chart diagram 5526. Key 5528 specifies four differently shaded bars corresponding to characteristics of associated requests. A black bar 5530 indicates a physical request (i.e. typically a mechanical operation), a bar having a first shading characteristic 5532 indicates a programmable request (i.e. typically a request to a robot), a bar having a second shading characteristic 5534 indicates a virtual request (i.e. a request which is performed by an entity which is not controlled by the control system such as a human operator) and a bar having a third shading characteristic 5536 indicating a conditional (i.e. a characteristic which must be met prior to other requests occurring thereafter.) Referring now to FIG. 59, to begin specifying CAS for controlling the mechanical resources in timing diagram 5820, a control engineer selects an add icon 5542 from tool bar 5502 which opens a pull down window with a single option 5544 entitled “control assembly.” Referring to FIG. 60, when option 5544 is selected, a window menu 5546 opens up which includes a control assembly type list 5548, a “new” icon 5550 and a “cancel” icon 5552. The CA types in list 5548 include each of the CAS in list 5512 including “safe bulk head clamp set type” 5554. The engineer may select any CA type from list 5548. In the present example, it is assumed that, initially, the engineer wishes to select a CA for controlling four clamps which move simultaneously during the mechanical procedure specified by timing diagram 5830. To this end, the engineer selects the “safe bulk head clamp set” type 5554 and thereafter selects the new icon 5550 indicating that a new CA instance is being specified. When the “safe bulk head clamp set” type 5554 is selected, although not illustrated and observable by a system user, resource editor 9802 automatically identifies every mechanical resource within mechanical resource window 5504 which could possible be controlled via an instance of the “safe bulk head clamp set” CA and stores the list of mechanical resources in ECDB 9810 (see FIG. 90). The controllable mechanical resource list is subsequently provided to the system user to help the system user identify mechanical resources to be controlled by the specific CA instance as will be explained in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 64 and 65. Referring to FIG. 61, when new icon 5550 is selected, an instructions window 5556 opens which helps guide the engineer through use of resource editor 9802. To this end, window 5556 indicates that a name must be specified for the specific CA instance being created or instantiated, the resources that will be controlled by the CA must be specified and, for control devices in the CA which have a variable number, the number of control devices to be included in the CA must be specified. When a “next” icon 5558 is selected, referring to FIG. 62, a window 5562 opens up which includes a name field 5564 for specifying a name for the specific instance of the “safe bulk head clamp set” CA being instantiated. The engineer specifies the name in window 5564. In addition, window 5562 includes a plurality of different options and corresponding flag boxes for selecting those options for the CA. The options include specifying an HMI for the assembly 5566, specifying simulation tools for the assembly 5568, creating a wiring diagram for the assembly 5570, creating diagnostics for the assembly 5572 and creating documentation for the assembly 5574. Flag boxes corresponding to the options 5560 through 5574 are identified generally by numeral 5576. When a flag appears in one of flag boxes 5576, the function associated therewith is requested. Initially it is assumed that each of flag boxes 5576 includes a flag so that, initially, each of the options 5560 through 5574 is initially selected. To deselect one of the functions, the mouse controlled cursor is positioned within a particular flag box 5576 and a mouse selection button is activated at which point the flag is removed from the box. Once the flags in boxes 5576 have been set as desired and a name has been provided in box 5564, “next” icon 5558 is again selected. As illustrated in FIG. 63, in the present example, the CA instance name 5578 provided in box 5564 is “1stclamps”. When “next” icon 5558 is selected, referring to 64, another window 5580 is provided which includes a mechanical resource list window 5582 and a selected resource list window 5584 along with “add” and “delete” icons 5586 and 5588, respectively. As indicated above with respect to FIG. 60, when the “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” CA type was selected (see FIG. 60), resource editor 9802 automatically accessed the mechanical resource list in window 5504 and identified each mechanical resource in window 5504 which could possibly be controlled via the selected CA type. For example, in the present case, because the “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” CA type 5554 was selected, editor 9802 searched the resource list in window 5504 and identified every clamp within window 5504 to form a list of possible mechanical resources to be controlled by the particular instance of the “safe bulk head clamps set” CA. The list of clamps controllable by the first clamps control assembly is provided in mechanical resource list window 5582. Initially, selected resource list 5584 is blank. To select clamps from the list in window 5582 to be added to the selected resource list window 5584, an engineer uses a mouse controlled cursor to highlight one or more of the clamps in list 5582 and then selects “add” icon 5586. In the present example it is assumed that a CA is only capable of controlling a maximum of four clamps at one time. Thus, referring to FIG. 65, after four clamps 5590, 5592, 5594 and 5596 have been added to list window 5584, no more clamps can be added. To remove a clamp from window 5584 and hence deselect the clamp, the clamp is highlighted in window 5584 and the “delete” icon 5588 is selected. Referring now to FIGS. 65 and 85, each time a clamp is added to list 5584, a flag is provided in another one of flag boxes 9482a, 9484a or 9486a to select an additional set of cylindicator logic for instantiation in the CA logic specification 9002. In addition, a clamp indicator name indicating a specific clamp associated with the cylindicator logic is provided. For example, 1st cylindicator 9425 is labeled “clamp 2506A”, 2nd cylindicator 9427 is labeled “clamp 4502” and so on. Therefore, at the end of adding each of clamps 5590, 5592, 5594 and 5596 to list 5584, four distinct sets of cylindicator logic corresponding to cylindicators 9425, 9427, 9429 and 9431 are instantiated in logic specification 9002. Referring to FIGS. 85 and 85 A, when a flag is provided in one of boxes 9482a, 9484a or 9486a, a flag is also provided in a corresponding selection box 9482f, 9484f and 9486f, respectively. Flags in boxes 9482f, 9484f and 9486f indicate that corresponding cylindicators 9427, 9429 and 9431, respectively, will be represented in a compiled schematic. In addition, referring to FIGS. 65, 85 and 86, each time a clamp is added to list 5584 so that a flag is provided in one of boxes 9482a, 9484a or 9486a, a flag is also provided in a corresponding flag box 9482b, 9484b or 9486b, respectively. These flags indicate that additional monitorable I/O and controllable outputs/requests corresponding to the second through fourth cylindicators 9427, 9429 and 9431, respectively, should be designated for presentation during subsequent HMI feature selection using the HMI editor 9804 described below. Moreover, referring to FIGS. 65, 85 and 87, each time a flag is provided in one of boxes 9482a, 9484a or 9486a, a flag is provided in a flag box 9482c, 9484c or 9486c corresponding to an associated cylindicator listed in column 9602. The flags in column 9602 indicate that additional diagnostics corresponding to each of the flag cylindicators is designated for presentation during subsequent diagnostics feature selection using the diagnosis editor 9806 described below. Furthermore, referring to FIGS. 65 and 88, each time a clamp is added to list 5584 so that a flag is provided in one of boxes 9482a, 9484a or 9486a, corresponding flags are provided in flag boxes in simulation specification 9300. For example, if a flag is placed in box 9482a corresponding to second cylindicator 9427, corresponding flags are placed in boxes 9482d and 9482e which likewise correspond to second cylindicator 9427. Flags in boxes 9482d and 9482e indicate instantiation of the information in tables 9303 and 9305 for subsequent compilation. In addition, when a table in specification 9300 is instantiated, the name mechanical resource to be controlled by a cylindicator corresponding to the table is added to the table. For example, resource name “clamp 2506A” is added to tables 9302 and 9304 corresponding to 1st cylindicator 9425 which will control clamp 2506 A, resource name “clamp 4502” is added to tables 9303 and 9305 corresponding to 2nd cylindicator 9427 which will control clamp 4502. Similarly, resource names corresponding to clamps 5508B and 5509A are provided for 3rd and 4th cylindicator tables like tables 9302 and 9304. Referring to FIGS. 65 and 66, after clamps 5590, 5592, 5594 and 5596 have been added to list 5584, the control engineer may select “next” icon 5558 which opens a 1stclamps summary window 5607. Summary window 5607 includes a summary table 5609 including a label column 5611, a control component column 5613, a type column 5615 and a function column 5617. Label column 5611 lists each of the mechanical resources which are to be controlled by the “1stclamps” CA and therefore includes clamps 5590, 5592, 5594 and 5596. Control component column 5613 lists all of the control components or control mechanisms which are controlled by the “1stclamps” CA and correlates control components with mechanical resources in column 5611. To this end, a separate air cylinder is correlated with each of clamps 5590, 5592, 5594 and 5596. In addition, air valves 5619 and 5621 corresponding to the two position valve 9421 and the spring return valve 9423 (see FIG. 85) are also provided in column 5613. Type column 5615 lists control mechanism types corresponding to each of the control components in column 5613 and, to this end, lists a double solenoid corresponding to air valve 5619, a single solenoid corresponding to air valve 5621 and separate cylindicators corresponding to each of the air cylinders in column 5613. Function column 5617 lists the function of each of the control components in column 5613. To this end, column 5617 indicates that air valve 5619 provides main control for the “1stclamps” CA, that air valve 5621 is a safety valve and that each of the air cylinders in column 5613 is provided as an air-motion converter. Thus, table 5609 simply summarizes the various control components, their types and functions which have already been specified with respect to the “1stclamps” CA. To further parameterize the “1stclamps” CA, the control engineer may select “edit” icon 5623. Referring to FIGS. 66 and 85, when “edit” icon 5623 is selected, an editing window 5625 is opened which enables the control engineer to further parameterize the “1stclamps” CA. To this end, window 5625 essentially displays all of the logic in the “1stclamps” CA logic specification 9002 including each of the control devices (i.e. two position valve 9421, spring return valve 9423, and first through fourth cylindicators 9425, 9427, 9429 and 9431), each of their inputs and outputs, the extend logic and retract logic charts and properties sections 9036 and 9066. Various types of parameterization can be performed using window 5625 and a mouse controlled cursor. To this end, using the mouse controlled cursor, an engineer can modify any of the latch, restart, or inverse request properties in properties sections 9036 and 9066 by either placing flags in flag boxes 9051, 9053, etc., or removing flags from those boxes. In addition, the control engineer can select or deselect any of the spring return valve 9423, cylindicator 9427, cylindicator 9429, or cylindicator 9431 by placing flags in or removing flags from boxes 9480a, 9482a, 9484a or 9486a, respectively. As indicated above, flag manipulation in boxes 9480a, 9482a, 9484a and 9486a ripples through other CA specifications (see FIGS. 85A, 86, 87 and 88). Referring still to FIG. 85, after properties within sections 9036 and 9066 have been set as desired and the control devices have been selected as desired, the control engineer may select the “back” icon 5631 to return to summary window 5607 illustrated in FIG. 66. Although not illustrated, when the engineer returns to window 5607, if the spring return valve 9423 has been deselected, air cylinder 5621 and other information within table 5609 corresponding thereto will not appear within table 5609 or, may appear in a form which is recognizable as a form indicating a deselected control component and corresponding information (i.e. air valve 5621 and information corresponding thereto may be highlighted in some manner). Hereinafter it will be assumed that the control engineer does not de-select valve 9423 and therefore valve 9423 remains instantiated in the 1stclamps CA instance. Referring to FIG. 66, to continue, the control engineer selects “next” icon 5558 which opens a completed assembly summary window 5633 illustrated in FIG. 67. Window 5633 specifies the new control assembly type as a “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” 5635 type, the instance of which is named “1stclamps” 5637. In addition, window 5633 also provides information about the CA instance author, the date of instantiation, and other useful information corresponding to the “1stclamps” CA. Referring to FIGS. 67 and 92, after confirming the correctness of all of the information in window 5633, the control engineer selects “next” icon 5558 which opens a sequencing window 5651. Window 5651 provides instructions to the engineer indicating that the engineer may either manually sequence 1stclamps CA instance requests or, in the alternative, may allow the resource editor 9802 to automatically sequence the 1stclamps requests. To this end, editor 9802 provides an icon for each possible 1stclamps CA request and an “automatic” icon 5657. Referring again to FIG. 85, because the 1stclamps CA only includes extend and retract requests 9031, 9033, respectively, editor 9802 provides an “extend” icon 5653 and a “retract” icon 5655 within window 5651. To manually place the “1stclamps” “extend” request within the control bar chart in window 5510, the control engineer selects “extend” icon 5653. Referring also to FIG. 59, after selecting “extend” icon 5653, the control engineer uses a mouse controlled cursor to select either a space or an edge within bar chart 5830 for placement of the extend request. In FIG. 59, exemplary edges are identified by numerals 5529 and 5527 which define an empty space 5531 therebetween. In the present example, it will be assumed that the engineer selects space 5531 by placing the cursor therein and activating a mouse selection button. When space 5531 is selected, referring also to FIG. 69, editor 9802 places a black bar within space 5531, identifies 1stclamps in control assembly column 5522 and identifies extend request 7001 in the request column 5524. A similar manual operation can be performed to place the 1stclamps retract request in bar chart 5830, a black bar corresponding thereto placed in space 5671 is illustrated in FIG. 70. In the alternative, referring again to FIGS. 90 and 92, by selecting “automatic” icon 5657, the control engineer causes resource editor 9802 to automatically sequence both the 1stclamps “extend” and “retract” requests. To this end, when “automatic” icon 5657 is selected, referring also to FIG. 70, editor 9802 automatically sequences the 1stclamps “extend” request with the period in mechanical timing diagram 5820 corresponding to extension of the clamps 5590, 5592, 5594 and 5596 in the 1stclamps CA. To this end, the clamp extension period is identified in mechanical timing diagram 5820 as period 5673. Therefore, because space 5531 corresponds to period 5673, editor 9802 automatically places a bar within space 5531, identifies 1stclamps in column 5522 and identifies “extend” request in column 5524. Similarly, editor 9802 automatically places the 1stclamps retract request in space 5671 corresponding to the period 5675 during which the clamps 5590, 5592, 5594 and 5596 associated with the 1stclamps CA retract. Initially, it may appear as though manual sequencing of requests is not necessary and that an engineer should always allow resource editor 9802 to automatically sequence CA requests. While this may be true for simple devices such as a clamp or a pin locator, many other mechanical resources are much more complex and may perform separate requests during a complete manufacturing process, some of which are not reflected in the mechanical timing diagram 5820. For example, in the case of an exemplary robot, many robots are programmed to perform housekeeping requests at the beginning of each new manufacturing cycle (a manufacturing cycle corresponding to a single pass through mechanical timing diagram 5820). In this case, while the exemplary robot may perform a single “forward” request during a fifth mechanical timing diagram period and may perform a “reverse” request during a twelfth mechanical timing diagram period, it may be necessary for the robot to perform housekeeping functions/requests prior to the first period in the mechanical timing diagram 5820. In the alternative, it may be necessary for the robot to perform the housekeeping requests at some other time (e.g. between the third and fourth diagram periods) or more than once during a manufacturing cycle. In this case, the robot requests to be sequenced would include a housekeeping request, a “forward” request and a “reverse” request. While resource editor 9802 may be able to automatically place the forward and reverse requests as a function of the sequencing of similar activities in mechanical timing diagram 5820, editor 9802 would have no way of determining where to sequence the housekeeping request. Although not described here in detail other circumstances requiring manual placement of requests do occur. Referring once again to FIG. 69, after the 1stclamps “extend” and “retract” requests have been placed within diagram 5830, the “1stclamps” CA instance of the “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” template type is identified within control resources window 5508 as“1stclamps” 6910 in a hierarchal fashion and the “extend” and “retract” requests are placed under 1stclamps 6910 as requests 6911 and 6913, respectively. Referring now to FIG. 71, after the 1stclamps “extend” and “retract” requests have been sequenced within diagram 5830, the control engineer again access window 5546 to select another control assembly type from list 5548 for controlling additional mechanical resources in diagram 5820. The process described above is repeated until CA instances have been instantiated (i.e. specified, parameterized and sequenced) for every mechanical resource in diagram 5820. An exemplary completed control bar chart 5830 is illustrated in FIG. 72. Referring to FIGS. 72 and 92, after CA sequencing the control engineer again selects “next” icon 5558 which, as illustrated in FIG. 93, opens up a contingencies window 5681. Window 5681 includes a list 5683 of contingencies 5685, 5687, . . . 5689 upon which a request may be made contingent. Generally, resource editor 9802 generates contingency list 5683 by gleaning the “done” I/O combinations corresponding to every CA request for every CA included in list 5522 (see FIG. 72). For example, referring also to FIG. 85, the done condition 5691 corresponding to the 1stclamps extend request 9031 requires active solenoid outputs O1, O2, O5 and O6, passive solenoid outputs O3 and O4, active proximity sensor inputs I1, I3, I5 and I7 and passive proximity sensor inputs I2, I4, I6 and I8. Other contingencies, in addition to done I/O combinations may also be specified within list 5683. For example, referring again to FIG. 85, another exemplary contingency may simply require that outputs O1 and O2 be active and may be independent of the condition of other outputs and cylindicator inputs in the 1stclamps CA instance which contingencies are provided in list 5683 is a matter of CA designer choice. Referring to FIGS. 93 and 94 after a contingency from list 5683 has been selected, a second contingencies window 5695 opens. In the present example, it is assumed that the second contingency 5687 has been selected from list 5683 and therefore, the second contingency 5687 is indicated in window 5695. In addition, editor 9802 provides an “interlock” icon 5697 and a “safety” icon 5699 adjacent contingency 5687 in window 5695. On one hand an interlock is a contingency which must be met and must exist at the beginning of a request subject thereto but need not continue to exist during performance of the request. For example, an interlock may require that a clamp be parked in a retracted position prior to a transfer bar moving a work piece adjacent thereto. After the transfer bar begins to move, continued transfer bar movement does not required that the clamp remain parked. On the other hand a safety is a contingency which must exist at the beginning of, and must continue to exist during the course of, a request which is subject thereto. For example, if a parked clamp is a safety linked to transfer bar movement, as a transfer bar moves, if the clamp is moved, the transfer bar is immediately stopped. Referring again to FIG. 93, any of the contingencies in list 5683 may be labeled as either an interlock or a safety. Referring also to FIGS. 94 and 72, assuming “interlock” icon 5697 is selected, editor 9802 provides bar chart 5830 as illustrated and allows the control engineer to select any edge (e.g. 5529, 5527, etc.) by placing a mouse controlled cursor on the edge and activating a mouse selection button. For example if the second contingency corresponds to a parked transfer bar and the control engineer wishes to make the 1stclamps “extend” request 5701 contingent upon the transfer bar being parked, the control engineer may select edge 5529. Referring still to FIG. 72, when an edge is selected for placement of an interlock or a safety, preferably some contingency indication is added to control bar chart 5830. To this end, in the present example, a “yield” icon 5703 is provided at the top of bar chart 5830 which is linked to the selected edge 5529. It is contemplated that, if icon 5703 is selected by an engineer, editor 9802 will open another window (not illustrated) which will specify the nature of the interlock associated with the corresponding edge. Referring to FIGS. 72 and 94, by selecting “safety” icon 5699, a procedure similar to the procedure described above for selecting an edge for an interlock is used to select an edge for the safety. In FIG. 72 it is assumed that edge 5705 is selected for the safety. In this case, instead of providing a “yield” icon 5703, where a safety is associated with an edge, a “stop” icon 5707 is provided which is linked to the selected edge (see 5705 ). Once again, if an engineer selects icon 5707, editor 9802 opens a window (not illustrated) which specifies the nature of the safety associated with the corresponding edge. Referring still to FIG. 72, while only a single interlock contingency 5703 and a single safety contingency 5707 are illustrated, many different contingencies may be added to bar chart 5830. In addition, it is contemplated that more than a single interlock or safety or, indeed, both interlocks and safeties may be linked to a single edge. Where both interlocks and safeties are linked to a single edge, editor 9802 provides both a “yield” icon and a “stop” icon above the corresponding edge. In addition, is should be appreciated that other way to indicate interlocks and safeties and specifying interlocks and safeties are contemplated by the present invention and that the present invention should not be limited by the description included herewith. For example, another way to indicate interlocks and safeties may be to provide a comment directly on bar chart 5830 which comprises text in a conditional horizontal space where the edge occurs. b. HMI Editor In addition to the logic and sequencing described above in the context of resource editor 9802, it is also necessary to specify features of each sequenced CA which are to be monitored and controlled via an HMI. For example, referring again to FIG. 86, with respect to the 1stclamps CA described above, while virtually all 1stclamps I/O may possibly be monitored and all 1stclamps outputs and extend and retract requests 9031, 9033 may be controllable, it is unlikely that a control engineer or a system operator would require or desire such extensive monitoring and control capabilities. Instead, in the context of the 1stclamps example, it is more likely that a system operator would only require or desire a sub-set of the I/O to be monitored and would only require a sub-set of the outputs and possible requests to be controllable. In the present example it will be assumed that the operator only requires controls for separately controlling the “extend” and “retract” requests and monitorable indicators to indicate the active/passive status of the first cylindicator 9425 inputs I1 and I2. To this end, referring to FIG. 95, an exemplary HMI screen 7003 suitable for controlling and monitoring the 1stclamps CA in the manner indicated above is illustrated. Screen 7003 is divided into an HMI section 7005 and a diagnostic section 7007. HMI section, 7005 is divided into separate control sections 7009, 7011, 7013 and 7015. Diagnostic section 7007 is described in more detail below. Referring also to FIG. 72, it is contemplated that HMI section 7005 may potentially include a separate controls section for each control assembly listed in control assembly column 5522. In the alternative, a control system may include a plurality of controls screens, a separate screen for controlling and monitoring each control assembly in column 5522 or to separate screens for controlling distinct sub-sets of the control assemblies is column 5522. In FIG. 95, only four control sections 7009, 7011, 7013 and 7015 are illustrated, the control sections 7009, 7011, 7013 and 7015 corresponding to the above described 1stclamps CA and 2nd, 3rd and 4th clamps CAS, respectively. Only control section 7009 is shown with some detail, sections 7011, 7013 and 7015 abbreviated to simplify the present explanation. Nevertheless, it should be understood that each of sections 7011, 7013 and 7015 and additional control sections (not illustrated) corresponding to other CA instances would include control tools and monitoring indicators of various types and configurations. Referring still to FIG. 95, exemplary control section 7009 includes an indication 7017 of the CA instance (i.e. 1stclamps) which is controllable and monitorable via section 7009 and also includes control tools and monitoring indicators corresponding to the 1stclamps CA. To this end, the exemplary control section 7009 includes a virtual “extend” button icon 7019 and a virtual “retract” button icon 7021. It is contemplated that a mouse controlled cursor (not illustrated) can be used by a system operator to select either of icons 7019 or 7021 to cause the control mechanisms associated with the 1stclamps CA to force corresponding clamps into the extended and retracted positions, respectively. In the alternative, where a system is equipped with touch screen HMI's, each of icons 7014 and 7021 is selectable via touch. In addition to icons 7019 and 7021, control section 7009 also provides a representation of each 1stclamps control device for which I/O is to be monitored. In the present example, referring again to FIG. 86 and also to FIG. 95, because it has been assumed that inputs I1 and I2 corresponding to the first cylindicator 9425 are to be monitored, the first cylindicator 9425 is identified in section 7009. Moreover, monitoring indicators, 7023 and 7025 are provided for first cylindicator 9425. Indicators 7023 and 7025 indicate extended and retracted first cylindicator conditions. Thus, extended and retracted 1st cylindicator labels are provided adjacent indicators 7023 and 7025, respectively. It should be appreciated that while one configuration for an HMI is described above and with respect to FIG. 95, other HMI configurations are contemplated by the present invention and the invention should not be limited by the described configuration. To this end, it is contemplated that each CA is simply used to indicate I/O to be monitored and controlled and that the compiler 9812 (see FIG. 90) includes rules for specifying HMI configuration based on CA specified I/O which must be supported by an HMI. In addition, referring again to FIG. 90 while the HMI editor 9804 could be entirely separate from resource editor 9802 and could be used after sequenced CAS have been compiled, in the present example, HMI editor 9804 will be described as an editor which can be used in a seamless manner to move from using resource editor 9802 to HMI tools for specifying I/O to be monitored and controlled. To this end, referring once again to FIG. 94, after all interlocks and safeties have been specified for sequenced CAS, the control engineer selects “next” icon 5558 once again. When icon 5558 is again selected, referring to FIG. 96, resource editor 9802 provides a window 7027 enabling the engineer to specify either HMI or diagnostics information. Window 7027 includes an “HMI” icon 7029 and a “diagnostics” icon 7031. By selecting “diagnostics” icon 7031 the engineer enters the diagnostics editor 9806 described in more detail below. Referring to FIGS. 96 and 97, when “HMI” icon 7029 is selected, control is shifted to HMI editor 9804 which provides-a first HMI editor screen 7033. Referring also to FIG. 72, list 7035 includes all of the CA instances grouped by CA type which appear in control resources window 5508. Thus, the 1stclamps CA instance 7037 appears along with the 2nd clamps, 3rd clamps and 4th clamps instances under the CA type “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” 7039 in list 7035. Once again a mouse controlled cursor (not illustrated) is used by the control engineer to select one of the CA instances at a time for identifying I/O to be monitored and controlled via an HMI to be subsequently configured by compiler 9812 (see FIG. 90). Referring to FIGS. 97 and 98, when the control engineer selects the 1stclamps instance 7037, editor 9804 provides a second HMI screen 7041. Referring also to FIG. 86, it should be appreciated that the information provided on screen 7041 is similar to the information stored in HMI table 9460 including a device column 7043, a monitorable I/O column 7045 and a controllable outputs/requests column 7047. While the information provided on screen 7041 appears similar to the information in table 9460, there are a number of important distinctions. First, referring to FIGS. 86 and 95, the information provided on screen 7041 reflects only required and selected control devices and corresponding monitorable and controllable I/O from table 9460. In the present example, both two position valve 9421 and cylindicators 9425 are required and therefore appear on screen 7041. Spring return valve 9423 has remained selected and each of the second through fourth cylindicators 9427, 9429 and 9431 have been selected and therefore each of those devices also appear in table 7041. However, if spring return valve 9423 had been de-selected (i.e. via box 9480 a in FIG. 85), spring return valve 9423 and corresponding monitorable and controllable I/O would not appear on screen 7041. Similarly, if one or more of the second, third or fourth cylindicators 9427, 9429 or 9431 had not been selected (i.e. via boxes 9482a, 9484a and 9486a in FIG. 85), the cylindicator(s) not selected and corresponding monitorable and controllable would not appear on screen 7041. Second, at this point it is contemplated that the control devices for the 1stclamps CA instance have already been selected using resource editor 9802 and therefore, cannot be selected or de-selected using the HMI editor 9804. Therefore, while flag boxes 9480b, 9482b, 9484b and 9486b appear in table 9460, none of those boxes appear adjacent device representations in column 7043. Referring still to FIG. 98, initially flag boxes (e.g. 7049, 7051, etc.) corresponding to monitorable and controllable I/O and requests in columns 7045 and 7047 are blank (i.e. do not include flags). It is contemplated that any of the flag boxes may be selected via a mouse controlled cursor by selecting the box and activating an activation button on the mouse. In the present example, it is assumed that the control engineer would like to provide control tools for controlling each of the extend and retract requests and would like to provide monitorably indicators for each of the first cylindicator 9425 inputs I1 and I2 (e.g. see exemplary HMI screen in FIG. 95.) To specify monitorably and controllable I/O, the control engineer uses the mouse controlled cursor to place flags in boxes 7053 and 7055 corresponding to inputs I1 and I2, respectively, and to place flags in boxes 7057 and 7059 corresponding to extend and retract requests, respectively. These flags are illustrated in FIG. 98. To specify other I/O to be monitored/controlled the engineer places additional flags in boxes. To de-select a selected I/O, the engineer simply re-selects the corresponding box to remove the flag. Referring to FIGS. 86 and 98, when flags are placed in boxes 7053, 7055, 7057 and 7059, editor 9804 provides corresponding flags in boxes 9493, 9495, 9490 and 9492, respectively. Thus, HMI editor 9804, including screens 7033 (ee FIG. 97) and 7041 (see FIG. 98), is used to select a sub-set of the monitorable and controllable I/O and requests corresponding to designated control devices. The selected I/O and requests are indicated in table 9460 and later used during compilation to provide execution code to support the HMI and to generate a HMI program to support the HMI tools/indicators, etc. In addition, when a flag is placed in any of the boxes in column 7047 indicating manual control, a flag is automatically placed in a manual selection box 9051 indicating that a control tool for selecting manual system operation must be provided on a final HMI. When the control engineer is finished setting the flags on screen 7041 corresponding to the 1stclamps CA instance, the engineer selects the “finish” icon 7061 which again brings up the HMI editor screen 7033 (ee FIG. 97). Next, the engineer may select any of the other CA instances in list 7035 for selecting monitorable and controllable I/O in the manner described above. When another CA instance is selected from list 7035, another HMI editor screen similar to screen 7041 (see FIG. 98) is displayed which includes monitorable and controllable I/O specified by the CA instance and which can be selected via flags to be supported by a subsequently compiled execution code. Referring to FIGS. 96 and 97, after the control engineer has set all of the flags corresponding to monitorable and controllable I/O which have to be supported by an HMI and corresponding execution code, the engineer selects “finish” icon 7061 to return to window 7027. At this point, HMI specification is complete. c. Diagnostics Editor Referring again to FIG. 87, while diagnostic specification tables like table 9600 designate a large number of diagnostic conditions and associated activities for CAS sequenced via resource editor 9802, as in the case of the HMI specification (see FIG. 86), often a control engineer will only require a sub-set of possible diagnostic capabilities. Thus, referring to FIGS. 87 and 90, diagnostics editor 9806 provides tools which enable a control engineer to select a sub-set of the requirement/activity possibilities in table 9600 to be supported by a subsequently compiled execution code. Referring also to FIG. 95, in the present example, while the execution code is running, when a diagnostic condition to be reported occurs, the condition is reported in diagnostics section 7007 as a text phrase. Referring to FIGS. 96 and 99, a control engineer selects “diagnostics” icon 7031 to specify diagnostics to be supported by the execution code. When icon 7031 is selected, diagnostics editor 9806 provides diagnostics editor screen 7101. Screen 7101, like HMI editor screen 7033 illustrated in FIG. 97, provides a control assembly instances list 7103 which, referring once again to FIG. 72, lists each control assembly instance, according to control assembly type, from control resources window 5508. Thus, once again, the “first clamps” CA 7105 is listed as an instance of the “safe bulkhead clamp set” control assembly type 7107 in list 7103. Referring still to FIG. 99, using a mouse controlled-cursor (not illustrated), the control engineer selects each of the CA instances from list 7103 one at a time for which diagnostics is to specified. Continuing with the present example, referring also to FIG. 100, it is assumed that the engineer selects the “first clamps” CA 7105 at which point diagnostics editor 9806 provides diagnostics editor window 7109. Referring to FIGS. 87 and 100, window 7109 provides essentially all of the information from diagnostic specification table 9600 and therefore includes a device/requests column 7111, a requirements column 7113, and an activities column 7115. Each device in the “1stclamps” CA instance for which diagnostic specification is provided in diagnostics table 9600 is listed in device/requests column 7111. Requirements corresponding to each device in column 7111 are listed in column 7113 and corresponding activities to be performed if the requirement in column 7113 is met are listed in column 7115. In addition, selection boxes 7117, 7119, 7121, 7123, 7125, and 7127 are provided adjacent each requirement representation in column 7113. Initially, in the present example, it is assumed that each of boxes 7117 through 7127 is blank indicating that diagnostics to be supported by execution code are not initially selected. However, using a mouse-controlled cursor, a flag may be placed in any of boxes 7117 through 7127, in a sub-set of those boxes, or in each of those boxes, indicating that the diagnostics corresponding to the specific device or request and corresponding requirements and activities should be supported. In FIG. 100, exemplary flags are illustrated in boxes 7117, 7125, and 7127. Referring still to FIGS. 87 and 100, when a flag is placed in any of boxes 7117 through 7125, diagnostics editor 9806 places a corresponding flag in a diagnostic specification table box 2001, 2002, 2003, etc. Thus, diagnostics editor 9806 including screens 7101 (see FIG. 99) and 7109 (see FIG. 100) which are used to further specify or select information in diagnostics table 9600 which is to be subsequently compiled. When the flags have been selected and deselected as desired on screen 7109, the engineer selects “finish” icon 7601 and editor 9806 again provides screen 7101 illustrated in FIG. 99. Next, the engineer selects another CA instance from list 7103 to select diagnostics to be supported and follows the flag selecting and deselecting procedure described above for the newly selected instance. This procedure is repeated for each CA instance for which diagnostics is to be supported by the execution code. Thereafter, referring still to FIG. 99, the engineer again selects “finish” icon 7601 and is returned to screen 7027 illustrated in FIG. 96. Referring again to FIG. 87A, in the alternative, where CAS include status based diagnostic specifications, it is contemplated that, in a preferred embodiment, the diagnostics specification is not edited. Instead, upon compiling, diagnostics specified in each diagnostics specification is repeated for each instantiated CA thereby generating diagnostics code which is interspersed within execution code and which indicates the next event to occur. In this manner, the daunting task of providing diagnostics code to support status based diagnostics is simplified through automatic code generation. At this point, all of the information required to generate execution code for controlling the exemplary manufacturing process and for supporting both HMI and diagnostics has been specified. In addition, all the information required to generate schematic diagrams detailing all aspects of a control assembly have also been specified. Moreover, all of the information required to support virtual simulation of the exemplary manufacturing process has been specified. Next, the sequenced bar chart and instantiated CA instances are stored in database 9810 until compiled. Hereinafter, although many bar charts and corresponding CA instances may be stored in database 9810, to simplify this explanation, it will be assumed that only single bar chart 5830 (see in FIG. 72) and corresponding CA instances are stored in database 9810. 3. PLC and HMI Although it may seem logical to explain operation of compiler 9812 next, some general information about PLC 9814 and HMI 8437 is instructive in laying a foundation for an understanding of how compiler 9812 operates. Specifically, it is instructive to understand the structure of the control products which must be generated via the compilation process to support execution code and an HMI. Generally the control products required to support code and an HMI include a parameterized PLC I/O table, an HMI configuration/linking table and a diagnostics linking table. Referring to FIGS. 90 and 101, PLC 9814 includes a controller 2001 and at least one I/O card 2003. Controller 2001 includes a microprocessor 2005 and a memory 2007. Memory 2007 is used to store both an execution code 2009 and a PLC I/O table 2011. Code 2009 includes an RLL control program for controlling mechanical resources 8438. As well known in the controls art, an RLL program includes sequential LL rungs including contacts and coils. The contacts represent PLC inputs and the coils represent PLC outputs. When contacts within a rung all close, an associated rung coil is excited. Thus, PLC inputs (contacts) change the states of PLC outputs (coils). PLC inputs are associated with mechanical resource sensors and indicate resource conditions. PLC outputs are linked to mechanical resource activators or to PLC input contacts to cause resource control or further processing. I/O table 2011 is a repository for PLC I/O and PLC signals generally. Referring also to FIG. 102, an exemplary parameterized I/O table 2011 includes signal column 2015 and a status column 2017. Column 2015 lists all PLC signals. For example, for the 1stclamps CA instance, the signal list includes inputs 1stclamps I1-I8 and outputs 1stclamps 01-06. For brevity sake table 2011 is abbreviated. 1stclamps 01, 02 and 06 are identified by numerals 8037, 8039 and 8043, respectively. 1stclamps I1 and I2 are identified by numerals 8049 and 8046, respectively. Column 2015 also includes entries “1stclamps extend request” 2137, “1stclamps safety override” 2729, “1stclamps safety 1” 2049, “1stclamps safety 2” 2051, “1stclamps interlock 1” 2077, “1stclamps interlock 2” 2079, “1stclamps extend sensor error” 8113, “1stclamps cylinder failure” 8048, “1stclamps extend done” 8727, “manual” 2113, “1stclamps 01 control” 2133 and so on. Each signal in column 2015 corresponds to contact and or a coil in execution code 2009. Status column 2017 includes a list of instantaneous statuses of signals in column 2015. Exemplary statuses include closed or active which is identified by a “1” and open or passive which is identified by a “0”. The statuses active and passive correspond to coils while closed and open correspond to contacts. Referring still to FIG. 101, I/O card 2003 is linked to controller 2001 via a two-way bus 2021. Card 2003 includes a plurality of I/O pins P-1, P-2, etc. Referring also to FIG. 102, each input pin is linked to a mechanical resource sensor while each output pin is linked to a mechanical resource activator. I/O card 2003 takes parallel input from pins P-1, P-2, etc. and converts the input to serial input signals which are provided to processor 2005 to update I/O table 2011. Similarly, card 2003 receives serial PLC output signals from table 2011 and converts those output signals to serial outputs provided on output pins for controlling mechanical resources. To map I/O pins to code I/O, table 2011 includes a pin number column 2019. Not all PLC signals in column 2015 includes a pin number as some signals are internal to PLC 9814. For example, “1stclamps extend request” 2137 is a condition which is internal to PLC 9814 and therefore, does not correspond to a pin number. HMI 8437 is linked to controller 2001 via a two-way serial bus 2023 for retrieving PLC I/O which is to be monitored and for providing command signals for manual PLC control. HMI 8437 includes screen 7005 and both an HMI configuration/linking table 2027 and a diagnostics linking table 2751. Referring to FIG. 95, exemplary HMI touch screen 7005 includes extend button 7019, retract button 7021 and manual button 1001. In addition, screen 7005 includes both “1st cylindicator extend signal” and “1st cylindicators retract signal” indicators 7023 and 7025, respectively. Hereinafter, while many different control tools and indicators are contemplated, in order to simplify this explanation it will be assumed that the exemplary HMI only supports a single type of binary button and a single type of binary indicator. Referring still to FIGS. 95 and 101, to define and support HMI screen 7005, an HMI configuration table 2027 must include at least three types of information. First, for each tool to be included on screen 7005, the table must indicate tool type (e.g. indicator or button). Second, for each tool, the table must specify a corresponding label (e.g. extend, retract, “1st cylindicator extend signal”, etc.). Third, for each tool, the table must specify a corresponding PLC signal to, in the case of an indicator, be monitored and, in the case of a control button, be controlled. To this end, referring also to FIG. 103, exemplary parameterized HMI table 2027 includes a tool column 2029 and an I/O column 2031. Tool column 2029 includes three sub-columns including a CA instance column 2701, a label column 2703 and a type column 2705. Referring also to FIG. 72, instance column 2701 lists all CA instances in bar chart 5830 which require HMI indicators or control buttons. 1stclamps instance 7017 appears in column 2701. Referring to FIGS. 102 and 103, signal column 2031 lists all PLC signals from PLC I/O table column 2015 for each CA instance in column 2701 which must be either monitored or controlled. Referring also to FIG. 86, consistent with HMI specification 9460, “1stclamps I1”, “1stclamps I2”, “Manual”, “1stclamps extend request control” and “1stclamps retract request control”, 8046,8049, 2131, 2135 and 2136, respectively, are included in column 2031. Type column 2705 lists the tool type required to monitor or control PLC signals in column 2031. To this end, indicators are listed for PLC signals to be monitored while buttons are listed for signals to be controlled. For example, indicator 7023 is specified for “1stclamps I1” signal 8046. Label column 2703 lists a label for each tool in column 2705. Label-type pairs are singularities which correspond to indicators and control buttons which appear on HMI screen 7005. For example, referring also to FIG. 95, indicator 7023 and its corresponding label in FIG. 103 corresponds to indicator 7023 in FIG. 95. Indicator 7025 and its corresponding label “1st cylindicators retract signal” correspond to indicator 7025. Similarly, button 1001 and label “Manual” correspond to button 1001, button 7019 and its label in FIG. 103 correspond to extend button 7019 and button 7021 and its label in FIG. 103 correspond to retract button 7021. Referring again to FIG. 95, diagnostic section 7007 of screen 7005 provides text error messages to a system operator when a supported diagnostic condition occurs. To support diagnostics functions, a diagnostics table must include at least two types of information. First, for each supported diagnostic condition, the diagnostics table must identify a PLC signal which indicates occurrence of the diagnostic condition. Second, for each supported diagnostic condition, the table must specify the message to be provided. To this end, referring to FIGS. 101 and 104 exemplary parameterized diagnostics linking table 2751 includes a “link” column 2753 and an activity column 2755. Referring also to FIG. 102, link column 2753 lists PLC signals from column 2015 which correspond to supported diagnostic conditions. In exemplary table 2751 in the interest of brevity, only two supported conditions are listed including 1stclamps extend sensor error“8113 and “1stclamps cylinder failure” 8048. Column 2755 includes a text phrase to be provided in diagnostics section 7007 of screen 7005 when a corresponding signal in column 2753 is active. Thus, when signals 8113 is active (as specified in table 110), the phrase 2759 to be provided in section 7007 is cylindicator sensor failure. When signal 8048 is active, the phrase 2761 is provided. Thus, referring to FIGS. 95 and 101 through 104, in addition to execution code 2013, PLC I/O table 2011 is required to link code 2009 to I/O card pin numbers and hence to mechanical resources, HMI configuration/linking table 2027 is required to configure HMI screen 95 and to link HMI buttons and indicators to PLC signals in table 2011 and diagnostics linking table 2751 is required to link diagnostic signals from PLC I/O table 2011 to diagnostic activities reported on HMI screen section 7007. 4. Compiler Referring to FIGS. 72, 90, 95, 102, 103, and 104, compiler 9812 accesses bar chart 5830 and corresponding CA instances in database 9810 and uses information therein to generate control products including execution code 2009 to be run by PLC 9814 to drive control mechanisms in the manner required by bar chart 5830, and PLC I/O table 2011 for mapping code I/O to I/O card 2003 pins, HMI configuration/linking table 2027 to define one or more HMIs including HMI indicators for monitoring and buttons for manually controlling control mechanisms in a manner consistent with the CA instances and to link indicators and buttons to PLC signals, a diagnostics linking table 2751 for linking diagnostic PLC signals to diagnostic activities and a schematic representation of the entire control system which is also consistent with the CA instances. In addition, in this embodiment, compiler 9812 also generates a simulation table for driving virtual simulator 9816. Compiler 9812 is linked to database 9810 via a two-way bus 8013 and is also linked to PLC 9814, simulator 9816, HMI workstation 8437 and printer 8436 via buses 8323, 8442, 8434 and 8444, respectively. During compilation compiler 9812 also stores information on database 9810 and may store the final control products on database 9810 as well. Referring now to FIG. 105, compiler 9812 includes a bar chart deconvolver 8002, a CA parser 8005, a code compiler 8007, an HMI compiler 8009, a schematic compiler 8011 and a simulation compiler 8010. All of the components illustrated in FIG. 101 are linked via two way bus 8013. Deconvolver 8002 performs two functions. First, referring also to FIG. 72, deconvolver 8002 accesses bar chart 5830 and uses chart 5830 to sequence compilation. To this end, deconvolver 8002 works sequentially through bar chart 5830, one request at a time, causing compilers 8007, 8009, 8011 and 8010 to simultaneously compile information for each bar chart request in an orderly fashion. For example referring to bar chart 5830, deconvolver 8002 begins by causing information related to the “2ndpins engage” request 5201 (i.e. the first request in chart 5830) to be processed and compiled by each of compilers 8007, 8009, 8011 and 8010. Thereafter, deconvolver 8002 causes information related to the “Gripper controller Load-Cycle” request 5203 to be processed and compiled and so on. While compilers 8007, 8009, 8011 and 8010 generally process information for a request simultaneously, in the exemplary embodiment a parameterized PLC I/O table generated by code compiler 8007 is provided to schematic compiler 8011 and therefore, some intra-request information processing is sequential. Nevertheless, in the present example all compilation for one request is completed prior to initiating compilation corresponding to a subsequent request. To cause compilation, deconvolver 8002 provides a “current request” signals to parser 8005 via bus 8013 indicating a single bar chart request at a time for which information is to be compiled. When parser 8005 receives a current request signal, parser 8005 provides a sub-set of CA information for the current request to each compiler 8007, 8009, 8011 and 8010. Then, compilers 8007, 8009, 8011 and 8010 process received information to generate control products. When each compiler 8007, 8009, 8011 and 8010 has completed its processing, the compiler sends a “request complete signal” to deconvolver 8002 via bus 8013. When deconvolver 8002 receives a request complete signal from each compiler 8007, 8009, 8011 and 8010, deconvolver 8002 provides the next request in bar chart 5830 as a next current request signal to parser 8005. After information corresponding to the last request in bar chart 5830 has been processed, when deconvolver 8002 receives request complete signals from each of compilers 8007, 8009, 8011 and 8010, deconvolver 8002 provides an “end sequence signal” to each of compilers 8007, 8009, 8011 and 8010 indicating that the final compiling steps should be performed and final parameterized control products should be provided. Hereinafter, consistent with the present example, processing and compilation is described in the context of the “1stclamps extend” request 5701 in FIG. 72. Second, deconvolver 8002 also identifies safeties and interlocks from bar chart 5830 and generates a safeties/interlocks (S/I) table which correlates CA instances with safeties and interlocks. The S/I table is provided to compiler 8007 via bus 8013. Although not illustrated, the S/I table is described in more detail below. Referring still to FIGS. 72 and 105, in addition to receiving the current request signal, parser 8005 also accesses each CA instance corresponding to bar chart 5830 and parses the instances into their separate CA specifications. Thus, referring also to FIG. 84, parser 8005 separates each CA instance into a logic specification 9002, a schematic specification 9004, an HMI specification 9006, a diagnostic specification 9008 and a simulation specification 9300. The specification sub-sets corresponding to each specific bar chart request are simultaneously provided to each compiler 8007, 8009, 8011 and 8010. For example, when deconvolver 8002 indicates that the “1stclamps extend” request is to be processed, parser 8005 provides specification sub-sets corresponding to the 1stclamps extend request to each of compilers 8007, 8009, 8011 and 8010. The specification sub-set provided to compiler 8007 includes logic, HMI and diagnostic specifications 9002, 9006 and 9008, respectively. The specification sub-set provided to HMI compiler 8009 includes the HMI specification 9006 and diagnostic specification 9008. The sub-set provided to compiler 8011 includes schematic specification 8003. The sub-set provided to simulation compiler 8010 includes only the simulation specifications 9300. Each of the compilers 8007, 8009, 8011 and 8010 is described separately below. In addition to storing bar chart 5830, CA type templates and instantiated CA instances corresponding to the stored bar chart, database 9810 also stores a plurality of database tables including information which compiler 9812 combines with CA instance information to generate the control products. The tables include a code building table (see FIG. 106), an HMI building table (see FIG. 110), a diagnostics building table (see FIG. 111) a schematic building table (see FIG. 113) and a simulation building table (see FIG. 115). Content and use of the building tables is described below. In the example which follows, while many different methods (e.g. building, duplicating, canceling, etc.) for parameterizing code, support tables, schematics and simulation tools are contemplated, only a single method which is particularly easy to visualize is described here in order to simplify this explanation. Generally, according to the method described herein, virtually all information which might be required to support a control product is defined and, upon compilation some of the defined information is eliminated. For example, with respect to execution code, code required to support every aspect, including both required and parameterizable aspects, of a CA request is provided and, upon compilation, code rungs which correspond to required and selected request characteristics remain in the code while rungs corresponding to un-selected request characteristics are effectively removed from the code. a. Code Compiler Referring to FIGS. 72, 101 and 105, compiler 8007 receives logic, HMI and diagnostic specifications and the S/I table for a specific CA instance, gleans information therefrom and applies a set of rules to the gleaned information to generate parameterized execution code segments and to form PLC I/O table sections for each bar chart 5830 request. Parameterized code segments are appended to each other in sequential order to form complete execution code 2009 for controlling the control process defined by bar chart 5830 and associated CA instances. Referring also to FIG. 102, the PLC I/O table sections are combined to form complete PLC I/O table 2011. The rules applied by compiler 8007 to build execution code 2009 and PLC I/O table 2011 are stored in a code building table on database 9810. Referring to FIG. 106, exemplary code building table 8021 defines virtually all execution code which may possibly be required to support CA instances in a control bar chart assembled using resource editor 9802. Thus, table 8021 defines code corresponding to every selectable CA type, every selectable CA request, every required CA type control device and characteristic, every selectable CA type device and characteristic, every selectable monitorable/controllable parameter or condition and every selectable diagnostic requirement/activity combination. While virtually all code which may be required is defined in table 8021, only code corresponding to required and selected (i.e. instantiated) CA types, characteristic, devices, HMI features and diagnostic combinations is compiled. Thus, for example, while code corresponding to a “pinset” CA type 8012 is defined in table 8021, if, upon selecting resources for control via resource editor 9802, a control engineer does not select and instantiate at least one “pinset” CA instance, the code corresponding to the “pin set” CA type 8012 it not compiled. Table 8021 includes a CA type/request column 8023, a code column 8025, an I/O column 8026 and a parameterizing rule set (PRS) column 8027. Column 8023 lists every CA type which is selectable by the control engineer via resource editor 9802. In the present example, among other CA types, column 8023 includes the “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” type of which 1stclamps is a single instance. For each CA type, column 8023 independently identifies each request in the CA type logic specification. For example, referring again to FIG. 85, each “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” CA type includes both an extend request and a retract request. Thus, in column 8023, under the “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” type 8029, each of the “extend” and “retract” requests 8033, 8035, respectively, are listed. In addition to requests which are associated with a logic specification, a “manual” request 8038 which is associated with a corresponding HMI specification is listed under each CA type. The manual request 8038 corresponds to execution code which may be required to support manual operation of control mechanisms associated with a CA instance. Unlike code associated with a logic specification request (e.g. extend, retract), code associated with the manual request is generally only provided once in an execution code. Code column 8025 includes an RLL segment corresponding to each request in column 8023. Each RLL segment includes LL rungs corresponding to every possible control device and characteristic which may be associated with the corresponding request. Referring to FIG. 107, exemplary “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” extend request code segment 8032 is illustrated. Segment 8032 is abbreviated to simplify this explanation and, in reality, would include many more rungs. As illustrated, segment 8032 includes a “safety” rung 2045, a “1stclamps extend request” rung 8033 and a “1stclamps done” rung 8055. As illustrated, segment 8032 has already been partially parameterized to associate segment 8032 with the 1stclamps CA instance. For example, many contacts and coils in FIG. 107 include a descriptor including the term 1stclamps. It is contemplated that prior to compilation, the term “name” would appear in FIG. 103A each time 1stclamps appears. Upon compilation, the term “name” is replaced by the CA instance name (i.e. 1stclamps). Similarly, other contact descriptors may be parameterized upon compilation. Safety rung 7045 renders the 1stclamps extend request dependent on completion of at least one and perhaps several requests or conditions in bar chart 5830. For example, in FIG. 72, the 1stclamps extend request 5701 should not begin until the dumps extend request 2041 has been completed at edge 5529. In addition, other conditions or request done states may have to occur prior to execution of the 1stclamps extend request 5701. These other conditions are reflected by the conditions corresponding to bar chart yield icons (e.g. 5703 in FIG. 72). Referring to FIGS. 102 and 107, contacts and coils in FIG. 107 correspond to PLC I/O signals which have identical names in table 2011. For example, when the status of “1stclamps I1” 8046 turns from passive to active in table 2011, contact “1stclamps I1” 8046 in rung 8055 closes, when coil “1stclamps extend done” 2727 in rung 8055 is excited, signal “1stclamps extend done” 2727 in table 2011 changes from passive to active and so on. Referring still to FIGS. 72 and 107, rung 2045 makes 1stclamps extend request 5701 dependent upon completion of dumps extend request 2041 and upon completion of other safety conditions (not specified). A completed request is referred to hereinafter as a “done” request. Rung 2045 includes a “dumps extend done” contact 2047 and first and second “safety” contacts 2049, 2051 in series with a “1stclamps extend request” coil 2053. As with the 1stclamps descriptors, the descriptor “dumps extend done” reflects parameterization which is consistent with bar chart 5830. Initially, a generic identifier such as “previous request done” is linked to contact 2047. Upon compilation, the phrase “previous request” would be replaced with the phrase “dumps extend”. In the present example, rung 2045 has been configured to accommodate a maximum of two safeties and hence there are only two safety contacts 2049, 2051. However, it is contemplated that a “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” instance may require more than two safeties and for that purpose, code segment 8032 would include additional series contacts, one for each additional safety. Referring still to FIGS. 72 and 107, when the dumps extend request 2041 is done, contact 2047 closes. Similarly, when each of the first and second safety conditions corresponding to contacts 2049 and 2051 are done, contacts 2049 and 2051, respectively, close. When all of contacts 2047, 2049 and 2051 close, coil 2053 is excited. When “1stclamps extend request” coil 2053 is excited, related “1stclamps extend request” contacts (e.g. contact 8035 in rung 8033 ) close. Thus, rung 8033 is dependent on each of the conditions associated with contacts 2047, 2049 and 2051 occurring. Because rung 2045 is a safety rung, the conditions represented by contacts 2047, 2049 and 2051 need not be maintained during execution of 1stclamps extend request 5701. Thus, branches 2091 and 2093 are provided which, after the conditions corresponding to contacts 2047, 2049 and 2051 have been met, override the safety conditions and thereby enable the extend request despite the current status of the safety conditions. Branch 2091 includes a “1stclamps safety override” contact 2095 in series with a “not 1stclamps retract request” contact 2101, the series pair in parallel with contacts 2047, 2049 and 2051. Branch 2093 includes a “1stclamps safety override” coil 2097 in parallel with coil 2053. When the term “not” is included in a contact label, the term “not” indicates the opposite of the condition modified thereby. For example, with respect to contact 2101, “not” means that a 1stclamps retract request has not been made. After a 1stclamps retract request is made, contact 2101 opens. In operation, referring to FIGS. 72 and 107, after dumps extend request 2041 has been completed, contact 2047 closes. Similarly, when conditions corresponding to contacts 2049 and 2051 occur, contacts 2049 and 2051 close causing each of coils 2053 and 2097 to excite. Coil 2097 causes contact 2095 to close. It is assumed that the 1stclamps retract request is not pending and therefore contact 2101 remains closed. Thus, after all of contacts 2047, 2049 and 2051 close, those contacts are bypassed by closed contacts 2095 and 2101 until a 1stclamps retract request occurs which opens contact 2101. During this bypass period, coil 2053 remains excited and therefore contacts associated therewith remain closed. When contact 2101 opens, (i.e. when a 1stclamps retract request occurs), coil 2097 is no longer excited and therefore contact 2095 opens and safeties 2047, 2049 and 2051 are again functional to limit the next 1stclamps extend request. Rung 8033 is designed to cause 1stclamps to extend when “1stclamps extend request” coil 2053 or some other identically named coil is excited. Rung 8033 includes a “1stclamps extend request” contact 8035 and first and second interlock contacts 2077 and 2079, respectively, in series with a parallel coil arrangement including coils 8037, 8039, 8041 and 8043 corresponding to outputs 01, 02, 05 and 06, respectively. The interlock contacts 2077 and 2079 render a corresponding request dependent on completion and maintenance of corresponding conditions. Thus, if an interlock condition ceases to exist during execution of a dependent request, request execution is halted. Referring also to FIG. 72, interlock conditions are reflected by the conditions corresponding to bar chart stop icons (e.g. 5707). Each of contacts 2077 and 2079 are linked to a separate interlock condition. When an interlock condition is done, the corresponding contact 2077 or 2079 is closed. When an interlock condition is not done the corresponding contact is open. As with safeties above, a “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” CA instance 8029 may be interlocked to more than two conditions and in this case, additional contacts, one for each additional interlock contingency, would be provided in series with contacts 2077 and 2079. Referring to FIGS. 102 and 107, when all contacts 8035, 2077 and 2079 are closed, coils 8037-8043 are excited or activated and their status in a PLC I/O table 2011 is updated. When the PLC I/O table 2011 is updated, the active output signals cause valves associated therewith via I/O pins (e.g. P1, P2, etc.) to provide air to cylindicators linked thereto to extend associated clamps. Referring still to FIG. 107, “1stclamps extend done” rung 8055 indicates when a 1stclamps extend request has been completed or is done. Rung 8055 includes, among other components, a “1stclamps I1” contact 8049, a “1stclamps I3” contact 8057, a “1stclamps I5” contact 8052 and a “1stclamps I7” contact 8054 in series with a “1stclamps extend done” coil 2727. Referring also to FIG. 85, contacts 8049, 8057, 8052 and 8054 correspond to cylindicator extended solenoid sensor signals I1, I3, I5 and I7. When each of signals I1, I3, I5 and I7 is active, contacts 8046, 8057, 8052 and 8054, respectively, close and coil 2727 is excited indicating that the 1stclamps extend request has been completed. Although not illustrated, referring also to FIG. 72, when coil 2727 is excited, a contact corresponding to edge 5527 closes indicating that the 1stclamps extend is done and that, at least with respect to that contingency, the “operator-station 1 Load-Part” request 2107 can begin. Other rungs and branches which may be required to support parameterization include diagnostic rungs and branches corresponding to diagnostic functions which are selectable via diagnostics editor 9806 (see FIG. 90). Diagnostic functions are listed in the diagnostics table in FIG. 87. While it is contemplated that segment 8032 would include LL rungs to support virtually every possible diagnostic requirement/activity, in the interest of simplifying this explanation, only two exemplary rungs are illustrated and described. For example, referring to FIG. 87, with respect to cylindicator 9425, 1stclamps cylinder failure requirement 9622 occurs when each of proximity sensor inputs I1 and I2 indicate proximity of a valve piston. Upon the occurrence of requirement 9622, a diagnostics message is required as specified by activity 8517. In FIG. 107, branch 8077 defines code to recognize requirement 9622 facilitate activity 8517 when requirement 9622 occurs. To this end, branch 8077 is in series with contact 8046 and includes “1stclamps 12 ” contact 8049 in series with “1stclamps cylindicator failure” coil 8048. Contacts 8046 and 8049 correspond to inputs I1 and I2, respectively, and close when corresponding proximity sensor signals are active. When both contacts 8049 and 8046 close (i.e. requirement 9622 ), coil 8048 is excited. Referring to FIGS. 87, 102 and 107, coil 8048 update a “1stclamps cylinder failure” signal 8048 status. Referring also to FIG. 95, when coil 8048 is excited, HMI 8437 generates a diagnostic message indicating failure as described in more detail below. Referring still to FIGS. 87 and 107, when a 1stclamps extend request occurs and conditions associated with contacts 2077 and 2079 occur, if extended proximity sensor I1 remains passive (i.e. “1stclamps I1 Passive” requirement 9624), an error occurs and activity 9626 is required. Segment 8032 includes branch 8085 which defines code to recognize requirement 9624 and facilitate activity 9626 when requirement 9624 occurs. Branch 8085 is in series with contacts 8035, 2077 and 2079, and includes contact 8111 and a series coil 8113. Contact 8111 corresponds to the opposite of input I1 (i.e. if I1 is active, “not I1” is passive and vice versa). Thus, if contacts 8035, 2077 and 2079 close to perform an extend request and contact 8111 remains closed (i.e. I1 is passive), coil 8113 is excited. When coil 8113 is excited, HMI 8437 generates the diagnostic message required by activity 9262. Although not illustrated, a delay may be provided between contact 8111 and coil 9113 so that coils 8037, 8039, 8041 and 8043 and related mechanical mechanisms have a reasonable amount of time to cause 1stclamps to extend prior to diagnostic activity 9626 occurring. As indicated above, segment 8032 is extremely abbreviated and is contemplated that many other LL rungs will be provided in each LL segment. For example, additional diagnostic rungs will be provided as well as rungs to support other parameterizable features such as latches, request restartability and so on. These additional rungs have not been described here in order to simplify this explanation and because they are not needed for an understanding of the present invention. Referring still to FIGS. 106 and 107, although not illustrated, a code segment 8115 corresponding to “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” CA type retract request 8035 is similar to code segment 8032 except that, instead of defining code for controlling an extend request, the retract segment would define code for controlling a retract request. Referring now to FIGS. 106 and 108, an exemplary manual request code segment 8034 is illustrated. Referring also to FIG. 86, each of 1stclamps outputs 01 through 06 may be selected to be controlled during manual system operation. In addition, each of the extend and retract requests may also be selected for manual control. Thus, LL rungs for controlling each of outputs 01-06 and extend and retract requests must be defined such that, if selected for compilation, the rungs can be provided in the execution code. However, unlike requests (e.g. extend, retract, etc.) which may be performed more than once during an execution code cycle and therefore may have to be represented more than once during a cycle, manual control code need only be provided once in an execution code. In addition, generally the location of manual code in an execution code is unimportant. Thus, in the present example, it is assumed that, if manual operation is selected via HMI editor 9804 as indicated above and therefore must be supported by execution code, the manual code is placed after the first occurrence of any related request. For example, referring to FIGS. 72 and 106, if 1stclamps extend request 5701 is the first “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” request in bar chart 5830, immediately after compiling code for extend request 5701, if selected via HMI editor 9804, manual code is compiled and linked to the end of the extend request code. Thereafter, manual segment 8034 does not again appear in the execution code. As in the extend request code segment 8032 described above, contacts and coils in manual segment 8034 correspond to similarly labeled and numbered signals in table 102. Exemplary manual segment 8034 comprises rung 8087 including a “manual” contact 2131 and a plurality of branches 8063, 8065, 8091 and 8093. If manual control is selected for compilation for 1stclamps, upon compilation manual contact 2131 is linked to an HMI control button which, when activated, closes contact 2131. Although not illustrated, it is also contemplated that when contact 2131 is closed, the normal sequence of requests as specified by bar chart 5830 is halted until normal operation is again actively selected. While contact 2131 remains closed, branches 8063, 8065, 8091 and 8093 may be functional depending on if related outputs or requests (i.e. 01-06, extend, retract) were previously selected for compilation. Branch 8063 defines code for controlling 1stclamps 01 via HMI 8437 and includes a contact 2133 and a coil 8103. If selected to be compiled, contact 2133 is linked to an HMI control button which, when activated, closes contact 2133. When contact 2133 closes, coil 8103 excites which closes a related 1stclamps 01 contact. Branch 8065 is similar to branch 8063 except that a contact corresponds to a button for controlling output 06 and a coil corresponds to output 06. Although not illustrated, branches like branch 8063 are also provided for each of outputs 02-05. Branch 8091 defines code for manually controlling the 1stclamp extend request. Branch 8091 includes a contact 2135 and a coil 8107. If selected to be compiled, contact 2135 is linked to an HMI control button which, when activated, closes contact 2135. When contact 2135 is closed, coil 8107 excites and closes related “1stclamps extend request” contacts. Referring also to FIG. 107, when “1stclamps extend request” coil 8107 excites, contact 8035 closes, causing outputs 01, 02, 05 and 06 to excite (assuming conditions associated with contacts 2077 and 2079 are met) which in turn cause control mechanisms linked thereto to extend clamps associated with the 1stclamps CA instance. Rung 8093 is similar to rung 8091 except that, instead of defining code for manual control of the extend request, rung 8093 defines code for manual control of the retract request. Many of the characteristics and, indeed, for each CA type, even some of the control devices, are optional and therefore may or may not be selected for subsequent compilation. Therefore, referring again to FIGS. 106, 107 and 108 while each code segment (e.g. 8032, 8034) defines LL rungs to support virtually every required and parameterizable CA characteristic for a request, every LL rung or branch in a code segment which corresponds to a parameterizable (i.e. selectable or de-selectable) CA feature is provided in series or in parallel with a switch so that the rung or branch can be discarded upon compilation. When a series switch is closed or a parallel switch is open, the corresponding rung is compiled and when a series switch is open or a parallel switch is closed, the corresponding rung is discarded upon compiling. In FIGS. 107 and 108 switches are identified by triangles and are labeled with descriptors “Sn” where n is an integer (e.g. S1, S2, etc.) Rungs which are required within a CA type do not include switches. For example, referring to FIGS. 85 and 107, two position valve 9421 is required in the “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” CA type. Therefore, no switches are in series or in parallel with coils 8037 and 8039 (corresponding to the required two position valve 9421 ). Similarly, it is required that the “previous request done” requirement be met prior to executing the 1stclamps extend request and therefore, no switches are in series or in parallel with “dumps extend done” contact 2047. However, spring return value 9423 is optional (i.e. in the present example may be selected or de-selected using resource editor 9802). Thus, switches are provided within code segment 8032 which, when open, effectively de-select code corresponding to spring return value 9423 and, when closed, select code for valve 9423. In FIG. 107, switches S3 and S4 correspond to valve 9423. Thus, if switches S3 and S4 are open, upon compilation branches including coils 8041 and 8043 are eliminated from segment 8032. Similarly, referring to FIGS. 87 and 107, each of diagnostics branches 8085 and 8077 is optional and therefore, switches S5 and S6 are provided in those rungs, respectively. When one of switches S5 or S6 is opened, a corresponding branch is eliminated upon compilation. Moreover, it is contemplated that the 1stclamps extend request may not be contingent upon additional safeties and interlocks. In this case, safety contacts 2049 and 2051 and interlock contacts 2077 and 2079 should be eliminated. To this end, switches S1, S2, S7 and S8 are provided in parallel with contacts 2049, 2051, 2077 and 2079, respectively. When one of switches S1, S2, S7 or S8 is closed, a parallel contact is eliminated upon subsequent compilation. Furthermore, referring to FIGS. 85 and 107, 2nd, 3rd and 4th cylindicators 9427, 9429 and 9431 are optional. In rung 8055, if second cylindicator 9427 is not included in 1stclamps, contact 8057 corresponding to the second cylindicator extended proximity sensor signal I3 must be eliminated in segment 8032. Similarly, if cylindicator 9429 is not included, contact 8052 must be eliminated, and if cylindicator 9431 is not included, contact 8054 must be eliminated. To this end, switches S9, S10 and S11 are in parallel with contacts 8057, 8052 and 8054, respectively. If switch S9, S10 or S11 is closed a corresponding parallel contact is removed from segment 8032 upon compilation. Referring to FIGS. 86 and 108, controllability of outputs 01-06 and controllability of extend and retract requests is also optional. Therefore, switches S12, S13, S14 and S15 are provided in series with branches 8063, 8065, 8091 and 8093, respectively. When one of switches S12-S15 is open the corresponding branch is eliminated upon compilation. Referring once again to FIG. 106, column 8026 includes a single generic PLC I/O table segment for each CA type independent of the number of requests which correspond to the CA type. Generic segment 8060 corresponds to “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” type 8029. Segment 8060 includes a PLC signal list corresponding to an unparameterized “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” CA type. In other words, the PLC signal list in table 8060 includes signals which must be included in a PLC I/O table when a “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” CA type instance is instantiated, regardless of parameterization. For example, referring also to FIG. 107, for CA type 8029, generic segment 8060 includes every contact in segment 8032 which is not in series or in parallel with a switch S1-S11. In addition, referring to FIG. 108, table 8060 includes every contact in segment 8034 which is not in series or in parallel with one of switches S12-S15. In segment 8034 all contacts are in series or parallel with at least one of switches S12-S15 and therefore, unless also included in one of segments 8032 or 8035 none of those contacts is included in the initial PLC signal list. Generic segment 8060 is modified by compiler 8007 as a function of parameterization. Eventually, in the present example and after compilation, generic segment table 8060 looks like table 2011 including signals in column 2015 corresponding to every contact and coil in parameterized and compiled code segments 8032, 8115 and 8034 (i.e. corresponding to all “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” requests). Referring still to FIG. 106, PRS column 8027 includes a separate PRS table corresponding to each request in column 8023. An exemplary PRS table 8201 which corresponds to the “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” CA type extend request 8033 is illustrated. PRS table 8201 includes a parameterization column 8203, a code modification column 8205 and a PLC I/O table modification column 8207. Column 8203 includes a list of possible parameterizations corresponding to the CA type and request in column 8023. Each parameterization in column 8203 is associated with a separate one of the flag boxes in one of specifications 9002, (s FIG. 85), 9006 (see FIG. 86) or 9008 (see FIG. 87) or is associated with a yield or stop icon in FIG. 72. For example, referring also to FIG. 85, one parameterization 8209 includes “flagged box 9480a” indicating selection of spring return valve 9423. Referring to FIGS. 87 and 106, second exemplary parameterization 2731 is “flagged box 9490” indicating selection of the 1stclamps extend request to be controlled via an HMI. Many other parameterizations are contemplated and would be listed in column 8203. Column 8205 includes modifications to the code segments in column 8025 which correspond to specific parameterizations in column 8203. For example, modification 8217 corresponding to the “flagged box 9480a” parameterization 8209 is to close switches S3 and S4. Referring also to FIG. 107, when switches S3 and S4 are closed, coils 8041 and 8043 corresponding to outputs 05 and 06 are included in code segment 8032. Modification 8215 corresponding to “flagged box 9490 ” parameterization 2731 is to close switch S14. Referring to FIG. 108, when switch S14 is closed, rung 8091 is included in segment 8034 and manual control of the 1stclamps extend request is supported by segment 8034. Referring still to FIG. 106, column 8207 lists PLC I/O table modifications corresponding to parameterizations in column 8203. For example, referring also to FIG. 85, where box 9840 a is flagged (i.e. parameterization 8209 ), outputs 05 and 06 are added to segment 8060 according to modification 8221. Similarly, where box 9490 is flagged (i.e. parameterization 2731), signal “1stclamps extend request control” corresponding to contact 2135 (see FIG. 108) is provided in segment 8060 to facilitate manual control of the 1stclamps extend request via an HMI, and so on. Although not illustrated in detail, PRS tables 8301 and 8303 which are similar to table 8201 are provided for each of retract request 8035 and manual request 8038 and are provided for each request associated with other CA types in column 8023. Referring now to FIGS. 72 85, 86, 87 and 105, in the present example, after compiler 8007 compiles and links execution code segments for each request prior to 1stclamps extend request 5701, deconvolver 8002 causes parser 8005 to provide logic, HMI and diagnostic specifications 9002, 9006 and 9008, respectively, which correspond to 1stclamps extend request 5701 to compiler 8007 and deconvolver 8002 provides the S/I table which corresponds to the “1stclamps extend” request to compiler 8007. The S/I table (not illustrated) is simply a table which lists all 1stclamps extend request contingencies including the previous request from bar chart 5830 (see FIG. 72), and all safeties and interlocks listed in yield and stop icons, respectively, which are linked to the front edge of the 1stclamps extend request. Thus, referring to FIG. 72, the S/I table for 1stclamps extend request 5701 includes “dumps extend” request 2041 and any contingencies from icon 5703. Referring also to FIG. 109, an exemplary compiling process performed by compiler 8007 is illustrated. At block 8305, compiler 8007 either receives an end sequence signal or an S/I table from deconvolver 8002. The end sequence signal indicates that information corresponding to the last request in bar chart 5830 has been compiled and that final compilation steps should be performed by compiler 8007. At decision block 8315, compiler 8007 determines if an end sequence signal has been received. If an end sequence signal has been received control passes to process block 8317. In the present example, 1stclamps extend request 5701 is not the last request in chart 5830 and therefore control passes to block 8306. At block 8306 compiler 8007 receives specifications 9002, 9006 and 9008 and the S/I table corresponding to the 1stclamps instance. At block 8307 compiler 8007 accesses code table (see FIG. 106) 8021 via bus 8013, identifies the “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” CA type 8029 and the extend request 8033 corresponding to 1stclamps extend request 5701 and retrieves code segment 8032, generic segment 8060 and PRS 8201. Continuing, at block 8309 compiler 8007 gleans parameterization information from logic specification 9002, HMI specification 9006, diagnostic specification 9008 and the S/I table. At process block 8311 compiler 8007 applies the rules from PRS table 8201 to the gleaned information to modify the code segment 8032 by opening/closing rung switches and to modify PLC I/O table segment 8060 as described above. In addition, at block 8311 compiler 8007 substitutes the CA name (e.g. 1stclamps) for generic contact and coil descriptions (e.g. “name”) in code segment 8032 and in segment 8060. Next, at process block 8313, compiler 8007 links the parameterized execution code segment 8032 to previously compiled segments to continue to form a complete LL program and adds the parameterized segment 8060 to other I/O specifications corresponding to previously compiled segments. Referring again to FIGS. 72 and 101, at this point a complete execution code 2009 for controlling mechanical resources as required by bar chart 5830 has been provided. In addition, referring to FIG. 102, columns 2015 and 2017 of PLC I/O table 2011 have been defined. Next, I/O card pins have to be assigned to I/O signals in column 2015. Herein it is assumed PLC card 2003 includes a sufficient number of I/O terminals to control and monitor the control system corresponding to bar chart 5830 as parameterized by the CA instances related thereto. At block 8317 compiler 8007 assigns signals from PLC I/O table 2011 column 2015 to I/O card terminals P-1, P-2, . . . P-N to fill in column 2019 and complete table 2011. At block 8321, compiler 8007 provides the execution code and PLC I/O table 2011. Referring again to FIG. 90, the execution code 2009 and PLC I/O table 2011 are provided to database 9810 for storage and subsequent access. In addition, the execution code 2009 and I/O table 2011 are provided to PLC 9814. Referring to FIG. 101, I/O table 2011 is also provided to schematic compiler 8011 via bus 8013. At this point all of the execution code for controlling the process and control mechanisms associated with bar chart 5830, the code for supporting HMIs as required by HMI specifications and the code for supporting diagnostics as required by diagnostic specifications has been provided. It should be appreciated that while the compilation example above is described in the context of a system of CAS which does not support status based diagnostics, a similar process would be performed where CAS include status based diagnostics specifications, the only difference being that the generated code would include additional status based diagnostics code. The additional code would facilitate next event reporting such that, when a next event fails to occur, a PLC running the code would indicate the next event to occur thereby indicating symptoms to a system user which the user could then use to determine the likely cause of failure. In this regard, the diagnostics code, a diagnostics processor and a driver which indicates the next event to occur operate together as a diagnostics agent to report failure non-occurring events. This aspect of the invention is described in more detail below. b. HMI Compiler Referring again to FIGS. 84 and 101, HMI compiler 8009 receives HMI specification 9006 and diagnostic specification 9008 from code compiler 8007. Exemplary HMI specification table 9460 is illustrated in FIG. 86 while exemplary diagnostic specification table 9600 is illustrated in FIG. 87. With respect to HMI table 9460, compiler 8009 gleans information from table 9460 and, referring also to FIG. 110, applies rules from an HMI building table 8401 to the gleaned information to construct an HMI screen including indicators and control buttons and to link the indicators and buttons to PLC signals. To this end, building table 8401 defines virtually all HMI indicator and control buttons which may possibly be required to support monitoring and control of CA characteristic. Table 8401 includes a CA type column 8403, a monitorable column 8405 and controllable column 8407. Monitorable column 8405 defines HMI indicators and PLC signal links whereas controllable column 8407 defines control buttons and associated PLC signal links. CA type column 8403 includes a list of every possible CA type which may be selected by a control engineer using resource editor 9802. For the purposes of this explanation, “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” CA type 8029 is listed in column 8403. Monitorable column 8405 is divided into subcolumns including an I/O column 8411, a “label” column 8413 and a “link” column. I/O column 8411 includes a list of all monitorable inputs and outputs corresponding to each specific CA type in column 8403. Thus, referring to FIGS. 86 on 110, because an exemplary “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” CA type 8029 may include monitorable outputs 01-06 and monitorable inputs I-1-I8, each of outputs 01-06 and each of inputs I-1-I8 are included in column 8411 corresponding to the “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” CA type 8029. In order to simplify FIG. 110, only an abbreviated list (i.e., 01, 02, 03 . . . I1, I2 . . . ) is provided in column 8411. Column 8413 includes a separate label corresponding to each I/O in column 8411. Each label in column 8413 defines a descriptor for an HMI indicator. For example, for 01 in column 8411, the label in column 8413 is “2-position value hot extend output” 8727 which describes the hot output 01 of two-position valve 9421 in FIG. 85. For 02, in column 8411, the label in column 8413 is “2-position value common extend out” 8729 which describes the common output 02 of two-position valve 9421 in FIG. 85. For I1 in column 8411 the label is “1st cylindicator extend signal” 8731 which describes first cylindicator 9425 input I1 in FIG. 85 and for I2 in column 8411 the label is “1st cylindicator retract signal” 8733 which describes first cylindicator 9425 input I2 in FIG. 85. Column 8725 includes a PLC signal link for each I/O in column 8411. Each link in column 8725 includes a generic descriptor “name” which, upon compilation, is replaced with the CA instance name. Thus, in the present example, general descriptors “name” in FIG. 110 is replaced with 1stclamps upon compilation. Link “name” I1 corresponds to I1 in column 8411, link “name” I2 corresponds to I2 and so on. After compilation, link “name” I1 and link “name” I2 are replaced by “1stclamps 11 ” and “1stclamps I2,” respectively, which link associated indicators with similarly identified PLC signals 8046 and 8049, respectively, in table 2011 (ee FIG. 102). Referring still to FIG. 110, controllable column 8407 is also divided into subcolumns including an I/O column 8417, a “label” column 8419 and a “link” column 8735. Column 8417 includes a list of all I/O and requests which may be selected to be controllable via HMI editor 9804 and which are associated with a corresponding CA type. Referring also to FIG. 86, for the “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” CA type 8029, outputs which may possibly be selected for control include outputs 01 through 06 and requests which may possibly be selected for control include extend and retract requests. To simplify FIG. 110, only outputs 01 and 02 are listed. Column 8419 includes a separate label corresponding to each I/O or request in column 8417. Each label in column 8419 defines a descriptor for an HMI button. For example, for “extend” in column 8417 the label in column 8419 is “extend” and for “retract” in column 8417 the label in column 8419 is “retract.” Column 8735 includes a PLC signal link for each I/O or request in column 8417. Once again, upon compilation the generic descriptors “name” are replaced with CA instance name “1stclamps.” Thus, after compilation, requests extend and retract are linked to “1stclamps extend request control” 2135 and “1stclamps retract request control” 2136 signals, respectively, in table 2011 (see FIG. 102). Upon compilation, referring to FIGS. 86 and 110, compiler 8009 identifies all selected I/O and requests for monitoring and control in table 9460, identifies the selected I/O and requests in columns 8411 and 8417 and uses information in table 8401 to build an HMI configuration/linking table like table 2027 illustrated in FIG. 103. The compilation process is described in more detail below. Referring to FIGS. 87 and 105, with respect to diagnostics table 9600, compiler 8009 gleans information from diagnostic specification table 9600 and, referring also to FIG. 113, applies diagnostics building table 8739 to the gleaned information to construct a parameterized diagnostics linking table (see FIG. 104). To this end, diagnostics building table 8734 includes a “requirement” column 8741, a “text” column 8743 and a “link” column 8745. Referring to FIGS. 87 and 111, column 8741 includes an entry corresponding to each requirement in column 9604 and text column 8743 includes an entry corresponding to each activity in column 9606. In particular, among other requirements and activities, “1stclamps cylinder failure” requirement 9622 and “1stclamps extend sensor error” requirement 9624 and associated text activities are listed in columns 8741 and 8743. Upon compilation, referring to FIGS. 87 and 111, compiler 8009 identifies all selected diagnostics requirements for supporting in table 9600 identifies the selected requirements in column 8741 and uses information in table 8739 to build diagnostics linking table like table 2751 illustrated in FIG. 104. Referring to FIG. 112, an exemplary compiling process performed by compiler 8009 is illustrated. Referring also to FIGS. 101 and 105, at decision block 8424, processor 8009 determines if deconvolver 8002 has provided an end sequence signal indicating the end of bar chart 5830. IF an end sequence signal has been provided, control skips to block 8435 where compiler 8009 provides both HMI linking table 2027 (see FIG. 103) and diagnostics linking table 2751 (see FIG. 104). In the present example, 1stclamps extend request 5701 is not the last request in chart 5830 and therefore control passes to block 8425. At block 8425, referring also to FIGS. 86 and 87, compiler 8009 receives HMI and diagnostic specifications 9006, 9008, respectively, corresponding to the 1stclamp CA instance. At process block 8427, compiler 8009 gleans HMI requirements from HMI specification 9006 and gleans diagnostic requirements from the diagnostic specification 9008. To this end, compiler 8009 identifies clear and flagged boxes in each of columns 9464 and 9466, identifies CA instance name 1stclamps and identifies clear and flagged boxes in column 9604. Referring to FIGS. 105, 110 and 112, at block 8429 compiler 8009 applies table 8401 to the gleaned information and builds parameterized HMI linking table 2027 as illustrated in FIG. 103. To this end, for every selected monitorable I/O (i.e., I/O in FIG. 86 which has been flagged), compiler 8009 identifies the selected I/O in column 8411 of table 8401 and copies the label and link information corresponding thereto into parameterized HMI linking table 2027. Similarly, for every selected I/O and request to be controlled, compiler 8009 identifies the selected I/O or request in column 8417 of table 8401 and copies label and link information into parameterized HMI linking table 2027. Similarly, referring to FIGS. 105 and 112 at block 8429, compiler 8009 applies table 8739 to the gleaned information and builds parameterized diagnostics linking table 2751 as illustrated in FIG. 104. To this end, for every selected requirement in table 9600 (see FIG. 87), compiler 8009 identifies the requirement in column 8741 of table 8739 and copies the text and link information corresponding thereto into parameterized diagnostics table 2751. At block 8433, compiler 8009 substitutes CA instance name 1stclamps for generic descriptor “name” and may substitute other specific descriptors as required. Therefore, control passes back to block 8424. After specifications corresponding to the last request in chart 5830 have been compiled, control passes to process block 8435 where parameterized HMI and diagnostics linking tables 2027 and 2751, respectively, are provided. Referring also to FIG. 90, HMI and diagnostics linking tables 2027 and 2751 are provided to HMI workstation 8437 via a bus 8439. It is assumed HMI 8437 includes software which, with a simple specification such as tables 2027 and 2751, can configure a screen like exemplary screen 7005 illustrated in FIG. 95. Station 8437 is linked to PLC 9814 via a two-way bus 8441 for controlling PLC 9414 during manual PLC operation and for monitoring PLC 9814 during both normal PLC operation and manual operation. At this point a complete HMI configuration for both manual and automatic control and monitoring of the control process associated with bar chart 5830 and corresponding CA instances have been provided. In addition, tables for linking HMI tools and diagnostic activities to PLC signals have been provided. c. Schematic Compiler Referring again to FIGS. 72, 84, 85A and 105, as compilers 8007 and 8009 process specifications for the 1stclamps CA extend request 5701, schematic compiler 8011 simultaneously processes 1stclamps schematic specification 9004. Compiler 8011 gleans information from schematics specification 9004 and, referring also to FIG. 113, applies rule from a schematic building table 8501 to the gleaned information to build a parameterized control system schematic. Exemplary schematic building table 8501 includes a CA type column 8503, a default schematic column 8505, and a parameterizing rule set (PRS) column 8507. Column 8503 includes a list of each CA type which a control engineer may select using resource editor 9802. For the purposes of the present explanation, a “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” CA type 8029 is included in column 8503. Default schematic column 8505 includes a separate default schematic corresponding to each CA type in column 8503. With respect to the “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” CA type 8029, the default schematic is illustrated in block form as 8511. As explained above, for the “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” CA type 8029, required control devices include a two-position valve and at least a first cylindicator. Therefore, default schematic 8511 includes a schematic illustration showing a two-position valve and a single cylindicator linked together in an operative manner. PRS column includes a separate table corresponding to each CA type in column 8503. Table 8513 corresponds to the “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” CA type 8029 and includes a parameterization column 8515 and a schematic modification column 8517. Referring to FIGS. 85A and 113, column 8515 includes a list of possible parameterizations which correspond to schematic specification 9004. Column 8517 includes one or more schematic modifications corresponding to each parameterization in column 8515. For example, the schematic modification corresponding to a “flagged box 9480f” parameterization is that a spring return valve representation should be added to default schematic 8511 and linked accordingly. Thus in FIG. 85A, when spring return valve 9523 is selected by placement of a flag in box 9480f, the corresponding spring return valve schematic is added to schematic 8511 upon compilation. Similarly, the modification corresponding to a “flagged box 9482f” parameterization is that a second cylindicator schematic should be added to the default schematic 8511 and linked accordingly. Although not illustrated, other parameterizations and associated schematic modifications are contemplated. Default schematics and associated PRSs are provided in table 8501 for each CA type listed in column 8503. Referring to FIG. 90, schematic I/O which are to be linked to PLC 9814 are labeled with PLC signal names. For example, referring to FIGS. 85 and 113, two-position valve 9421 receives four PLC outputs 01-04 and therefore schematic 8511 illustrates four PLC outputs 01-04 for linking to PLC 9814. The schematic outputs 01-04 are labeled “1stclamps 01”, “1stclamps 02”, “1stclamps 03”, and “1stclamps 04”. If selected for compilation, spring return valve 9423 includes outputs “1stclamps 05”, and “1stclamps 06”, and corresponding schematic outputs for valve 9423 are so labeled. Cylindicator inputs I1 through I8, if selected are similarly labeled on the schematic. After a parameterized schematic diagram for the 1stclamps CA instance has been provided, the diagram is linked to previously parameterized diagrams corresponding to other CA instances associated with bar chart 5830. Once all parameterized schematics have been linked and after compiler 8007 has generated a complete PLC I/O table 2011 (see FIG. 102), table 2011 is provided to schematic compiler 8011. Compiler 8011 then schematically links I/O card pin numbers to similarly named schematic I/O. For example, “1stclamps 01” is schematically linked to the pin number corresponding to “1stclamps 01” in table 2011, “1stclamps I1” in the schematic is schematically linked to the pin number corresponding to “1stclamps I1” in table 2011 and so on. Referring now to FIG. 114, an exemplary compiling process performed by compiler 8011 is illustrated. At decision block 8533 compiler 8011 determines if an end sequence signal indicating the end of bar chart 5830 has been received from deconvolver 8002. Where an end sequence signal has been received control passes to block 8535. Where an end sequence signal has not been received control passes to block 8525. Referring also to FIG. 85A, at block 8525 compiler 8011 receives 1stclamp schematic specification 9004. At process block 8527 compiler 8011 gleans information from schematic specification 9004. Referring also to FIG. 113, at block 8529 compiler 8011 accesses schematic building table 8501, identifies the CA type as a “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” type and identifies the default schematic 8511 and PRS table 8513. Continuing, at process block 8531, compiler 8011 parameterizes default schematic 8511 as a function of gleaned information and in the manner specified by PRS table 8513 and links the parameterized schematic to previously parameterized schematics. Thereafter control passes back up to decision block 8533. After the end sequence signal is received and control passes to block 8535, referring also to FIGS. 102 and 105, compiler 8011 receives PLC I/O table 2011 from code compiler 8007 and schematically links schematic I/O to pin numbers in column 2019 which correspond to signals in column 2015 which have names in common with the schematic I/O. Thereafter, at block 8536, compiler 8011 provides the complete parameterized control system schematic. Referring again to FIG. 90, the schematic can be stored on database 9810 and/or can be printed out via printer 8436. d. Simulation Compiler Referring to FIG. 88 and 105, as compilers 8007, 8009 and 8011 compile specifications corresponding to CA instance 1stclamps, simulation compiler 8010 simultaneously receives simulation specification 9300 corresponding to the 1stclamps CA instance. Referring also to FIG. 115, compiler 8010 gleans information from simulation specification 9300 (see FIG. 88) and applies rules from simulation building table 2901 to the gleaned information to generate video and feedback tables which are in turn used to drive simulator 9816 (see FIG. 90). To this end, table 2901 includes a CA type column 2899, a “parameterization” column 2903 and a “modifications” column 2405. CA type column 2894 lists every CA type which may be selected via resource editor 9802. For the purposes of the present invention “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” CA type 8029 is included in column 2894. Referring to FIGS. 88 and 115, parameterization column 2903 lists every possible parameterization which may be selected via resource editor 9802 which may alter and eliminate any aspect of a video or feedback table corresponding to the related CA type in column 2894. For CA type 8029, in the interest of brevity, only two parameterizations are listed in column 2903 including “clear box 9482d” parameterization 2907 and “clear box 9480e” parameterization 2904. Many other parameterizations are contemplated. Column 2905 includes one or more modifications to specification 9300 corresponding to each parameterization in column 2903. For example, modification 2911 is to “delete table 9303” when box 9482d is clear. Referring also to FIG. 85, box 9482d corresponds to box 9482a and hence is clear only when box 9482a is clear indicating that a particular CA instance does not require the second cylindicator (i.e. second cylindicator 9427 was not selected). Where second cylindicator 9427 is not selected, video table 9303 is not needed and therefore is deleted. As another example, modification 2913 is to “delete combination 9320” when box 9480e is clear. Referring also to FIG. 85, box 9480e corresponds to box 9480a and hence is clear only when box 9480a is clear indicating that a particular CA instance does not require the spring return valve 9423 (i.e. value 9423 was not selected). Where value 9423 is not selected, combination 9320 no longer is accurate and therefore is deleted. Referring now to FIG. 116, an exemplary compilation process performed by compiler 9810 is illustrated. At decision block 2915 compiler 8010 determines if an end sequence signal has been received from deconvolver 8002. If an end sequence signal has been received, control passes to block 2917 where compiler 8010 provides all of the parameterized video and feedback tables. If an end sequence signal has not been received, control passes to block 2919. At block 2919, compiler 8010 receives the simulation specification corresponding to the next request in chart 5830 to be compiled. In the present example, compiler 8010 receives simulation specification 9300 (see FIG. 88) corresponding to CA instance 1stclamps. Continuing, at block 2921 compiler 8010 gleans parameterization information from specification 9300. At block 2923, compiler 8010 accesses simulation building table 2901 and identifies CA type “SafeBulkHeadClampSet” 8029 and corresponding parameterizations and modifications. At block 2925 compiler 8010 parameterizes tables in specification 9300 according to the modifications in table 2901 and then control passes back up to decision block 2915. Referring to FIGS. 88, 90 and 116, after the end sequence signal is received at block 2915 and control passes to block 2917, compiler 8010 provides a complete set of simulation tables to simulator 9816 via bus 8442. At this point virtually all controls products have been generated for constructing, simulating and controlling the control system and control process specified in the control bar chart 5830 of FIG. 72. Referring also to FIG. 101, the control products include an execution code 2009, a PLC I/O table 2011, HMI configuration/linking table 2027, diagnostics linking table 2751, a schematic diagram and a simulation table. An engineer can use the control tools to simulate operation of the mechanical resources or to configure actual mechanical resources thereby building a machine line. In either case, after configuring a line (either virtually or in the real world), a PLC or a soft PLC (i.e., a PLC model run using software) can be used to control the mechanical resources and to generate diagnostic messages which indicate next events to occur. When an expected event does not occur, the diagnostic message indicates the event which did not occur to help an operator determine the cause of the failure. 5. Core Modeling System Referring to FIGS. 72, 88, 90 and 101, after the execution code 2009 and I/O table 2011 have been provided to PLC 9814, each of HMI linking table 2027 and diagnostics linking table 2751 have been provided to HMI 8437 and a parameterized set of simulation tables (i.e. video and feedback tables) have been provided to CMS 9816, HMI 8427, PLC 9814, CMS 9816, module 9818 and screen 9820 can be used to virtually simulate the process specified by bar chart 5830 and corresponding CA instances. To this end, PLC 9814 is linked to CMS 9816 via a two way bus 6901, CMS 9816 is linked to module 9818 via a two way bus 6903 and module 9181 is linked to screen 9820 via a bus 6905. To simulate the process of bar chart 5830, PLC 9814 runs the execution code stored therein under the direction of HMI workstation 8437. PLC outputs are provided to CMS 9816 via bus 6901. Referring also to FIG. 88, CMS 9816 accesses parameterized video tables and based on output combinations, selects one or more video clips to be played via screen 9820 to virtually present the process of chart 5830. Video clip commands are provided by CMS 9816 via bus 6903 to module 9818. Module 9818 accesses the video clips required by the received video clip request signals and plays the clips on screen 9820. As described above, in this embodiment module 9818 is capable of identifying specific events during the playing of video clips and providing feedback signal indicating the event. For example, module 9818 can recognize the end of a video clip and send one or more feedback signals to CMS 9816. When a feedback signal is received, CMS 9816 accesses a feedback table and identifies PLC input signals which correspond to the feedback event. For example, when a 1stclamps extend video is completed, 1stclamps I1 and 1stclamps I2 PLC inputs should be changed to “1” and “0”, respectively, (see 9304 in FIG. 88). CMS 9816 provides the feedback PLC input signals to PLC 9814 via bus 6901. When the input signals are received, referring also to FIG. 101, controller 2001 modifies I/O table 2011 accordingly which affects operation of code 2009. Referring still to FIGS. 72, 88 and 90, in the alternative, it is contemplated that CMS 9816 may be capable of animating actual CAD images of mechanical resources in the manner prescribed by bar chart 5830. Although a relatively simple simulation system is described above wherein compilation of a simulation specification results in a PLC mapping table for effectively converting PLC I/O into video commands for module 9818, other simulation systems are contemplated which support other than a one-to-one conversion of I/O combinations to video clips. In this regard, it has been recognized that most mechanical resources do not respond in an ideal manner to requests to perform activities and that operation of mechanical resources in response to specific I/O combinations are not always identical for various reasons. As a simple example, consider a hydraulic clamp and an I/O combination which indicates that the clamp should be extended. Ideally, upon receiving an extend request the clamp immediately changes its position from retracted to extended. In reality, however, because the clamp has mechanical components, clamp extension is not instantaneous but rather requires a finite time. Thus, the mechanical nature of the clamp renders ideal operation impossible (i.e., instantaneous extension is impossible). An approximation of actual clamp operation can be facilitated by assuming a clamp requires an exemplary estimated amount of time to extend. For example, it may be assumed clamp extension requires five seconds. In this case a simulated video clip may be controlled such that a clamp extension appears to require five seconds to close. While a five second rule may more closely reflect reality than instantaneous closure, such a rule is, as indicated above, nothing more than another estimate of reality which may or may not be accurate. In most cases a single rule such as extension time will be inaccurate to some unspecified degree. Variance between operation in reality and an estimated operating rule can be attributed to a plethora of sources. For example, in most cases the mechanical resources associated with a CA may be configured using hardware manufactured by any of several different vendors. In the case of clamp extension, all other things being equal, clamp hardware from one vendor may extend in three seconds while another vendor's clamp hardware may require six and one-half seconds while still another vendor's hardware may extend in five seconds. Clearly, in this case, an estimate of five seconds for clamp extension would be inaccurate much of the time. As another example, variance may also be attributed to resource environment. For instance, a clamp which extends in five seconds in a 70° F. plant where the humidity level is 20% may require nine seconds when the temperature is reduced to 0° F. and 0% humidity and may require seven seconds where the temperature is 70° F. and the humidity is 60%. Still another exemplary variance source is temporally proximate operation. For instance, a clamp which is routinely and rapidly extended and retracted may require a shorter extension period than the same clamp if the clamp is infrequently extended and retracted. Other variance sources (e.g., wear and tear) are contemplated. While operating approximations may be sufficient in some simulation applications, such approximations are often insufficient. This is particularly true in complex simulation applications where two or more mechanical resources may cause components to travel within the same space at different times. Similarly, operating approximations are insufficient where process time is important for cost justification purposes. In these cases it is extremely important that, to the extent possible, operating characteristics of resources be modeled as precisely as possible. Furthermore, discrete event simulation which simply simulates event order and which does not reflect event duration is relatively useless for simulating fault or exception (i.e., process description) management. For instance, with a discrete event simulator, if a user simulates a faulty clamp extend sensor by disabling the sensor, the discrete event simulator simply simulates subsequent events in rapid succession until a “wait” state is achieved. In this case, because the subsequent events are rapidly simulated, very little can be gleaned from the simulation about how the PLC actually managed the faulty condition. It has been recognized that “relative time” simulation is a better alternative to discrete event simulation for the purpose of identifying fault management operation and capabilities. To this end, it is contemplated that a simulator includes a relative time clock (not illustrated) which, during simulation, maintains relative time periods of event execution. For example, if extension of one clamp type requires two minutes and extension of a second clamp type requires one minute, while the simulator may be programmed to compress event execution time, the period duration ratio remains the same such that, if simulation of the first clamp type is compressed to twenty seconds instead of two minutes, simulation of the second clamp type is compressed to ten seconds to maintain the 2-to-1 ratio. Thus, mechanical resource operating variances corresponding to both event execution and fault maintenance must be specified for each mechanical resource. Unfortunately it would be extremely difficult to specify all resource operating characteristics (e.g., stroke speed, temperature and humidity effects, etc.) within a CA. While this task is possible and is contemplated by another embodiment of this invention, a huge number of parameterizations and contingencies would have to be specified within the CA which would render the above described parameterization process daunting. For example, resource hardware, operating environment, recent temporal activities and so on would have to be specified for each resource during parameterization. In addition, to modify any one of these aspects a new CA would have to be instantiated, parameterized and compiled. Such complexity no doubt would render the entire system difficult to use. In addition to mechanical resource operation variance, other information corresponding to a process to be simulated must be specified. For example, in addition to interaction between mechanical resources and PLCs, other entities, referred to collectively herein as “third entities”, typically interact with the mechanical resources and PLCs during a process and third entity characteristics need to be modeled. For instance, emergency or “E” stops are routinely provided along machine lines which consist of stop buttons, switches, or the like which can be activated to cut power off to line stations thereby rendering the stations safe for operator entry. E-stop/PLC interaction is typically limited to an activation signal sent to the PLC when an E-stop is activated. Nevertheless, E-stop activation clearly has a much greater affect on line operation than simply signaling a PLC. The E-stop affect has to be modeled to facilitate realistic simulation. As another instance, a PLC may provide a signal causing a shot pint to be fired into a position which locks two mechanical devices together until the pin is subsequently removed via PLC instruction. In this case, the shot pin has characteristics independent of PLC control which affect the overall process. For instance, even where the process fails for some reason or where an E-stop is used to halt the process, a locking shot pin which locks two devices together remains locked and that characteristic must be modeled. As still one other instance, many processes require operator intervention or cooperation. For example, a process may require a machine line operator to load components at a first station, subsequently lock-out, tag-out and enter a third station to check part orientation, un-tag and un-lock the third station and so on. Although these process steps are not controlled by a PLC, these steps affect process execution and therefore must be modeled to facilitate realistic process simulation. According to a second embodiment of the inventive simulation aspect, simulation information required for realistic simulation is divided into first and second information sets including “control characteristics” and the combination of both “circumstantial characteristics” and third entity characteristics. Control characteristics are characteristics which, after CA parameterization, are identical for resources corresponding to the CA and are independent of other circumstantial considerations which affect request execution. For example, in the case of a SafeBulkHeadClampSet CA, control characteristics include the devices specified in the CA, resource requests and corresponding I/O combinations and feedback events and corresponding I/O combinations. From a controls perspective all of these characteristics of resources corresponding to a CA are identical. Circumstantial characteristics, as the name implies, are characteristics which may vary for a given CA resource and which affect request execution. Circumstantial characteristics may vary with the hardware used to configure a resource, resource environment, recent resource activities, etc. For example, in the case of a clamp, one circumstantial characteristic may be that extending speed is dependent upon environmental and other circumstantial conditions. For instance, extending speed may vary with humidity and/or temperature. Similarly, extending speed may depend on recent clamp activity. To this end, where a clamp has recently been stagnant for a period, extending speed may be slower than where a clamp has been active (i.e., extending and contracting). In addition circumstantial characteristics typically are related to hardware used to configure resources. Thus, hardware from one vendor often will have different extending speed characteristics than hardware from another vendor. As described above, third entity characteristics include characteristics which are related to system hardware, software and system operators which function, at least in part, independent of PLC commands. These characteristics include the existence of the third entities, how the third entities respond to PLC commands or interact with mechanical resources which are controlled by the PLC and so on. It has been recognized that because of the universal and fundamental nature of control characteristics, these characteristics can easily be specified within a CA simulation specification. Moreover, control characteristics can generally be gleaned from non-simulation information which must be specified for other CA purposes such as specifying characteristics required to generate execution code. It has also been recognized that a core modeling system (CMS) can be used to specify circumstantial characteristics of resources and to specify third entity characteristics, to combine circumstantial, control and third entity characteristics via various modeling algorithms and to, based on the combined characteristics , facilitate relatively realistic simulation. Thus, resource characteristics which are essentially unchanging from a controls perspective are specified within the CA simulation specification and all other circumstantial and third entity characteristics which affect request execution are specified by the CMS 9816. Referring now to FIGS. 90 and 117, an exemplary CMS 9816 which supports this second embodiment of the invention includes a CMS processor 2950, an interface 2948 and a database 2951. Processor 2950 is linked to interface 2948 via a two way bus 2947 and to database 2951 via a two way bus 2949. Processor 2950 is a standard microprocessor which is capable of performing various functions as described in more detail below. Initially, database 2951 includes data structure templates (DSTs) 2974. After CMS 9816 imports control characteristics from simulation specifications the control characteristics are used to populate DTSs and generate separate instantiated data structure instances 2953 for each resource to be simulated. Data structure instantiation is described in more detail below. Referring still to FIG. 117, a separate DST 2974 is provided for each simulatable resource type which is included in any CA supported by ECDB 9810 (see FIG. 90). For example, referring to FIGS. 84 and 85, CA 9000 includes six resources (i.e., two valves and four cylindicators). Herein it is assumed that CMS 9816 cannot simulate valve movement but can simulate clamp extension and retraction. Therefore, DSTs 2974 do not include a DST which models a valve but do include a DST which models a clamp. Because each of the four cylindicators in CA 9000 may be simulated with a similar video clip, only one DST 2974 is required to support all four cylindicators. Referring to FIGS. 117 and 118, an exemplary instantiated data structure 2952 is illustrated. While structure 2952 is already instantiated (i.e., control characteristics have already been included), the general configuration of an exemplary DST can be appreciated by examining structure 2952. In this preferred embodiment each DST includes a name field 2970, a control characteristics field 2971 and a circumstantial characteristics field 2972. Name field 1970 and control characteristics field 2971 are initially blank. Upon importation of CA information, name field 2970 is filled with a specific device name. In FIG. 118 field 2970 is already filled with device name “1st cylindicator clamp 2506A”. Despite being initially blank, it is contemplated that field 2971 will have some structure which is designed to receive imported information. In the present example, referring again to FIG. 88 and 118, it is assumed field 2971 is configured to store a portion of a simulation specification corresponding to a single clamp resource. For example, referring also to FIGS. 85 and 88, after parameterization, tables 9302 and 9304 correspond to the “1st cylindicator clamp 2506A” device and therefore, if field 2970 specifies 1st cylindicator clamp 2560A, upon import of CA information, field 2971 is populated with tables 9302 and 9304. Tables 9302 and 9304 are illustrated in field 2972. Referring still to FIG. 118, circumstantial characteristics field 2972 includes two sub-fields including a circumstantial variables field 2975 and a simulation rule set field 2976. Field 2975 includes a list of variables correlated with variable values which correspond to information which effects request execution. For example, field 2975 may include a temperature variable, a humidity variable, a stroke speed variable during extension of a clamp, etc. Field 2976 includes simulation rules or modeling algorithms corresponding to requested resource activities. In essence, simulation rules are equations or algorithms which, when an activity is requested, determine how an activity would be executed in the real world and generate data useable by CMS processor 2950 to affect realistic simulation. For example, assume a PLC I/O combination is received by CMS 9816 requesting a retract clamp video clip. Simulation rule set 2976 may include a rule which specifies that at one temperature the video clip will be completed in five seconds and at a relatively cooler temperature the clip will be completed in seven seconds. Here it is contemplated that a simulation temperature is specified in circumstantial information sub-field 2975. Thus, referring also to FIG. 117, when a retract I/O combination is received, processor 2950 accesses an appropriate rule from field 2976, identifies circumstantial information required by the rule, retrieves the circumstantial information from field 2975, applies the rule to the circumstantial information to generate a video clip speed signal and then controls video clip speed to facilitate realistic simulation. Many other simulation rule sets are contemplated. Referring again to FIG. 117, in addition to including a separate DST 2974 for each simulatable resource type included in a CA supported by ECDB 9810, data base 2951 also includes a separate DST 2974 for each third entity which may be required to interact with PLC and affect process operation. The DSTs 2974 corresponding to third entities are different than the DSTs 2974 corresponding to simulatable resources in that the third entity DSTs 2974 include entity characteristics as well as software which models entity operation. Referring also to FIG. 121, an exemplary third entity DST 3111 is illustrated which includes an entity name field 3113 and an entity model and characteristics field 3115. Upon compilation of sequenced requests and activities, CA requests and activities are gleaned to identify third entities which must be supported for simulation purposes. For example, where a CA has been instantiated which corresponds to a mechanical resource for firing a shot pin to lock two devices together, the simulation compiler recognizes the simulation requirement that a third entity data structure corresponding to a shot pin be instantiated. Similarly, where an operator activity has been included in a control bar chart, upon compilation the simulation compiler identifies the requirement for an operator data structure to be instantiated. As with the resource DSTs described above it is contemplated that the third entity DSTs will include a separate DST for each third entity type. Referring to FIG. 121, upon compilation, when a third entity data structure is required, the compiler identifies the entity type, selects an appropriate DST 2974, populates the DST with an entity name in field 3113 and more populate other information in field 3115 such as, in the case of an E-stop, information indicating how the data structure will interfere with PLC I/O. After compilation, the third entity data structures are used in conjunction with the resource data structure to facilitate simulation. During simulation it is contemplated that clock speed may be modified by a system operator to increase or decrease simulation speed while still maintaining relative event duration speeds. Thus, if first and second strokes initially require five and ten seconds, respectively, and the clock is slowed down such that the first stroke requires ten seconds, the second stroke would require twenty seconds thereby maintaining the relative durations of the strokes. In this manner relatively unintersecting simulation can be sped through and more interesting simulation can be slowed so that nuances can be identified. Referring again to FIG. 118, generally, a system user will standardize with specific hardware provided by specific vendors and therefore many simulation rule sets for a specific user can be set once for a particular resource and used routinely thereafter. In fact, it is contemplated that many if not all of the rule sets in field 2976 may be provided by a hardware manufacturer for installation. In addition, in regulated environments where temperature and humidity is maintained at constant levels some of the circumstantial variables in field 2975 may also be set once and used routinely thereafter. While many of the rule sets in fields 2976 may be provided by manufacturers of hardware, variables in field 2975 often will need to be specified and, in some cases, it may be advantageous to modify the simulation rule sets in field 2976. To this end, referring again to FIG. 117, it is contemplated that interface 2948 is equipped to enable a system user to access DSTs 2974 and/or separate data structures 2953 to modify circumstantial variables and/or rule sets in field 2975 and 2976, respectively. For instance, a temperature variable in field 2975 may be modified to modify a simulation environment. It is also contemplated that interface 2948 may be used to globally modify certain circumstantial variables such as temperature and/or humidity, etc. for all DSTs and all data structures. Any interface known in the computing arts would suffice for these purposes. Referring again to FIG. 117, upon import of simulation control characteristics a separate data structure 2953 is instantiated for each simulatable resource. A complete example of how data structures 2953 are generated is helpful. To this end, referring again to FIGS. 88 and 90, as described above, after CA parameterization and compiling (via compiler 9812 ), parameterized simulation specifications like specification 9300 result. Referring also to FIG. 85, herein it will be assumed all resources in logic specification 9002 have been selected via logic specification 9002 and therefore parameterized simulation specification 9300 includes eight tables including a separate video table (e.g. 9302 ) and a separate feedback table (e.g., 9304) corresponding to each of the four cylindicators. Moreover, it will be assumed PLC I/O terminals have been assigned to specific resources for providing I/O requests to resources and receiving I/O feedback signals from sensors. Referring to FIGS. 88, 90, 117 and 119, at processor block 2980 processor 2950 receives simulation specifications (e.g. 9300) from compiler 9812. At block 2981 processor 2950 identifies a DST (e.g., 2952 ) for each simulatable resource which is included in each simulation specification and a DST for each third entity indicated in a simulation specification or in a sequenced bar chart. For example, as described above, simulation specification 9300 (see FIG. 88) includes four (only two shown) simulatable resources (i.e., the clamps corresponding to the first through fourth cylindicators) and therefore processor 2950 identifies four separate instances of the DST corresponding to a clamp, a separate clamp DST instance for each resource. Operation of CMS 9816 with respect to each simulatable resource and each third entity is similar and therefore, in the interest of simplifying this explanation, CMS 9816 operation will only be described in the context of the first cylindicator clamp 2506 A resource. With respect to the clamp 2506 A resource, at block 2982, processor 2950 places the resource name in name field 2970. In addition, at block 2982 processor 2950 populates control characteristics field 2971 with video and feedback tables (i.e., tables 9302 and 9304) corresponding to the clamp 2506 A resource. Finally, at block 2983, processor 2950 stores the instantiated data structure instance. After data structures for each simulatable resource in each imported simulation specification have been stored in database 2951, CMS 9816 is equipped to support relatively realistic simulation. It should be appreciated that after simulation information has been imported by CMS 9816, the CA has no other function with respect to simulation. In other words, the CA is a specifying data construct simulation is handled by CMS 9816. Referring now to FIG. 120, an exemplary simulation method is illustrated. Referring also to FIGS. 90, 117 and 118, at process block 2984 processor 2950 receives a PLC I/O combination requesting a resource to perform an activity. In this example, it will be assumed the request is for 1st cylindicator clamp 2506A to retract (e.g., see again combination 9320 in FIG. 88). When the I/O combination request is received, at block 2985 processor 2950 maps the combination into the video table associated with the PLC I/O terminals which generated the combination. In the present example, the combination is mapped into a video table (e.g., 9302 in FIG. 88) in control characteristics field 2971 at block 2985. This mapping enables processor 2950 to identify a retract video clip as the clip to be generated. After a video clip to be generated is identified, at block 2986, processor 2950 accesses simulation rule set 2976 to identify a rule which can be used to identify how circumstantial characteristics affect request execution. Also, at block 2986, processor 2950 identifies circumstantial information required by the identified simulation rules and retrieves the requested information from circumstantial information sub-field 2975. Continuing, at block 2987 processor 2950 applies the identified simulation rules to the retrieved circumstantial information to identify simulation characteristics. At block 2988 processor 2950 accesses the feedback table (e.g., see 9304 in FIG. 88) stored in control characteristics field 2971 to determine if any events corresponding to a video clip should be indicated via feedback I/O to the PLC. If feedback I/O is to be supported, processor 9816 identifies the video clip event which will trigger the feedback signal(s). At block 2989 processor 2950 controls movie module 9818 such that the video clip is advanced at a speed consistent with a speed corresponding to the circumstantial characteristic's affect on request execution. Next, at decision block 2990, if feedback events were to be monitored control passes to block 2991. In the alternative control passes back up to block 2984 and the next PLC I/O combination is received. At block 2991, simulation is monitored. At block 2977, when a feedback event (e.g., the end of a clip) is identified, control passes to block 2992 where processor 2950 provides feedback I/O to the PLC. To simulate varying clamp extending speeds it is contemplated that CMS 9816 can control frame advance speed of video clips displayed by module 9818. Thus, to simulate slow clamp extension CMS 9816 simply slows down frame advance. With a CMS 9816 which can control frame advance, CMS 9816 can identify the end of a stroke or device movement associated with feedback by monitoring frame advance. As in the above example, CMS 9816 provides feedback signals to the PLC to indicate monitored conditions. In another embodiment some circumstantial characteristics may be specified in a CA simulation specification. For example, consider the exemplary CA described above which specifies a single valve for supporting anywhere from one to four clamps. Also assume that the speed with which a valve can extend clamps is dependent upon the number of clamps which have to be extended (i.e., which are supported) by the valve. Thus, where the valve supports only one clamp, extension may be more rapid than where the valve supports four clamps. In this case, the number of clamps selected for instantiation in a CA clearly affects request execution in the real world and should be accounted for in virtual simulation. In other words, the number of clamps selected for instantiation in a CA is a circumstantial characteristic which should be included in the CMS modeling algorithms which correspond to the clamps. Despite being a circumstantial characteristic, it makes sense to include clamp quantity in the CA simulation specification as clamp quantity is specified during CA parameterization and can be gleaned from the CA. Thus, in this case, when CA simulation specifications are imported by CMS 9816, both control characteristics and at least one circumstantial characteristic are imported and stored in appropriate data structure fields. It is contemplated that other circumstantial characteristics may also be specified in a simulation specification. Thus, it should be appreciated that the simulation aspects of the inventive enterprise control system may be embodied in many different forms, the underlying inventive concept being that at least some information specified in CAS is exported from the CAS and used for generating simulation data structures. The data structures are then used by a CMS to drive a virtual video simulation as a function of PLC I/O combinations and to provide feedback to the PLC as simulation progresses. Hence, CAS are used for specifying and data structures are used for simulation. The invention has been described above with respect to preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the following claims or equivalents thereof. For example, while some of the specifications described above are described as being essentially complete in that little if any additional information is added to the specifications upon compiling to generate the control tools, it is contemplated that upon compiling information may be added to virtually any of the specifications, the important aspect of the invention being that most information required to specify the control tools is provided in the CAS. For instance, while the schematic specifications described above include compete schematics corresponding to all CDs in a CA, in another embodiment the schematic specification may only include information about CA I/O. In this case it is assumed that a schematic compiler would include schematics for each schematically displayable component of a CA, each schematic including I/O terminals. Upon compiling, each CA specifies the schematics required to illustrate the mechanical resources associated with the CA and also labels I/O terminals with CA I/O. Parameterization still occurs during CA specification and is reflected in the schematics chosen and I/O labeling during compilation. Once again, the important aspect is that information which is specified once and can be used for various specifying purposes is used several times to reduce the work required to configure all of the control tools. This invention relates to electronic programmable controllers for operating industrial equipment and visualizing the industrial environment being controlled. Electronic programmable controllers utilize a programming language to develop control programs to control industrial equipment. Programmable controllers are well-known systems for operating industrial equipment, such as assembly lines and machine tools, in accordance with a stored program. In these controllers, a stored program is executed to examine the condition of specific sensing devices on the controlled equipment, and to energize or de-energize selected operating devices on that equipment contingent upon the status of one or more of the examined sensing devices. The program not only manipulates single-bit input and output data representing the state of the sensing and operating devices, but also performs arithmetic operations, timing and counting functions, and more complex processing operations. One industry that extensively uses programmable controllers is the automotive industry. In the automotive industry, various automotive parts are conveyed along machine lines consisting of many consecutive workstations. Most workstations include at least one tool that performs some function to alter the characteristics of work pieces as they are delivered to the station. For example, an unfinished cast engine block that requires a plurality of holes, bores, and threads, as well as other metal-removing procedures, may be provided at the beginning of a machine line that produces finished engine blocks. The machine line may consist of any number of different stations, each station performing a different procedure on the unfinished block. An indexer in the form of a transfer bar can be arranged to move each block from one station to the next following a completed process. Typically, at each station the block would be clamped prior to any metal-removing operation. In this type of system, a programmable controller would receive inputs from all of the various tools at all of the workstations and would provide activating output signals to synchronize machine operation. During metal-removing periods with the transfer bar out of the way, all of the tools would perform their functions. In between metal-removing periods during transfer periods, the tools would be parked, the clamps unclamped, and the transfer bar would advance work pieces from one station to the next. Industrial controllers are frequently programmed in Ladder Logic (LL) where instructions are represented graphically by “contacts” and “coils” of virtual relays connected and arranged in ladder-like rungs across power rails. LL, with its input contacts and output coils, reflects the emphasis in industrial control on the processing of large amounts of input and output data. LL also reflects the fact that most industrial control is “real time”; that is, an ideal industrial controller behaves as if it were actually composed of multiple relays connected in parallel rungs to provide outputs in essentially instantaneous response to changing inputs. Present industrial controllers do not, in fact, employ separate parallel relay-like structures, but instead simulate the parallel operation of the relays by means of a conventional Harvard or Von Neumann-type computer processor which executes instructions one at a time, sequentially. The practical appearance of parallel operation is obtained by employing extremely fast processors in the execution of the sequential control program. As each rung is executed, inputs represented by the contacts are read from memory (as obtained from inputs from the controlled process or the previous evaluation of coils of other rungs). These inputs are evaluated according to the logic reflected in the connection of the contacts into one or more branches within the rungs. Contacts in series across a rung represent boolean AND logic whereas contacts in different branches and thus in parallel across the rung represent boolean OR logic. Typically a single output coil at the end of each rung is set or reset. Based on the evaluation of that rung, this setting or resetting is reflected in the writing to memory of a bit (which ultimately becomes an output to the industrial process or to another LL rung). Once a given rung is evaluated the next rung is evaluated and so forth. In the simplest form of LL programming there are no jumps, i.e. all rungs are evaluated in a cycle or “scan” through the rungs. This is in contrast to conventional computer programming where branch and jump instructions cause later instructions or groups of instructions to be skipped, depending on the outcome of a test associated with those branch or jump instructions. While LL is well suited for controlling industrial processes like those in the automotive industry, LL programming is not an intuitive process and, therefore, requires highly skilled programmers. Where hundreds of machine tool movements must be precisely synchronized to provide a machining process, programming in LL is extremely time-consuming. The time and relative skill associated with LL programming together account for an appreciable percentage of overall costs associated with a control system. In addition, the final step in LL programming is typically a lengthy debugging and reworking step that further adds to overall system costs. One way to streamline any type of programming is to provide predefined language modules, expressed in a language such as LL, which can be used repetitively each time a specific function is required. Because of the similar types of tools and movements associated with different machine-line stations, industrial control would appear to be an ideal industry for such language modules. The predefined logic module approach works quite well for certain applications, like small parts-material handling or simple machining. The reason for this is that the LL required for these applications tends to be very simple. In small parts material handling applications the I/O count is low and the interfaces between modules are minimal. In fact, the mechanisms are often independent units, decoupled from neighboring mechanisms by part buffers such that no signals are required to be exchanged between modules. These “loosely coupled” systems lend themselves to “cut and paste” programming solutions. But the predefined, fixed logic module approach does not work well for other applications, for example metal-removing applications. There are two main reasons for this. First, there can be considerable variation in how components, such as sensors and actuators, combine to produce even simple mechanisms. Second, processes like metal removing normally requires tightly controlled interaction between many individual mechanisms. Exchanging signals called interlocks, between the control logic modules of the individual mechanism controls the interaction. The application of specific interlocks depends on knowledge of the process and the overall control strategy, information not generally needed, or knowable, when the control logic for each mechanism is defined. For example, a drill is a typical metal-removing tool used in the automotive industry. In this example an ideal drill is mounted on a carriage that rides along a rail between two separate limiting positions on a linear axis, an advanced position and a returned position. Two limit switches, referred to herein as returned and advanced LSs, are positioned below the carriage and, when tripped, signal that the drill is in the returned and advanced positions, respectively. Two separate dogs (i.e. trigger extensions), an advanced dog and a returned dog, extend downwardly from the bottom of the carriage to trip the LSs when the advanced and returned positions are reached, respectively. In the ideal case, both LSs may be assumed to be wired in the same “normally opened” manner, so that electrically speaking they are open when released and closed when triggered. In this ideal case, where the physical characteristics of the switches are limited, a single LL logic rung can determine when the drill is in the returned position and another rung can determine when the drill is in the advanced position. Unfortunately, in reality, there are electrically two types of LSs, one LS type being wired normally opened and the other type wired normally closed. Furthermore, any LS can be mechanically installed in a tripped-when-activated configuration, or a released-when-activated configuration. All combinations of these types are used for various types of applications. Thus, application requirements may demand control logic capable of handling any configuration of LS types. Simple mathematics demonstrates that with two different electrical types of LSs and two mechanical configurations, there are sixteen possible configurations of a two-position linear slide. Consider the language modules required to implement position logic for all these configurations. To accommodate all sixteen-switch configurations, there could be sixteen different language modules, each containing fixed LL logic, and each named for the case it could handle. In this case, there would be duplicate logic under different names. Alternatively, four unique language modules could be provided, but then the user would have difficulty identifying which of the sixteen physical configurations that the four modules could handle. Clearly, even for a simple drill mounted on a two position linear slide, application variables make it difficult to provide a workable library of fixed language modules. Adding more switches to the linear slide only increases, to an unmanageable level, the number of language modules required in the library. Moreover, the contents of a complete language module for a drill must also consider other variables. These variables include, for example, the number and type of actuators required; the type of spindle, if any; whether or not a bushing plate is required; what type of conveyor is used; whether or not the drill will include an operator panel to enable local control. If an operator panel is included, what type of controls (i.e. buttons, switches and indicator lights) are required, just to name a few. Each tool variable increases the required number of unique LL modules by more than a factor of two, which makes it difficult at best to provide an LL library module for each possible drill configuration. Taking into account the large number of different yet possible machine-line tools, each tool having its own set of variables, the task of providing an all-encompassing library of fixed language modules becomes impractical. Even if such a library could be fashioned, the task of choosing the correct module to control a given tool would probably be more difficult than programming the required LL logic from scratch. For these reasons, although attempts have been made at providing comprehensive libraries of fixed language modules, none has proven particularly successful and much LL programming is done from scratch. Manufacturing customers have long desired an integrated environment for generating an initial design schematic specifying a functional description of a manufacturing environment without the need for specifying product and manufacturing details. The system is provided with a designer studio that utilizes a common database of pre-architected modules to integrate a total system solution for the enterprise. The pieces of this system include design, simulation, implementation and maintenance information for both product and manufacturing. The foregoing problems are overcome in an illustrative embodiment of the invention in which a system for designing, simulating, implementing and maintaining an enterprise solution for an enterprise is disclosed. The system includes software that controls an enterprise. The software includes one or more components for controlling one or more aspects of an industrial environment with code that creates a database of components, each of the components containing control, diagnostic and resource information pertaining to enterprise resources utilized in the industrial environment. The software system also generates code that controls resources comprising cognitive and timing information that synchronizes events throughout the enterprise. The database of components includes code that updates the database to reflect changes in the enterprise that manage the design, simulation, implementation and maintenance of a manufacturing enterprise utilizing the database of components. The system software defines and illustrates the electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, logic, diagnostics, external behavior, controlled resources and safety elements of an enterprise control system. The elements of the control system are encapsulated in objects of an object-oriented framework within a control assembly. The control assembly is the fundamental building block for providing object-oriented control of the enterprise. A control assembly component is a deployable control subsystem that provides an interface using a common object model that is configurable. The control assembly exposes an interface of viewable elements. The logic associated with the interface allows the interface designer to query the control assembly to obtain the viewable elements and retrieve the properties of these viewable elements. A preferred embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention is preferably practiced in the context of a personal computer such as an IBM, Apple Macintosh or UNIX based computer. A representative hardware environment is depicted in FIG. 1A, which illustrates a typical hardware configuration of a workstation in accordance with a preferred embodiment having a central processing unit 10, such as a microprocessor, and a number of other units interconnected via a system bus 12. The workstation shown in FIG. 1A includes a Random Access Memory (RAM) 14, Read Only Memory (ROM) 16, an I/O adapter 18 for connecting peripheral devices such as disk storage units 20 to the bus 12, a user interface adapter 22 for connecting a keyboard 24, a mouse 26, a speaker 28, a microphone 32, and/or other user interface devices such as a touch screen (not shown) to the bus 12, communication adapter 34 for connecting the workstation to a communication network (e.g., a data processing network) and a display adapter 36 for connecting the bus 12 to a display device 38. The workstation typically has resident thereon an operating system such as the Microsoft Win/95NT Operating System (OUTSTANDING) or UNIX OUTSTANDING. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may also be implemented on platforms and operating systems other than those mentioned. A preferred embodiment is written using JAVA, C, and the C++ language and utilizes object oriented programming methodology. Object oriented programming (OOP) has become increasingly used to develop complex applications. As OOP moves toward the mainstream of software design and development, various software solutions will need to be adapted to make use of the benefits of OOP. A need exists for these principles of OOP to be applied to a messaging interface of an electronic messaging system such that a set of OOP classes and objects for the messaging interface can be provided. OOP is a process of developing computer software using objects, including the steps of analyzing the problem, designing the system, and constructing the program. An object is a software package that contains both data and a collection of related structures and procedures. Since it contains both data and a collection of structures and procedures, it can be visualized as a self-sufficient component that does not require other additional structures, procedures or data to perform its specific task. OOP, therefore, views a computer program as a collection of largely autonomous components, called objects, each of which is responsible for a specific task. This concept of packaging data, structures, and procedures together in one component or module is called encapsulation. In general, OOP components are reusable software modules that present an interface that conforms to an object model and which are accessed at run-time through a component integration architecture. A component integration architecture is a set of architecture mechanisms which allow software modules in different process spaces to utilize each others capabilities or functions. This is generally done by assuming a common component object model on which to build the architecture. It is worthwhile to differentiate between an object and a class of objects at this point. An object is a single instance of the class of objects, which is often just called a class. A class of objects can be viewed as a blueprint, from which many objects can be formed. OOP allows the programmer to create an object that is a part of another object. For example, the object representing a piston engine is said to have a composition-relationship with the object representing a piston. In reality, a piston engine comprises a piston, valves and many other components; the fact that a piston is an element of a piston engine can be logically and semantically represented in OOP by two objects. OOP also allows creation of an object that “depends from” another object. If there are two objects, one representing a piston engine and the other representing a piston engine wherein the piston is made of ceramic, then the relationship between the two objects is not that of composition. A ceramic piston engine does not make up a piston engine. Rather it is merely one kind of piston engine that has one more limitation than the piston engine; its piston is made of ceramic. In this case, the object representing the ceramic piston engine is called a derived object, and it inherits all of the aspects of the object representing the piston engine and adds further limitation or detail to it. The object representing the ceramic piston engine “depends from” the object representing the piston engine. The relationship between these objects is called inheritance. When the object or class representing the ceramic piston engine inherits all of the aspects of the objects representing the piston engine, it inherits the thermal characteristics of a standard piston defined in the piston engine class. However, the ceramic piston engine object overrides these ceramic specific thermal characteristics, which are typically different from those associated with a metal piston. It skips over the original and uses new functions related to ceramic pistons. Different kinds of piston engines will have different characteristics, but may have the same underlying functions associated with it (e.g., how many pistons in the engine, ignition sequences, lubrication, etc.). To access each of these functions in any piston engine object, a programmer would call the same functions with the same names, but each type of piston engine may have different/overriding implementations of functions behind the same name. This ability to hide different implementations of a function behind the same name is called polymorphism and it greatly simplifies communication among objects. With the concepts of composition-relationship, encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism, an object can represent just about anything in the real world. In fact, our logical perception of the reality is the only limit on determining the kinds of things that can become objects in object-oriented software. Some typical categories are as follows: Objects can represent physical objects, such as automobiles in a traffic-flow simulation, electrical components in a circuit-design program, countries in an economics model, or aircraft in an air-traffic-control system. Objects can represent elements of the computer-user environment such as windows, menus or graphics objects. An object can represent an inventory, such as a personnel file or a table of the latitudes and longitudes of cities. An object can represent user-defined data types such as time, angles, and complex numbers, or points on the plane. With this enormous capability of an object to represent just about any logically separable matters, OOP allows the software developer to design and implement a computer program that is a model of some aspects of reality, whether that reality is a physical entity, a process, a system, or a composition of matter. Since the object can represent anything, the software developer can create an object which can be used as a component in a larger software project in the future. If 90% of a new OOP software program consists of proven, existing components made from preexisting reusable objects, then only the remaining 10% of the new software project has to be written and tested from scratch. Since 90% already came from an inventory of extensively tested reusable objects, the potential domain from which an error could originate is 10% of the program. As a result, OOP enables software developers to build objects out of other, previously built, objects. This process closely resembles complex machinery being built out of assemblies and sub-assemblies. OOP technology, therefore, makes software engineering more like hardware engineering in that software is built from existing components, which are available to the developer as objects. All this adds up to an improved quality of the software as well as an increased speed of its development. Programming languages are beginning to fully support the OOP principles, such as encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and composition-relationship. With the advent of the C++ language, many commercial software developers have embraced OOP. C++ is an OOP language that offers a fast, machine-executable code. Furthermore, C++ is suitable for both commercial-application and systems-programming projects. For now, C++ appears to be the most popular choice among many OOP programmers, but there is a host of other OOP languages, such as Smalltalk, common lisp object system (CLOS), and Eiffel. Additionally, OOP capabilities are being added to more traditional popular computer programming languages such as Pascal. The benefits of object classes can be summarized, as follows: Objects and their corresponding classes break down complex programming problems into many smaller, simpler problems. Encapsulation enforces data abstraction through the organization of data into small, independent objects that can communicate with each other. Encapsulation protects the data in an object from accidental damage, but allows other objects to interact with that data by calling the object=s member functions and structures. Subclassing and inheritance make it possible to extend and modify objects through deriving new kinds of objects from the standard classes available in the system. Thus, new capabilities are created without having to start from scratch. Polymorphism and multiple inheritance make it possible for different programmers to mix and match characteristics of many different classes and create specialized objects that can still work with related objects in predictable ways. Class hierarchies and containment hierarchies provide a flexible mechanism for modeling real-world objects and the relationships among them. Libraries of reusable classes are useful in many situations, but they also have some limitations. For example: Complexity. In a complex system, the class hierarchies for related classes can become extremely confusing, with many dozens or even hundreds of classes. Flow of control. A program written with the aid of class libraries is still responsible for the flow of control (i.e., it must control the interactions among all the objects created from a particular library). The programmer has to decide which functions to call at what times for which kinds of objects. Duplication of effort. Although class libraries allow programmers to use and reuse many small pieces of code, each programmer puts those pieces together in a different way. Two different programmers can use the same set of class libraries to write two programs that do exactly the same thing but whose internal structure (i.e., design) may be quite different, depending on hundreds of small decisions each programmer makes along the way. Inevitably, similar pieces of code end up doing similar things in slightly different ways and do not work as well together as they should. Class libraries are very flexible. As programs grow more complex, more programmers are forced to reinvent basic solutions to basic problems over and over again. A relatively new extension of the class library concept is to have a framework of class libraries. This framework is more complex and consists of significant collections of collaborating classes that capture both the small scale patterns and major mechanisms that implement the common requirements and design in a specific application domain. They were first developed to free application programmers from the chores involved in displaying menus, windows, dialog boxes, and other standard user interface elements for personal computers. Frameworks also represent a change in the way programmers think about the interaction between the code they write and code written by others. In the early days of procedural programming, the programmer called libraries provided by the operating system to perform certain tasks, but basically the program executed down the page from start to finish, and the programmer was solely responsible for the flow of control. This was appropriate for printing out paychecks, calculating a mathematical table, or solving other problems with a program that executed in just one way. The development of graphical user interfaces began to turn this procedural programming arrangement inside out. These interfaces allow the user, rather than program logic, to drive the program and decide when certain actions should be performed. Today, most personal computer software accomplishes this by means of an event loop that monitors the mouse, keyboard, and other sources of external events and calls the appropriate parts of the programmer's code according to actions that the user performs. The programmer no longer determines the order in which events occur. Instead, a program is divided into separate pieces that are called at unpredictable times and in an unpredictable order. By relinquishing control in this way to users, the developer creates a program that is much easier to use. Nevertheless, individual pieces of the program written by the developer still call libraries provided by the operating system to accomplish certain tasks, and the programmer must still determine the flow of control within each piece after it's called by the event loop. Application code still “sits on top of” the system. Even event loop programs require programmers to write a lot of code that should not need to be written separately for every application. The concept of an application framework carries the event loop concept further. Instead of dealing with all the nuts and bolts of constructing basic menus, windows, and dialog boxes and then making these things all work together, programmers using application frameworks start with working application code and basic user interface elements in place. Subsequently, they build from there by replacing some of the generic capabilities of the framework with the specific capabilities of the intended application. Application frameworks reduce the total amount of code that a programmer has to write from scratch. However, because the framework is really a generic application that displays windows, supports copy and paste, and so on, the programmer can also relinquish control to a greater degree than event loop programs permit. The framework code takes care of almost all event handling and flow of control. The programmer's code is called only when the framework needs it (e.g., to create or manipulate a proprietary data structure). A programmer writing a framework program not only relinquishes control to the user (as is also true for event loop programs), but also relinquishes the detailed flow of control within the program to the framework. This approach allows the creation of more complex systems that work together in interesting ways, as opposed to isolated programs, having custom code, being created over and over again for similar problems. Thus, as is explained above, a framework basically is a collection of cooperating classes that make up a reusable design solution for a given problem domain. It typically includes objects that provide default behavior (e.g., for menus and windows). Programmers use it by inheriting some of that default behavior and overriding other behavior so that the framework calls application code at the appropriate times. There are three main differences between frameworks and class libraries: Behavior versus protocol. Class libraries are essentially collections of behaviors that you can call when you want those individual behaviors in your program. A framework on the other hand, provides not only behavior but also the protocol or set of rules that govern the ways in which behaviors can be combined, including rules for what a programmer is supposed to provide versus what the framework provides. Call versus override. With a class library, the class member is used to instantiate objects and call their member functions. It is possible to instantiate and call objects in the same way with a framework (i.e., to treat the framework as a class library), but to take full advantage of a framework=s reusable design, a programmer typically writes code that overrides and is called by the framework. The framework manages the flow of control among its objects. Writing a program involves dividing responsibilities among the various pieces of software that are called by the framework rather than specifying how the different pieces should work together. Implementation versus design. With class libraries, programmers reuse only implementations, whereas with frameworks, they reuse design. A framework embodies the way a family of related programs or pieces of software work. It represents a generic design solution that can be adapted to a variety of specific problems in a given domain. For example, a single framework can embody the way a user interface works, even though two different user interfaces created with the same framework might solve quite different interface problems. Thus, through the development of frameworks for solutions to various problems and programming tasks, significant reductions in the design and development effort for software can be achieved. HyperText Markup Language (HTML) is utilized to implement documents on the Internet together with a general-purpose secure communication protocol for a transport medium between the client and the merchant. HTML is a simple data format used to create HyperText documents that are portable from one platform to another. HTML documents are Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) documents with generic semantics that are appropriate for representing information from a wide range of domains. HTML has been in use by the World-Wide Web global information initiative since 1990. HTML is an application of ISO Standard 8879:1986 Information Processing Text and Office Systems; SGML. To date, Web development tools have been limited in their ability to create dynamic Web applications which span from client to server and interoperate with existing computing resources. Until recently, HTML has been the dominant technology used in development of Web-based solutions. However, HTML has proven to be inadequate in the following areas: Poor performance; Restricted user interface capabilities; Can only produce static Web pages; Lack of interoperability with existing applications and data; and Inability to scale. Sun Microsystem's Java language solves many of the client-side problems by: Improving performance on the client side; Enabling the creation of dynamic, real-time Web applications; and Providing the ability to create a wide variety of user interface components. With Java, developers can create robust User Interface (UI) components. Custom “widgets” (e.g. real-time stock tickers, animated icons, etc.) can be created, and client-side performance is improved. Unlike HTML, Java supports the notion of client-side validation, offloading appropriate processing onto the client for improved performance. Dynamic, real-time Web pages can be created. Using the above-mentioned custom UI components, dynamic Web pages can also be created. Sun's Java language has emerged as an industry-recognized language for “programming the Internet.” Sun defines Java as: “a simple, object-oriented, distributed, interpreted, robust, secure, architecture-neutral, portable, high-performance, multithreaded, dynamic, buzzword-compliant, general-purpose programming language. Java supports programming for the Internet in the form of platform-independent Java applets.” Java applets are small, specialized applications that comply with Sun's Java Application Programming Interface (API) allowing developers to add “interactive content” to Web documents (e.g. simple animations, page adornments, basic games, etc.). Applets execute within a Java-compatible browser (e.g. Netscape Navigator) by copying code from the server to client. From a language standpoint, Java's core feature set is based on C++. Sun's Java literature states that Java is basically “C++, with extensions from Objective C for more dynamic method resolution.” Another technology that provides similar function to JAVA is provided by Microsoft and ActiveX Technologies, to give developers and Web designers wherewithal to build dynamic content for the Internet and personal computers. ActiveX includes tools for developing animation, 3D virtual reality, video and other multimedia content. The tools use Internet standards, work on multiple platforms, and are being supported by over 100 companies. The group's building blocks are called ActiveX Controls, small, fast components that enable developers to embed parts of software in HyperText markup language (HTML) pages. ActiveX Controls work with a variety of programming languages including Microsoft Visual C++, Borland Delphi, Microsoft Visual Basic programming system and J++. ActiveX Technologies also includes ActiveX Server Framework, allowing developers to create server applications. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that ActiveX could be substituted for JAVA without undue experimentation to practice the invention. A ladder logic editor in accordance with a preferred embodiment allows a user to program and display a PLC's ladder program as illustrated in FIG. 1B. The program utilized is the RSLogix program manufactured and sold by the assignee of the subject patent. The programming tool provides a graphical user interface to facilitate rapid prototype and production of programs for execution in a PLC. Information is organized in rungs of sequential instructions organized in the shape of a ladder (ladder logic). The tool allows an operator to determine if a particular hardware entity is in a particular state and thereby allows the operator to exercise complete control over the environment. The RSLogix program tool supports traditional ladder logic and nontraditional control languages such as C, C++ and Java. It takes advantage of a current and future pool of developing control programmers and supports a large base of legacy applications. The emphasis of this tool is to improve a programmer's productivity in entering control code. Although tools for programming a particular PLC to perform a particular task utilizing ladder logic exist, an integrated solution for designing, simulating, implementing and maintaining both product and manufacturing information across an enterprise has not existed until now. An enterprise wide solution is important to achieve important customer goals such as reducing commissioning time by allowing validation of the design before investing significant resources in implementing a design that may not address customer requirements. A preferred embodiment also provides consistent information across the enterprise without requiring redundant information. A single database is employed to capture and maintain design, simulation, implementation and maintenance information concerning the enterprise wide solution. The single database also facilitates consistent design and implementation details since changes in the product and process are stored as changes to the control are effected. Another customer goal is to reduce downtime. This goal is addressed in accordance with a preferred embodiment by the architecture of the system. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, each component is designed with data and logic associated with various pieces of information that are critical to the operation of the component and the system. One set of information that is designed into each component is the logic and data for diagnosing problems with the component. Thus as models of the enterprise are built utilizing these components, the diagnostic system is automatically constructed based on carefully thought-out information for each of the components. Thus, as a sensor level measuring proper performance levels falls below an approved threshold, information about the particular component and the level is available with non-ambiguous data that can be communicated back to the operator to solve the problem. Today, major manufacturers are digitally integrating their design, simulation, implementation and maintenance manually and also integrating their processes and the processes of their suppliers. They are being driven to a solution in accordance with a preferred embodiment because design and manufacturing processes of major manufacturers are complex and the scale of their operations is enormous. Complex, large scale integration requires that all design, simulation, implementation and maintenance information must be accessible digitally across an enterprise in a common format. Each enterprise design domain (e.g., part, machine, control, and diagnostic) must be modeled in a computer representation containing syntax (format of the domain representation) and semantics (meaning of the domain representation). Finally, an integrated data model in accordance with a preferred embodiment must be adhered to by the entire enterprise to establish mappings between the domains and their respective representations. The resultant solution eliminates the barriers that traditionally exist between the design and manufacturing domains. FIG. 2 illustrates an enterprise solution in accordance with a preferred embodiment. In today's environment a body engineer designs a door assembly based on experience of parts, structural knowledge and welding information. This information is given to a machine or tool engineer to design a detailed process and tools for manufacturing the door based on other experience and existing manufacturing information. Then, the control engineer must design the sensor/actuator relationships to implement the manufacture of the door in an automated environment based on experience. Timing diagrams, causal relationships, a Human Machine Interface (HMI), input/output tables, safety and diagnostic information must be integrated into the design after the fact and control logic must be generated to execute on the PLCs to implement the manufacturing processes. Then the control environment including clamps, hydraulics, electrical, robots and transport systems must be integrated with the PLC to begin testing the feasibility of the architecture. Resultant changes and additional diagnostic information are cycled through as time marches on. Finally, the process engineer translates management numbers for finished goods into a high-level process of actions and resources based on acquired experience and provides raw materials and goals to drive the manufacturing process. Currently, without the subject invention, this process can literally take years. Enterprise wide controls in accordance with a preferred embodiment are necessary to organize and manage the increasing amount of information necessary to facilitate effective control of machines, processes and products. Management of this information includes validation statistics for the manufacturing enterprise, diagnostics and an organizational structure that avoids redundancies to avoid storage and execution inefficiencies. Feedback of control information into the design system is also critical to maintain a current view of the enterprise at all times and to synchronize information so that all engineers are literally singing out of the same hymnal. Enterprise wide controls construct a control system within an integrated, enterprise-wide model that reuses control assemblies from existing subscription libraries and linkages between products, processes, machine and control models. Controls, diagnostics and HMI code from the control system model database is systematic with full coverage diagnostics from the start of the process to completion. The code is always consistent with product, process, machine and control models. The enterprise wide control system generates code that is utilized to animate simulation and subsequent production displays with a graphical depiction at various levels of hierarchical detail of the enterprise. An operator can zoom in to observe particular areas based on information from the enterprise to control large parts of the enterprise from a central control station. An Enterprise Control Database (ECDB) acts as a single repository of enterprise information containing instantaneous access to engineering bill-of-material (EBOM) data for parts and assembly of parts as well as maintaining manufacturing bill-of-material (MBOM) which tracks the finished goods inventory as it is built. Factory service records are also captured and stored in the database as they occur. Control assemblies and control components are also stored in the ECDB. Diagnostic assemblies and diagnostic components are also stored with the control system configuration (processor, racks, networks and wiring diagrams). A control component in accordance with a preferred embodiment is a machine part that either accepts inputs from the control system and/or generates outputs to the control system. A control assembly (descriptive class) is a configuration of control components and the defined set of states the control component can attain. The control assembly generates additional machine resource requirements and requests to the mechanical design system. A schematic of each control assembly is stored in the ECDB. A control assembly is also responsible for performing one or more actions defined as a discrete action class. For example, a class action may be an input signal that requests an action in an external word, or an input signal that confirms completion of a particular task. A class action in accordance with a preferred embodiment can appear as a bar on a barchart. A class input, often referred to by old-time control engineers as a digital input or DI could be an input signal indicative of a state in the enterprise. For example, when a heater reaches a threshold temperature, the process can proceed. Other examples include emergency stop, part present or a mode switch. Typically, class inputs are utilized as safeties, interlocks, cycle enablers or diagnostic inputs. A class output, digital output (DO) is an output signal to the enterprise to signal information. For example, turning on a cycle complete light. These entities readily lend themselves to implementation in an object-oriented abstraction as realizable classes for use in instantiating object instances of the classes. Examples of realizable classes in accordance with a preferred embodiment include PartPresent, ControlRobot, DumpSet, PinSet and SafeBulkHeadClampSet. FIG. 3 illustrates a database entry for a SafeBulkHeadClampSet in accordance with a preferred embodiment. Each of the control valves, cylinders and other clamp information is stored in a single record completely defining the clamp and its characteristics to enable it to open and close on a target assembly effectively and safely. In addition, the database keeps track of how many catalog entries have incorporated this physical component into their design. A diagnostic component in accordance with a preferred embodiment is an electrical, mechanical or pneumatic component that has no direct connection to the control system and is architected into the component for diagnostic purposes. A diagnostic assembly (descriptive class) is a configuration of control components and diagnostic component in which the configuration is determined by the causal relationships that are useful for diagnostic purposes. Additional machine resource requirements may be required to generate requests to the mechanical design system. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the enterprise system in accordance with a preferred embodiment. A CATIA design station 400 utilizes a CNEXT interface to transmit design information, activities (process steps) and resources (a description of the tooling machine) to the Enterprise Database (ECDB) 410. The design information is a picture, for example a door welding station, with robot welders, clamps, a PLC and a transport mechanism. The ECDB receives information from the CATIA CNEXT interface defining activities and resources that will be necessary to build the station. The ECDB integrates information from the CATIA CAD package 400, Designer Studio 430, code generation 440, final code 470 and the causal model subsystem 450. The activities and information that come from the CATIA interface 400 are created by a mechanical tool designer and they omit key information that comes from the control designer. The Designer Studio 430 completes the activity and resource information in the ECDB 410 utilizing a graphical user interface that is C++ based Java code. The key organizing concept throughout an enterprise system in accordance with a preferred embodiment is CONTROL ASSEMBLY. Control assembly refers to utilizing a component based software assembly just as hardware designers utilize chip assemblies in hardware design and manufacture. A template type building block architecture is enabled for designing and managing enterprises. Software and hardware components are cataloged in the ECDB 410 for maximal reuse of the components. The ECDB 410 is a relational database implemented in a Microsoft Access product in accordance with a preferred embodiment. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily comprehend that other databases (relational or network) could readily be substituted without undue experimentation. Once the database is populated, then information from the database is utilized to construct a code generation data structure 440 in a tree format as described later in detail. The database is also utilized to create the causal model 450. The causal model 450 is utilized to enable system diagnostics. The causal model is a LISP knowledge base. The causal model 450 and the code generation data structure 440 is utilized as input for the PanelView Editor to automatically generate the operator's interface. Old code modified to work with new interface. The PanelView Editor also generates control code in the form of ladder logic. The causal model 450 generates diagnostic ladder logic that is mixed with the control code from the code generation 440 to create the final code 470 for controlling and monitoring the enterprise. The ladder logic is downloaded to the PLC 472 for controlling the enterprise. The relay ladder logic code for control and diagnostics are merged by multiplexor code. The PanelView Editor generates code that enables the user interface to display graphical depictions of what is happening in the process and also to display diagnostic output. The ECDB is also used by the RSWire schematic processor 480 to create schematic depictions of the sensor environment and transmit the schematic results back to the CNEXT system in CATIA where the tool design was also performed. This architecture, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, facilitates the location of changes in the processing efficiently which streamlines location of modification locations in the stations and control logic downstream. The output from the ECDB is also provided to a schematic detailing package (RSWire) which enables a control engineer to decide where each of the clamps on a welding machine should be and locates valves, pneumatic piping etc. on the schematic detailing. A control engineer can place the cylinders and the schematic is generated from this information for wiring, piping and/or HVAC layout. Components are predesigned that enable design of an enterprise wide control system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Control assemblies are merely objects encapsulating data and functions for performing standard control functions. Another set of macros are architected in accordance with a preferred embodiment for wiring diagrams that are componentized. What we do for simulation is to load the PLC code into a PLC simulator SOFTLOGIX 5 (A/B product). This is utilized to drive a CAD simulator. The PLC Simulator & CAD Simulator utilize information from the CATIA database and the ECDB in accordance with a preferred embodiment. Then, when the code has been debugged, it is downloaded to the PLC 472 for production testing and ultimately running the enterprise. The final schematics generated by the schematic tool 480 are ultimately sent back to CATIA 400 utilizing the standard CNEXT interface. This feedback mechanism is necessary to synchronize the CATIA database with the ECDB 410. This feedback mechanism also facilitates the addition of geometry to the original CAD drawings. The database design of the ECDB includes tables that map activities into information appearing in the tables that is imported from the existing CATIA drawings. The resource import table is called Structural Components. It is implemented in accordance with a preferred embodiment in an ACCESS database with a record of the following structure: U:˜1VCM980330a.mdb Monday, Mar. 30, 1998 U:~1VCM980330a.mdbMonday, March 30, 1998Table: StructuralComponentsPropertiesDate Created:3/6/98 11:18:49 AMDef. Updatable:TrueLast Updated:3/30/98 2:14:37 PMOrderByOn:TrueRecordCount:56ColumnsName TypeSizeStructuralComponentID Number (Long)4AllowZeroLength:FalseAttributes:Fixed Size, Auto-IncrementCollating Order:GeneralColumnHidden:FalseColumnOrder:DefaultColumnWidth:DefaultOrdinal Position:1Required:FalseSource Field:StructuralComponentIDSource Table:StructuralComponentsExtID Text255AllowZeroLength:FalseAttributes:Variable LengthCollating Order:GeneralColumnHidden:FalseColumnOrder:DefaultColumnWidth:8268Description:unique id for this spatial componentDisplayControl: Text BoxOrdinal Position:2Required:FalseSource Field:ExtIDSource Table:StructuralComponentsLabel Text50AllowZeroLength:FalseAttributes:Variable LengthCollating Order:GeneralColumnHidden:FalseColumnOrder:DefaultColumnWidth:1620Description:label to show on graphic renditions ofthis componentDisplayControl: Text BoxOrdinal Position:3Required:FalseSource Field:LabelSource Table:StructuralComponentsClass Text50AllowZeroLength:FalseAttributes:Variable LengthCollating Order:GeneralColumnHidden:FalseColumnOrder:DefaultColumnWidth:1545Description:class of spatial components to whichthis instance belongs - determineswhat types of control componentscan be in this spatial componentDisplayControl: Text BoxOrdinal Position:4Required:FalseSource Field:ClassSource Table:StructuralComponentsWorkCellID Number (Long)4AllowZeroLength:FalseAttributes:Fixed SizeBound Column:1Caption:WorkCellCollating Order:GeneralColumn Count:1Column Heads:FalseColumn Widths:1440ColumnHidden:FalseColumnOrder:DefaultColumnWidth:1140Decimal Places:AutoDefault Value:0Description:workcell that this component is part of -either this field or the next one ismandatoryDisplayControl:Combo BoxLimit To List:FalseList Rows:8List Width:1440twipOrdinal Position:5Required:FalseRow Source Type:Table/QueryRow Source:SELECT DISTINCTROW [WorkCell].[WorkCellID] FROM [WorkCell];Source Field:WorkCellIDSource Table:StructuralComponentsPartOf Text255AllowZeroLength:FalseAttributes:Variable LengthCollating Order:GeneralColumnHidden:FalseColumnOrder:DefaultColumnWidth:5985Description:other spatial component that thiscomponent is part of - if this field is 0,it is a top level componentDisplayControl: Text BoxOrdinal Position:6Required:TrueSource Field:PartOfSource Table:StructuralComponentsComment Memo—AllowZeroLength:FalseAttributes:Variable LengthCollating Order:GeneralColumnHidden:FalseColumnOrder:DefaultColumnWidth:DefaultOrdinal Position:7Required:FalseSource Field:CommentSource Table:StructuralComponentsRelationshipsReference26StructuralComponents ControlAssemblyInstance StructuralComponentID StructuralComponentIDAttributes: Not EnforcedAttributes: One-To-ManyReference27StructuralComponents PCCInstanceElements StructuralComponentID StructuralComponentsIDAttributes: Not EnforcedAttributes: One-To-ManyTable IndexesNameNumber of FieldsPrimaryKey1Clustered:FalseDistinct Count:56Foreign:FalseIgnore Nulls:FalseName:PrimaryKeyPrimary:TrueRequired:TrueUnique:TrueFields:StructuralComponentID, AscendingSpaceComponentID1Clustered:FalseDistinct Count:56Foreign:FalseIgnore Nulls:FalseName:SpaceComponentIDPrimary:FalseRequired:FalseUnique:FalseFields:ExtID, AscendingStructuralComponentsID1Clustered:FalseDistinct Count:56Foreign:FalseIgnore Nulls:FalseName:StructuralComponentsIDPrimary:FalseRequired:FalseUnique:FalseFields:StructuralComponentID, AscendingWorkCellID1Clustered:FalseDistinct Count:1Foreign:FalseIgnore Nulls:FalseName:WorkCellIDPrimary:FalseRequired:FalseUnique:FalseFields:WorkCellID, AscendingUser PermissionsACRadminALAALA2BJBCPIGroup PermissionsAdminsGuestsLETTERSMODIFYREAD ONLYREPAIRUsers Items that utilize the control assembly catalog have the following structure: TABLEControlAssemblyCatalog PropertiesDate Created: 10/22/97 1:25:38 PM Def. Updatable:True Description: CUnit stands for “control unit” Last Updated:3/30/98 1:45:32 PMThese are the generic types ofassemblies that are relevant forcontrol. The description onlyspecifies how to interact withassembly from a control standpoint;it doesn't say how the instance willbe used.OrderByOn:FalseRecordCount:ColumnsNameTypeSizeControlAssemblyCatalogID Number (Long)4AllowZeroLength:FalseAttributes:Fixed Size, Auto-IncrementCollating Order:GeneralColumnHidden:FalseColumnOrder:DefaultColumnWidth:1092Description:unique idenitifier for the componentstructureOrdinal Position:1Required:FalseSource Field:ControlAssemblyCatalogIDSource Table:ControlAssemblyCatalogLabel Text 25AllowZeroLength:FalseAttributes:Variable LengthCollating Order:GeneralColumnHidden:FalseColumnOrder:DefaultColumnWidth:DefaultDescription:human readable name for thecomponent structureDisplayControl:Text BoxOrdinal Position:2Required:FalseSource Field:LabelSource Table:ControlAssemblyCatalogDecompositionType Text 50AllowZeroLength:FalseAttributes:Variable LengthBound Column:1Collating Order:GeneralColumn Count:1Column Heads:FalseColumn Widths:1440ColumnHidden:FalseColumnOrder:DefaultColumnWidth:1944Description:whether this assembly can be brokendown into discrete componentsor whether it is a single object likea robot or a PanelView.DisplayControl:Combo BoxLimit To List:FalseList Rows:8List Width:1440twipOrdinal Position:3Required:FalseRow Source Type:Value ListRow Source:“Virtual”;“Physical”;“Programmable”Source Field:DecompositionTypeSource Table:ControlAssemblyCatalogTemplateType Text50AllowZeroLength:FalseAttributes:Variable LengthCollating Order:GeneralColumnHidden:FalseColumnOrder:DefaultColumnWidth:1890Description:Polaris template type to use withthis elementDisplayControl:Text BoxOrdinal Position:4Required:FalseSource Field:TemplateTypeSource Table:ControlAssemblyCatalogComment Memo—AllowZeroLength:TrueAttributes:Variable LengthCollating Order:GeneralColumnHidden:FalseColumnOrder:DefaultColumnWidth:6012Description:a brief comment on the use of thecontrol assembly - should fit into2 or 3 linesOrdinal Position:5Required:FalseSource Field:CommentSource Table:ControlAssemblyCatalogExplanation Memo—AllowZeroLength:FalseAttributes:Variable LengthCollating Order:GeneralColumnHidden:FalseColumnOrder:DefaultColumnWidth:DefaultDescription:a longer comment about properties ofthe assemblyOrdinal Position:6Required:FalseSource Field: ExplanationSource Table:ControlAssemblyCatalogRelationshipsReference1 ControlAssemblyCatalog DCCElements ControlAssemblyCatalogID ControlAssemblyCatalogIDAttributes:Not EnforcedAttributes:One-To-ManyReference11 ControlAssemblyCatalog DCCActions ControlAssemblyCatalogID ControlAssemblyCatalogIDAttributes:Not EnforcedAttributes:One-To-ManyReference2 ControlAssemblyCatalog DCCElements ControlAssemblyCatalogID ControlAssemblyCatalogIDAttributes:Not EnforcedAttributes:One-To-ManyReference6 ControlAssemblyCatalog ControlAssemblyInstances ControlAssemblyCatalogID ControlAssemblyCatalogIDAttributes:Not EnforcedAttributes:One-To-ManyTable IndexesNameNumber of FieldsPrimaryKey1Clustered:FalseDistinct Count:19Foreign:FalseIgnore Nulls:FalseName:PrimaryKeyPrimary:TrueRequired:TrueUnique:TrueFields:ControlAssemblyCatalogID, AscendingUser PermissionsACRadminALAALA2BJBCPIGroup PermissionsAdminsGuestsLETTERSMODIFYREAD ONLYREPAIRUsers Code Generation 240 is performed by a system which builds a SmallTalk tree that is organized via a template file. The organization and logic associated with this processing is presented in detail below in a section entitled Template Language. A template architecture facilitates descriptions of discrete part manufacture. Transfer Machine templates are types that are encapsulated with data and logic associated with the templates. Template is not an object but a specification for transfer machine. Information organized in a tree structure. TM1—All transfer machines will have some level of indexes. Modular list of type indexers—conveyers, transfers, shuttles, . . . TM2—Master control panel B push buttons etc. TM2—Transfer Machine Tree for generating according to rules For Machines, batch (cookie) Because of understanding of Discrete parts manufacture, a generic model results that allows the granularity and modularity to be architected and organized in a structure that works well for diagnostics. The architecture lends itself to adding diagnostics in a modular. Key to the diagnostics is the system provides a structured environment that lends itself to modular diagnostics which are tied to the individual components in a logical manner. This allows a designer to have diagnostics architected into the actual components. Business Model utilizes a simulation to represent real world activities in a componentized fashion. Utilize a well defined interface (API) to obtain information &/or modify the real world. Export the interface as an OLE interface. They are defining the interface now. However, to utilize it today, they use Smalltalk and send strings in the OLE interface representative of Smalltalk commands. Instead of commands to the existing system via scripts, there will be an architected API to the business model. Create an object of discrete axis made up of XYZ component. Builds a tree, builds an access model and sends commands to build the code. Sending commands instead of a text string that is interpreted. With the template library, a user can add components. Sometimes the new component will need some definition to be added on the fly. The Causal Model Structure 250 is an expert system that relates generally to discrete event control systems that control the operation of an automated machine, and more particularly to a system and method for developing diagnostic rules by observing the behavior of the machine and for using the diagnostic rules to detect malfunctions in the behavior of the machine. Discrete event control systems, such as an automated industrial control system, generally control a machine having a large number of components (e.g., sensors and actuators), which may malfunction due to transient errors and other hard or soft failures. Because of the immense number of possible failure points in the machine, attempts have been made to provide control systems that automatically diagnose the malfunction and pinpoint the failure point, thus reducing costly down-time of the industrial plant. Known systems have approached the diagnostic problem with varying success. For example, the diagnostic engines of prior art systems often are based on state-machine models that can detect only certain hard failures. Thus, transient errors and the erroneous occurrence of events are not diagnosed and predictions of malfunctions are not feasible. Further, such diagnostic engines often must be explicitly programmed. Or, if the engine is capable of autonomously learning the behavior of a machine, the learning session often is based on data gathered while the machine is operating in one machine state, in a fixed environmental condition, and at the beginning of the life of the machine. Accordingly, real-time changes in the behavior of the machine, that may be due to environmental conditions or the natural wear and aging process, are often erroneously diagnosed as malfunctions. To be able to take the various operating conditions into account, the diagnostic engine must either undergo a lengthy reprogramming process or be subjected to a new learning session. Prior art systems also generally are incapable of discerning the optimum state-machine model to use for developing the rules to diagnose the behavior of the machine. For example, the state-machine model will include a number of known sequential and temporal patterns that indicate the proper occurrences of the various discrete events associated with the manufacturing process. The diagnostic engine, however, may indiscriminately develop diagnostic rules based on these patterns. Thus, a particular rule may be based on a pattern corresponding to a known causal relationship between events, a pattern including a sequence of a large number of discrete events, or a pattern including a long time interval between discrete events. Each of these scenarios presents disadvantages and inefficiencies. In particular, restraining diagnostic rules to known causal relationships prevents the engine from selecting non-intuitive timing patterns that may produce simpler, more efficient rules. Moreover, a long sequential pattern necessitates the use of a larger amount of memory to store the occurrences of the multiple discrete events in the pattern and consumes more computing power, while a rule based on a long temporal pattern may result in a tardy diagnosis of a machine malfunction. Further, known diagnostic engines typically are not capable of determining the minimum number of patterns necessary to adequately diagnose the machine's behavior and predict malfunctions or of judging which patterns provide the most reliable indicators of the machine's health. Accordingly, it would be desirable to develop a versatile diagnostic engine for discrete event control systems capable of discriminately developing diagnostic rules for diagnosing the behavior of an automated machine. The diagnostic engine would not be restricted by known causal relationships and, thus, could autonomously select and learn the optimum discrete event patterns for reliably diagnosing and predicting the behavior of the machine. Moreover, the diagnostic engine would be capable of automatically adapting to changed operating conditions of the machine, such as environmental variations, modifications to the machine, wear and aging of the machine, and different machine states. The present invention comprises a system and method for developing diagnostic rules that are based on discrete event timing patterns that occur during operation of the machine. The system and method further evaluate the occurrences of the discrete events relative to the diagnostic rules to identify malfunctions in the behavior of the machine. According to a first embodiment of the invention, a system and method for developing diagnostic rules for diagnosing the behavior of a machine is provided. The system and method include a plurality of control elements which cooperate to perform at least one discrete event process and which are configured to transition between at least two different states. Each state transition represents a discrete event in the process, and the occurrence of each discrete event is communicated to a main controller. The main controller is configured to detect a timing pattern in the occurrence of the discrete events, which includes a trigger event, a result event, and a time interval between the trigger and result events. A diagnostic rule is then defined based on a statistical analysis of repetitions of the timing pattern. The diagnostic rule is then updated in real time based on a detected change in the timing pattern. According to one aspect of the invention, the statistical analysis includes calculating a mean time interval between the trigger and result events and a standard deviation from the mean time interval. A diagnostic rule is defined based on the statistical analysis if the timing statistics satisfy certain defined criteria. For example, a rule may be defined if the magnitude of the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean time interval is less than a predetermined maximum magnitude. Alternatively, the diagnostic rule may be defined if the duration of the mean time interval is less than a predetermined maximum duration. In another aspect of the invention, a diagnostic rule may be replaced due to a detected change in the timing pattern. For example, the main processor may detect a change in which the result event follows a different trigger event. This change in effect creates a new timing pattern. If the standard deviation associated with the new timing pattern is smaller than the standard deviation associated with the original timing pattern, the main processor will replace the original diagnostic rule with the new rule. Alternatively, a machine has a first machine state for performing a first discrete event process and a second machine state for performing a second discrete event process. The main processor looks for a timing pattern common to at least both machine states and then defines a diagnostic rule based on the common timing pattern. In another embodiment, a plurality of control modules are coupled to a communication link to communicate the occurrences of the discrete events to a main processor. Each of the control modules is configured to detect state transitions of at least one of the control elements. In anther aspect, a method for diagnosing the behavior of a machine configured to perform a discrete event process is disclosed. A plurality of control elements are configured to transition between at least two states. The occurrence of each state transition, which represents a discrete event in the process, is communicated to a main processor via a communications link. The main processor is configured to detect in real time a timing pattern in the occurrences of the discrete events, including a trigger event, a result event, and a time interval between the trigger and result events. A diagnostic rule is then defined based on a real-time statistical analysis of repetitions of the timing patterns. Occurrences of the discrete events are evaluated in real time relative to the diagnostic rule to identify whether a malfunction in the machine's behavior is present. Automated control systems, such as are used in manufacturing plants, are often used to control an industrial machine comprising a large number of sensors and actuators which cooperate to perform a dynamic process, such as a manufacturing or assembly process. As the automated system runs, the sensors and actuators (i.e., “control elements”) transition between states in repetitive sequential, and oftentimes temporal, patterns. For example, in an automated system which controls a machine, such as an automated assembly line, a proximity sensor will transition between states, indicating the presence of an object (e.g., an empty bottle). Some time interval after this event, an actuator will transition between states, indicating, for instance, the initiation of an operation on the object (e.g., filling the bottle with a liquid). Next, a photodetector sensor will transition between states, indicating that the bottle is full. If the assembly line is functioning properly, the timing relationships between these discrete events will be quite regular. If, however, any component of the system malfunctions, the regular timing patterns will be disrupted. Accordingly, these regular timing patterns can provide reliable behavioral indicators useful for diagnosing the machine's health. However, these timing patterns may vary over the life of the machine because of environmental factors, modifications of the machine, normal wear on the components, and other variables. Moreover, the timing patterns may vary depending on the state of the machine. For example, in the above-described scenario, the same assembly line may be used to fill both large bottles and small bottles. As another example, the conveyor speed may change from one state to the next. Accordingly, a variation in the duration of the time interval between initiating and completing the injection of the bottle with fluid will necessarily exist but will not be indicative of a malfunction. The present invention provides a system and method for diagnosing the machine's behavior which are capable of adapting to such operational changes. In accordance with this system and method, diagnostic rules are discriminately defined, selected, and updated based on the observation of the machine's discrete event timing patterns. Referring now to FIG. 5a, a block diagram representation of a system 510 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. System 510 includes a main processor 512, a communication link 514, a controller 516, and a machine 517 which comprises a plurality of control elements 518. Control elements 18 include a plurality of sensors and actuators which cooperate to perform a dynamic, discrete event manufacturing process. A control program, which is stored in a memory 520 of controller 516 and executed by the controller's processor (not shown), governs the manufacturing process during which control elements 518 transition between states in a deterministic sequence as a result of the flow of materials or parts. Each state change of a control element 518 is a discrete event that is detected by controller 516 and stored as data in its memory 520. For example, in the preferred embodiment, controller 516 is a programmable logic controller, such as a PLC-5 available from Allen-Bradley Company of Milwaukee, Wis., which is programmed to periodically scan the control elements 518 to determine their respective states. Controller 516 then compares the state of each element to the value of its state on the previous scan. A state change represents the occurrence of a discrete event, and a list of discrete events is accumulated in memory 520. Controller 516 reports the discrete events to main processor 512 via communication link 514, which comprises, for example, copper conductors, an RF link or other types of links suitable for conveying digital data. In the preferred embodiment, main processor 512 is embodied in a general purpose personal computer and includes, for example, a microprocessor and a memory for storing a diagnostic engine 522 and a data file 524. Alternatively, main processor 512 may be incorporated within controller 516. System 510 further includes a user interface 526 which may include a display (e.g., the personal computer's CRT or LCD display, or a peripheral display device) and a separate display memory for providing for the output of text and graphics from main processor 512, a keyboard allowing for the entry of alphanumeric characters to processor 512, and a mouse that facilitates the manipulation of graphical icons which appear on the display. The user interface 526 preferably resides on a software enabled display including a variety of control windows, data display windows, and dialogue boxes. For example, the control windows and dialogue boxes may include icons and text which aid in configuring system 510. The data display windows may be used to display the occurrences of discrete events in a graphical format. Further, existing and active rules may be displayed in either in a graphical or tabular format. Malfunctions may also be displayed graphically or, alternatively, symbolically or as a text message in a dialogue box. Referring still to FIG. 5a and as is well known in the art, processor 512 may further include various driver and interface circuitry (not shown) to manage the flow of data on communication link 514. For example, the discrete event data reported from controller 516 is conveyed to data file 524 through the driver and interface circuitry. The discrete event data in file 524 may then be passed to diagnostic engine 522. The cognitive engine 522 preferably is a software program which can operate in either a learning mode or a diagnosing mode. During learning, engine 522 is configured to analyze the discrete event data in order to define diagnostic rules, and, during diagnosing, engine 522 evaluates the behavior of machine 517 relative to the diagnostic rules. The cognitive engine 522 may define rules and evaluate behavior in real-time or, alternatively, the discrete event data may be stored in the memory of processor 512, or written to a data storage disk (not shown), for off-line learning of diagnostic rules or evaluation of the machine's behavior by diagnostic engine 522. Learning Diagnostic Rules During a learning mode, diagnostic engine 522 observes the occurrences of the discrete events to find repetitive sequences of events which occur in a consistent timing pattern. Each timing pattern preferably consists of two discrete events (i.e., a trigger event and a result event) and a time interval between the two events, although diagnostic engine 522 is not prohibited from selecting timing patterns which include more than two discrete events. The diagnostic engine 522 then defines diagnostic rules based on a statistical analysis of the repetitive timing patterns, compares existing rules to newly defined rules to determine the optimum rules for evaluating the machine's behavior, and updates the existing rules by either updating the statistical analysis based on further repetitions of the timing pattern or replacing the existing rules with better diagnostic rules. The various steps involved in obtaining and analyzing the discrete event data for rule learning are illustrated in the flow chart of FIG. 5b. In the preferred embodiment, as discussed above, the scan is performed by controller 516 (block 528). However, in alternative embodiments the scan may be performed by other elements of system 510, such as main processor 512. In any event, and regardless of whether reported in real-time or read from memory or disk during an off-line analysis, the occurrences of discrete events are communicated to diagnostic engine 522, which then determines whether the discrete event has been previously detected (block 530) and whether the discrete event is a trigger event for any existing rules (block 544), is a potential or established result event for any rules (block 550), or is an event which has been eliminated as a candidate for a potential rule (block 552 ). The first time a discrete event is detected, it is recorded as an expected event in a file stored in memory of main processor 512. The state of control elements which never experience a discrete event (i.e., do not transition between states) are also stored in this file. During diagnosis, engine 522 may reference this file to identify malfunctions if the occurrence of a discrete event or a state of a control element has been detected that was not previously logged as an expected event. Returning to FIG. 5b, if the detected discrete event is a trigger event of any existing rules, then the event's time of occurrence is recorded (block 546). Otherwise, if the discrete event can be a result event for any rules (block 550), then diagnostic engine 522 determines the timing interval between the discrete event and all possible trigger events (block 534). A statistical analysis is then performed (block 536) which involves incrementally calculating a mean time interval between trigger and result events and a standard deviation about the mean time interval as further repetitions of trigger/result timing patterns are detected. Next, if a particular trigger/result timing pattern does not correspond to an existing rule (block 537), then the timing statistics of the pattern are evaluated to determine whether the timing pattern is adequate to define a new diagnostic rule (block 38). In the preferred embodiment, a minimum of three repetitions of the timing pattern must be observed before the timing statistics can be evaluated to provide the basis for a diagnostic rule, although clearly a greater number of repetitions would be desirable. Further, if a machine is capable of operating somewhat differently at some times than others (e.g., a conveyor system in which palates are randomly merged from two conveyor lines), the timing statistics will not be sufficient until diagnostic engine 522 has experienced the different operational situations. Various criteria, or combinations of the criteria, may be used to evaluate the timing statistics. For example, a timing pattern having a mean time interval or a standard deviation that is longer than the cycle time of the manufacturing process will not provide the basis for a useful diagnostic tool. Further, examining the magnitude of the standard deviation and/or the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean time interval may reveal that a resulting diagnostic rule will not be sufficiently precise. If the evaluation criteria are not met (e.g., the mean time interval, the standard deviation, and/or their ratio are too large), then the timing pattern will be discarded as a candidate for a diagnostic rule (block 540), and the timing pattern's discrete events may even be tagged such that they are eliminated as potential candidates for any rules. If, however, the criteria are met and the pattern's result event is not already a result event in an existing rule (block 562), then a diagnostic rule will be defined using the timing statistics of that timing pattern (block 542), thus dictating the timing relationship between the trigger and result events. As will be explained in more detail below, the diagnostic rules preferably are symmetric rules. That is, the trigger and result events each must occur within an error band about the mean time interval of the other. The error band, which may either be fixed or selectable by a user, is a multiple of the standard deviation and, preferably, is five times the standard deviation. Once the diagnostic rules are defined, they are either retained or enter a rule competition, as will be explained in detail below. If the rules are retained, they may be updated continuously, including replacement, during the learning process based on the incremental accumulation of timing statistics from further repetitions of the timing patterns. As illustrated in FIG. 5b, if a timing pattern occurs that corresponds to an existing diagnostic rule (block 537), the accumulated timing statistics for the pattern are evaluated using the criteria discussed above (block 539). If the accumulated statistics for the rule no longer meet the evaluation criteria, then the rule may be discarded (block 541). If, however, the accumulated statistics are good, then the statistics of the rule are updated to reflect the further repetitions of the associated timing pattern (block 543). The evaluation criteria applied in blocks 538 and 539 may also provide a basis for rating the merit of timing patterns and existing diagnostic rules. For example, rather than discarding an existing rule if the timing statistics do not meet the criteria, the rule may merely be deactivated. In such a case, the rule remains in existence and is a candidate for activation if its future accumulated timing statistics meet the evaluation criteria. Alternatively, if an existing rule's timing statistics fail to satisfy the evaluation criteria by a wide margin, then the rule may not only be discarded, but also tagged as a rule that should never be considered again. Likewise, if a timing pattern's statistics fail to satisfy the criteria by a wide margin, then future occurrences of the pattern, or even one or all of the discrete events associated with the pattern, may be ignored. A detected break or inconsistency in a timing pattern also warrants removal of the timing pattern or the corresponding rule from further consideration. For example, a timing pattern or rule may be discarded either if its result event occurs without the prior occurrence of its corresponding trigger event (not shown); or if the rule's trigger event occurs a second time without the intervening occurrence of its corresponding result event (not shown); or if a machine state ends after a trigger event has occurred but before its corresponding result event occurs (not shown). Any of these exemplary breaks in a timing pattern indicates that a rule based on that timing pattern will not provide a consistently reliable indicator of the machine's behavior. Rule Competition To minimize memory requirements and optimize the computing efficiency of main processor 512, it is preferable to select only a minimum number of timing patterns. The selected timing patterns should also provide the most precise indicators of the machine's behavior. To achieve these goals, a rule competition procedure may be initiated in which an existing rule can be updated by replacing it with a better rule. The rule competition further allows diagnostic engine 522 to select diagnostic rules that may not necessarily have been intuitive from a knowledge of the machine's architecture. FIG. 5b is a flowchart setting forth the detailed logic of cognitive analysis in accordance with a preferred embodiment. A timing pattern enters into competition with an existing rule if they both include the same result event (block 562). The statistics of the timing pattern are compared to the statistics of the existing rule to determine whether the existing rule indeed provides the most accurate and efficient diagnosis of the behavior of machine 517 (block 566). If the statistics of the timing pattern are better than the statistics of the existing rule, then the existing rule is updated, in effect, by discarding the existing rule (block 568) and creating a new rule based on the better timing pattern (block 542). In the preferred embodiment, the statistics which include the smallest standard deviation are deemed to provide the basis for the better rule. If, however, the magnitudes of the two standard deviations are close in value, then the mean time intervals are also compared. Although the above-described rule competition is presently preferred, diagnostic engine 522 may also be set to retain more than one rule for a given result event and may specify other criteria, or combination of criteria, for the competition. State-Dependent Learning The selection of the best diagnostic rules may also be affected by whether machine 517 is capable of running in more than one machine state. For example, machine 517 may be used to manufacture several different types of parts (e.g., a standard truck cab and an extended truck cab), and, thus, the details of the machine's operation will be somewhat different in each state. For instance, some control elements 518 may not be activated in one of the states, or, if active, the timing patterns may be different. Maintaining separate rule bases for each different state would be prohibitive in terms of the computational and memory requirements for main processor 512. On the other hand, defining a single set of rules that will apply to all machine states will be difficult in most situations. Therefore, it is preferable that the diagnostic engine 522 observe the operation of machine 517 in all states, and then define a maximum number of diagnostic rules based on timing patterns that are common to all states and a minimum number of rules based on timing patterns peculiar to a particular state. Further, each resulting rule is preferably tagged with code that indicates the state or states to which the rule applies. Before defining a common diagnostic rule, the timing statistics of the common timing pattern are subjected to the same evaluation process as described above. If the statistics of the common timing pattern do not satisfy the evaluation criteria (e.g., the mean time interval, the standard deviation or their ratio are too large), however, then diagnostic engine 522 will attempt to discover a version of the common timing pattern that will produce an acceptable diagnostic rule. For example, if the time interval between the trigger and result events varies between states as a result of a change in conveyor speed and a measurement of conveyor speed is available, then a diagnostic rule can be defined having a mean time interval that is a function of the measured speed. As another example, if the manufacturing process can diverge into one of multiple courses of action and then resume a single course, forward or backward-looking diagnostic rules can be defined that diagnose the final and initial events of the individual courses of actions respectively, as will be explained below. Symmetric and Forward and Backward-Looking Rules In general, the diagnostic rules can be either symmetric rules, forward-looking rules, or backward-looking rules. In a symmetric rule, an event B always follows an event A and vice versa. The following timing pattern satisfies the requirements of a symmetric rule: B-----A-----B In a forward-looking rule, event A is always followed by event B, but not vice versa. Both of the following examples of timing patterns satisfy the test for a forward-looking rule: B-----A-----B B-----------B In a backward-looking rule, event B is always preceded by event A, but not vice versa. Thus: B-----A-----B B--A---A----B Preferably, the diagnostic rules are symmetric rules, and thus also satisfy the tests for forward and backward-looking rules. However, if a symmetric rule does not satisfy the evaluation criteria, a forward or backward-looking rule may be defined instead, and, in the preferred embodiment, the rule includes a code indicating whether the rule is a symmetric, forward-looking, or backward-looking rule. Backward and forward-looking rules have uses other than that discussed above. For example, if a control element experiences bounce, the element's change of state can still be the trigger event of a backward-looking rule. Grouping of Control Elements For machines having an extremely large number of control elements 518, the definition of diagnostic rules could involve extensive computation and large amounts of memory. Thus, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, diagnostic engine 522 can employ alternative strategies that prevent the amount of computation time and the amount of memory from becoming excessive. For example, control elements 518 may be divided into independent groups which have little or no interaction with other groups. Rules are then defined on a group basis, and the rules for each group include only those discrete events which correspond to elements 518 within that group. In practice, however, groups of elements 518 usually do interact with one another, but only on a limited basis. Accordingly, some of the elements of one group can be selected to be visible to another group and are thus included in the rules for the latter group. Selecting the visible elements may be easily accomplished based on a knowledge of the architecture of the control system. Further, grouping of control elements 518 for diagnostic purposes is particularly suited for a control system which includes multiple distributed controllers 516. In such a distributed control system, each controller 516 is associated with a group of control elements 518, and, thus, the system architecture is easily discernible. In alternative embodiments, other strategies may be employed, such as performing the rule definition process in stages in which only certain groups of control elements 18 participate at a given time. Diagnosis Once diagnostic rules are learned, diagnostic engine 522 may be set to the diagnostic mode in which incoming discrete events are evaluated relative to the diagnostic rules to identify existing or potential malfunctions in the behavior of machine 517. The evaluation of the discrete events may be performed in several alternative manners. For example, referring to FIG. 5c, the timing relationship between the trigger and result events may be evaluated relative to the timing statistics learned during the learning process (blocks 585, 582, 588, and 590). Accordingly, if, for instance, the result event does not occur within five learned standard deviations of the learned mean time interval and the corresponding rule is either a symmetric or forward-looking rule, then system 510 will identify that a malfunction in machine 517 has occurred (block 586). Alternatively, and preferably, the timing statistics are incrementally updated in real time based on observing further repetitions of the timing patterns associated with the diagnostic rule. For example, in the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5c, if a scanned discrete event (block 572) is the trigger event for an active rule (block 574), a rule timer is started (block 576). If the result event for the triggered rule occurs (block 578) within five standard deviations of the mean time interval (block 580), then the timer is stopped (block 582 ) and the timing statistics are updated (blocks 588 and 584). If, however, a result event occurs and its corresponding rule has not been triggered (block 578), or if the result event does not occur within the allotted time interval (block 580), the system 510 identifies that a malfunction in machine 517 has occurred (block 586). In a preferred embodiment, both the learned timing statistics and the updated timing statistics are retained as separate files in the memory of main processor 512. The learned timing statistics thus provide a baseline reference for evaluating the performance of machine 517, while the updated timing statistics, which may be regularly replaced (e.g., on a daily, weekly or monthly basis), provide a mechanism by which the diagnostic rules can autonomously adapt in real time to changed operating conditions. For example, in the preferred embodiment, occurrences of discrete events may be evaluated by determining whether a result event occurs after its trigger event within a multiple of the learned standard deviation of the updated mean time interval. Using the updated mean time interval in conjunction with the learned standard deviation ensures that system 510 does not interpret changes in the timing pattern caused by manufacturing variations, such as normal machine wear and aging, temperature or other environmental conditions, as machine malfunctions. In alternative applications, however, both the updated mean time interval and the updated standard deviation may be used or only the updated standard deviation may be used. As yet another alternative, the diagnostic rules may be updated by replacing the learned timing statistics with the updated timing statistics. The diagnostic engine 522 preferably also tracks (block 588) the updated timing statistics against the learned timing statistics, although the tracking feature is optional (block 590). Accordingly, engine 522 can diagnose a large change or drift in the updated timing statistics relative to the learned statistics (block 592) as indicative of an existing or potential malfunction in the behavior of machine 517 (blocks 586, 596). The criteria that engine 522 employs to identify malfunctions may vary depending on the type of diagnostic rule used. For example, symmetric and forward-looking rules can be used to identify a malfunction (a) when a result event occurs either too soon or too late after its trigger event, (b) when a trigger event reoccurs before its corresponding result event has ever occurred, or (c) when a machine state ends before a result event occurs for a rule that has been triggered. Symmetric and backward-looking rules can be used to identify a malfunction, for example, (a) when a trigger event occurs either too early or too late relative to its corresponding result event, (b) when a result event reoccurs without a corresponding reoccurrence of its trigger event, or (c) when a result event occurs during a particular machine state and its trigger event did not precede it while in that machine state. It should be understood that these types of malfunctions are offered by way of example only, and that one skilled in the art would recognize that other types of malfunctions may be readily diagnosed. Upon detection of a malfunction, main processor 512 generates an error signal indicative of the malfunction and communicates it to user interface 526. User interface 526 preferably includes a display driver (not shown) which, in response to the error signal, communicates a display signal to the display screen which then provides visible indicia indicating that a malfunction has occurred. For example, alphanumeric characters may appear on the display screen stating that a particular discrete event has occurred at an improper time. Or, a user may provide a custom message to be displayed for a fault of a particular rule or rules. Alternatively, the display may provide a graphical representation of the faulted rule or rules which highlights the problem area, such as with a flashing or colored marker. In other embodiments, other types of displays or audio components for effectively communicating the occurrence of the malfunction, either alone or in combination, may be readily envisioned by those skilled in the art. In addition to identifying timing errors, the present invention can identify malfunctions that are characterized by the occurrence of an unexpected event. For example, after having observed machine 517 in all operating states and conditions, diagnostic engine 522 may detect the occurrence of a discrete event that it has never seen before or that had never occurred while the machine was operating in the present machine state (i.e., the discrete event has not been recorded in the expected events file stored in memory of main processor 512) (block 598). This unexpected event may be indicative of a malfunction or of an unusual condition, such as the opening of a safety gate. In any event, diagnostic engine 522 will generate an error signal (block 86) that is translated into an error message that is displayed on the display screen of user interface 526. Unexpected events also include detection of a control element which is in the wrong state. For example, in some machine states, a control element may never experience a discrete event and, thus, is always in one particular state. Accordingly, if engine 522 detects that the control element is in or has transitioned to the other state (block 598), the unexpected event will be diagnosed as a malfunction (block 586). It should also be understood that some discrete events may not be either a trigger or a result event for any diagnostic rule (blocks 574 and 578). In such a case, and provided the discrete event is not an unexpected event (block 598), diagnostic engine 522 will simply ignore its occurrence (block 99). Although the foregoing description has been provided for the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular arrangement, but is defined by the appended claims. For example, either the rule definition process or the diagnostic process, or both, may be performed off-line using discrete event data that has been stored in memory. Or, the diagnostic rules initially may be defined by a user and then may be updated or replaced based on real-time observation of discrete events. Alternatively, a user may manually modify the diagnostic rules after the rules have been defined based on real-time observation. Further, the diagnostic rules may be based on other variations or types of statistical analyses of the repetitions of the timing patterns. Designer Studio The Designer Studio is a software tool set for integrating control system design, simulation, implementation and maintenance; and integrating the control system design with external product, process and machine (data) models. A user commences operation by opening a new or existing project. FIG. 6 illustrates the user display for opening a project in accordance with a preferred embodiment. All existing projects are listed in the window 610 for a user to select from. When the user selects a project 610 it opens a Designer Studio window. FIG. 7 is a Designer Studio window in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The first panel that is created when a project is opened is the Resources panel 710. In this panel, a filtered hierarchical list of the project resources is presented for further control definition. The timing diagram panel 720 is presented for sequencing workcell operations. It also joins the resources necessary to perform the operations at the appropriate times. The control resources window 730 provides an predictive list of control assemblies for a user to select from based on the resources 710 and the activities 720. FIG. 8 is a Designer Studio display with control assemblies completed in accordance with a preferred embodiment. A hierarchical list of the control assembly types 810, control assembly instances 820, and control assembly instance requests 830. One of the options that a user can exercise in the Designer Studio is the add operation 840 which invoked the add control assembly logic of the add operation. This prompts the user with an add control assembly dialog box. From the dialog box, a user can select a control assembly type and select the new button to go to the control assembly wizard FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a control assembly wizard in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The information in the display acclimates a user with the wizard experience. FIG. 10 is a control assembly wizard name operation in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The user must specify a name 1000 indicative of the new control assembly instance that will be generated utilizing this wizard. The user also has the option of selecting various options to initiate other processes to create wiring diagrams, diagnostics and documentation for the named instance of the control assembly. FIG. 11 is a control assembly wizard to select control resources in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The available resources of the appropriate type are presented to the user in a window 1100. A user selects resources that will be controlled by the named control assembly instance from window 1100 and presented back to a user in a window 1110. Selection logic is provided which is consistent with the activity timing diagram 720. When a particular resource is selected, all other resources that conflict with that selected resource are greyed out to prevent conflict selection. FIG. 12 is a control assembly wizard to label components associated with the control assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment. Label comments 1200 are entered for each of the components at the user's discretion. FIG. 13 is a control assembly wizard summary in accordance with a preferred embodiment. When a user selects 1300 the wizard completion processing occurs and the control assembly is created conforming to the user's selections. FIG. 14 is a Designer Studio display of a new control assembly integration in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The new control assembly instance 1400 is added into the Control Resources control assembly tree utilizing the selected type and the data model of that particular type combined with the user selected information from the wizard and that combined information is written into the ECDB. The selected resources that are under the control of the newly created control assembly named 1stClamps 1400 are the resources 1410 as shown in the Control Request Chart 1420 and 1430. The prescribed order of the mechanical operations for the resources 1410 refers to the time window that particular resources are utilized. The order of events from the prescribed order must be maintained in the Control request chart as illustrated by the placement of the Control Assembly's 1420 and 1430. Other intervening assemblies can occur, but the prescribed order is always maintained. A popup window that details each of the types and instances of assemblies appears at label 1450. A Control Assembly type comprises the following information. A control component which is an entity that either sends a control signal, receives a control signal, or both sends and receives control signals. Examples of control components include a solenoid valve (receives), proximity sensor (sends), Robot interface (both), PanelView interface (both), pushbutton (sends), indicator light (receives) or a motor controller. Logic refers to the control and fault states, the transitions between states that the control components can attain (i.e., the state space of the control assembly), the controller outputs which produce the transitions, and inputs to the controller determine the current state. For example, an n-sensor PartPresent (input) has states such as Part Absent, Part Present, Part out of position, Transitions Part Absent transititioning to a Part Present state. Part Present transititioning to a Part out of position state. Part out of position transititioning to a Part Absent state. Part Absent transititioning to a Part Present state. Part Absent transitioning to a Part out of position state. Part out of position transititioning to a Part Present state. There are also logic for Input only types, such as: all n off (Part Absent); all n on (Part Present); k of n on (k<n, k>0) (Part out of position); There are also logic for output only types, such as: ClearToEnterLight (output) (e.g., single light also could be multiple lights); which also has various states such as LightOn; LightOff with Transitions, such as: LightOn transitioning to LightOff; and LightOff transitioning to LightOn. There are also status based and causal based Diagnostics. Status-based diagnostics—specifies the step(s) that the machine is currently waiting to occur (if a fault occurs it specifies the step(s) that were waiting to occur at the time of the fault, i.e., the symptoms). Causal model-based diagnostics—use a model of causal relationships to develop rules that relate machine status to root causes. For example, consider that a human mechanic has incorrectly moved the mount location of a part present proximity sensor so that it is out of alignment. Then the Status-based diagnostics would place the following message in an internal diagnostic table that could be displayed: “waiting for part present sensor #2” (no automatic inference possible). In another situation, a proximity sensor on a clamp cylinder could fail. Then, the status-based diagnostics would place the following information into an internal diagnostic table that could be displayed: determines that a machine is “waiting for clamp cylinder 2504A.” In a causal model-based diagnostic system the logic infers that the extend proximity sensor on cylinder 2504 A has failed, or that cylinder 2504 A is stuck and informs an operator accordingly. The causal model utilizes a set of rules and a tree structure of information to determine the probable root causes based on factual scenarios. Schematic A schematic (i.e., “wiring diagram”) is a representation of the logical and functional connections among a set of control and mechanical components. The connections include electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic. The preferred embodiment presents a view of each of these connection types and the bill of materials that make up the control and mechanical components of the control assembly type or instance. FIG. 15 is a schematic of a pneumatic system of a control environment in accordance with a preferred embodiment. RSWire is the application created and manufactured by the assignee. RSWire 1510 utilizes a computer aided design engine for creating, displaying, manipulating and storing schematics of electrical and hydraulic systems. Various views are all enabled withing the enterprise system in accordance with a preferred embodiment. System wide information, including detailed electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic information, is all stored in the ECDB. Visualization A visualization comprises entities within the control assembly that are useful to portray textually or graphically. For example, Control Components can be displayed as text or a graphical representation of the control component could be utilized. Logic can be displayed as LL, function blocks or in axis-like diagrams. Diagnostics can be displayed as status messages, causal messages and as indicators on a graphic display. The information includes a three dimensional depiction of a work cell. One way to streamline any type of programming is to provide predefined language modules which can be used repetitively each time a specific function is required. Because of the similar types of tools and movements associated with different machine line stations, industrial control would appear to be an ideal industry for such language modules. For example, various stations in a single machine line could employ drilling tools having identical limiting motion and configuration parameters. In this case the idea would be to design a ladder logic language module for a drill once, place the drill language module into a control library and thereafter, each time drill logic is required, download the drill language module into a control program. Similarly, language modules for other types of tools could be designed once and then used repetitively to reduce programming and debugging time. The module library could be expanded until virtually all tool movements are represented. Library components would be viewed as “black boxes” with predefined interfaces, in much the same way that integrated circuits are used in the electronics industry. In addition, to make it easier to program in LL, a comprehensive module library would also facilitate automated LL programming using a programming editor. For example, an entire module library could be stored in the memory of an electronic editing apparatus. Using the apparatus, a user could designate all characteristics of a machine. Thereafter, using the designated characteristics, the apparatus could select language modules from the module library and assemble an LL program to control the machine. The module library approach would work quite well for certain applications like small parts material handling or simple machining. The reason for this is that the LL logic required for these applications tends be very small and highly reusable because the I/O count is minimal and interactions between modules are simplistic. Unfortunately, there are many areas of industrial control for which it is particularly difficult to provide reusable language modules due to relatively large and varying job specific I/O requirements and the complexity and variability of interaction between modules. One area of industrial control that defies the predefined language module approach is sequential control. Sequential control is the synchronization of individual tool movements and other subordinate processes to achieve a precisely defined sequence of machining operations. While it may be easy to enumerate all of the possible sequences involving just a few simple tool movements, the number of possibilities increases rapidly as the number and complexity of the tool movements increases, to the point where any attempt to enumerate them all is futile. For example, a typical machine station configuration may include five different tools, each of which performs six different movements for a total of thirty movements. In this case, each tool movement must be made dependent on the position of an associated tool. In many cases, movement of a tool must also be conditioned upon positions of all other tools at the station. In addition, tool movements at one station are often tied to tool movements at other stations or the completion of some portion of a cycle at some other station. Furthermore, tool movement may also be conditioned upon the states of manual controls. Taking into account the large number of machine line tools, tool movements, manual control types, manual control configurations, and cross-station contingencies that are possible, the task of providing an all encompassing module library capable of synchronizing tool movements becomes impractical. Even if such a library could be fashioned, the task of choosing the correct module to synchronize station tools would probably be more difficult than programming required LL logic from scratch. For these reasons, although attempts have been made at providing comprehensive language module libraries, none of the libraries has proven successful at providing comprehensive logic to synchronize tool movements. In addition, none of the libraries has made automated LL programming a reality. Thus, typically synchronization programming in LL is still done from scratch. Therefore, in order to reduce programming time and associated costs, it would be advantageous to have a more flexible means of specifying control logic for controlling machine sequences. It would be advantageous if such a means enabled less skilled programmers to provide sequential control logic. Furthermore, it would be advantageous if reusable logic templates, comprising the basic components of a sequential control program, could be composed into a library of templates that would be employed to produce sequential control logic with consistent behavior and form. Moreover, it would be advantageous if such a library of templates could be accessed using a programming apparatus such as a personal computer, or the like, to further minimize programming time required to program machine sequential control in LL. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a programming apparatus is disclosed to construct a bar chart image or graphical depiction on a computer screen which resembles a bar chart programming tool. A bar chart is a conventional controller programming tool that consists of a graphical cycle representation illustrating all related tool movements in a cycle. Control engineers regularly generate bar charts on paper to visualize sequences of motion. The apparatus gleans information from the bar chart image and, using a template based programming language, constructs a template based machine model. A template is a language module that includes some truly reusable machine logic and a section wherein other templates can be designated that are required to provide machine logic for job-specific control requirements. When compiled, the model provides complete LL logic for controlling sequenced tool movements. Thus, one object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can reduce the time and cost associated with programming sequences of tool movements in cycles. Using the inventive apparatus, a user can quickly construct a bar chart image on a computer screen that contains all of the information necessary to sequence tool movements. The apparatus includes an editor that gleans all required information from the bar chart image, determines if additional templates are required to provide job specific logic and, where additional templates are required, creates required templates and populates existing templates with references to the new templates. Compilation is a simple process so that, after a bar chart image has been created, the apparatus itself can completely convert bar chart information into sequencing logic thus minimizing programming time and associated cost. Another object of the present invention is to minimize the amount of training required before a user is competent in programming sequencing logic. Control engineers are already familiar with the process of constructing and using bar charts as an aid for cycle visualization. Because the inventive apparatus interfaces with a user via a bar chart image, control engineers should be comfortable using the present apparatus. Yet another object is to provide a module library that includes logic that can be altered to accommodate job-specific requirements for sequencing cycle functions and making functions contingent upon various function conditions including function states in cycle, instantaneous states of other cycles, and instantaneous conditions of manual control devices. The present invention includes a “bucketing” means whereby certain conditions of related functions are placed in different groupings depending upon relationships between the functions and an associated function. Control logic including an output, is provided for each group indicating when all conditions in the group are true or when one or more are false. The outputs are mapped into the logic module associated with a function to provide synchronized automatic and manual function control that is conditioned as required, on the states of the related functions. In this way, function module logic is altered to accommodate job-specific requirements for a cycle. IV. Template Language In order to understand the template language concept, it is first necessary to understand that all machine attributes, including machine components, component physical and operational characteristics, and component movements, can generally be referred to as control-tasks and that there is a natural hierarchical relationship between various control-tasks. Any machine and associated industrial process can be subdivided into a network of separate, related control-tasks that form a hierarchy of control-tasks. For example, a single machine usually has specific control-tasks (i.e. indexers, stations, work-units, and movements . . . ). While the machine includes several different physical tools or control-tasks, one of its fundamental characteristics is that it includes a number of unique tools. There is a hierarchical relationship between the machine and its unique tools and every machine can be defined in part, by a list of its unique tools. Referring to FIG. 16, a machine tree 1611 corresponds to machine 1610 is illustrated. In FIG. 16, direct connection between two elements signifies a parent/child relationship between two elements where the higher control-task in the tree is the parent and the lower control-task is the child. Where a parent/child relationship exists, the child control-task represents one fundamental characteristic of the parent control-task. In FIG. 16, the hierarchical relationship between the machine 1610 and the indexer 1620 is illustrated at the top portion of the machine tree 1611. The most fundamental characteristic of indexer 1620 is that it includes five stations 1630-1635 and therefore, stations 1630-1635 can be hierarchically related to the indexer as illustrated. Each work-unit is hierarchically related to its associated station and one or more axes are hierarchically related to each work-unit. In addition to the hierarchical relationship identified above, each machine tree 1611 component can also have a direct relationship to an axis. For example, all of the indexer 1620, stations and work-units in machine 1610 may require a pneumatic air source for operation. Where a machine-wide air requirement exists, the machine 1610, as opposed to one of its child components, should control an air valve to provide air to all machine components. Thus, in addition to its list of indexers, other fundamental characteristics of a machine as a whole are axes that are directly connected to the machine 1610. In FIG. 16, in addition to being directly connected to its indexer 1620, the machine 1610 is also connected to an air axis 1686 for opening an air valve. Similarly, the indexer 1620 is connected to a transfer axis 1688 for controlling the transfer bar for all stations 1630-1635. Moreover, each of the stations 1631-1634 that includes a clamp is connected to a different clamp axis for controlling an associated clamp. A third fundamental defining aspect of each tree component is whether or not the component requires a control panel. In the present example, the machine 1610 includes a main control panel 1658 for controlling the entire machine and therefore, a control panel 1658 is shown on the machine tree 1611 directly connected to the machine 1610. In addition, the horizontal mill 1622 includes a local control panel 1657 for controlling only the mill 1622. A control panel 1657 is shown directly attached to the horizontal mill in tree 1611. Therefore, the entire industrial process shown can be viewed as a machine tree 1611 made up of the hierarchically-related components or control-tasks shown in FIG. 16. Each control-task can be entirely described by identifying its most fundamental characteristics, including control-tasks from the next hierarchical level, any directly-connected axis control-tasks and any directly-connected, control panel control-tasks. With this understanding of an industrial machine, template language can now be explained. The template language guides a user to assemble from a set of programming units called modules a complete and correct machine tree 1611. Individual modules are identified with templates, which include truly reusable control logic so that, when a template-based machine tree is compiled, a complete control program for an industrial process is produced. A template is a model program unit available for repeated use as a pattern for many modules based thereon. A template can be analogized to a data entry form wherein form identification can refer to either a blank instance of a master copy or a completed instance. In this description, the term “template” is used to mean the essence of a pattern as well as a completed instance of the pattern referred to also by the term “module”. The template language includes two types of language statements. A first statement type includes statements that are wholly independent of the underlying control language form. A second statement type includes underlying control language form itself, plus extensions to that form, making the form more flexible. Typically, the underlying language form will be completed in ladder logic. The second statement type is particularly useful where automated electronic editors are used to compile a template based machine tree, thus generating a control program in the underlying control language form. Each statement type will be explained separately. Statements Independent of the Underlying Control Language Form Referring again to FIG. 16, a typical set of templates used to provide a program for machine 1610 have a template type corresponding to each machine tree control-task type. For example, a template set for machine 1610 would include machine, indexer, station, workunit, axis and control panel templates. In addition, the set would include other more detailed templates to further define each of the aforementioned templates. A template is a model program unit available for repeated use as a pattern for many modules based thereon. Referring to FIG. 17, a typical template includes a template type designation and may include a name field which must be filled each time a template is used so that the specific instance of the template can be differentiated from other modules, including other instances of the same template. In addition, each template 1794 may include LL logic sections 1795 having one or more rungs of LL logic. The idea here is that for each specific template type 1794 used to represent a specific control-task type in a machine tree 1611, there will often be some logic, albeit in many cases minimal, that is always required for the specific control-task type. For example, for safety purposes, a master control panel will always include ON-OFF means for turning the machine on and off. Thus, every machine template will require ON-OFF LL logic and an LL logic section 1795 will provide the universally required logic. Each template 1794 may also include child module specification sections 1796. The contents of the child module specification section 1796 represents one type of language statement that is wholly separate from the underlying control language form. In the child ID section 1796, the template provides an area where a user can define module specifications that designate other modules required to further define the designating module. The relationship between a designating module and a designated module is a parent/child relationship wherein the designating module is the parent and the designated module is the child. For example, a machine module for machine tree 1611 would include a module specification designating an indexer module 1620. Similarly, in the present example, the machine module would include two separate module specifications to separately specify a “master control panel” module and an axis module named “air” which further detail the main control panel 1658 and the air axis 1686, respectively. The “master control panel”, “air” and “T1” modules would all be child modules of the parent machine module. Continuing, the indexer 1620 module would include a child module specification designating five separate station modules, one for each of the five stations, 1630-1635, as well as a module specification designating an axis module named “transfer” to control the transfer bar 1620. The fourth station module 1634 would include a first module specification to a workunit module named “horizontal mill” and a second module specification to specify an axis module named “clamp”. The clamp module would detail logic for controlling clamp 1644 by either including complete LL logic or designating other modules that would complete LL logic for clamp control. The work unit module named “horizontal mill” would specify axis modules named “spindle”, “main slide” and “cross slide” as well as a control panel module to define control panel 1657. Similarly, each of the other station and work-unit modules would specify other modules until every control-task in the entire industrial process has been completely defined and reflected in a template-based tree, mirroring machine tree 1611. Referring to FIG. 1800, the machine tree 1811 expands even further, each axis comprising a number of different control-tasks and corresponding modules. In FIG. 1800, only the main slide axis 1802 associated with the horizontal mill 1822 is shown. However, it should be understood that tree branches, like branch 1800 in FIG. 18, must be provided for each axis and each control panel. While the control panel branches will include modules based on templates that are different than the templates required to specify an axis, the process of populating modules with required lists to define parent modules is the same. FIG. 18 will be explained in detail below. Moving down the machine tree, modules associated with lower tree control-tasks generally include an increasingly larger relative section of control logic. At the extreme, the final modules at the distal lower ends of the tree consist entirely of control logic and have no child specification sections. Surprisingly, only a few dozen templates are required to provide modules that completely describe an industrial process. When compiled, so that LL logic sections in child modules are plugged into their designating parent modules, a complete LL logic program can be provided. The preferred template language includes different kinds of module specifications that can be used to accommodate different circumstances. For example, one type of module specification is a module “list” which allows zero or more component modules of a specific type (i.e. associated with a specific template). Referring again to FIG. 1600, an indexer module may include a module list called “station” which includes specifications to five modules, one for each of the five machine stations 1630-1635. In this way, a single module specification can reference five station modules. Each station module in the list must be assigned a unique job specific name to ensure that it can be different from other modules designated in a common list specification. In the example here, the stations and, hence station modules, are referred to as 1630-1635. Yet another kind of module specification is an “optional” module specification which results in either no instances or exactly one instance of the designated type. For example, a preferred indexer template includes an optional module specification for an indexer control panel. While it is not necessary to have an indexer control panel, where a machine line is unusually long, it is often advantageous to include an indexer control panel somewhere along the line to allow local indexer control. The optional module specification gives a programmer the option, based on job specific requirements (i.e. the length of a machine line), to provide LL logic for an indexer control panel when one is desired. In the present example, the indexer does not include a control panel and, therefore, no module would be created. Another module specification kind is a “renameable” module specification which results in a single named component module of a designated type, but will also allow a job-specific name to override the default name. Another kind of module specification is a “fixed” specification. Here, the template designated by the specification does not result in a child module. When compiled, fixed templates simply expand into the designating modules. Fixed specifications are not named. Another kind of module specification is a “named” module specification which results in a single, named component module of the type identified in the specification. For example, for safety purposes, all machines require a master control panel. Thus, a preferred machine template includes a named module specification called “master control panel” which identifies a single instance of a master control panel template. One final kind of module specification is a “choice” specification which makes a selection from a list of mutually exclusive module types based on job specific information. For example, while a control panel requires some type of interactive device for a user to turn a machine on or off, a user may prefer either a push button or a selector switch. To this end, in a control panel template, a choice specification is provided which includes two fixed module specifications, one for a push button and another for a selector switch. Like a fixed module specification, the template associated with a chosen type is simply expanded when the machine tree is compiled (i.e. no module results from a choice specification). A second type of language statement wholly separate from the standard LL rung form includes data definitions. Data definitions are common in programming language and should be familiar to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, data definitions will not be explained here in detail. Suffice it to say however, that in template language, data definitions are required to declare and reserve space for all PLC data table types such as inputs, outputs, timers, counters, etc., and allows the association of attributes with each declaration. Extensions to the Underlying Control Language Form (LL) While some logic is always the same for a specific machine tree control-task type, other logic is job-specific and distinct to an associated given module and would be extremely difficult to furnish in prewritten LL or other template sections. For example, one typical prerequisite for turning on a machine 1610 to begin an industrial process is that all local control panels (i.e. control panels other than the master control panel) be in remote mode often called “automatic”. Remote mode means that a control panel forfeits control over the local machine section to an operator panel located higher up in the machine tree, for instance the master control panel. Local mode (e.g. “manual”), disables the parent operator panel and permits only local control of a section of the machine. Thus, one LL logic rung called “all child nodes remote” in a main control panel module should include a series of contacts, one contact for each local control panel. Each local control panel module would include a coil corresponding to its contact in the “all child nodes remote” rung. When the local control panel is in remote mode, the local panel module coil would be energized, thus closing the corresponding contact in the “all child nodes remote” rung. Thus, a coil at the end of the “all child nodes remote” rung would indicate when all local panels are in automatic or remote mode allowing the machine 1610 to be turned on. Prior to designing a machine there is no way of knowing how many local control panels will be required. One machine may not require any local control panels while another machine may require ten or more local control panels. The number of local control panels required for a machine is job-specific. This means that prior to designing a machine 1610, there is no way to determine the number of contacts required in the “all child nodes remote” rung in a main control panel module. Unfortunately, standard LL rung forms do not allow for variable numbers of contacts and, therefore, cannot adjust to job-specific requirements. While a programmer could alter the form of an “all child nodes remote” rung while manually programming using templates, when the programmer is using automated editors there is presently no easy way to change rung form to accommodate job-specific parameters. To overcome this limitation, the template language includes both macro instructions and a symbolic expression language that are extensions to the standard LL rung form itself. One macro instruction is an “AND list” instruction which provides a mechanism by which variable numbers of series contacts can be provided in an LL rung. The number of contacts can be tied to job specific requirements. For example, where four local control panels are required in an “all child nodes remote” rung, the “AND list” macro would provide four contacts, one for each local panel. In the alternative, where ten local panels are provided the “AND list” macro would provide ten contacts, one for each local panel. The symbolic expression language is used with the macro instructions to designate macro operands. The symbolic expressions include single characters that may be concatenated with template-authored symbolic names (defined using Data Definition statements) to form reusable operand specifiers. These symbolic expressions may be used by placing them above LL instructions in an LL rung. A preferred set of symbols consists of three path specifiers and two separators. Path specifiers indicate where relevant operand definitions can be found. Separators allow concatenation of more path information such as the name of a specific child module, data item, or attribute. A first path specifier is the symbol “$”. Specifier “$” indicates the name of the module that the specifier appears in. For example, if specifier “$” appeared in the master control panel module, the specifier would provide a path to the master control panel module. In addition, the specifier would also provide partial paths to all main control panel child modules. A second path specifier is symbol “#”. Symbol “#” indicates the instance of a particular member of a list. A third path specifier is symbol “^” which may be followed by a template type name. Symbol “^” represents the first ancestor (i.e. parent, grandparent . . . ) module whose type matches the type designated after the symbol. A first separator is symbol “.”. Symbol “.” indicates that the text following is the symbolic name of a child module or data definition within the program unit designated by the path specifier preceding the separator. A second separator is symbol ″ indicating that the text following it is the symbolic name of an attribute associated with the entity designated by the path specifier preceding the separator. For the purposes of this explanation, attributes will include module list names. Referring to FIG. 19, a standard “all child nodes remote” LL rung 1925 that might appear in master control panel logic is illustrated. The rung 1925 includes three contacts MACHINE.LP1.AUTO, MACHIINE.LP2.AUTO and MACHINE.LP3.AUTO and a single coil named MACHINE.ALL CHILD NODES REMOTE. Each of the three contacts “MACHINE.LP1.AUTO”, MACHINE.LP2,AUTO”, and “MACHINE.LP3.AUTO” corresponds to a separate local control panel (not shown). Referring also to FIG. 20, the symbolic expression language described above can be combined with an “AND list” macro to provide an LL rung 2027 that can expand into rung 1925 having three contacts when compiled. An AND list macro 2028 and a single “all child nodes remote” coil make up rung 2027. The “AND list” macro 2028 includes symbol “$” which specifies a path to the present module. The ″ indicates that the symbolic name “LPS” that follows is an attribute associated with the present module. In this case “LPS” is a module list associated with the main control panel module. Thus, the expression “$” represents a module list in the main control panel module. The module list provides operands to the “AND list” macro. The “AND list” macro 2028 includes the condition “Auto” with the path specifier “#”. Specifier “#” indicates that the “Auto” condition should be concatenated with the operands above the “AND list” command. When compiled by an automated compiler (or by hand), the “AND list” macro 2028 expands into series contacts, one contact for each reference in the module list “LPS.” For example, assuming the module list “LPS” included a job-specific membership of three instances name “LP1,” “LP2” and “LP3,” rung 2027 would expand into rung 1925. Similarly, if the module list “LPS” included a job-specific membership of ten instances, rung 2027 would expand into a rung having ten series contacts, each contact named for a different one of the ten instances in the list. Thus, using the symbolic expression language in conjunction with the “AND list” macro, the number of series contacts can vary, depending upon job-specific parameters. A second macro instruction is an “OR list” instruction. The “OR list”, like the “AND list”, when combined with the symbolic expression language, provides for variable rung forms, depending upon job-specific parameters. However, instead of providing series contacts, the “OR list” macro provides variable numbers of parallel contacts. An exemplary rung 2130 including an OR list macro 2131 is illustrated in FIG. 21. “$Requests” specifies a module list named “Coil Requests” having a job-specific membership. Each instance in the “Coil Requests” list is to be concatenated with a coil request name and all instances are to be placed in parallel in rung 2130 when the rung 2130 is compiled. Therefore, if module list “Coil Requests” includes three job-specific instances, three parallel contacts (one contact named for each instance) will replace the “OR list” macro 2131 when compiled. If the module list “Coil Requests” includes ten job-specific instances, the “OR list” macro 2131 would be replaced by ten, uniquely named parallel contacts. The “OR” and “AND list” macros are extremely powerful and add a level of flexibility to programming in the template language that cannot be provided using the standard LL rung form. Using the macros in conjunction with the symbolic expression language facilitates templates that refer to variable job-specific parameters and to data items defined in other modules by associated templates even before the job specific parameters and data items are defined. In addition to the macros and symbolic expression language, there is one other type of extension to the standard LL rung form itself called pseudoinstructions. Pseudoinstructions take three forms: XPC, XPO and OTX which correspond to standard XIC (examine if closed), XIO (examine if open) and OTE (output enable) LL instructions. XPC and XPO stand for examine predicate closed and examine predicate open, respectively. OTX stands for output expansion. One of the problems with any LL programming shortcut based on a modular library of LL logic components is that logic must be provided to accommodate all possible requirements. Therefore, in many cases logic that is not required in a specific application will be provided to cover general requirements. Moreover, sometimes logic required in general applications are not permitted in specific applications. For example, typically there is less danger associated with movements in a cycle's second half than with movements in the first half and therefore, a reduced set of conditions may be provided for second half-cycle movements than for first half-cycle movements. The first half-cycle includes movements that shift the mill spindle toward or into a workpiece. The second half-cycle includes movements that shift the spindle out of and away from the workpiece. Prior to any axis movement there is typically a set of conditions that must be met to ensure a safe move. Therefore, a reduced set of conditions can apply to second half-cycle movements, the reduced set reflecting the reduced possibility of danger. The preferred template set includes only one template type corresponding to axis movement. Therefore, the axis movement template must include logic for both the full set of conditions used in the case of a first half-cycle movement and the reduced set of conditions used in the case of a second half-cycle movement. Referring to FIG. 22, a required full set of conditions will show up in an LL logic rung 2234 as a full set 2233 of series-connected contacts C1-C5. When all of the conditions are met, all of the contacts C1-C5 are closed and an associated output coil OUT is energized, indicating that an associated axis movement can begin. The reduced set of conditions corresponding to the second half-cycle shows up in LL logic as a branch 2235 parallel to the full set 2233 of contacts, the branch including a reduced set of contacts C6, C7; one contact for each condition in the reduced condition set. Thus, the axis movement template provides LL logic 2233, 2235 for movements in both the first and second half-cycles. While both the full and reduced logic sets may be applicable to movement in the second half-cycle, they are not both applicable to movements in the first half-cycle. In other words, if an axis movement module corresponds to a first half-cycle movement, branch 2235 including the reduced logic set is not permitted, but branch 2235 is required for a second half-cycle movement. XPC and XPO pseudoinstructions are used to examine compile time constants representing configuration options such as the ones shown in FIG. 22. The effect of the evaluation will be either a short or an open circuit in the generated program, depending on evaluation result. For instance, the result of an XPC on a true condition is a short circuit while the result of an XPO on a true condition is an open circuit. In FIG. 22, an XPC contact 2236 identifying a second half-function is provided in series with the logic of branch 2235. The XPC contact 2236 shorts when rung 2234 is associated with a second half-cycle movement and is an open circuit when rung 2234 is associated with a first half-cycle movement. Therefore, upon compiling, the XPC contact 2236 leaves branch 2235 in rung 2234 when a corresponding movement is in a second half-cycle and removes branch 2235 when a corresponding movement is in the first half-cycle. A side effect of the compile time evaluation of pseudoinstructions can be further optimization of the generated logic. For instance, an open circuit in series with other input instructions renders the other instructions unnecessary. A branch that is shorted renders parallel branches unnecessary. With the XPO and XPC instructions, unnecessary instructions can be removed from their associated circuits without changing the meaning of the circuit. Upon compilation, optimization can ripple recursively through a program, potentially causing entire rungs, including coils, to be discarded. Template language allows expression and encapsulation of that, and only that, which is universally true of a particular machine component or operating characteristic. A side effect of this is that the granularity of some of the templates can be very fine. This means that the topology of some of the circuits after expansion can be very inefficient. For example, referring to FIG. 22, the redundant branch 2233 including contacts C1-C5 would be produced for second half functions. To rectify this, the OTX pseudoinstruction enables the template author to instruct the compiler to optimize certain circuits. When the compiler encounters an XIC or XIO instruction whose contact is an OTX coil, it will replace the instruction with an in-line expansion of the actual contents of the rung associated with the OTX coil. For example, referring to FIG. 22-1, a first LL rung 2220 includes contacts A and B and an OTX coil C. A second LL rung 2222 includes contacts C and D and other “stuff” where contact C corresponds to the OTX coil C. When compiled, coils A and B corresponding to OTX coil C are expanded into the coil in branch 2222 yielding branch 2224 as shown in FIG. 22-2. This provides the template author with a large degree of control over the resulting topology of the generated circuits. Referring now to FIGS. 23-35 an exemplary set of templates is provided which can be used to better understand template language generally. The preferred template group is a subset of a template set specifically designed for the metal-removal industry. Referring to FIG. 23, a machine template 2398 includes the template type designation “machine” and a blank name field 2399 that has to be filled in to identify a specific machine module. The machine template 2398 itself does not directly include LL logic and hence, has no LL logic section. Instead, the machine template has a child module specification section 2396 a including several module specifications including a named module specification called “master control panel” 2300 and both axis- and indexer-list module specifications 2302, 2304, respectively. Because each machine must include at least one control panel for safety purposes, every machine template (and hence every machine module) must include a master control panel specification 2300. Referring to FIG. 24, a master control panel template 2406 includes an LL logic section 2494b required for start and stop push buttons. The logic in section 2494b is universally required for all master control panels. In addition, the master control panel template 2406 includes a child module specification section 2496b that references other modules using module specifications. The modules designated in the child module specification section 2496b may be required to completely provide LL logic to control the master control panel 2458. Whether or not modules must be designated in the child ID section 2496b depends on job specific requirements. Note that named module specification “remote cycle enabler” and fixed module specification “operator panel” are required attributes of any master control panel module. Referring again to FIG. 23, the module list named “axis” 2302 includes a list of all machine-wide axes. In the present example, the “air” axis is the only machine-wide axis and therefore, the axis-module list specification would include only a single specification called “air”. Referring to FIG. 25, an axis template 2508 includes an axis template designation, a name field 2510, and a child module specification section 2596c having three separate module specifications for switch packet, trajectory and actuator, all of which have to be detailed to completely define an axis. Referring again to FIG. 23, the indexer module list specification 2304 includes a list of indexer modules, one for each machine indexer. In the present example, there is only a single indexer T1 and, therefore, only one indexer entry, identifying indexer module T1, would appear in the indexer list specification. Referring to FIG. 26, an indexer module includes an indexer template designation, name field 2614, and a child module specification section 2696d. The module ID section 2696d includes an optional module specification 2616 for a control panel and two module list specifications, one for axis 2618 and another for station 2620. In the present example, because there is no indexer control panel, the optional control panel would not be designated. Because we have one indexer axis (i.e. “transfer”), there would be one specification in the axis module list specification 2618 named “transfer”. In addition, because there are five stations, there would be five specifications in the station module list specification 2620. Each station designated in module list 2620 would identify a different station module corresponding to a different one of the five stations S1S5. Referring now to FIG. 27, the station template 2722 is nearly identical to the indexer template 2712 of FIG. 27, except that, instead of having a station module list specification, the station template 2722 includes a work-unit module list specification 2724. In the present example, there would be five separate station modules like the one in FIG. 27, each module identified by a different name in the name field 2725 and corresponding to a like-named station in the station module list 2720 of the indexer module named “T1”. Referring now to FIG. 28, a work-unit template 2826 includes a work-unit designation, a name field 2828, and a child module specification section 2896e having only two module specifications, an optional operator panel module specification 2830, and an axis module list specification 2832 identifying all axes associated with a work-unit. In the present example, because the horizontal mill 2822 includes three axes (spindle, main slide, and cross slide), three separate specifications would be included in the axis module list specification 2832 identifying three separate and distinctly named axis templates. In addition, because the horizontal mill 2822 includes a local control panel 2857, the optional operator panel module specification would be designated. The templates in FIGS. 37-43, represent all of the templates required to completely specify an axis. To specify an axis, it is necessary to define all positions associated with an axis and switches that indicate positions. The switches act as controller inputs for the axis. In addition, it is necessary to define possible axis-movement requests, herein referred to as trajectories. Moreover, it is also necessary to define actuators used to effect trajectories and how a controller will communicate with the actuators (i.e. coils and coil requests). Coils and coil requests act as controller outputs to the actuators. Referring also to FIG. 18, a template-based tree branch 1800 for one axis, the main slide axis of the horizontal mill, is illustrated showing the hierarchical relationship between modules required to define the main slide axis. Referring also to FIG. 25, to accommodate all the information required to specify an axis, the axis template 2508 includes a child ID section 2596c having a named “switch package” module specification 2591a and sections 2591b and 2591c for trajectory and actuator module list specifications, respectively. Therefore, in module list specification 2591b, the trajectory list would only include two specifications, one for “advance” and one for “return”. In FIG. 18, the “advance” and “return” trajectories are shown as child modules 1804 and 1806. Referring still to FIG. 25, the main slide subassembly includes only a single motor, which is the main slide actuator. Therefore, only one actuator “motor” will be designated in the actuator module list specification 2591c. In FIG. 18, the main slide actuator is shown as child module 1808. Switch package module 1810 is also a child module of main slide axis module 1802. Referring also to FIG. 37, the switch package template 3793 includes child ID section 3796f having two module list specifications 3794 and 3795. A “limit switch” module list specification 3794 is used to specify axis switches. The main slide axis includes advanced switch 3739 and returned switch. Thus, switch module list specification 3794 would specify two switches as switch package child modules named “advanced LS” and “returned LS.” The two switches define three main slide positions named “advanced,” “intermediate” and “returned.” Therefore, position module list specification 3795 would specify three positions as switch package child modules named “advanced,” “intermediate,” and “returned.” Referring to FIGS. 37 and 38, a position template 3803 is used to provide a position module for each position designated in position list section 3795. Each position template 3802 includes a name field 3801 for identifying the specific position modules (i.e. in the present case “advanced”, “intermediate” and “returned”). In addition, each position template 3803 includes four separate module list specifications 3804a, 3804b, 3804c and 3804d corresponding to two possible types of limit switches and two possible states of each type of switch (i.e., normally open (NO) tripped, NO released, normally closed (NC) tripped, and NC released). Each of the lists 3804a, 3804b, 3804c and 3804d is populated with switches from switch module list specification 3894 that are in a corresponding state (i.e., tripped or released). For example, when a main slide subassembly is in the advanced position, the advanced switch is tripped and the returned switch is released. Assuming both switches are wired normally open (NO), the advanced switch would be listed in the NO tripped LS module list specification 3804a while the returned switch would be listed in the NO released LS module list specification 3804b (in this case no switches would be listed in module list specifications 3804c and 3804d). Referring again to FIG. 18, the NO tripped advanced switch and NO released returned switch are shown as child modules 1816 and 1817 for the position module 1813 named “advanced.” Similarly, position templates for the “intermediate” and “returned” positions would be populated with appropriate switches. In FIG. 18 intermediate position module 1814 has two child modules, “NO released advanced LS” 1818 and “NO released returned LS” 1819 while returned position module 1815 has child modules “NO released advanced LS” 1820 and “NO tripped returned LS” 1821. Referring to FIGS. 25 and 39, a trajectory template would have to be designated and populated for each axis trajectory (i.e., each movement request). For the horizontal mill main slide, there are two trajectories, “advance” and “return”. Therefore, there would be two trajectory modules, one named “advance” and a second named “return” which are shown as child modules 1804 and 1806, respectively, in FIG. 18. Each trajectory can be divided into various moves. A simple single speed linear trajectory includes three moves. An “initial” move begins trajectory motion followed by an “intermediate” move between two positions, the trajectory ending with a “final” move that stops the motion. Thus, referring still to FIG. 39, the trajectory template 3909 includes a child module specification section 3996g for a move module list specification. Referring also to FIG. 18, the “advance” trajectory module 1804 includes “initial” 1822, “intermediate” 1823 and “final” 1824 move child modules. The “return” trajectory 1806 includes similar child modules 1825, 1826, 1827. Referring to FIG. 40, a move module based on move template 4016 must be provided for each move in child module specification section 4096h. Each move template 4016 includes a child module specification section 4096h for a coil request module list specification. A coil request is a request to a specific coil to actuate an actuator (e.g. motor) when a specific position associated with a move has been reached. For example, on a two speed motor, one coil may drive the motor at one speed to facilitate one move. A second sequential move, however, may require excitement of two coils to activate two motors to achieve a greater speed once an intermediate position has been reached. Thus, a single move may require two or more different coil requests. A coil request module based on the coil request template shown in FIG. 41 must be provided for each coil request designated in the child module specification section 4096h of a move module. Referring to FIGS. 25 and 42, for each actuator designated in actuator module list specification 2591c, an actuator module based on actuator template 4218 must be provided. Each actuator module must be named to distinguish specific modules. The actuator template 4218 includes a child module specification section 4296i for designating a coil module list specification 4219. A coil is an output to drive a motor or the like. Referring also to FIG. 18, for the horizontal mill main slide there are only two coils, a “work” coil and a “home” coil shown as child modules 1828 and 1829. Referring to FIG. 43, a coil module based on coil template 1821 must be provided for each coil module designated in a specification 1819. Once all the trajectories, actuator, limit switches, positions, moves, coil requests, and coils have been identified and associated module list specifications have been populated and required modules have been provided, the tree branch and corresponding LL logic required to completely control the axis has been designated. Modules based on all of the templates illustrated in FIGS. 37- 43 are required to define each axis. C. Function Contingencies Using a complete template set it should be fairly easy for one skilled in the art to construct a complete template-based machine tree using the template set. However, at least one template-based programming aspect is not entirely intuitive based upon a perusal of the complete template set. This complex template programming aspect is how the function template 4936 in FIGS. 49A and 49B which controls function performance is to be used. Function performance must be limited by the instantaneous characteristics of other functions in the same cycle. These instantaneous characteristics can be gleaned from a bar chart. For the purposes of referring to various functions in this explanation, where one function is observed from the perspective of another function, the function observed will be referred to as an observed function and the other function will be referred to as the observing function. Four separate relationships exist between any two of the four functions, (or, more precisely, between the action of the observing function and the done condition of the observed function). A first relationship is a “stable/unstable” relationship. Stable simply means that an observed function does not start or stop during an observing function. A second relationship is a “cancel by other/cancel by me” relationship. Where an observed function is unstable from the perspective of an observing function, the state of the observed function is changed either by the observing function or by some other condition. When the observing function changes the observed function state, the observed function is said to be canceled by the observing function. From the perspective of the observing function, the second function is categorized as “canceled by me”. When some condition other than the observing function changes the observed function state, from the observing function perspective, the observed function is “canceled by other”. A third relationship is a “my half-cycle/other half” relationship. “My half-cycle” means that an observed function starts before an observing function in the observing function's half of a cycle. “Other half” means that the observed function is either in the opposite half-cycle as the observing function or, if both observing and observed functions are in the same half-cycle, the observed function starts after the observing function. The fourth relationship is a “position/latch” relationship. This relationship deals with the nature of the observed function itself. A function can have one of three different natures, position, latch or a combination of both. Functions of the position nature will end when a specific axis position is reached. Referring now to FIG. 50, an attributes table 5031 is illustrated that includes an attributes column 5032, twelve “bucket” columns A-L, and a list of the possible function attributes described above. A user can employ this table 431 to categorize, from the perspective of an observing function, all other observed functions in a cycle into one of the twelve buckets A-L. For example when function B1 is the observing function, observed function B2 is a stable, other half, position function which places function B2 in bucket J. Similarly, with function B1 observing, observed functions B3 and B4 would be placed in bucket J. With function B2 observing, observed function B1 is a stable, my half of cycle, position function which places function B1 in bucket I. With function B2 observing, both observed functions B3 and B4 go in bucket J. With function B3 observing, observed functions B1 and B2 are stable, other half, position functions placed in bucket J while observed function B4 is an unstable, canceled by me, other half, position function placed in bucket F. With function B4 observing, functions B1 and B2 go in bucket J while function B3 is a stable, my half-cycle, position function in bucket I. Note that with function B4 observing, function B3 is considered “stable” because the cutter clear position CCP, once achieved, is not reversed until after function B4 has been completed. For every function B1-B4, there is an inverse function in an opposite half-cycle that is stable and is a position. For example, function B3 is the inverse of function B1 while function B2 is the inverse of function B4. Thus, all cycle functions can be divided into two groups, a first group being the inverse of the other. Gathering information about both function groups requires duplicative effort. Therefore, when defining a function by its relationships with other cycle functions, only a function corresponding to the first group, or, in the alternative, the second group, is required. When bucketing functions with function B1 observing, a user would work backwards through the cycle bucketing functions until a duplicative function is encountered. Working back, as explained above, observed function B4 would be placed in bucket J. Observed function B3, however, is the inverse of function B1 and therefore represents duplicative information. Here, because function B3 is the inverse of function B1, B3 could not possibly be performed during B1 and therefore, B3 need not be bucketed. As for function B2 information, that information is reflected in the bucketing of function B4 and is not needed. Thus, for each function in a cycle, only one other function would be bucketed (i.e. B4 bucketed for B1, B3 for B4, B2 for B1, and B1 for B2). Obviously, the present example is extremely simple. However, one of ordinary skill in the art should easily be able to apply these teachings to bucket functions for complex cycles. In addition to instantaneous characteristics of other functions in the same cycle, commencement and continuance of a function is also contingent upon three other conditions. A first condition is that a function will not start in an automatic sequencing mode of operation unless it is in its start position. A second contingency is that a function will not start in a manual discrete stepping mode of operation until all required control buttons have been triggered by a user. A third contingency is that a function will not start in any operating mode unless prescribed safety requirements are met. Referring again to FIG. 50, the attributes column 5032 includes attributes “my start position”, “push button”, and “safety” corresponding to each of the three contingencies identified above. Three additional bucket columns M-O are provided, each column corresponding to a different one of the three conditions. Each instance of a condition is bucketed into an appropriate column, M-O. Referring to FIGS. 49A and 50, after all functions and contingencies that must be bucketed have been bucketed according to attributes table 5031, they can be used to populate lists in a module list specification section 2342. The list specification section 2342 includes one module list specification for each bucket A-O in table 5031. Each module list should be populated with functions or other contingencies corresponding to the list name. Referring to FIG. 49A, the function template 2336 also includes a plurality of “AND list” macros 234A-2340, one macro corresponding to each module list specification in section 2342. When expanded, each “AND list” macro 2344A-2340 expands into a series-connected set of contacts, one contact for each member in an associated module list specification. The coils in series with the macro are excited only when each contact in the series is true. Thus, coil “A” will not be excited unless all functions bucketed and placed in the “unstable, canceled by other, my half, position” module list specification 2348 are true. Similarly, coil “O” will not be excited unless all safeties in safety module list specification 2346 are true. In addition to the instantaneous characteristics of other functions in the same cycle and the other contingencies identified above, function performance may also depend on the physical characteristics of an axis. Physical characteristics of an axis or an industrial process can put additional constraints on the manner in which a function can safely be performed. Functions can be divided into three types based on the kinds of constraints placed on them. A first function type is a normal function. Normal functions can be performed either in forward or reverse directions without damaging a workpiece or an associated machine's components. Performing a function in reverse means making the axis move in the opposite direction of the trajectory related to the function. This may produce the same effect as, but in terms of function logic is not the same as, performing the functions inverse function. A second function type is a non-reversible function meaning that, after the function has been performed in whole or in part, in the forward direction, it cannot be reversed and performed in the other direction. An example of a non-reversible function is a transfer bar forward movement function which cannot be reversed once it has started forward as it might cause damage to work pieces or a fixture's axis components. The third function type is a non-repeatable function. A non-repeatable function cannot be started forward a second time once it has been performed to completion. For example, where an axis device places a pin in a hole while performing a function, after the function is performed, the function cannot again be performed because the hole is already blocked by the first pin. Hence, the function is non-repeatable. To accommodate the three separate function types (i.e. normal, non-reversible and non-repeating), template 2336 includes a choice module specification 438 having “normal function mapping” 2339, “non-reversible function mapping” 440 and “non-repeatable function mapping” 2341 specifications. Depending upon function types, a user would choose one of said specifications 2339-2341 and provide an associated mapping module. The only other function characteristic that must be determined to completely define the function template 2336 is to specify in which half-cycle a function occurs, first or second. Cycle half specification is required for contact 2350 in FIG. 49B. After all of the module specifications have been designated for the function template 49A, 49B, the user is done programming control of the specific function. Referring to FIGS. 49A and 51 when normal function mapping is chosen in template 5136, the bucketed functions and conditions from table 5031 are mapped into mapping coils 5149 according to a normal function mapping template 5151. Similarly, where the non-reversible or non-repeating mapping choices are made in template 2336, other mapping templates are used to map bucketed functions and conditions slightly differently. Thus, using a template set, function performance can be made contingent upon axis physical characteristics, instantaneous characteristics of functions sharing a cycle, the state of a cycle itself, the state of any control means associated with the function, and whether or not job-specific safeties associated with a function have been met. D. Editors In addition to providing truly reusable subsets of control logic, a template set makes automated programming possible wherein programming editors mirror the diagraming conventions which are already widely used in industrial control programming. The editors allow a user to construct images that are similar to conventional diagrams and documentation. During image construction, the editors use information from the images to create modules and populate specifications in existing modules. After a user has used the editors to describe all aspects of a machine, all required modules have been populated and a complete template-based machine tree is formed in editor memory. Then, a computer is used to compile the machine tree and provide required LL control logic. Referring to FIG. 29, the four editors are referred to herein as a machine editor 2962a, an axis editor 2962b, a control panel editor 2962c, and a bar chart editor 2962d. In addition to imitating traditional diagrams, each of the editors has been designed to incorporate conventional computer interface features that most programmers should already be comfortable using. Conventional features include an interactive computer terminal that presents programming options in pull down menu form and allows option selection using a mouse or other similar selection means. 1. Machine Editor The machine editor 2962a allows a user to build a floor plan image directly on a computer monitor. During image construction, the machine editor 2962a constructs a template-based machine tree reflecting the floor plan image. In addition, while a user is constructing a template-based tree, the editor 2962a is simultaneously gleaning information from the tree and either creating new template-based modules or populating existing modules so as to provide a template-based tree specification. The machine editor 2962a only facilitates construction of the floor plan and the portion of a machine tree corresponding thereto. The machine editor 2962a cannot specify specific aspects of an axis, an operator panel, or a sequence of events. Specification of these more detailed aspects of a machine are reserved for the axis 2962b, control panel 2962c, and bar chart 2962d editors, respectively. As depicted in FIG. 29, the machine editor 2962a accesses the other special editors when specific detail is required. Referring now to FIG. 30, an initial machine editor image 3042 that is displayed on a monitor at the beginning of a programming session includes a menu bar 3044 at the top of the image 3042 and a split screen having a tree section 3049 and a floor plan section 3050. The tree section 3049 provides an area wherein the editor 2962 a visually displays a template machine tree as a corresponding floor plan is constructed. The floor plan section 3050 is where the floor plan itself is constructed. The menu bar 3044 includes two choices, FILE and EDIT. The FILE choice allows a user to store, retrieve, and delete files from memory. The FILE choice operates in a manner that should be familiar to an artisan of ordinary skill in the art and therefore will not be explained here in detail. The EDIT choice allows a user to simultaneously construct and edit both a floor plan in the floor plan section 3050 and a template-based tree in the tree section 3049. Initially, a single icon 3052 corresponding to a main control panel appears in the upper left-hand corner of the floor plan section 3050 and both a machine module reference and a master control panel reference appear in the upper left-hand corner of the tree section 3049. The master control panel reference is below the machine module reference and indented to show a hierarchical parent-child relationship. These initial entries are provided to a user because they are always required as designated in the templates. Every template-based tree must begin with a machine module and every machine must have a master control panel for safety purposes. The machine module reference corresponds to the entire floor plan as constructed in the floor plan section 3050. The master control panel module corresponds to the control panel icon 3052. Furthermore, to uniquely identify the machine, the editor 2962a initially provides a floating name box 3054 prompting the user to enter a machine name. The machine name is used by the editor 2962a to identify the correct machine module for a given industrial process. In the example above, the process is named “AB1” and therefore, the machine module name is AB1 and AB1 is eventually placed at the top of the tree representation in tree section 3049 (see FIG. 31). After entering the machine name, a user can start building a floor plan by selecting the EDIT choice from menu bar 3044. When EDIT is selected, the editor 2962a provides a menu of possible programming options for further detailing whatever item in the floor plan section 3050 is selected. At the beginning of a programming session, there are only two possible items that can be selected, the machine itself or the master control panel. To select the master control panel, the user would click on the master control panel icon 3052. To select the machine, the user would click on an area of the floor plan section 3050 that does not include an icon. Typically, a user would wait until near the end of a programming session to detail the master control panel because he would know more about the machine at that time. Referring now to FIG. 31, with the machine selected for editing and the EDIT choice chosen, a pull-down menu 3156 appears providing options for editing the machine module AB1. Referring also to FIG. 23, a machine template 2398 can only be edited by adding to or subtracting from the axis 2302 or indexer 2304 module list specification. Therefore, the pull-down menu 3156 includes the only four possible machine module options: ADD INDEXER, ADD AXIS, DELETE INDEXER, and DELETE AXIS. (Delete options are only provided after an axis or indexer has already been added.) Referring also to FIG. 16, in the present example, because the machine requires a single directly-connected axis, the user would select ADD AXIS from the menu 3156. Because each axis requires a unique name, after selecting ADD AXIS, the editor 2962 a would request a name for the new axis using a floating name box (not shown). In the present case, a user would enter “air” as the name of the axis. Then, the editor 2962a would provide an axis module reference named “air” below the AB1 module reference in the tree section 3149 and would also provide an air axis icon 3158a next to the master control panel icon 3152 in the floor plan section 3150. The “air” module reference, like the master control panel reference, will be indented from the AB1 module reference to show a parent/child relationship. While the editor 2962a is forming the floor plan in floor plan section 3150, the editor 2962a is also creating modules and populating existing module specifications. Referring to FIG. 32, the method 3243 of creating and populating begins at process block 3245 where the editor 2962a gleans new image information from the image. Where an “air” axis image has been added to the floor plan and named, the editor 2962a would identify a new axis designated “air”. At decision block 3246 the editor 2962a determines if the new information requires an additional module. Where an additional module is required, at block 3247 the editor 2962a creates an additional module. Here, after the “air axis has been named, the editor 2962a creates an axis module named “air”. Next, at decision block 3248, the editor 2962a determines if the newly-gleaned information is required to populate an existing module. If so, at block 3251 the editor 2962a populates the existing module. After the required modules have been created and existing modules populated, at block 3253 the editor 2962a determines if the image in section 3250 is complete. Typically image completion will be signaled when a user stores an image via the FILE option in menu bar 3144. When the image is complete, the editor 2962a exits process 3243. If the image is not complete, the editor 2962a cycles back to process block 3145 and continues to glean new image information used to create additional modules and populate existing modules. After the “air” axis has been added to the floor plan and named, the user again selects EDIT from the menu bar 3144, this time selecting the ADD INDEXER choice to add an indexer T1. When ADD INDEXER is selected, because each indexer module requires a unique name, the editor 2962a would request an indexer name using another floating name box. After entering “T1” to identify the indexer in the present example, the editor 2962a would provide a “T1” module reference below and indented from the AB1 module reference in the tree section 3149 and would also provide an indexer icon 3160 in the floor plan section 3150. Using the mouse the programmer could click on the indexer icon 3160 and drag it into a desired position suitable for building the desired floor plan. In FIG. 31, the indexer icon 3160 is shown in the right hand portion of the floor plan section 3150. Referring again to FIG. 32, each time new information is added to the floor plan image, the editor 2962a follows process 3243 to create new modules and populate existing ones. If needed, a user can again select EDIT and add additional indexers and axes to provide a template-based machine tree and floor plan that corresponds to any machine configuration. For example, if a machine requires a source of pressurized coolant in addition to the air source, a coolant axis could be added to the machine module by again selecting ADD AXIS in the EDIT menu. In the present example, however, the machine includes only one axis (“air”), one indexer (“T1”) and the required master control panel. Thus, at this point, fundamental characteristics (i.e. axis, indexers, and control panel) of the machine module have been identified. Next, the user can further specify either the indexer “T1” or the “air” axis. To further specify the indexer T1, the user selects the indexer icon 3160 with the mouse and then again selects EDIT. Referring again to FIG. 26, the indexer template 2612 can be edited only by adding an operator panel, a station or an axis specification, or by deleting a station or axis specification. Therefore, referring to FIG. 33, in this case, the EDIT menu would provide five options: ADD STATION, ADD AXIS, ADD OPERATOR PANEL, DELETE STATION, and DELETE AXIS (delete options are only provided after station or axis has been added). At the indexer level an operator panel is optional and should only be provided when required to meet job specific characteristics. As with the machine module, here, where an axis is to be added to the indexer Ti, the user would select ADD AXIS and name the axis. The editor 2962a would then provide an axis module reference below the indexer module reference Ti and indented in the tree section 3149 and provide an axis icon in the floor plan section 3150. In the present example, the indexer T1 includes a “transfer” axis shown below the indexer “T1” reference in section 3149 and shown as transfer icon 3158b in section 3150 of FIG. 33. The transfer icon 3158b initially appears near the top of the floor plan section 3150 and is dragged down next to the indexer icon 3160 to signify the relationship therebetween. To add a station to the indexer, the user selects ADD STATION and names the specific station. The editor 2962a then provides a station module reference in the tree section 3149 and a station icon in the floor plan section 3150 which can be dragged into its proper location next to the indexer icon 3160. Additional stations are selected in the same manner but must be provided different names. In the present example, because there are five separate stations, the user adds five separate stations to the floor plan, each of which is individually represented in both the tree 3149 and floor plan 3150 sections. In FIG. 33, all five stations, named S1-S5, are shown as five separate icons 3366, 3367, 3368, 3369 and 3370. The icons have been positioned to show machine component relationships. This process of selecting and naming menu items to construct both the template-based machine tree and the floor plan continues until the floor plan is completely designated, from the machine level down to the axis level. A complete floor plan for the process is shown in FIG. 34 including icons representing the indexer, five stations, a work-unit named “LH” at the first station corresponding to a loader, a work-unit named “LV” at the second station corresponding to a drill, an LV unit at the third station corresponding to a turret drill, an LV unit at the fourth station corresponding to a horizontal mill, an “RH” at the fifth station corresponding to an unloader, an operator panel represented by icon 3400, a master control panel represented by icon 3452, and a separate icon for each axis. In the tree section 3149, LH stands for “left horizontal” meaning the work-unit is positioned on the left hand side of its associated station and moves horizontally with respect to the station. Similarly, LV stands for “left vertical” meaning movement is along a vertical axis and RH stands for “right horizontal” meaning the work-unit is positioned on the right hand side of its associated station and moves horizontally with respect to the station. Despite the drill, turret drill, and horizontal mill all having the name LV, each is distinguishable because of their parent/child associations with different parent stations. Importantly, the parent/child associations are recognized by the compiler. As in FIG. 16, the loader at station S1 in FIG. 34 includes a single axis named “shuttle” 3458c. Similarly, the drill at station S2 includes two axes named “spindle” 3458d and “slide” 3458e, and the turret drill at station S 3 includes axes named “spindle”, “slide” and “turret” (icons not shown). The mill includes axes named “spindle” 3458f, “main slide” 3458g and “cross slide” 3458h, and the unloader includes an axis named “ejector” 3458i. When the floor plan is completed, the portion of the template-based machine tree in tree section 3149 is completely designated. Next, the special editors can be used to define the characteristics of each axis 3458a-3458i and the control panels, as well as define sequences of axis movement. Referring to FIG. 34, the horizontal mill is represented in the floor plan image as the fourth station S4 and all other components connected thereto. Thus, station S4 includes a left vertical mill LV having a local control panel represented by icon 3400 and spindle, main slide and cross slide axis represented by axis icons 3458f, 3458g, 3458h. 2. Axis Editor Referring again to FIG. 34, when an axis icon is selected, the machine editor 2962a switches editing control to the axis editor 2962b which allows a programmer to specify axis characteristics. Referring again to FIG. 29, the axis editor 2962b, like the machine editor 2962a, follows the same process for gleaning new image information to create new modules and populate existing modules. The only difference is that the axis editor 2962b and machine editor 2962a glean required information from different images and create and populate different module types. FIG. 35 depicts a control diagram 3574 for the main slide linear axis, as displayed on a programming monitor, along with additional information required to derive data for a template compiler. A flow chart of the process by which the user creates the control diagram is depicted in FIG. 36. Initially at process step 3572, the user constructs a behavior profile 3570 that is similar to the control metaphor for the desired machine cycle. The behavior profile 3570 is illustrated in the upper right portion of the display in FIG. 35 between lines 3575 and 3576 representing the extremes of the linear motion. The remainder of the display designates “physical attributes” of the axis, which attributes constitute the input and output signals required to operate the machine according to the behavior profile. At the outset of defining the operation of the main slide axis, a blank behavior profile is displayed with only the outer lines 3575 and 3576 that correspond to the extremes of the linear movement of the main slide subassembly. An EDIT choice appears at the top of the profile in a menu bar which, when selected, provides a menu of items that can be used to define the axis. In particular, the menu will include switches, actuators, and work requests. A box 3573 in which the user enters the length of the machine stroke, i.e. the distance between positions D0 and D1 also appears. In the present example, the stroke distance is 16.0 inches and can be entered in the box 3573 by selecting the box 3573 and entering an appropriate stroke via a keyboard. In FIG. 36 the user uses the edit menu to select a menu item on the terminal screen to define one of the limit switches, for example a switch for the fully returned position of the subassembly. After that selection, a limit symbol is displayed on a monitor and box 3577 appears to the left of the symbol within which the user enters the switch name, such as “returned LS”. A schematic representation 3580 of the limit switch appears adjacent to its symbol to indicate whether the limit switch contacts close or open when struck, or tripped, by a subassembly dog. A dog symbol 3582 also appears on a horizontal line 3578 which represents the linear axis of movement. One end of the dog symbol 3582 initially abuts the LEFT vertical line 3575 and another vertical line 3584 appears at the other end of the dog symbol. The graphical representation of the limit switch indicates when the limit switch is sending an active input signal to a programmable controller with respect to the positions of travel by the main slide subassembly. At step 3585, the user indicates whether the switch is normally opened or closed. This is accomplished by using a mouse or the keys on a keyboard to place the cursor over the schematic symbol 3580 and press the button to toggle the symbol open or closed. In a similar manner at step 3587, the user “grabs” the dog symbol 3582 to position the symbol along line 3578 to indicate positions on the axis where the dog trips the limit switch. The length of the dog symbol 3582 can be changed by using the cursor to grab one end of the symbol and stretch or contract the dog symbol. As the position and length of the dog symbol changes, so does the position of the vertical line 3584 which indicates the location along the linear axis at which the dog engages and disengages the corresponding limit switch. The dog symbol 3588 for the advanced limit switch also is created on the control diagram in this manner by the user again selecting the limit switch menu item at step 3590. Defining the other limit switch (i.e. “advanced LS”) also creates an additional vertical line 3586 on the control diagram 3566. The definition of the two limit switches divides the stroke length into three segments referred to as positions 3592, 3593, and 3594. The location and length of the dog symbols 3582, 3588 designate in which of these positions 3592-3594 the corresponding limit switch will be tripped by a carriage dog. In the present example, the returned limit switch is tripped by the dog when the subassembly is stopped in the “returned” position 3592. The advanced limit switch is tripped by the dog only when the subassembly is at the “advanced” position 3594. When neither the advanced nor returned LSs are tripped, the subassembly is in an “intermediate” position. As the limit switches are employed to signal when subassembly motion should be stopped, the operational positions 3592-3594 relate to different sections of the control metaphor. Specifically, “returned” position 3592 corresponds to the stopped position at distance D0 and position 3593 corresponds to the subassembly moving between distances D0 and D1. Similarly, position 3594 corresponds to the fully advanced position when the subassembly is stopped at distance D1. The terms “position” and “operational position,” as used herein, refer to physical locations at which the machine has different operating characteristics, for example movement speed and direction. A position may be a single physical location or a region of physical locations, such as the region between distance D0 and D1. After defining the signals for the two limit switches, the user then specifies the number of actuators (motors) which are employed to drive the subassembly. A separate block 3596 is created each time the user selects an ADD ACTUATOR menu item from the program editor software at step 3590. This enables the user to specify the number of motors, in this case one for the main slide motor. Each block 3596 is subdivided into three boxes for actuator name, speed (IN/MIN) and direction. The blocks 3596 may be subdivided further depending upon the types of actuators, i.e. . . . single speed-single direction, single speed-two direction, two speed-single direction, or two speed-two direction motors. In the present example, the main slide motor is a single-speed, two-direction device and thus its block 3596 has a single-speed box 3597 and two-direction boxes “work” 3599a and “home” 3599b. At step 3600, the user enters the speed of the slide motor in box 3597 but does not designate direction since both the advancing and retracting motions are provided by this actuator type. The editor software loops through steps 3600-3602 until information has been provided for each actuator selected. Each time an actuator block 3596 is added, removed or edited, the graphical editor has a column for every direction and/or speed coil for the motors and a line which corresponds to all of the possible combinations of motor speeds going toward and away from the workpiece. The exemplary main slide motor can advance the subassembly toward a workpiece at 100 inches per minute. Similarly, the motor can be used to retract the subassembly from a workpiece at 100 inches per minute. A black dot in various matrix locations indicates which of the motors are energized and their direction to produce the speed listed in the right column of the matrix 3604. When the matrix 3604 is formed, separate horizontal bars 3606 and 3608 are created across the behavior profile 3570 above and below the zero speed axis 3610. Each of the horizontal bars 3606 and 3608 is formed by individual segments within each of the operational positions 3592-3594. At step 3604, the user grabs the segments of the horizontal bars 3606 and 3608 in the behavior profile 3570 and positions the segments vertically to indicate the advancing and returning speed at which the subassembly is to move within each of the positions 3592-3594. For example, when an advance request is received, the subassembly is to move from the returned position 3592 through the intermediate position 3593 at a speed of 100 inches per minute. Upon the subassembly reaching the advanced position 3594 at distance D1, the speed goes to zero by stopping the motor. Thus, the portion of the behavior profile 3570 above the zero speed axis 3510 corresponds to moving the subassembly toward a workpiece. A similar representation in FIG. 35 is given for the speed of the subassembly away from the workpiece by locating the segments of horizontal bar 3608. Referring still to FIGS. 35 and 36, the user then provides the names of separate request signals that indicate when the subassembly is to advance toward the workpiece and when it is to return. These names are placed into boxes 3512 and 3514 as request signals to be used by the linear axis editor as described below. In the example these request signals have been named simply “advance” and “return”. Next, the user is afforded an opportunity at step 3607 to define composite position signals, which are signals energized when an axis is within a specified region defined using a subset of operational positions 3592-3594. A composite position definition label box CCP 3521 is added to section 3516 of diagram 3574 each time a user selects an ADD COMPOSITE POSITION menu item. For each composite position added a user must enter a name in the label box CCP′ and must select one or more operational positions by clicking the mouse-controlled cursor in the vicinity of the intersection of an imaginary horizontal line, extending from the center of the label box CCP′, and one of the operating position regions 3592, 3593 or 3594, each selection recorded by the axis editor as a graphical arrow 3518, 3519. In the example, a composite position named “cutter clear” 3517 is defined to be energized whenever the main slide subassembly is in either the “returned” or “intermediate” position. As the user creates the control diagram 3574 of FIG. 35, the axis editor 2962b converts icons and images from the diagram 3574 into module specifications required to define an associated axis module. Referring again to FIG. 25, to completely define both physical and operating characteristics of an axis the editor 2962b must glean information from the axis diagram 3574 to populate the module specification named “switch package” 2591a and two module list specifications named “trajectory” 2591b and “actuator” 2591c. Referring to FIGS. 25, 32 and 35, to define the axis module 2508 so as to correspond to control diagram 3574, while a user is constructing the diagram 3574, the editor 2962b identifies all limit switches, positions, composite positions, actuators, trajectories, and moves from the diagram 3574, one at a time, at block 3545. Each time a user designates a limit switch, request, actuator, position or composite position, the editor 2962b identifies the designation and populates an appropriate module or creates a new module. In the main slide control diagram of FIG. 35, the editor 2962b would identify both the returned limit switch 3538′ and advanced limit switch 3539′, both the main slide advance 3512 and return 3514 requests, the main slide motor actuator 3596, the main slide positions including “returned”, “intermediate”, and “advanced” 3592, 3593 and 3594 respectively, the composite position “cutter clear” CCP′ and various moves corresponding to both the return 3514 and advance 3512 trajectories. The advance trajectory 3512 would include an “initial” move corresponding to position 3592, an “intermediate” move corresponding to position 3593 and a “final” move, which slows the subassembly to zero speed, corresponding to position 3594. At block 2251, after each of the axis designations, the editor 2962b populates corresponding lists, placing limit switches in the limit switch module list specification 3794, positions in the position module list specification 3795, trajectories in the trajectory module list specification 2591b, actuators in the actuator module list specification 2591c, composite positions in the composite position module list specification 2591d and moves in the associated move module lists 2596g in FIG. 25. In addition, for each list entry, the editor 2962b creates a new module at block 147. For example, referring to FIGS. 35 and 37, for the main slide control diagram 3574 the limit switch module list specification 3794 in FIG. 37 would include module references named “returned LS” 3538 and “advanced LS” 3539 while the positions list 3795 would include module references named “returned” 3592, “intermediate” 3593 and “advanced” 3594. Referring to FIGS. 35 and 25, the trajectory module list 2591b would include module references named “advance” and “return” corresponding to requests 3512 and 3514 respectively and the actuator module list specification 2591c would include a single module reference named “motor” of the type actuator corresponding to designation 3596. Referring to FIG. 39, the module list specification named “move” for the module of type trajectory named “advance” would include references to “initial,” “intermediate” and “final” moves and the list named “move” for the module of type trajectory named “return” would also include references to “initial,” “intermediate” and “final” moves. Each list entry would correspond to a different module. Referring to FIG. 38 the position template 3803 includes four separate lists 3804a, 3804b, 3804c and 3804d corresponding to the two possible types of limit switches and the two possible states of each type of switch (i.e. normally open (NO) tripped, NO released, normally closed (NC) tripped, and NC released.) Referring also to FIG. 35, the editor 2962b correlates positions 3592, 3593 and 3594 with tripped and untripped switches and switch type (i.e. NO or NC) to populate each of the module list specifications 3804a-3804b of FIG. 38 with switches in conditions that correspond to a position. For example, referring again to FIG. 35, when the subassembly is in the returned position the “returned LS” 3538 is tripped and the “advanced LS” 3539 is released. Assuming both the returned 3538 and advanced 3539 switches are normally open (NO), the returned position 3592 would include one normally open and tripped returned LS 3538 and one normally open and released advanced LS 3539. Recognizing this, the editor 2962b would populate the NO tripped LS module list specification 3804a with the returned LS 3538 and would populate the NO released LS module list specification 3804b with the advanced LS 3539. The other two list specifications 3804c and 3804d in the position template 3803 would be left empty. Referring to FIGS. 35 and 38, axis editor 2962b creates a composite position module based on template 3803a for each composite position in section 3516 of diagram 3574. The editor provides each module a name 3801 corresponding to the name in label box CCP′ and provides a “selected positions” module list specification 3804e corresponding to the names of the selected operational positions 3518 and 3519. The single rung in template 3803a generates a simple logic circuit that energizes a signal whose name corresponds to module name 3801a whenever any one of the positions in the selected positions module list specification 3804e is energized. Referring to FIGS. 25 and 39 the editor 2962b creates a trajectory module based on trajectory template 3909 for every trajectory referenced in the trajectory module list specification 2591b. The second rung 3913 determines if the trajectory associated with the specific module is at its start position. This is done by using an OR list macro as explained above. The OR list macro and associated logic 3915 determines if any other trajectories are done. Where any other trajectory is done, it is assumed that the present trajectory is at its start position. The third rung 3914 simply checks if the trajectory associated with the module is completed and is used by other trajectory modules to determine if they are at their start positions. The start and done status of each trajectory is used by the bar chart editor 2962d as described in more detail below. Referring now to FIG. 40, a move module based on move template 4016 is provided by the editor 2962b for each potential move designated in a trajectory module. Each move template 4016 includes a unique module list named “coil request”. The editor provides a coil request module based on the coil request template shown in FIG. 41 for each coil request referenced in a move module 4016. Referring to FIG. 42 the editor 2962b creates an actuator module based on actuator template 4218 for each actuator module referenced in the axis template 108. Each actuator module 4218 includes a module list 4219 called coil wherever a list of uniquely named coils are provided for the actuator associated with the parent actuator template 4218. Because the axis editor gleans information from diagram 3574 while a user is constructing the diagram and simultaneously constructs the portion of the template-based machine tree corresponding to the axis being designated, by the time diagram 3574 is completed, all of the information required to provide LL logic to specify the axis is complete. This process must be repeated for each axis on the floor plan 3150. 3. Control Panel and Bar Chart Editors Referring again to FIG. 34, at this point the only icons on the floor plan image that have not been completely defined are the main control panel 3452 and horizontal mill control panel 3400. In addition, while all of the separate axes for each machine element have been designated at this point, none of the axis movements have been linked together. To specify a control panel, a user must designate mode selection, manual control, and indicator devices. In addition, for each manual control device and each indicator device, the user must designate both the cycle and the specific function in the cycle to which the device relates. To this end, with reference to FIG. 29, although the control panel 2962c and bar chart 2962d editors are separate, they must be used together. Initially, the control panel editor 2962c is used to identify modes of operation, mode selector switches corresponding to the modes of operation, and various cycles that are controllable via the control panel. Then, the bar chart editor 2962d is used to define the different functions and their temporal relationships that make up each cycle that is controllable via the control panel. Finally, after the cycles are completely defined, the control panel editor 2962c is again used to identify manual control devices, including lights, buttons and switches, that correspond to desired functions in the defined cycles. To define the horizontal mill control panel, a user selects icon 3400 in FIG. 34. When icon 3400 is selected, editing control passes in FIG. 29 from the machine editor 2962a to the control panel editor 2962c. Referring yet again to FIG. 32, the control panel 2962c and bar chart 2962d editors, like editors 2962a and 2962b, follow process 3243 in FIG. 32 to glean information from screen images to create new modules and populate existing modules during image construction. There is one exception to this general rule and that is that the bar chart editor must also perform a bucketing step using the attributes table 5031 of FIG. 50 after a cycle has been defined to populate function lists in the module list specification sections of associated function modules. This will be described below. Referring now to FIG. 44, the initial display for a preferred control panel editor 2962c includes a menu bar 4422, a name field 4424, and three specification fields: MODE CONTROLS, CYCLES, and MANUAL CONTROLS referred to by numerals 4425-4427, respectively. The menu bar 4422 includes five options, a conventional FILE option and MODES, CYCLES, CONTROLS and LIGHTS options that can be used to add or delete modes of operation, cycles, specific controls, or lights respectively. Because all control panels have at least local and remote modes of operation, the control panel editor 2962c initially designates a single three-pole selector switch represented in the MODE CONTROLS field 4425 by icon 4430 which can be used to choose either a remote mode (AUTO), local mode (MAN), or an off state (OFF). If desired, a user can use the MODES option in menu bar 4422 to pull down a mode menu for creating other modes (tool change or service modes). If a third mode is designated via the modes menu, the icon 4430 is automatically altered to show a four-pole selector switch in the MODE CONTROLS field 4425. Other than icon 4430, initially there are no other designations in fields 4425, 4426 and 4427. Because manual controls have to be related to some cycle function, prior to designating manual controls, machine cycles have to be defined. To this end, a user can choose the CYCLES option from menu bar 4422 to pull down a cycles menu to designate required cycles. When a single cycle is added, the editor 2962 c prompts the user to name the cycle. When a cycle is added, an icon including a user-assigned name is placed in the CYCLES field 4426. In the present example, the horizontal mill control panel includes only two cycles, a mill cycle including movements of the main slide and cross slide subassemblies, and a spindle cycle for turning on and off spindle. Therefore, two cycle icons 4432 and 4434 corresponding to mill and spindle cycles are referenced in field 4426. To define each cycle, the user separately selects each of the cycle icons 4432, 4434 to enter the bar chart editor 2962 d two different times. Referring to FIG. 45, a bar chart image 4536 that would be constructed for the mill cycle using the bar chart editor 2962d is depicted. It should be readily apparent that the bar chart image 4536 constructed using the bar chart editor 2962d is very similar to a conventional chart. The similarity between a conventional bar chart and image 4536 is meant to make it easy for a user trained in the use of conventional diagrams to use the bar chart editor 2962d. When a user enters the bar chart editor 2962d, the initial image only includes basic required bar chart designations. Required designations include the cycle time box 4538, first sequence 4540, second sequence 4541 and whole cycle 4542 icons, interlocking yield 4544 and stop 4545 symbols corresponding to icons 4540, 4541 and 4542 and REQUESTS 4546 LABELS 4547 and LATCH 4548 headings. The editor 2962d also provides a menu bar (not shown) including a REQUESTS option which allows a user to add or delete requests from the bar chart and a LABELS option allowing a user to label specific locations in the bar chart. To construct the bar chart image 4536, a user selects an ADD REQUESTS option from a pull down request menu. Thereafter, the editor 2962d provides a complete listing of every possible request associated with the horizontal mill. For example, possible requests for the horizontal mill would include: cross slide advance, cross slide return, main slide advance, main slide return, spindle run, and spindle not run. In addition, other possible requests would include whole cycle, reset, first sequence, and second sequence requests to any other cycle, exclusive of the cycle depicted on the bar chart, defined subordinate to the horizontal mill in the machine tree (in this case, the spindle cycle 4434 identified in the cycle field 4426 of FIG. 44). The bar chart editor 2962d gleans the axis request options directly from the axis images for the horizontal mill that were constructed using the axis editor 2962a. For example, referring again to FIG. 35, main slide advance and return requests were designated in boxes 3512 and 3514. The cross slide advance and return requests would have been designated when the user constructed an axis image like the one in FIG. 35 for the cross slide subassembly axis. The spindle requests would have been designated when the user constructed an axis image for the spindle axis. To specify a mill cycle, a user selects requests from the request menu for main slide advance, cross slide advance, main slide return and cross slide return. Each time a request is selected, the editor provides a request box 4550, 4551, 4552 or 4553 in FIG. 45 under the REQUESTS heading. In addition, referring also to FIG. 46, the editor 2962d provides two blank sequence boxes to the right thereof under the CYCLE TIME designation 4638, the sequence boxes divided by the LATCH designation indicating division between first and second sequences. Thus, there are two separate columns 4656, 4658 next to the request boxes 4650-4653, a first sequence column 4656 and a second sequence column 4658. With all of the requests selected, the user begins to order the sequence of requests by selecting the box in the first sequence column 4656 corresponding to the first request in the cycle. In the present example, the sequence of requests is main slide advance, cross slide advance, main slide return and cross slide return. Therefore, the user would first select the box in the first sequence column corresponding to the main slide advance request in box 4650. The editor 2962d would respond by placing a bar 4660 adjacent request box 4650 in the first sequence column 4656. Next, the user would select the box in the second sequence column corresponding to the first request in the second sequence. In the present example, the first request in the second sequence is main slide return. The user would select the box in the second sequence column 4658 corresponding to the main slide return. The editor 2962d then places a function bar 4662 in the selected box. At this point, the beginning requests in the first and second sequences have been identified. Next the user must select the second requests in the first and second sequences. In the present example, the second request in the first sequence is the cross slide advance request in request box 4651. To place a function bar for the cross slide advance request, the user selects box 4651 and drags a ghost image (not shown) of the box into first sequencing column 4656. To place the cross slide advance request after the main slide advance request, the user drags the ghost image until it is clearly in the second half of the first sequence column 4656. The user then releases the ghost image. To place the cross slide advance request in front of the main slide advance request, the user would release the ghost in the first half of the first sequence column 4656. The ghost image is depicted as a cross hair to aid the user in this process. Referring again to FIG. 45, when the ghost image is released, the editor 2962d divides the first sequence column into first and second columns 4564, 4565 using a vertical “done” line 4569 and provides a bar 4567 corresponding to the cross slide advance request in box 4551. In addition, the editor 2962d shortens bar 4560 so that bar 4560 ends where bar 4567 begins, indicating that functions related to bars 4560 and 4567 do not overlap. In other words, the function related to bar 4560 is done at done line 4569. A function bar for the cross slide return request may be placed in the second sequence in a similar fashion, but closer inspection reveals that correct placement of the cross slice return function bar requires another technique. In this case, the cross slide return action is expected to start as soon as the main slide reaches the intermediate cutter clear position CCP, and is expected to continue in parallel with the remainder of the main slide return action until both actions are complete. So, referring again to FIGS. 45 and 46, before a function bar for the cross slide return request can be correctly placed, it is necessary to indicate on bar chart 4636 an intermediate “done” line bisecting the extent of the main slide return function bar 4662 that represents the achievement of the cutter clear position CCP. A bar chart editor 2962d, although capable of gleaning information from its functions about intermediate positions, is not capable of determining which of many such positions are needed on the display 4536, while displaying all such positions is clumsy and detracts from the overall usefulness of the display. In the preferred embodiment, a user is required to assist the editor 2962d by choosing, on a function by function basis, which intermediate positions in each function need to be indicated on the display 4536. This is done through a function dialog that is activated by clicking between the end triangles of a function bar with the mouse-controlled cursor. Referring again to FIGS. 45, 46 and 35, a user first selects the bar 4562 associated with the main slide return request. A function dialog gleans information about outputs 3516 and composite positions from a control diagram 3574 of the main slide axis captured by an axis editor 2962b. The function dialog presents this information to a user in a list of “positions” traversed by the main slide return trajectory—initial, intermediate, and final-in chronological order of traversal. A user may select one or more intermediate, positions for display. In this case, a user indicates that the composite position “cutter clear” CCP′ is needed on the display. The bar chart editor 2962d then creates a vertical line 4570, bisecting the main slide return function bar 4662, and splitting the second sequence column 4658 into columns 4572 and 4573. With reference to FIG. 45, a user can select a box at the intersection of the row containing the cross slide return request box 4553 and the newly created column 4573. The bar chart editor 2962d then creates the cross slide return function bar 4574 in the selected box such that the leftmost end of bar 4574 meets the intermediate position line 4570 and the rightmost end of bar 4574 meets the vertical line 4576. Initially, all functions provided on a bar chart image 4536 using the editor 2962d are assumed to be normal functions (i.e. can be performed in either forward or reverse directions and can be repetitively performed during manual operation in a single cycle). However, the preferred editor 2962d allows a user to specify non-reversible or non-repeatable functions. This is accomplished by again activating the function dialog by clicking between the end triangles of a function bar and making the appropriate selection in the function type section of the dialog. For example, by clicking bar 4567 and selecting “non-repeatable” in the function type section of the function dialog (not shown), the function associated with bar 4567 can be made non-repeatable. Similarly, a bar can be made non-reversible by activating the function dialog and selecting “non-reversible” in the function type section. A non-repeatable function is designated by a bar having the number “1” adjacent its leftmost triangle. In FIG. 45, bar 4567 is so designated. Similarly, a “>” appearing adjacent to the leftmost triangle indicates a non-reversible function (see bar 4562 ). This information is gleaned by the editor 2962 d for choosing function mapping in function modules (see FIG. 49A). Referring to FIG. 45, as a user creates different functions on the bar chart image 4536, the editor 2962d creates additional stop and yield icons corresponding to various image elements. In particular, at the beginning of each separate function 4560, 4567, 4562, 4574 the editor 2962d provides both a stop 4545 and a yield 4544 icon above the bar chart grid. The stop 4545 and yield 4544 icons allow a user to condition functions on the completion of other functions, cycles or other system input sequences. For example, to limit the possibility of spindle damage, it may be desired to make performance of the cross slide advance request contingent upon the horizontal mill spindle being in an “on” state. Either of the stop 4545 or yield 4544 symbols can be used for this purpose. To define contingencies for the cross slide advance request in request box 4551, a user may select yield icon 4544 which would provide a contingency screen 4574 allowing a user to add or remove contingencies from a contingency list. Referring also to FIG. 47, one embodiment of a contingency screen would include two separate fields, one field 4780 listing all possible machine contingencies. The other field, a CHOSEN CONTINGENCY field 4781, would list selected contingencies. In addition, the screen 4702 would include a menu bar 4782 allowing a user to add and delete contingencies to and from the CHOSEN CONTINGENCY field 4781. To make the cross slide advance contingent upon a spindle on state, the user selects a spindle on contingence from field 4780. The editor then adds the “spindle on” contingency to field 4781. Once a complete contingency list has been formed, the user saves the list and performance of the cross slide advance of FIG. 45 is then conditioned upon all contingencies in the list associated with yield icon 4544 being completed. The stop symbols 4545 are similar to the yield symbols in that a list of contingencies can be formed which must be satisfied prior to continuing a sequence. However, whereas yield symbols 4544 apply only to functions beginning at the yield icon, a stop symbol 4545 applies to all functions beginning at or after the stop icon but before the end of an associated half-cycle sequence. For example, contingencies referenced in a contingency list associated with stop symbol 4545″ must be met at line 4576 and at line 4569. In addition to contingencies on functions, sometimes it is necessary to put contingencies on the performance of the first and second sequences of a cycle. This kind of contingency affects the performance of a sequence independently of the contingencies on the functions making up that sequence. In other words, these are contingencies on “cycling” a cycle. Contingencies specified using a stop sign 4545 are conditions needed in order to initiate and continue performance of the first sequence of the cycle. In contrast, contingencies specified using a yield symbol 4544 are conditions needed only to initiate performance of the first sequence of the cycle, but are not required thereafter. For example, a user may select yield icon 4544 associated with first sequence request 4540 causing the bar chart editor to provide a contingency screen 4574 for the first sequence. By placing a “spindle on” condition in the CHOSEN CONTINGENCY field 4781, the user makes initiation of the first sequence conditional upon the spindle being in an “on” state. This contingency is in addition to a similar, but different, contingency placed on the cross slide advance request, which is a function performed as a part of the first sequence. Both the function and first sequence contingencies apply the same “spindle on” condition, but the meanings are different and, what's more, complementary. Sequence contingencies are used to avoid initiating, continuing, or resuming performance of a sequence of operations that have little or no hope of being completed successfully or safely. In this case, if the spindle state is not “on” when a first sequence request is made, there is little or no hope that the spindle will be “on” when the cross slide advance request requires it to be so. Specifically, the first sequence contingency avoids advancing the main slide when it is already known that the cross-slide cannot advance. This avoids unnecessary machine activity that wastes time, energy, and may require the attention of a machine operator to undo before that cycle can be restarted. Sequence contingencies specified using a stop symbol also prevent unintended “spontaneous” resumption of sequence performance and, therefore, any requested functions that may have stopped due to a related function contingency, should a required condition that was lost suddenly be rectified. Similarly, second sequence contingencies may be specified using stop and yield symbols associated with a second sequence request icon 4541, while sequence contingencies may be specified common to both sequences using stop and yield symbols associated with whole cycle request icon 4542. Referring again to FIG. 51, preferably, after a complete cycle has been defined using the bar chart editor 2962d, the editor 2962d gleans information for each individual function from the bar chart image 4536 and assigns buckets, start positions, and safeties to each function according to FIG. 50 attributes table 5031. Every start position is uniquely named and placed in a bucket M while every safety designated using icons 4544 or 4545 is placed in a bucket O. Referring to FIG. 52, to assign buckets for all functions, the editor 2962d starts with the first function in a bar chart, labels that function an original observing function at block 5252, and works backward to bucket all other cycle functions until it reaches the inverse of the observing function. Referring also to FIG. 45, to assign buckets for functions 4560, 4567, 4562 and 4574, the editor 2962d would first label function 4560 the observing function. Then at block 4553, the editor 2962d would label the function prior to function 4560, in this case function 4574, as the observed function. At block 4554, the editor 2962d assigns the observed function 4574 to a bucket of the observing function 4560 according to the attributes table 5031 illustrated in FIG. 50. The bucketing process is explained below with reference to FIG. 53. In FIG. 52, at block 5255, the editor 2962 d labels the function prior to the instantaneous observed function as the next observed function. In FIG. 53, function 5362 would be labeled the observed function. At decision block 5256 the editor 2962d determines if the observed function 5362 is the inverse of the observing function 5360. Where the observing function 5362 is not the inverse, the editor 2962d returns to block 5254 and buckets the observed function. The editor 2962d repetitively cycles through blocks 5254-5256 until the observed function is the inverse of the observing function. In a preferred embodiment, the observed function 5362 is the inverse of observing function 5360 and therefore, at decision block 5256, the editor 2962d branches to block 5257 and labels the function prior to the instantaneous observing function as the observing function. In the present case, function 4574 would be labeled the observing function. At decision block 5258, the editor 2962 d determines if the observing function is the original observing function. If this condition is met, the editor 2962d stops the bucketing process. If the observing function is not the original observing function, the editor 2962d passes control back up to block 5253 and begins the process over again. Thus, the editor 2962d assigns to buckets all of the needed required functions for every function in a cycle. Referring now to FIG. 53, the bucketing process of block 5254 is illustrated as process 5360. To bucket an observed function, the editor 2962d first determines whether or not the observed function is stable relative to the observing function at decision block 5362. Where the observed function is not stable, the editor 2962d determines if the observed function is canceled by the observing function or canceled by some other function at decision block 5370. Where the next function is canceled by some other function, the editor 2962d next determines whether or not the observed function is in the same half-cycle as the observing function at block 5378. Where the observed function is in the same half-cycle as the observing function, at decision block 5379 the editor 2962d determines whether or not the observed function incorporates a position or a latch. Where the observed function incorporates a position, at block 5380 the editor 2962d buckets the observed function as type A. Referring also to FIG. 49a, assigning a function to a bucket entails placing a unique name for the function in the appropriate list in the module list specification section 2342 of the function template 2336 associated with the observing function. In this case, where a function is placed in bucket A, the function is unstable, is canceled by the observing function, is in the same half-cycle as the observing function and incorporates a position and therefore would be placed in module list specification. Similarly, as other functions are assigned to buckets, they are placed in other lists in the module list specification section 2342. After blocks 5379 and 5380, at block 6000 the editor 2962d determines if the observed function incorporates a latch. Note that a function can incorporate both a latch and a position. Where the observed function is not stable, is canceled by a function other than the observing function, is in the same half-cycle as the observing function and incorporates a latch, at block 5381 the editor 2962d assigns the observed function to bucket C. Referring again to decision block 5378, where the observed function is not stable, is canceled by a function other than the observing function, and is not in the same half-cycle as the observing function, the editor 2962d passes control to decision block 5382 to determine whether or not the observed function incorporates a position. Where the observed function incorporates a position, the editor 2962d assigns the observed function to bucket B at block 5383. At blocks 6002 and 5384, where the observed function incorporates a latch, the editor 2962d assigns the observed function to bucket D. Referring again to decision block 5370 where the observed function is not stable but is canceled by the observing function, the editor 2962d passes control to decision block 5371 and determines whether or not the function is in the same half-cycle as the observing function. Where the observed function is in the same half-cycle as the observing function, the editor 2962d determines whether or not the observed function incorporates a position or a latch at decision block 5372. Where the observed function incorporates a position, the editor 2962d assigns the observed function to bucket G at block 5374. Where the observed function incorporates a latch, the editor 2962d assigns the function to bucket E at blocks 6004 and 5375. Referring again to decision block 5371, where the observed function is not stable, is canceled by the observing function, and is in the half-cycle opposite the observing function, the editor 2962d passes control to decision block 5373 to determine whether or not the observed function is a position. Where the observed function incorporates a position, the editor 2962d assigns the function to the F bucket at block 5376 and where the observed function incorporates a latch the editor 2962d assigns the function to bucket H at blocks 6006 and 5377. Referring once again to decision block 5362, where the observed function is stable, the editor 2962d determines whether or not the observed function is in the same half-cycle as the observing function at decision block 5363. Where the observed function is in the same half-cycle as the observing function the editor 2962d determines whether or not the observed function incorporates a position at block 5364. Where the observed function incorporates a position, the editor 2962d assigns the function to bucket I at block 5366. Where the observed function incorporates a latch the editor 2962d assigns the function to bucket K at blocks 6008 and 5367. Referring again to decision block 5363, where the observed function is stable and is in the half cycle opposite the observing function the editor 2962d determines whether or not the observed function incorporates a position at block 5365. Where the observed function incorporates a position, the editor 2962d assigns the function to bucket J at block 5369. Where the observed function incorporates a latch the editor 2962d assigns the function to bucket L at blocks 6010 and 5368. After all of the necessary functions in a cycle have been assigned to buckets and added to appropriate lists by the editor 2962d, the editor also gleans from the control diagram 4536 in FIG. 45 which half-cycle the function is in. Referring to FIG. 49B, this information is used to label contact 4950. In addition, this information is used at compile time with the XPO and XPC pseudoinstructions as explained above. After a user completes the bar chart for the mill cycle including request designation, proper bar sequencing and proper contingency designations, the user must then go back to the control panel editor 2962c and select the next cycle to be defined. Referring to FIG. 44, in the present example the user selects the spindle icon 4434 and reenters the bar chart editor 2962d to define the spindle cycle. The spindle cycle would include two requests, a “spindle on” request and a “spindle off” request. The spindle on request would constitute the first sequence and the spindle off request would constitute the second sequence. As with the mill cycle, the user would construct a complete bar chart like the one in FIG. 45, including requests, bars and contingencies for the spindle cycle. During construction, the editor 2962 d would continue to glean information required to populate modules and create new modules and to assign buckets as described above. After complete bar charts have been constructed for each cycle identified in CYCLE field 4426, if desired, the user can then define manual control devices and tie those devices to specific requests in the bar charts. In accordance with the example, it will be assumed that a user requires four separate manual push buttons on the horizontal mill control panel, one button each for the main and cross slide advance requests and one button each for the main and cross slide return requests. While buttons could be included for the spindle on and spindle off requests, for the purposes of this explanation it will be assumed that they are not needed. To define a push button for the main slide advance request, the user selects the CONTROLS option from menu bar 4422 which would provide a complete list of all requests associated with the cycles identified in the CYCLE field 4426. In the horizontal mill example, the request list includes “main slide advance”, “main slide return”, “cross slide advance”, “cross slide return”, “spindle on”, “spindle off”, and “whole cycle”, “first sequence” and “second sequence” requests for both the mill and spindle cycles. To designate a main slide advance button the user selects the main slide advance request from the list. The editor 2962c then provides a button icon 4486 labeled “main slide advance”. In a similar fashion, the user selects the CONTROLS option three more times, each time selecting a different possible request, the three selected requests being “cross slide advance”, “main slide return” and “cross slide return”. Each time a different request is selected, the editor 2962c provides a new icon 4487, 4488, 4489 labeled accordingly. At this point all of the manual control buttons have been defined and associated with different requests. To define indicator lights, the user selects the LIGHTS option from bar 4422. The editor 2962c provides a list of possible limiting positions associated with the requests in the mill and spindle cycles. The user selects a limiting position and then the editor 2962c provides an associated light icon. In FIG. 44, two light icons are illustrated, one 4492 for the main slide return and another 4494 for the cross slide return. As with the machine 2962a and axis 2962b editors, while a user is constructing a control panel image and corresponding bar chart images using the control panel 2962c and bar chart 2962d editors, the editors 2962c and 2962d are simultaneously gleaning information from the images to further develop the template-based machine tree according to the process shown in FIG. 32. Thus, additional modules are created and existing modules are populated until all required images have been completed. With all of the modes, manual control and indicator light devices defined and all of the cycles corresponding to the horizontal mill defined, the editors have all the information required to provide LL logic to control the horizontal mill. To provide information required for all of the machine components, the user would step through editing with the axis 2962b, control panel 2962c, and bar chart 2962d editors for all machine components. After all required physical and operational characteristics of machine components are completely defined using the editors described above, the user would instruct the programming terminal to compile the entire template tree. Compilation is relatively simple and is depicted in FIG. 48. Initially, at block 4840, the compiler expands all child modules into specifications in parent modules. For example, referring again to FIGS. 23 and 24, the master control panel module 2406 is placed in the machine module 2398 where the master control panel is referenced at 2300. Similarly, all axis modules (herein the module name “air”) are expanded into the machine module 2398 in place of the module list specification named Axis 2302 and all indexer modules (herein the module named “T1”) are expanded into the machine module 2398 in place of the module list specification named Indexer 2304. The compiler works its way through the entire template-based machine tree, including portions provided by the axis 2962b, control panel 2962c and bar chart 2962d editors until all child modules have been expanded into their referencing parent modules. In FIG. 48, at block 4850 the compiler allocates programmable controller memory for the modules and assigns memory addresses to fully qualified names defined by data definition statements in the modules. Next, at process block 4841, the compiler resolves the symbolic expressions into fully-qualified names. For example, a symbolic expression for a push button of a master control panel may be “$.MasterStartPB”. In the present example, this symbolic expression would expand into the fully qualified name “AB1.MasterControlPanel.MasterStartPB”. Similarly, the left horizontal work-unit of the fourth station in the present example would have the fully qualified name “AB1.T1.S4.LH” wherein LH stands for “left horizontal”, S4 for “the fourth station”, Ti for “the transfer” and AB1 for “the machine” generally. After all the symbolic expressions have been expanded into fully qualified names, at block 4842 the extended instructions such as AND and OR lists are replaced with LL logic. Thus an AND list macro corresponding to a list including ten entries will be replaced by a ten contact series set of LL instructions, each contact corresponding to a different list entry. Similarly, OR list macros would be replaced with a set of LL instructions expanded in parallel. Next, at block 4843 the compiler would compile pseudoinstructions XPC, XPO and OTX, removing LL logic from some LL rungs and expanding logic in others depending on job specific requirements. After block 4843, all that remains is a control program consisting entirely of conventional LL logic that can be used by a programmable logic controller to control the industrial process of a machine. It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the description herein is given only by way of example and that various modifications and additions might be made, while still coming within the scope of the invention. In particular, while the present template-based language has been developed for use in LL programming, other template-based languages could be developed for use with other industrial controller programming languages such as state diagram programming. The important aspect of the present language is not that it relates to LL, but rather the realization that extensions to normal programming language logic itself in conjunction with extensions that are separate from the language logic can be used to provide truly reusable programming logic that can be tailored to job-specific requirements. In addition, while the exemplary template set detailed above was specifically designed for the metal removal industry, it is anticipated that other template sets that account for industry specific idiosyncrasies will be developed for other industries, and the present invention is meant to cover all other such template sets. Moreover, while the description above described how computer editors can act as interfaces to facilitate programming, it is contemplated that a user could construct a template-based machine tree and compile a program without the use of a computer editor. In other words, using a template set, a user could designate and populate modules by hand and then compile the modules as in FIG. 48. Furthermore, while preferred editors are described herein, any type of computer editor could be used to aid a user in programming using the template language. The important aspect of any editor is that the editor allow the user to input information from which the editor can glean a subset of information required to designate and populate required modules. In addition, while the present invention is described in the context of four editors, the inventive template language could be used with more special editors provided for specific applications or in the alternative, one editor could be used separately to provide LL logic for a single portion of a machine tree. Visualization of Schematics The Designer Studio also utilizes the ECDB to ascertain typed connections (electrical, pneumatic, network, . . . ) within a control assembly or interfacing from/to a Control Assembly. This visualization enables a user to clearly see disparities between the connections improving the integrity of the resultant system. Bill of Materials The system also supports detailed bill of material information visualization. Controlled Resources contain properties of the resource controlled by the control assembly that place requirements (i.e., add constraints) on the structure of the assembly that facilitate more precise renderings of the enterprise control system. For example, a clamp1 controlled resource has a safety constraint which requires a failing clamp to always fail in the open position. Requests or Conditions A request for an operation (optionally with confirmation) or request for a status of the external world determines how to handle complicated actions (initialization, robot protocols, . . . ). For example, to determine if a part is present, control logic must be defined to SensePart with a request status returned to unambiguously determine if a part has been sensed or not. The placement of the timing chart and the control request bar chart in proximal position facilitates an optimal user experience. Automatic ordering of control commands based on the prescribed order from a timing diagram is a unique and powerful feature in accordance with a preferred embodiment. EC Integration with External Data Models (Re)Use resources created within the mechanical modeling environment to determine the Mechanical Resources that need to be controlled. Transform the process description (i.e., sequence of activities that the resources perform) to a timing diagram. EC Control System Design Provides catalog of reusable control sub-system components: Control Assembly™ Type (see below for what is in a control assembly) Allows user to create Control Assemblies™ that correspond to frequently used control subsystem design patterns. Allows user to sequence the Requests of Control Assembly Instances (i.e., Request/Timing Diagram) Allows user to connect the Control Assembly Instances electrically, pneumatically, and hydraulically (i.e., “control system-wide schematic”) Allows user to configure exceptional behavior (e.g., manual emergency power recovery). Allows user to layout HMI EC Simulation Visualization the LL execution Visualization the current step(s) the machine is waiting on Visualization the “control process”, i.e., animate the Timing Diagram Use generated code via SoftLogix to animate in 3-D the workcell machines that simulate the process and the subsequent creation of the product Note: in EC all these simulations run off the same data model. EC Control System Implementation Bill of materials (from RS Wire Schematics) Make control system bill of materials and control system process available to the Machine and Process designers (i.e., export to CNext) Code generation Diagnostics Generation HMI (Visualization) Generation EC Control System Maintenance Diagnostics Keeping control system design consistent with Product, Process, and Machine Design Password protect to provide restricted access to LL and the capability to record and changes that are made to the LL that must be reengineered into the design. In an enterprise control system in accordance with a preferred embodiment a user must first abstract enterprise activities that are utilized to assemble parts into their basic steps. No machine or control resources are necessary for this definition process. An example in accordance with a preferred embodiment will be utilized to illustrate this process. To weld a part of a car door assembly together, a part must be loaded, the second part of the door must be loaded (clamped), the first welding operation is performed and the second welding operation is performed. Finally, the welded door assembly is unloaded and transported to its next station. Conversion of CATIA Activities Data to/from Timing Diagrams Overview Rockwell Automation and Dassault Systems are collaborating on a set of tools to design and implement production machinery. This collaboration involves storing both structural information and process information in Dassault's CNext product line. Dassault Systems uses a different model to store process information in CNext than is used in Rockwell Automation's Control Designer Studio. In order to exchange data between Dassault and Rockwell, a Data Interchange File Format has been negotiated. Each company is responsible for converting between its own data stores and the Data Interchange File Format. This document describes the conversion between the Data Interchange File Format and Rockwell's Virtual Control Model database. Data Interchange Format The Data Interchange File Format consists of a text file containing only ASCII text divided into lines. Each line is either blank, or it contains one of the keywords (Activities, ActivityResources, ActivityPredecessors, ActivityAttributes, StructuralComponents) or it contains a series of comma-separated data fields appropriate to the preceding keyword. The document defining the fields and their formats follows: StructuralComponentsStructuralComponentID, PartOf, WorkcellID, Label, Classstring, string, string, string, string12345, 0, 1, Esl, Support23456, 12345, 1, Clampset1, ClampsetActivitiesActivityID, ParentActivityID, ActivityLabel, ActivityType,ActivityDurationstring, string, string, string, numericActivityResourcesActivityID, StructuralComponentIDstring, stringActivityPredecessorsActivityID, PredecessorActivityIDstring, stringActivityAttributesActivityID, AttributeKey, AttributeValuestring, string, string (a blank line ends one table and begins another) (there may be as many sections as needed, and the same table may appear several times in a file) Importing into Virtual Control Model In the interests of modularity, the function of importing data from this text file into the Rockwell VCM has been split into 2 steps. In the first step, the text file is parsed and an intermediate text stream of SQL statements is created. In the second step, the stream of SQL statements is executed against the VCM database. Parsing the Input File The file parsing tool is a Perl script which implements a state machine with the 2 states READ_TABLE_NAME and READ_DATA. It begins in state READ_TABLE_NAME, in which it reads lines of input (ignoring blank lines) until it finds one of the valid keywords. When it finds a keyword, it sets up the expected names and types of data to follow and switches to state READ_DATA. If what it finds is not a valid keyword, it exits after logging an error. In the READ_DATA state the tool reads successive lines of data, checks for the expected number of fields, and emits one SQL statement for each line read. The SQL statements are all INSERT statements, each inserting one row of data into the correspondingly-named table in the VCM database. When the tool reads a blank line, it changes state to READ_TABLE_NAME. End of file terminates the tool. ODBC Tool The tool that executes SQL statements against a database is a Perl script employing the Win32::ODBC extension. It is invoked from the command line with an argument specifying the name of the ODBC data source to be opened. Then it reads its standard input for SQL statements, each of which is executed in turn, and the success or failure of each statement is checked. If any statement fails, the entire process terminates and an error message is logged. After all statements have been executed, the data source is closed and the process terminates. Conversion to Timing Diagrams After execution of the preceding processing, the data from the Interchange File resides in a set of intermediate tables in the VCM database. Further processing is required to convert them to the format used by Rockwell's tools to display Timing Diagrams to the user. All of this processing is carried out in a single tool, because it is interrelated, with later steps depending on the results of earlier steps. The processing begins with establishment of an ODBC connection to the VCM data source. An SQL query is executed to Find all top level Activities (usually only one). Timing Diagram creation A Timing Diagram is created for the specified Activity, using the Create a Timing Diagram query. Edge Creation Every Timing Diagram has at least one Edge, the left Edge. The Create an Edge query is executed to create the left Edge. Request Creation The Find all Requests on this Timing Diagram query is executed to identify Activities that will map to Requests. Then the Create a CNextRequest query is used for each of the Requests. For each Request, running a Count subsidiary Activities query determines if this Request requires a subsidiary Timing Diagram. If it does, BarChart creation, Edge creation, and Request creation are called recursively. This will go on until there are no more subsidiary Activities detected. After a subsidiary Timing Diagram has been created, it is necessary to execute Update SubBarChartID in CNextRequest. Associating Requests with Edges After all the Activities on a Timing Diagram have been created, they must be organized by relating them to Edges. As many Edges will be created as are needed to organize all the Requests on the Timing Diagram. The processing begins with executing Find all Requests on left Edge of Timing Diagram. Then, for each Request found, Update LeftEdge of Requests with no Predecessors is executed. At this point Create an Edge can be executed to create the new right Edge. Following this a loop is executed, where each iteration begins with executing Find all Requests for next Edge and continues by executing Update LeftEdge of other Requests and Create an Edge if any Requests were found. The loop terminates when no more Requests can be found. SQL Queries All of the database processing is carried out by executing SQL statements under control of a script or program. This guarantees portability of the processing between different database servers. The queries are described in the following sections. The words beginning with $ are variables that are substituted into the queries before they are executed. Most of the queries are self-explanatory, but the more complex ones are accompanied by textual clarification. Find all top level ActivitiesSELECT * FROM Activities WHERE ParentActivityID = ‘0’ Create a Timing DiagramINSERT INTO BarCharts (BarChartID, BarChartStrng, BarChartDescr, ModeID) VALUES ($BarChartID, ‘$barChartStrng’, ‘From CATIA’, 1) Create an EdgeINSERT INTO Edges (EdgeID, EdgeNum, BarChartID) VALUES ($EdgeID, $edgeCount, $BarChartID) Find all Requests on this Timing DiagramSELECT * FROM Activities WHERE ParentActivityID =‘$ParentActivityID’ Activities give rise to both BarCharts and CNextRequests, dependingon their position in the hierarchy. A top level (parentless) Activity isalways a BarChart, and a lower level Activity is always a Request, but ifthe lower level Activity has children, it will give rise to a subsidiaryBarChart as well as a Request. Create a CNextRequestINSERT INTO CNextRequests (RequestID, LeftEdge, BarChartID, RequestOrder, Activity,Resources, SubBarChartID) VALUES ($RequestID, 0, $BarChartID, 0, ‘$activityID’, NULL, 0) Count subsidiary Activities SELECT COUNT() AS ChildCount FROM Activities WHERE ParentActivityID = ‘$activityID’ Update SubBarChartID in CNextRequest UPDATE CnextRequests SET SubBarChartID = $newBarChartIDWHERE RequestID = $RequestID Find all Requests on left Edge of Timing Diagram SELECT FROM Activities WHERE Activities.ParentActivityID = ‘$ParentActivityID’ AND NOT EXISTS (SELECT * FROM ActivityPredecessors WHERE Activities.ActivityID = ActivityPredecessors.ActivityID) This query may be paraphrased as “select those Activities belongingto this BarChart and lacking a predecessor Activity”. Update LeftEdge of Requests with no Predecessors UPDATE CnextRequests SET LeftEdge = $edgeID WHERE CNextRequests.Activity = ‘$ActivityID’ Find all Requests for next Edge SELECT R2.RequestID FROM CNextRequests AS R1, CNextRequests AS R2, ActivityPredecessors AS AP1 WHERE R1.LeftEdge = $oldEdge AND AP1.PredecessorActivityID = R1.Activity AND R2.Activity = AP1.ActivityIDThis query may be paraphrased as “select those Requests whosepredecessor Activity mapped to a Request linked to the preceding Edge”. Update LeftEdge of other Requests UPDATE CnextRequests SET LeftEdge = $edgeID WHERE CNextRequests.RequestID = $RequestID Select BarChart for export SELECT * FROM [BarCharts] WHERE BarChartID = $BarChartID Create Ordered Edge List SELECT * FROM Edges WHERE BarChartID = $BarChartID ORDER BY Edges.EdgeNum Select Requests for export SELECT * FROM Requests WHERE Requests.LeftEdge = $EdgeID ORDER BY Requests.RequestOrder Lookup Request Attributes SELECT ControlAssemblyInstances.Label AS InstanceLabel, DCCActions.Label AS ActionLabel, DCCElementsTimes.Time FROM Requests, ControlAssemblyInstances AS Cai, DCCActions, DCCElementsTimes WHERE Requests.RequestID = $RequestIDAND Requests.ControlAssemblyInstanceID =Cai.ControlAssemblyInstanceID AND DCCActions.DCCActionsID = Requests.DCCActionsID AND DCCElementsTimes.DCCActionsID = Requests.DCCActionsID The first step in designing a control system utilizing an enterprise system in accordance with a preferred embodiment is presented below. The example from an actual car manufacturing station for a rear quarter panel assembly is utilized to assist one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use a preferred embodiment without undue experimentation. A control engineer initiates the Rockwell Automation Enterprise Controls Designer Studio in accordance with a preferred embodiment to initiate the process. The engineer creates a new project by selecting the new project and gives it an appropriate name, like NEWPROJECT. This activity causes the system to load the machine resources that require control to be loaded from the existing CAD database. A process description is also loaded from the existing CAD database. Data Conversion to/from the ECDB One of the key tasks in creating an Enterprise Control Database (ECDB) is the creation of a uniform set of data structures and a set of mapping procedures to take data from disparate sources and import it into the ECDB. Some of these data sources include structural information (CAD models, etc.) and process information. In accordance with a preferred embodiment moves data into the ECDB and creates a Data Interchange File Format (DIFF) file, and then use tools that can populate a set of database tables from information in the DIFF. The ECDB also supports the export of data in a variety of formats than can then be used to generate input to a variety of design analysis and synthesis tools, such as Rockwell Automation's Control Designer Studio or Dassault's CNext process modeling system. The Data Interchange File Format consists of a text file containing only ASCII text divided into lines. Each line is either blank, contains one of the keywords, or contains a series of comma-separated value (CSV) data fields appropriate to the preceding keyword. Because of the flexibility of CSV, the number of fields and their formats will grow over time to allow very rich structure. The currently supported table keywords are: (Activities, ActivityResources, ActivityPredecessors, ActivityAttributes, StructuralComponents). These tables are defined below, where the nth element of the “ColumnValues” list is the storage format of the table column whose name is the nth element of the “ColumnNames” list. The table definitions follow: Table=StructuralComponents ColumnNames=StructuralComponentID,PartOf,WorkcellID, Label,Class ColumnValues=string,string,string,string,string Table=Activities ColumnNames=ActivityID,ParentActivityID,ActivityLabel,ActivityType,ActivityDuration ColumnValues=string,string,string,string numeric Table=ActivityResources ColumnNames=ActivityID,StructuralComponentID ColumnValues=string,string Table=ActivityPredecessors ColumnNames=ActivityID,PredecessorActivityID ColumnValues=string,string Table=ActivityAttributes ColumnNames=ActivityID,AttributeKey,AttributeValue ColumnValues=string,string,string This file format supports an arbitrary number of database tables. The format is to be interpreted as follows: A blank line ends one table and begins another The first non-blank line after a blank line denotes the table name Subsequent non-blank lines denote data in CSV format There may be as many sections as needed, and the same, table may appear several times in a file. An example DIFF is shown below, with keywords highlighted in bold: StructuralComponents 12345,0,1,Esl,Support 23456,12345,1,Clampset1,Clampset Activities 12345,4367,Load,45 ActivityResources 12345,23456 ActivityPredecessors Clampset1,Clampset 2 ActivityAttributes This file format is illustrative only. Extensions (via additional columns) can be added to particular database tables, and new tables added, to support such concepts as Interlocks (triggering events) and Safeties (enabling events). In the interests of modularity, the function of importing data from the DIFF into the ECDB has been split into two steps. In the first step, the DIFF file is parsed and an intermediate text stream of SQL statements is created. In the second step, the stream of SQL statements is executed against the ECDB database. Step 1: Parsing the DIFF and generating SOL The file parsing tool has been implemented as a Perl script which implements a state machine with the two states READ_TABLE_NAME and READ_DATA. Execution of the Perl script begins with the program in state READ_TABLE_NAME, in which it reads lines of input (ignoring blank lines) until it finds a keyword. If the keyword is not a member of the valid keywords, the program logs an error and exits. Otherwise, after finding a valid keyword, the script program initializes a number of variables that define the expected names and types of data to follow. The program then switches to state READ_DATA. In the READ_DATA state the tool reads successive lines of data, checks for the expected number of fields, and emits one SQL statement for each line that has been read from the DIFF. The SQL statements are all INSERT statements, each inserting one row of data into the correspondingly-named table in the ECDB. When the Perl script program reads a blank line, it changes its state back to READ_TABLE_NAME. Reading an End of File (EOF) terminates execution. Step 2: Executing the stream of SQL statements against the ECDB The tool that executes SQL statements against a database is a Perl script employing the Win32::ODBC extension. It is invoked from the command line with an argument specifying the name of the ODBC data source to be opened. Then it reads its standard input for SQL statements, each of which is executed in turn, and the success or failure of each statement is checked. If any statement fails, the entire process terminates and an error message is logged. After all statements have been executed, the data source is closed and the process terminates. The standard input stream for this program is usually the standard output of the Perl program of Step 1 above. For each SQL query attempted, the program checks the return status. If the return status is an error state, the program returns the error text and terminates. Otherwise, the program terminates when all SQL statements have been successfully executed against the ECDB. At this point, the data has been successfully placed in the Enterprise Database in a canonical format, and can now be accessed by a variety of tools. In general, data translation is required from the ECDB internal format to a format that is acceptable to a specific tool. For example, Rockwell's Designer Studio program uses a format called Timing Diagrams to denote the activities performed by resources and bar charts to denote the requests made to the resources. Conversion from ECDB to Timing Diagrams The processing required for exporting data from the ECDB in a format compatible with Rockwell's tools to display Timing Diagrams to the user is described. All of this processing is carried out utilizing a single tool that processes the results of earlier steps. The processing begins with establishment of an ODBC connection to the ECDB data source. A SQL query is executed to Find all top level Activities (usually there is only one). Timing Diagram creation A Timing Diagram is created for the specified Activity, using the Create a Timing Diagram query. Code in Perl is shown below for converting information from CATIA process description to a timing diagram for use by the ECDB. # prepare connection to Machine Resource DB$db = new Win32::ODBC(“VCM”) \|\| die $!;# prepare connection to Machine Resource DB$db = new Win32::ODBC(“VCM”) \|\| die $!;=head2 mainline#for each parentless Activity CreateBarChart recursively=cutmy $query = “SELECT * FROM Activities WHERE Activities.ParentActivityID = ‘0’”;my(@rows) = ( );if (! $db->Sql($query)){ # read the entire set of rows while ($db->FetchRow( )) { # store result as a list of hashes push @rows, {$db->DataHash( )} ; }}else{ ReportSQLError($query);}# iterate through the array of rows, with no further DB accessmy $row;for each $row (@rows){ &CreateBarChart($row->{“ActivityLabel”} , $row->{“ActivityID”} );}$db->Close( );# end of mainline#for each parentless Activity CreateBarChart recursively=cutmy $query = “SELECT * FROM Activities WHERE Activities.ParentActivityID = ‘0’ ”;my(@rows) = ( );if (! $db->Sql($query)){ # read the entire set of rows while ($db->FetchRow( )) { # store result as a list of hashes push @rows, {$db->DataHash( )} ; }}else{ ReportSQLError($query);}# iterate through the array of rows, with no further DB accessmy $row;foreach $row (@rows){ &CreateBarChart($row->{“ActivityLabel”} , $row->{“ActivityID”} );}$db->Close( );# end of mainline Edge Creation Every Timing Diagram has at least one Edge, the left Edge. The Create an Edge query is executed to create the left Edge. A summary of the steps in the actual execution code follows: 3. CreateBarChart 4. CreateEdge 5. for each Activity with this parent 6. CreateCNextRequest 7. find Activities with this parent with no ActivityPredecessors 8. AssignLeftEdge 9. CreateEdge 10. while any unassigned Activities with this parent remain 11. for each ActivityPredecessor pointing to any Activity on previous edge 12. AssignEdge 13. CreateEdge 14. return BarChartID Request Creation The Find all Requests on this Timing Diagram query is executed to identify Activities that will map to Requests. Then the Create a CNextRequest query is used for each of the Requests. For each Request, running a Count subsidiary Activities query determines if this Request requires a subsidiary Timing Diagram. If it does, BarChart creation, Edge creation, and Request creation are called recursively. This will go on until there are no more subsidiary Activities detected. After a subsidiary Timing Diagram has been created, it is necessary to execute Update SubBarChartID in CNextRequest. Associating Requests with Edges After all the Requests on a Timing Diagram have been created, they must be organized by relating them to Edges. As many Edges will be created as are needed to organize all the Requests on the Timing Diagram. The processing begins with executing Find all Requests on left Edge of Timing Diagram. Then, for each Request found, Update LeftEdge of Requests with no Predecessors is executed. At this point Create an Edge can be executed to create the new right Edge. Following this a loop is executed, where each iteration begins with executing Find all Requests for next Edge and continues by executing Update LeftEdge of other Requests and Create an Edge if any Requests were found. The loop terminates when no more Requests can be found. Export of Timing Diagrams SQL Queries All of the database processing is carried out by executing SQL statements under control of a script or program. This guarantees portability of the processing between different database servers. The queries are described in the following sections. The words beginning with $ are variables that are substituted into the queries before they are executed. Most of the queries are self-explanatory, but the more complex ones are accompanied by textual clarification. Find all top level ActivitiesSELECT * FROM Activities WHERE ParentActivityID = ‘0’ Create a Timing DiagramINSERT INTO BarCharts (BarChartID, BarChartStrng, BarChartDescr, ModeID) VALUES ($BarChartID, ‘$barChartStrng’, ‘From CATIA’, 1) Create an EdgeINSERT INTO Edges (EdgeID, EdgeNum, BarChartID) VALUES ($EdgeID, $edgeCount, $BarChartID) Find all Requests on this Timing DiagramSELECT * FROM Activities WHERE ParentActivityID =‘$ParentActivityID’ Activities give rise to both BarCharts and CNextRequests, dependingon their position in the hierarchy. A top level (parentless) Activity isalways a BarChart, and a lower level Activity is always a Request, but ifthe lower level Activity has children, it will give rise to a subsidiaryBarChart as well as a Request. Create a CNextRequestINSERT INTO CNextRequests(RequestID, LeftEdge, BarChartID, RequestOrder, Activity, Resources,SubBarChartID) VALUES ($RequestID, 0, $BarChartID, 0, ‘$activityID’, NULL, 0) Count subsidiary ActivitiesSELECT COUNT() AS ChildCount FROM Activities WHERE ParentActivityID = ‘$activityID’ Update SubBarChartID in CNextRequestUPDATE CnextRequests SET SubBarChartID = $newBarChartID WHERE RequestID = $RequestID Find all Requests on left Edge of Timing DiagramSELECT FROM Activities WHERE Activities.ParentActivityID = ‘$ParentActivityID’ AND NOT EXISTS (SELECT * FROM ActivityPredecessors WHERE Activities.ActivityID = ActivityPredecessors.ActivityID)This query may be paraphrased as “select those Activities belonging to thisBarChart and lacking a predecessor Activity”. Update LeftEdge of Requests with no PredecessorsUPDATE CnextRequests SET LeftEdge = $edgeID WHERE CNextRequests.Activity = ‘$ActivityID’ Find all Requests for next EdgeSELECT R2.RequestID FROM CNextRequests AS R1, CNextRequests AS R2, ActivityPredecessors AS AP1 WHERE R1.LeftEdge = $oldEdge AND AP1.PredecessorActivityID = R1.Activity AND R2.Activity = AP1.ActivityID This query may be paraphrased as “select those Requests whosepredecessor Activity mapped to a Request linked to the preceding Edge.” Update LeftEdge of other RequestsUPDATE CnextRequests SET LeftEdge = $edgeID WHERE CNextRequests.RequestID = $RequestID Select BarChart for exportSELECT * FROM [BarCharts] WHERE BarChartID = $BarChartID Create Ordered Edge ListSELECT * FROM Edges WHERE BarChartID = $BarChartID ORDER BY Edges.EdgeNum Select Requests for exportSELECT * FROM Requests WHERE Requests.LeftEdge = $EdgeID ORDER BY Requests.RequestOrder Lookup Request AttributesSELECT ControlAssemblyInstances.Label AS InstanceLabel, DCCActions.Label AS ActionLabel, DCCElementsTimes.Time FROM Requests, ControlAssemblyInstances AS Cai, DCCActions, DCCElementsTimes WHERE Requests.RequestID = $RequestIDAND Requests.ControlAssemblyInstanceID =Cai.ControlAssemblyInstanceID AND DCCActions.DCCActionsID = Requests.DCCActionsID AND DCCElementsTimes.DCCActionsID = Requests.DCCActionsID Enterprise Controls Enterprise Controls (EC) is a single unifying construct for integrating control system design, simulation, implementation, and maintenance processes (via an integrated object model), and integrating control system design and deployment with external product, process, and machine data models (via an integrated enterprise-wide customer data model). The Designer Studio software provides enterprise control in accordance with a preferred embodiment. This EC Designer Studio incorporates software from various new software including Enterprise Controls Designer Studio, a transfer machine model, status based diagnostics and code generation engine, a PanelBuilder software comprising: a layout editor and a layout compiler, RSWire (schematics), RSLadder (display and monitor LL), RS SoftLogix 5 (simulator), RS Linx (communications gateway/router), PERL Scripting and a relational database such as Microsoft Access. The EC Designer Studio utilizes Java 1.1, Visual J++ 6.0 and Microsoft Application Foundation Classes (version 2.5). FIG. 54 is a splash screen in accordance with a preferred embodiment. FIG. 55 is the initial display for the Designer Studio in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The Designer Studio integrates with External Data Models such as Mechanical Resources panel which utilizes resources created within the mechanical modeling environment to provide the resources that need to be controlled. The data models can be based on “BIG” CAD (Unigraphics, SDRC, or CATIA) or “little” CAD (e.g., AutoCAD)] to determine the Resources (Mechanical, Robotic, and Operator). An important part in accordance with a preferred embodiment is a mechanism that determines which elements are to be controlled. The Designer Studio also integrates a Mechanical Timing Diagram panel which can take on different dimensions based on the particular model which is employed. For example, when CATIA is utilized, the sequence of activities that the resources perform in their process representation of choice are transformed into a Mechanical Timing Diagram in accordance with a preferred embodiment. If AutoCad is utilized, then the Designer Studio must create a Mechanical Timing Diagram. This process is well suited for processes that use mechanical timing diagrams to describe their sequence of operations. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily comprehend that real control system design is done in small “chunks” that can be “rationalized” one at a time. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, these chunks will be referred to as Control Assemblies. FIG. 56 illustrates a menu that is utilized to open a project in accordance with a preferred embodiment. FIG. 57 illustrates a display menu that is utilized to select an existing project to load in accordance with a preferred embodiment. FIG. 58 Illustrates an Open Project dialog in accordance with a preferred embodiment. A user interacts with this display to open a database and read a Mechanical Resources 5810 from the CAD database and transform the process description into a Mechanical Timing Diagram 5820. One panel 5810 contains a hierarchical tree of the Resources for the IAM 98 Workcell read from the CATIA CAD system and filtered to highlight control information. A second panel 5820 contains a Mechanical Timing Diagram that performs the sequencing of the activities (or operations) that the resources perform. A third panel (Control Resources) 5800 contains the Control Assembly Types that are selected by the EC Designer Studio to be necessary for controlling the Mechanical Resources in the final panel Control Bar Chart 5830 that is populated automatically by the system as control assemblies are created. EC Control System Design Control Engineers work on “small”, manageable “chunks” of the control system. These chunks or control subsystems are referred to as Control Assemblies as shown in panel 5800. Control Assemblies are created as a first step in defining the enterprise control in accordance with a preferred embodiment. A control engineer creates Control Assemblies (i.e., small chunks of the control system) to control the mechanical resources “that require control” (i.e., resources that have activities in the Mechanical Timing Diagram). For example a user can create a Control Assembly of type SafeBulkHeadClampSet 5840 in order to control clamps 2506A, 4502A, 5508B, 5509A, 5516A, and 5516B. Note that SafeBulkHeadClampSet was one of the Control Assembly Types predicted by the EC Designer Studio to be useful to the user to control some of the resources in the Mechanical Timing Diagram as evidenced by its name appearing in the Control Resources window 5800. These clamps perform the activities fixture (close) and release (open) in parallel on the Mechanical Timing Diagram. FIG. 59 illustrates a menu display for facilitating an “Add Control Assembly” dialog 5900 in accordance with a preferred embodiment. FIG. 60 illustrates the first menu in an “Add Control Assembly” dialog in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The Add Control Assembly dialog provides a catalog of reusable control sub-system components: Control Assembly Types (see below for the specification of a Control Assembly. In accordance with the example, the Control Assembly Type selected is a safe-bulkheadclampset 6000. After selecting the Type the user will click the New button. This user event initiates the Control Assembly Wizard shown in FIG. 61 at 6100. The Control Assembly Wizard allows a user to create a Control Assembly corresponding to frequently used control subsystem design patterns and allows the user to actuate properties of that Control Assembly. FIGS. 61 to 67 illustrate a user experience with a wizard in accordance with a preferred embodiment. FIG. 62 illustrates a wizard display in which a control assembly has been selected in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The user must specify a name for the new Control Assembly of Type safe-bulkheadclampset as reflected at 6200. In FIG. 63, the user specifies the name of the new control assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment. In the example, the name of the new Control Assembly is 1stclamps. The Control Assembly Type is a reusable component containing a number of user selectable properties (or parameters). 1stclamps is a specific instance of the component for which the user will set the properties. The Control Assembly Wizard defaults are set to automatically create a schematic (i.e., wiring diagram or WD) for the assembly and all the available diagnostics (defined by the Type) for the assembly are preselected. Finally, the documentation format is defaulted to HTML format. An important feature of the system is the built in diagnostics and documentation that are architected into each component. This feature allows a control engineer to receive a predefined set of diagnostics that are carefully tailored to the characteristics of each component and build diagnostics right into the control system automatically. Moreover, as the system is simulated and ultimately brought into production, the diagnostics are available for integration and analysis from the beginning of the process through the life of the system. Thus, when a failure occurs in the system, there are built-in controls that facilitate immediate identification of the failure and remedy. FIG. 64 illustrates a resource selection display in accordance with a preferred embodiment. A user is presented with a list of available resources 6400 from the Mechanical Timing Diagram that match the type of resource that the control assembly type 6410 can control and are not previously bound to other control assemblies. FIG. 65 illustrates a selected set of controlled resources in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The selected resources are shown in box 6510 as they are selected from available resources shown at 6500. The user adds resources from the available list 6500 to the controlled resources list 6510 of the resources that will be controlled by the control assembly 1stclamps of type safe-bulkheadclampset 6520. FIG. 66 informs the user of the control components that will make up the control assembly based on the resources chosen to be controlled in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The control components 6600 and their labels 6610 are provided to assist the user in designing a control strategy. FIG. 67 illustrates the final step in defining control assemblies in accordance with a preferred embodiment. The display window 6700 presents a specification of the control assembly that will be created if a user selects the Finish button. FIG. 68 illustrates the processing that occurs when a user presses the finish button in accordance with a preferred embodiment. First, the Control Assembly 1stClamps is added to the Control Resources hierarchical tree panel in the ECDB. The parent of 1stClamps is the Control Assembly Type Safe-BulkHeadClampSet. The children of 1stClamps 6810 are the requests or conditionals that determine the behavior of 1stClamps. In this case 1stClamps has two requests: extend and retract 6810. The requests (extend and retract) 6810 corresponding to the activities (fixture and release) of the clamps controlled by 1stClamps are automatically added to the Control Bar Chart panel 6840. The bars 6830 denote the time period during which the extend and retract requests occur. The Control Bar Chart panel 6840 shows the sequence of requests made by the Control Assembly 1stClamps. The Control Bar Chart 6840 is a control system-wide tool that shows the sequence of Control Assembly requests. There are relationships between the control assembly 1stClamps 6810, the Mechanical Resources it controls, the Activities these resources perform, and the requests made by 1stClamps to these resources to initiate their activities. FIG. 69 illustrates the selection processing associated with a particular control assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment. To see these relationships a user selects 1stClamps 6910 in the Control Resources panel. This action highlights 6940 the clamps that 1stClamps controls in the Mechanical Resources panel, the activities 6930 that these resources perform in the Mechanical Timing Diagram panel, and the requests made by 1stClamps to these resources to actuate their activities in the Control Bar Chart panel 6920. Using the scroll bars we can arrange the Mechanical Timing Diagram and the Control Bar Chart to see the sequencing relationship between the Timing Diagram of the Mechanical Resource activities and the requests of the 1stClamps control assembly. The activities of the clamps controlled by 1stClamps and the requests of 1stClamps occur in the same columns (i.e., during the same time period of the cycle). FIG. 70 illustrates the processing of a control assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment. When a user clicks the mouse on the retract 7000 request of 1stClamps the user can see the activities 7010 controlled by the request. FIGS. 71 to 79 provide additional displays in accordance with a preferred embodiment. Schematic Tool: Allows user to add the control system-wide schematic components such as factory services, rack layouts, . . . and to connect the Control Assembly Instances electrically, pneumatically, and hydraulically via a control system-wide tool. e.g., RSWire adapted to work off an integrated data model that allows a local (i.e., Control Assembly) schematic environment and a control system-wide tool that connects Control Assemblies and adds the additional schematics necessary to complete the Control System-wide design (e.g., Factory Services, Rack Layouts, . . . ) HMI Tool: Allows the user to combine the viewable entities in the control assemblies to layouts to monitor and control the process EC Simulation Visualization of the PLC LL execution is enabled by using RSLogix. Visualization of a current step(s) the machine is waiting on Visualization the “control process”, i.e., animate the Bar Chart. Use generated code via SoftLogix to animate in 3-D visualization of the workcell machines in order to simulate the process and the subsequent creation of the product Note: in EC all these simulations run off the same data model. EC Control System Implementation Bill of materials (from RS Wire Schematics) Make control system bill of materials and control system process available to the Machine and Process designers (i.e., export to CNext) Code generation Tool Diagnostics Generation Tool HMI (Visualization) Generation Tool EC Control System Maintenance Diagnostics Keeping control system design consistent with Product, Process, and Machine Design Password protect to provide restricted access to RLL and the capability to record and changes that are made to the RLL that must be reengineered into the design. A Control Assembly Component is a deployable control subsystem that exposes an interface (to Control System-wide tools) that is a composition of the following parts using a common object (or data) model and is easily configurable by setting properties. 1 Control Components1 Definition: a control component is an entity that either sends acontrol signal, receives a control signal, or both sends and receivescontrol signals.—— These components control the flow of the motive forces(electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic) that cause mechanicaloperations to occur.2 Examples: solenoid valve (receives), proximity sensor (sends), Robot interface (both), PanelView interface (both), pushbutton (sends), indicator light (receives), motor controller (both), ...——2 Mechanical Components——3 Definition: a mechanical component that is required to implement or deploy the control subsystem (e.g., pneumatic hoses, check valves, ...)——3 Logic——4 Definition: the logic specifies the control and fault states, the transitions between states that the control components can attain (i.e., the restricted state space of the control assembly), the controller outputs which produce the transitions, and inputs to the controller determine the current state.——The following examples identify three types of logic groupings: inputonly, output only, and input/output.——5 Examples:——1 n-sensor PartPresent (input)——1 States——1 Part Absent——2 Part Present——3 Part out of position——2 Transitions——1 Part Absent => Part Present——2 Part Present => Part out of position——3 Part out of position => Part Absent——4 Part Absent => Part Present——5 Part Absent => Part out of position——6 Part out of position => Part Present——3 Outputs——1 None——4 Inputs——1 all n off (Part Absent)——2 all n on (Part Present)——3 k of n on (k < n, k > 0) (Part out of position)——2 ClearToEnterLight (output) (e.g., single light also could be multiple lights)——1 States——1 LightOn——2 LightOff——2 Transitions——1 LightOn => LightOff——2 LightOff => LightOn——3 Outputs——1 LightOnSignal (LightOff => LightOn)——2 Not LightOnSignal (LightOn => LightOff)——3 SafeBulkHeadClamp (both)——1 States——1 Retracted——2 Extended——3 Between——2 Transitions——1 Retracted => Between——2 Between => Extended——3 Extended => Between——4 Between => Retracted——3 Outputs——1 Extend (both valves opened = 4 outputs high)——2 Retract (main valve closed = 2 outputs high)——4 Inputs——1 Retracted (retract proximity sensors on for all cylinders)——2 Extended (extend proximity sensors off for all cylinders)——3 Between (one or more sets of proximity sensors both off)——4 Fault 1 (one set of proximity sensors both on)——5 Fault 2 (one or more of the set of sensors disagreeswith the others for a nominally significant time period).——4 Diagnostics——6 Definition: Status-based diagnostics - specifies the step(s) that the machine is currently waiting to occur (if a fault occurs it specifies the step(s) that were waiting to occur at the time of the fault, i.e., the symptoms).——Note: this information is available for both well behavior and faultbehavior.——7 Definition2: Causal model-based diagnostics - use a model of causal relationships to develop rules that relate machine status to root causes.——8 Examples:——1 Consider that a human mechanic has incorrectly moved the mount location of a part present proximity sensor causing a misalignment.——1 Status-based: determines that the machine is “waiting for part present sensor #2” (no automatic inference possible)——2 Consider that the proximity sensor on a clamp cylinder has failed——1 Status-based: determines that machine is “waiting for clamp cylinder 2504A”——2 Causal model-based: logic infers that the extend proximity sensor on cylinder 2504A has failed, or that cylinder 2504A is stuck.——5 Schematics——9 Definition: a schematic is a representation of the electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic interface to the control assembly.——10 Examples:——1 Ielectrical——2 Ipneumatic——3 Ihydraulic——4 ...——6 Visualization——11 Definition: entities within the control assembly that are useful to portray textually or graphically.——12 Examples:——1 Control Components (textually or graphically)——2 Logic (graphically: RLL, Function Blocks, Axis-like diagrams, state diagrams ...) what ever conveys the logic to the user.——3 Diagnostics——1 Status messages——2 Causal messages——4 Schematics——1 Typed connections (electrical, pneumatic, network, ...) within Control Assembly and to and from the Control Assembly (i.e., the interface to the Control Assembly.——2 Bill of Materials (to deploy the control assembly)——3 ...——5 Controlled Resources——6 Requests——7 Controlled Resources——13 Definition: properties of the resource controlled by the control assembly that place requirements (i.e., add constraints) on the structure of the assembly——14 Example——1 Clamp 1——1 Safety constraint: if lose power clamp must fail open——8 Requests or Conditions——15 Definition: request an operation (optionally with confirmation) or request a status of the external world (color code)——1 Request Action Request Status——2 Request Action——3 Request Status——4 Note: how to handle complicated actions (initialization, robot protocols, ...)——16 Examples:——1 PartPresent——1 SensePart (Request Status)——2 ClearToEnterLight——1 TurnOn (Request Action)——2 TurnOff (Request Action)——3 SafeBulkHeadClamp——1 Extend——2 Retract——4 SafetyGate——1 SenseSafe (Request Status)——9 Documentation———— Control Bar Chart panel: Allows user to sequence the Requests ofControl Assembly Instances via a control system-wide tool called aControl Bar Chart. Schematic Tool: Allows user to add the control system-wide schematic components such as factory services, rack layouts, . . . and to connect the Control Assembly Instances electrically, pneumatically, and hydraulically via a control system-wide tool e.g., RSWire adapted to work off an integrated data model that allows a local (i.e., Control Assembly) schematic environment and a control system-wide tool that connects Control Assemblies and adds the additional schematics necessary to complete the Control System-wide design (e.g., Factory Services, Rack Layouts, . . . ) HMI Tool: Allows the user to combine the viewable entities in the control assemblies to layouts to monitor and control the process EC Simulation Visualization of the LL execution is facilitated through the use of RSLogix (RSLadder is better) Visualization the current step(s) the machine is waiting on Visualization the “control process”, i.e., animate the Bar Chart Use generated code via SoftLogix to animate in 3-D visualization of the workcell machines in order to simulate the process and the subsequent creation of the product Note: in EC all these simulations run off the same data model. ———— EC Control System Implementation—— Bill of materials (from RS Wire Schematics)—— Make control system bill of materials and control system process available to the Machine and Process designers (i.e., export to CNext)—— Code generation Tool—— Diagnostics Generation Tool—— HMI (Visualization) Generation Tool————EC Control System Maintenance—— Diagnostics—— Keeping control system design consistent with Product, Process, and Machine Design—— Password protect to provide restricted access to LL and the capability to record and changes that are made to the LL that must be reengineered into the design.———— Definition: a Control Assembly Component is a deployable controlsubsystem that exposes an interface (to Control System-wide tools) that isa composition of the following parts using a common object (or data)model and is easily configurable by setting properties. FIG. 80 is a blockdiagram of a control assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment.The boxed region designates the control assembly component which is acontainer. The assembly component is a composition of a logic class 8010,a diagnostics class 8030, schematics class 8020, Human Machine Interface(HMI) class 8032 and a control model 8000. The control model 8000which contains the common fields and methods (logic) for a controlassembly class. The logic 8010 is a class that contains the fields andmethods that are unique to the logic portions of a control assembly type.The diagnostics class 8030 is a class that contains the fields and methodsthat are unique to the diagnostics portions of a control assembly type. Theschematics class 8020 is a class that contains the fields and methods thatare unique to the schematics portions of a control assembly type. The HMIclass 8032 is a class that contains the fields and methods that are unique tothe user interface portions of a control assembly type. The Irequest interface 8086 specifies the external behavior methods(logic) for controlling a controlled resource. For example, the message thatinvokes the logic for opening and closing a clamp. The IView interface8080 specifies the external behavior methods (logic) for viewingschematics (electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic). The IBOM interface8084 specifies the external behavior methods (logic) for retrieving the Bill-Of-Materials (BOM) for a control assembly component. The INetlistinterface 8082 specifies the external behavior methods (logic) forretrieving the electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic connections between thecontrol and mechanical devices within a control assembly component. The IRender interface 8070 specifies the external behavior method(logic) for retrieving viewable elements and their properties and generatinga user interface. The IDocument interface 8060 specifies the externalbehavior method (logic) for producing documentation of the controlassembly component. the IControl interface 8050 specifies the externalbehavior method (logic) for retrieving the resources that the controlassembly component is capable of controlling. The IDiagnostics interface8040 specifies the external behavior method (logic) for selectingdiagnostics that are instantiated for a control component.——10 Control Components——17 Definition: a control component is an entity that either sends a control signal, receives a control signal, or both sends and receives control signals.—— These components control the flow of the motive forces (electrical,pneumatic, and hydraulic) that cause mechanical operations to occur.——18 Examples: solenoid valve (receives), proximity sensor (sends), Robot interface (both), PanelView interface (both), pushbutton (sends), indicator light (receives), motor controller (both), ...——11 Mechanical Components——19 Definition: a mechanical component that is required to implement or deploy the control subsystem (e.g., pneumatic hoses, check valves, ...)——12 Logic——1 Definition: the logic specifies the control and fault states, the transitions between states that the control components can attain (i.e., the restricted state space of the control assembly), the controller outputs which produce the transitions, and inputs to the controller determine the current state.——The following examples identify three types of logic groupings: inputonly, output only, and input/output.——2 Examples:——1 n-sensor PartPresent (input)——1 States——1 Part Absent——2 Part Present——3 Part out of position——2 Transitions——1 Part Absent => Part Present——2 Part Present => Part out of position——3 Part out of position => Part Absent——4 Part Absent => Part Present——5 Part Absent => Part out of position——6 Part out of position => Part Present——3 Outputs——1 None——4 Inputs——1 all n off (Part Absent)——2 all n on (Part Present)——3 k of n on (k < n, k > 0) (Part out of position)——2 ClearToEnterLight (output) (e.g., single light also could be multiple lights)——1 States——1 LightOn——2 LightOff——2 Transitions——1 LightOn => LightOff——2 LightOff => LightOn——3 Outputs——1 LightOnSignal (LightOff => LightOn)——2 Not LightOnSignal (LightOn => LightOff)——3 SafeBulkHeadClamp (both)——4 States——1 Retracted——2 Extended——3 Between——5 Transitions——1 Retracted => Between——2 Between => Extended——3 Extended => Between——4 Between => Retracted——6 Outputs——1 Extend (both valves opened = 4 outputs high)——2 Retract (main valve closed = 2 outputs high)——7 Inputs——1 Retracted (retract proximity sensors on for all cylinders)——2 Extended (extend proximity sensors off for all cylinders)——3 Between (one or more sets of proximity sensors both off)——4 Fault 1 (one set of proximity sensors both on)——5 Fault 2 (one or more of the set of sensors disagreeswith the others for a nominally significant time period).——13 Diagnostics——1 Definition: Status-based diagnostics - specifies the step(s) that the machine is currently waiting to occur (if a fault occurs it specifies the step(s) that were waiting to occur at the time of the fault, i.e., the symptoms).——Note: this information is available for both well behavior and faultbehavior.——2 Definition2: Causal model-based diagnostics - use a model of causal relationships to develop rules that relate machine status to root causes.——3 Examples:——3 Consider that a human mechanic has incorrectly moved the mount location of a part present proximity sensor causing a misalignment.——1 Status-based: determines that the machine is “waiting for part present sensor #2” (no automatic inference possible)——4 Consider that the proximity sensor on a clamp cylinder has failed——1 Status-based: determines that machine is “waiting for clamp cylinder 2504A”——2 Causal model-based: logic infers that the extend proximity sensor on cylinder 2504A has failed, or that cylinder 2504A is stuck.——14 Schematics——1 Definition: a schematic is a representation of the electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic interface to the control assembly.——2 Examples:——5 Ielectrical——6 Ipneumatic——7 Ihydraulic——8 ...——15 Visualization——20 Definition: entities within the control assembly that are useful to portray textually or graphically.——21 Examples:——1 Control Components (textually or graphically)——2 Logic (graphically: LL, Function Blocks, Axis-like diagrams, state diagrams ...) what ever conveys the logic to the user.——3 Diagnostics——1 Status messages——2 Causal messages——4 Schematics——1 Typed connections (electrical, pneumatic, network, ...) within Control Assembly and to and from the Control Assembly (i.e., the interface to the Control Assembly.——2 Bill of Materials (to deploy the control assembly)——3 ...——5 Controlled Resources——6 Requests——16 Controlled Resources——22 Definition: properties of the resource controlled by the control assembly that place requirements (i.e., add constraints) on the structure of the assembly——23 Example——1 Clamp 1——1 Safety constraint: if lose power clamp must fail open——17 Requests or Conditions——24 Definition: request an operation (optionally with confirmation) or request a status of the external world (color code)——1 Request Action Request Status——2 Request Action——3 Request Status——4 Note: how to handle complicated actions (initialization, robot protocols, ...)——25 Examples:——1 PartPresent——1 SensePart (Request Status)——2 ClearToEnterLight——1 TurnOn (Request Action)——2 TurnOff (Request Action)——3 SafeBulkHeadClamp——1 Extend——2 Retract——4 SafetyGate——1 SenseSafe (Request Status)——9 Documentation—— While the invention is described in terms of preferred embodiments in a specific system environment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced, with modification, in other and different hardware and software environments within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims. To apprise the public of the scope of this invention, the following claims are made:
053655575	abstract	According to one embodiment, a fuel assembly includes a bundle of fuel rods. Approximately mutually parallel upright webs extend between the fuel rods in a plane approximately perpendicular to the fuel rods. The webs have upper edges and tabs on the upper edges. The tabs have ends and the tabs are twisted continuously more severely toward the ends away from the webs. According to another embodiment, the fuel assembly includes a bundle of fuel rods defining flow channels and an axis approximately parallel to the fuel rods. Lengthwise webs extend approximately parallel to one another between the fuel rods in a first plane extending approximately perpendicular to the fuel rods. Crosswise webs, which extend approximately perpendicularly to the lengthwise webs, are disposed in a second plane approximately parallel to the first plane and join the lengthwise webs to one another between the fuel rods. Tabs are twisted about the axis and disposed in the flow channels. The tabs are integrally formed on the lengthwise webs and they join the lengthwise webs to the crosswise webs and merge steadily with the webs.
	claims	1. A method for forming a compound plasma configuration, comprising: driving an impulse current through a helical conductor, a gas, and an annular electrode thereby forming an annular plasma between an end of said helical conductor and said annular electrode; generating an axial magnetic field threading through said annular plasma while increasing said impulse current driven through said helical conductor and said annular electrode; and generating an azimuthal magnetic field around said axial magnetic field while further increasing said impulse current driven through said helical conductor and said annular electrode, said azimuthal magnetic field differentiating said annular plasma into a plasma sheath and a central plasma channel. 2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising inflating said plasma sheath and elongating said central plasma channel while further increasing said impulse current driven through said helical conductor and said annular electrode. claim 1 3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising: claim 2 forming an helix with said central plasma channel while decreasing said impulse current driven through said helical conductor and said annular electrode after reaching a maximum for said impulse current. 4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising coalescing a portion of said helix thereby: claim 3 forming a plasma ring comprising a circulating current, and forming a plasma mantle surrounding said plasma ring. 5. The method of claim 4 , wherein said gas comprises nitrogen. claim 4 6. The method of claim 4 , wherein said gas comprises a fusion fuel. claim 4 7. The method of claim 4 , further comprising the step of pre-compressing said gas. claim 4 8. The method of claim 4 , further comprising the step of compressing said plasma mantle. claim 4 9. The method of claim 8 , wherein said compressing step comprises performing an adiabatic compression. claim 8
06256594&	abstract	Only snapshot data necessary for monitoring faults are collected from machine such as vehicles, allowing faults to be more accurately monitored, and the amount of data and the memory storage volume at a monitoring station to be reduced. The values of a plurality of (A), (B), (C), and (D) operating parameters (engine rotational speed, lever operating position, vehicle speed, and tractive force) which change during the operation of the machine are sequentially detected for each machine. The fault detection history data are thus updated every time a fault (drop in engine oil pressure, overheating) is detected during the operation of the machine. Thus, when a fault (drop in engine oil pressure) is detected during the operation of the machine, it is determined on the basis of the history data whether or not to send to the monitoring station the sequential values of the operating parameters ((A) engine rotational speed, (B) lever operating position, (C) vehicle speed, (D) tractive force) from within a prescribed period of time (from 10 min. before to 5 min. after) around the point in time t0 at which the fault was detected. When it is determined that they should be sent, the type of detected fault (0001 (drop in engine oil pressure)), the values detected ((A) 2, (B) 3, (C) 3, (D) 2) at the time the fault was detected, as well as the sequential values of the operating parameters from within a prescribed period of time (from 10 min. before to 5 min. after) around the time the fault was detected are transmitted to the monitoring station. When it is determined that they should not be sent, on the other hand, the type of detected fault (0001 (drop in engine oil pressure)) and the values detected ((A) 2, (B) 3, (C) 3, (D) 2) at the time the fault was detected are sent to the monitoring station.
060524308	abstract	A system and method for dynamic subspace intensity modulation. Portions around the edges of a multi-leaf collimator-defined static radiation field are expanded or shrunk during part or all of the delivery of radiation at constant velocity. In order to match some or all of the sloping regions (502) of an intensity profile, the individual leaves (41, 42) of the multi-leaf collimator are moved at a fixed velocity over the sloping portions (502) of the intensity profile. By keeping the major portion of the field static and by only moving the leaves at one fixed velocity over a small subspace of the intensity profile, it is relatively easier to know what dose the patient receives and it is also relatively easier to resume treatment since it can be determined exactly how many more monitor units of radiation must be delivered and what the leaf positions were when the radiation was turned off.
	description	The United States Government has rights in this invention pursuant to Contract No. DE-AC52-07NA27344 between the United States Department of Energy and Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC for the operation of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The present invention relates to pyroelectric crystals, and particularly, to the preparation of pyroelectric crystals for use in neutron interrogation systems. The national security of the United States of America (USA), along with many other countries around the globe, is at risk of attack by nuclear and/or radioactive weapons. The USA and international community need detectors to expose these threats at the borders of the nations, airports, and sea ports. Many of the detectors currently being used are large and bulky, and not acceptable to be used as portable radiation detectors. Radiation detectors may use a gamma or neutron source in order to detect if radioactive material is present in a container, building, vehicle, etc. Neutron interrogation techniques have specific advantages for detection of hidden, shielded, or buried threats over other detection modalities in that neutrons readily penetrate most materials, providing backscattered gammas indicative of the elemental composition of the potential threat. Such techniques have broad application to military and homeland security needs. Present neutron sources and interrogation systems are expensive and relatively bulky, thereby making widespread use of this technique impractical. One of the concerns with explosives detection and protection is that a safe distance should be maintained. Generally, it is not desirable to approach the suspected explosive. However, to detect unknown threats remotely requires a very strong source of neutrons. Generally, neutrons cannot be focused like a laser onto a target. The further away from the unknown threat, the more neutrons need to be produced because neutrons generally spray out everywhere in an uncontrolled fashion. It is quite difficult to produce enough neutrons to interrogate objects from a distance. The crystal driven neutron source approach has been previously demonstrated using pyroelectric crystals that generate extremely high voltages when thermal cycled. Referring to FIG. 1, a prior art schematic diagram is shown of one method of neutron interrogation. A neutron source 102 produces a neutron flux 104, with an angular neutron flux/energy distribution 106. The narrower this angular neutron flux/energy distribution 106 can be, the stronger the neutron beam impacting the unidentified threat 108 can be, thereby increasing the chances of detecting a harmful threat. Prompt and delayed gammas 112, x-rays, etc., are thrown off by the unidentified threat 108 upon contact with the neutron flux 104. These prompt and delayed gammas 112 are detected by a NaI photon detector 114 or some other type of photon detector known in the art. Each impacted gamma 116 is detected by the photon detector 114 for determining if there is a real threat, and if so, what type of threat is the unidentified threat 108. Several schemes are available for neutron-based detection, including pulsed fast neutron analysis (PFNA), thermal neutron analysis (TNA), associated particle imaging (API), etc. These schemes can identify contrabands such as explosives, drugs, radioactive material, etc., through C/N/O ratios deduced from gammas released from the target for explosives and drugs, and fission related gammas for radioactive materials. Many current neutron-based technologies are able to penetrate metal walls, casings, soil, vehicles, and are able to propagate neutrons over distance. However, current isotropic neutron sources need significant shielding in order to operate safely, the neutron sources are generally bulky, and often require large associated equipment in order to be operated. Also, these neutron sources generally lack good directional focus, e.g., it is difficult to direct where the neutrons are being sent, thereby requiring higher neutron output to be effective. Traditionally, portable neutron sources utilizing conventional HV and Penning ion sources have a characteristic size on the order of about 30 inches and weights of up to about 60 pounds. The current neutron sources using pyroelectric or pyrofusion neutron sources do not have on/off or pulsing capability of the neutron output, and run mostly steady-state at less than about 103 D-D neutrons/second (n/s), or equivalently, less than about 105 D-T n/s. D-D represents a fusion reaction that can produce neutrons, with deuterium ions onto a deuterated target. D-T represents a fusion reaction that can produce neutrons, with deuterium ions onto a tritiated target. For more information on pyroelectric properties and effects, see Sidney B. Lang, “Pyroelectricity: From Ancient Curiosity to Modern Imaging Tool,” Physics Today, August 2005. The availability of a notably more intense, pulseable, lower weight, reduced power demanding, smaller neutron source using pyroelectric properties would open up new threat interrogation schemes utilizing neutron and/or gamma spectroscopy. According to one embodiment, a method for producing a directed neutron beam includes producing a voltage of negative polarity of at least −100 keV on a surface of a deuterated or tritiated target in response to a temperature change of a pyroelectric crystal of less than about 40° C., the pyroelectric crystal having the deuterated or tritiated target coupled thereto, pulsing a deuterium ion source to produce a deuterium ion beam, accelerating the deuterium ion beam to the deuterated or tritiated target to produce a neutron beam, and directing the ion beam onto the deuterated or tritiated target to make neutrons using at least one of a voltage of the pyroelectric crystal, and a high gradient insulator (HGI) surrounding the pyroelectric crystal. The directionality of the neutron beam is controlled by changing the accelerating voltage of the system. According to another embodiment, a method for producing neutrons includes triggering a raising or a lowering of a temperature of a pyroelectric crystal of less than about 40° C. to produce a voltage of negative polarity of at least −100 keV on a surface of a deuterated or tritiated target coupled thereto, where a deuterium ion source is pulsed to produce a deuterium ion beam. The deuterium ion beam is accelerated via an accelerating voltage of the pyroelectric crystal toward the deuterated or tritiated target to produce neutrons. Furthermore, the pyroelectric crystal, the deuterated or tritiated target, and the deuterium ion source are coupled to a common support. The method also includes throwing the common support housing the pyroelectric crystal, the deuterated or tritiated target, and the deuterium ion source near an unknown threat for identification thereof. Other aspects and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken in conjunction with the drawings, illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the present invention and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts claimed herein. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc. It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless otherwise specified. As used herein, the term “about” when combined with a value refers to plus and minus 10% of the reference value. For example, a temperature of about 50° C. refers to a temperature of 50° C.±5° C. In one general embodiment, a method for producing a directed neutron beam includes producing a voltage of negative polarity of at least −100 keV on a surface of a deuterated or tritiated target in response to a temperature change of a pyroelectric crystal of less than about 40° C., the pyroelectric crystal having the deuterated or tritiated target coupled thereto, pulsing a deuterium ion source to produce a deuterium ion beam, accelerating the deuterium ion beam to the deuterated or tritiated target to produce a neutron beam, and directing the ion beam onto the deuterated or tritiated target to make neutrons using at least one of a voltage of the pyroelectric crystal, and a high gradient insulator (HGI) surrounding the pyroelectric crystal. The directionality of the neutron beam is controlled by changing the accelerating voltage of the system. In another general embodiment, a method for producing neutrons includes triggering a raising or a lowering of a temperature of a pyroelectric crystal of less than about 40° C. to produce a voltage of negative polarity of at least −100 keV on a surface of a deuterated or tritiated target coupled thereto, where a deuterium ion source is pulsed to produce a deuterium ion beam. The deuterium ion beam is accelerated via an accelerating voltage of the pyroelectric crystal toward the deuterated or tritiated target to produce neutrons. Furthermore, the pyroelectric crystal, the deuterated or tritiated target, and the deuterium ion source are coupled to a common support. The method also includes throwing the common support housing the pyroelectric crystal, the deuterated or tritiated target, and the deuterium ion source near an unknown threat for identification thereof. Heating and cooling of a pyroelectric crystal causes thermal stress and polarizes the crystal structure, resulting in surface charges. At less than about 100° C., internal neutralizing currents are very small. With no emission or surface currents, the charge is static. For example, LiTaO3 has a pyroelectric coefficient of 190 μC/m2K. For every 50° C. swing, an about 3 cm in dimension crystal has a charge (Q) of about 6.7 μC. The following relationship, indicated as Equation 1, Equation 2, and Equation 3, is a simple one-dimensional model that shows voltage of up to about 200 keV for a ΔT of 50K and a 1 cm.×3 cm. crystal. V = Q ɛ cr ⁢ A d cr + ɛ 0 ⁢ A d v Equation ⁢ ⁢ 1 Where V is the voltage, A is the area of the crystal surface, Q is the charge, dcr is the thickness of the crystal, and dv is the distance between the charged surface of the crystal and the equivalent ground. The voltage depends on the crystal capacitance (εcr) and the vacuum capacitance (ε0). The crystal capacitance dominates this relationship, since the crystal capacitance is about 46 times the vacuum capacitance. Now referring to FIG. 2A, a pulseable pyroelectric crystal driven neutron source (PCDNS) 200 is shown according to one embodiment. The PCDNS 200 includes a pyroelectric crystal 202, a deuterated or tritiated target 204, an ion source 206, and a common support 210 coupled to the pyroelectric crystal 202, the deuterated or tritiated target 204, and the ion source 206. The common support 210 may be comprised of one or more parts, and may support more than the pyroelectric crystal 202, the deuterated or tritiated target 204, and the ion source 206. According to one embodiment, the pyroelectric crystal 202 may be formed of a material selected from a group consisting of: lithium tantalite, lithium niobate, and barium strontiate. Of course, other pyroelectric crystal materials known in the art may also be used. In addition, any pyroelectric material capable of withstanding the temperature fluctuations and stress exerted on the material in order to produce high voltages on a surface may also be used in addition to crystal materials. In some approaches, the support 210 may be a hollow tube having first and second ends. The ion source 206 may be near the first end, the pyroelectric crystal 202 may be near the second end, and the target 204 may be positioned between the ion source 206 and the pyroelectric crystal 202. The support 210 may have a circular, oval, triangular, rectangular, (e.g., polygonal) cross section, or may have any other shape such that the pyroelectric crystal 202 may be thermally cycled by an optional thermal altering mechanism 208 while still shielding the pyroelectric crystal 202, the deuterated or tritiated target 204, and the ion source 206 so as not to produce stray neutrons 216 or electrical shocks. In more approaches, the support 210 may be a vacuum tube maintaining at least a partial vacuum therein. In this approach, the pyroelectric crystal 202, the deuterated or tritiated target 204, and the ion source 206 may be housed within the vacuum tube, while other components of the PCDNS 200 may be internal or external of the vacuum tube. According to one embodiment, the PCDNS 200 may further include an ion accelerating mechanism (not shown), such as a pyroelectric stack accelerator (as shown in FIG. 2B), including a second thermal altering mechanism for changing a temperature of the pyroelectric stack accelerator. Referring again with FIG. 2A, the pyroelectric stack accelerator may comprise a hollow accelerating column in between the target 204 and ion source 206 made up of high gradient insulator (HGI) and one or more pyroelectric crystals providing accelerating potential for an ion beam from the ion source 206. Also, according to some embodiments, the PCDNS 200 may further include a high gradient insulator (HGI) 212 surrounding the pyroelectric crystal 202, the ion accelerating mechanism, and the deuterated or tritiated target 204. The HGI 212 may be comprised of alternating layers of conductors and insulators with periods less than about 1 mm. These structures generally perform many times better (about 1.5 to 4 times higher breakdown electric field) than conventional insulators in long pulse, short pulse, and alternating polarity applications. According to some embodiments, the ion source 206 may be deuterated such that the ion source 206 produces a deuterium ion beam 214 when pulsed, e.g., pulsed with high voltage. In addition, in some preferred embodiments, the ion source 206 may be a pulseable ion source comprised of at least one of: a cold cathode gated nanotip array, a nanotube ion source, and a spark source. Once a negative high voltage is produced on the pyrocrystal 202, which causes the deuterated or tritiated target 204 to achieve a negative high voltage on a surface of the deuterated or tritiated target 204, an ion beam of deuterium that impacts this target is produced. The ion source 206 produces these ions. (The ions produced by the ion source 206 may be at low energy (e.g., less than 100 keV). The field provided by the pyrocrystal 202 may accelerate the ions to at least 100 keV. This acceleration of the ion beam will ultimately cause the neutrons 216, which are a desired effect of the PCDNS 200, according to one embodiment. A gated nanotip array may be described, according to one embodiment, on a MEM scale, where sharp to very sharp tips are produced and biased by a positive voltage, which may be from about 100 V to about 500 V. Around these tips, a separate electrode is placed. These can be visualized as little volcanoes with a metal wire protruding from the center of the volcano's crater. In the volcano, the tip is the positive voltage, and the ring of the crater of the volcano may be at ground. If the voltage rises high enough, the device makes ions. If the gated nanotip array is in a deuterium atmosphere, or is deuterated, the ions will be deuterium ions. If the gated nanotip array is in a tritium atmosphere, or is tritiated, the ions will be tritium ions. The gas surrounding the gated nanotip array will ionize and produce ions that may be directed into an ion beam. In some cases, it is preferable to use the nanotip array in a deuterium or tritium gas. However, in other embodiments, the tips may be deuterated (e.g., the tips may be comprised of titanium, magnesium, platinum, etc., and then deuterated or tritiated to form a metal hydride), but the gas is trapped in the tip and a source of electrons may free these ions. In other approaches, the tips are deuterated or tritiated such that the hydrogen is absorbed on the surface of the tips. Approximately 10,000 to 100,000 or more gated nanotips may comprise an array, according to some embodiments. They may be formed on a common substrate or on separate substrates, and then incorporated into the PCDNS 200. A nanotube ion source may be described, according to one embodiment, as a plurality of vertically aligned nanotubes arranged on a mat or substrate (e.g., a nanotube array), in which the grounded metal is placed above each nanotube. A grid (e.g., a very fine mesh) that is grounded may be placed almost at the top of the nanotube array (about 45 μm to about 100 μm away, depending on the voltage desired), and basically the same ionization processes that occurs with the gated nanotip array occurs when the nanotubes are biased (either positively or negatively), e.g., a gas becomes ionized. The nanotubes are generally made of carbon, possibly with some additional components. A spark source may be described, according to one embodiment, as a breakdown between two electrodes. For example, two strips may be placed parallel to one another, and the gap between these strips determines how much voltage may be produced. The strips may be deuterated or tritiated titanium, magnesium, platinum, etc. If a sufficient amount of voltage is applied between the strips (e.g., about 2-10 kV), a spark forms between the two strips. When the spark forms, the deuterium or tritium is liberated from the metal, and subsequently becomes ionized in the spark, thereby producing ions. The spark source may be operated without any specific gas present, since the deuterium or tritium exists in the metal itself. Therefore, the spark source may be operated in a partial or nearly ideal vacuum. The spark source may also produce a very short pulse, in some embodiments about 25 ns. According to some embodiments, the spark source may be powered by a RLC circuit (e.g., a circuit comprising a resistor, an inductor, and a capacitor). In some approaches, the thermal altering mechanism 208 for changing a temperature of the pyroelectric crystal 202 may be at least one of: a chemical heating pack, a chemical cooling pack, a Peltier heater/cooler, a thermite composition, a resistive heating element, a dielectric fluid system, and a thermoelectric heater/cooler. Also, the thermal altering mechanism 208 may raise or lower a temperature of the pyroelectric crystal 202 by about 10° C. to about 150° C. to produce a voltage of negative polarity on a surface of the deuterated or tritiated target 204 of at least about −100 keV. In some preferred embodiments, the thermal altering mechanism 208 may raise or lower a temperature of the pyroelectric crystal 202 by less than about 40° C. to produce a voltage of negative polarity on a surface of the deuterated or tritiated target 204 of at least about −100 keV. In some more preferred embodiments, a temperature of the pyroelectric crystal 202 may be raised or lowered by at least about 30° C. (e.g., about 35° C., about 40° C., about 50° C., etc.), and the change in temperature may be determined based on a desired voltage, strength of ion beam, amount of gammas produced, etc., and a characteristic of the pyroelectric crystal to produce charge. The deuterated or tritiated target 204, in some preferred embodiments, may at least partially cover at least one side of the pyroelectric crystal 202. In more embodiments, the deuterated or tritiated target 204 may at least partially cover the pyroelectric crystal 202 on more than one side, may be placed directly adjacent the pyroelectric crystal 202, etc. In some approaches, the deuterated or tritiated target 204 may have an inverted cone geometry with a beam focusing tip 218 extending toward the ion source 206. Of course, any other geometry which allows the target to sufficiently focus the produced ion beam 214 may be used. In preferred embodiments, the PCDNS 200 may produce neutrons at a rate of about 106 D-T n/s or about 104 D-D n/s. In addition, the PCDNS 200 may weigh less than about 10 lb., possibly about 5 lb., and be small enough to be held in a person's hand. In some other embodiments, the PCDNS 200 may be placed on a radio controlled vehicle (such as an R/C model car) for positioning close to a possibly dangerous, unknown threat, without exposing persons to a possibility of harm. Now referring to FIG. 2B, an apparatus 250 for producing neutrons 216 is shown according to one embodiment. The apparatus may be in a shape of a hollow tube, according to one embodiment. Of course, this tube may have any desired cross section, such as circular, oval, rectangular, triangular, etc. In this embodiment, the pyroelectric crystal 202 comprises a portion of a pyroelectric stack accelerator. The pyroelectric stack accelerator comprises the pyroelectric crystal 202 formed in a plurality of hollow portions alternating and partially shrouded with high gradient insulator (HGI) portions 212, wherein a thermal altering mechanism 208 changes a temperature of the pyroelectric crystal(s) 202. In this embodiment, the pyroelectric crystal 202 may accelerate the ions 214 onto the target 204 to produce neutrons 216. According to one embodiment, a compact pulseable crystal driven neutron source (PCDNS) is described. This PCDNS is a palm-sized neutron source capable of greater than about 106 D-T neutrons/second (n/s) or about 104 D-D n/s with a weight of less than about 10 lb. The device includes a small (about 3-5 cm. width and depth by about 1-2 cm. thickness) pyroelectric crystal, e.g., lithium tantalate, which is covered with either a deuterated or tritiated target and is thermally cycled to produced negative high voltages of greater than about −100 kV on its surface, and a small (about 1 cm. scale) independently controlled deuterium ion source, such as a spark source, a nanotube source, a cold cathode gated nanotip source, etc., which can be pulsed to produce deuterium ion beams that are accelerated onto the negative HV crystal surface/target to produce neutrons. If desired, a high gradient insulator (HGI) accelerator tube can be used to insulate the high voltage from an external ground. In some embodiments, the ion sources typically use less than about 1 keV and about 1 W of power, both of which can be easily provided by a compact source. The crystal can be thermal cycled at a range of speeds (about 10 sec. to about 200 sec.) using conventional heating and/or cooling mechanisms, such as chemical packs (e.g., hand warmers commercially available), dielectric heaters, a thermite composition, etc. In some approaches, the entire apparatus may be in a sealed vacuum tube, with the heating/cooling mechanisms applied external of the vacuum tube. Alternatively, another novel approach which provides significantly faster thermal cycling and greater voltages is to quench the crystal/setup in an insulating dielectric fluid, such as fluorinert. The fluid serves as both high voltage insulation and as a thermal exchange medium, and has thermal cycling times (indicated as pulses) with the crystal on the order of about 1 sec to 100 sec. Now referring to FIG. 3, a method 300 is shown according to one embodiment. The method may be carried out in any desired environment, and the description of method 300 may include any of the details and descriptions provided for FIGS. 1-2 above. In operation 302, a voltage is produced of negative polarity of at least −100 keV on a surface of a deuterated or tritiated target in response to a temperature change of a pyroelectric crystal of less than about 40° C., the pyroelectric crystal having the deuterated or tritiated target coupled thereto. According to some embodiments, the pyroelectric crystal may be formed of a material selected from a group consisting of: lithium tantalite, lithium niobate, and barium strontiate. Of course, other pyroelectric crystals may be used that are known in the art. In some approaches, the temperature change of the pyroelectric crystal may be at least partially caused by at least one of: a chemical heating pack, a chemical cooling pack, a Peltier heater/cooler, a thermite composition, a resistive heating element, a dielectric fluid system, and a thermoelectric heater/cooler. To that end, the thermal altering mechanism may include one or more of the foregoing. Also, according to some embodiments, the deuterated or tritiated target may cover at least a portion of at least one side of the pyroelectric crystal. In addition, the deuterated or tritiated target may have an inverted cone geometry with a focusing tip extending toward the deuterium ion source. In operation 304, a deuterium ion source is pulsed to produce a deuterium ion beam. In some approaches, the deuterium ion source may include at least one of: a cold cathode gated nanotip array, a nanotube ion source, and a spark source, as described above in relation to FIGS. 2A-2B. In operation 306, the deuterium ion beam is accelerated toward the deuterated or tritiated target to produce a neutron beam. According to some approaches, accelerating the deuterium ion beam may be achieved by using an ion accelerating mechanism, which includes a pyroelectric stack accelerator having a thermal altering mechanism for changing the temperature of the pyroelectric stack accelerator. In operation 308, the ion beam is directed using a high gradient insulator (HGI) surrounding the pyroelectric crystal and the ion accelerating pyroelectric stack accelerator, and onto the deuterated or tritiated target to make directional neutrons. Another method for producing neutrons may comprise triggering a raising or a lowering of a temperature of a pyroelectric crystal of less than about 40° C. to produce a voltage of negative polarity of at least −100 keV on a surface of a deuterated or tritiated target coupled thereto. A deuterium ion source may be pulsed to produce a deuterium ion beam, and the deuterium ion beam may be accelerated via an ion accelerating pyroelectric stack accelerator toward the deuterated or tritiated target to produce neutrons. Also, the pyroelectric crystal, the ion accelerating pyroelectric stack accelerator, the deuterated or tritiated target, and the deuterium ion source may be coupled to a common support. The method may further comprise throwing, placing, positioning, moving or otherwise providing the common support housing the pyroelectric crystal, the ion accelerating pyroelectric stack accelerator, the deuterated or tritiated target, and the deuterium ion source near an unknown threat for identification thereof. Many of the embodiments disclosed herein may be useful for providing a pulseable crystal driven neutron source (PCDNS) that may be a compact and rugged source of fast neutrons via D-D and D-T reactions, which could be used for active cargo interrogation for special nuclear materials (SNM), neutron radiography, and explosives detection, via various interrogation schemes such as pulse fast neutron analysis (PFNA) or Associated Particle Imaging (API). Because of its compactness and small weight, the PCDNS could enable new active neutron/gamma interrogation schemes where the neutron source is thrown or remotely positioned up to a target of interest, increasing significantly the signal to background of the returned gamma signal. Additionally, the PCDNS may be useful as a calibration source, and may be employed anywhere where extremely portable neutron sources using none or very little battery power are required. This might entail soldiers, inspectors, technicians, engineers, etc., out in the field that wish to do active interrogation of threats or materials via neutron/gamma spectroscopy. While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
	description	The present application is a continuation and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/043,812, filed Feb. 15, 2016, entitled “Scintillation Crystal Including a Co-Doped Sodium Halide, and a Radiation Detection Apparatus Including the Scintillation Crystal,” naming as inventors Kan Yang et al., which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/116,734, filed Feb. 16, 2015, entitled “Scintillation Crystal Including a Co-Doped Sodium Halide, and a Radiation Detection Apparatus Including the Scintillation Crystal,” naming as inventors Kan Yang et al., both applications of which are assigned to the current assignee hereof and are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. The present disclosure is directed to scintillation crystals including rare earth halides and radiation detection apparatuses including such scintillation crystals. NaI:Tl is a very common and well known scintillation crystal. Further improvements with NaI:Tl scintillation crystals are desired. Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the invention. The following description in combination with the figures is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The following discussion will focus on specific implementations and embodiments of the teachings. This focus is provided to assist in describing the teachings and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings. Group numbers corresponding to columns within the Periodic Table of the elements use the “New Notation” convention as seen in the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 81st Edition (2000-2001). The term “rare earth” or “rare earth element” is intended to mean Y, Sc, and the Lanthanoid elements (La to Lu) in the Periodic Table of the Elements. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present). The use of “a” or “an” is employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meant otherwise. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. To the extent not described herein, many details regarding specific materials and processing acts are conventional and may be found in textbooks and other sources within the scintillation and radiation detection arts. A scintillation crystal can include a sodium halide that is co-doped with thallium and another element. The co-doping can improve energy resolution, proportionality, light yield, decay time, another suitable scintillation parameter, or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, the scintillation crystal can include NaX:Tl, Me, wherein X represents a halogen, and Me represents a Group 1 element, a Group 2 element, a rare earth element, or any combination thereof. The selection of a particular co-dopant may depend on the particular scintillation parameters that are to be improved. As used in this specification, co-doping can include two or more different elements (Tl and one or more other elements), and co-dopant refers to the one or more dopants other than Tl. With respect to the composition of the sodium halide, X can be I or a combination of I and Br. When X is a combination of I and Br, X can include at least 50 mol %, at least 70 mol %, or at least 91 mol % I. In an embodiment, Tl can have a concentration of at least 1×10−4 mol %, at least 1×10−3 mol %, or at least 0.01 mol %, and in another embodiment, Tl has a concentration no greater than 5 mol %, no greater than 0.2 mol %, or no greater than 0.15 mol %. In a particular embodiment, Tl has a concentration in a range of 1×10−4 mol % to 5 mol %, 1×10−3 mol % to 0.2 mol %. In a more particular embodiment, the Tl has a concentration in a range of 0.03 mol % to 0.15 mol % exhibits good performance, such as high light yield and good energy resolution. In an embodiment when the co-dopant is a Group 1 element or a Group 2 element, the dopant concentration of the Group 1 element or the Group 2 element is at least 1×10−4 mol %, at least 1×10−3 mol %, or at least 0.01 mol %, and in another embodiment, the concentration is no greater than 5 mol %, no greater than 0.9 mol %, or no greater than 0.2 mol %. In a particular embodiment, the concentration of the Group 1 element or Group 2 element is in a range of 1×10−4 mol % to 5 mol %, 1×10−3 mol % to 0.9 mol %, or 0.01 mol % to 0.2 mol %. In an embodiment when the co-dopant is a rare earth element, the dopant concentration of the rare earth element is at least 5×10−4 mol % or at least 8×10−4 mol %, and in another embodiment, the dopant concentration is no greater than 0.5 mol %, 0.05 mol %, or 5×10−3 mol %. All of the preceding dopant concentrations are for dopant concentrations in the crystal. In a particular embodiment, the scintillation crystal is monocrystalline. The concentration of dopants in the crystal may or may not be different from the concentrations of dopants in the melt from which the scintillation crystal is formed. The concentrations of Tl and Group 1 and Group 2 co-dopants in a melt in forming the crystal can include any of the values as previously described. Rare earth elements, and particular, La and heavier elements are relatively large as compared to Na atoms, and thus, a significantly lower concentration of a rare earth element can result. Thus, in one embodiment, for a rare earth element, the dopant concentration in the melt may be higher, such as at least 1×10−3 mol %, at least 5×10−3 mol %, or at least 0.01 mol %. After reading this specification in its entirety, skilled artisans will be able to determine the amounts of dopants to be in a melt to achieved desired dopant concentrations in a scintillation crystal after considering segregation coefficients for such dopants. When selecting a co-dopant, different considerations may determine which particular elements are better suited for improving particular scintillation parameters as compared to other elements. The description below is to be used as general guidance and not construed as limiting particular scintillation parameters to particular co-dopants. In an embodiment, the wavelength of emission maximum for NaX:Tl, Me scintillation crystal may be kept relatively the same as NaX:Tl, so that the quantum efficiency of a photosensor that is or will be coupled to the scintillation crystal is not significantly changed. For radiation in a range of 300 nm to 700 nm, NaI:Tl has an emission maximum between 415 nm and 420 nm when the scintillation crystal is exposed to gamma radiation having an energy of 60 keV. In an embodiment, for radiation in a range of 300 nm to 700 nm, the co-doped scintillation crystal has an emission maximum at a wavelength of at least 400 nm, at least 405 nm, or at least 410 nm when the scintillation crystal is exposed to gamma radiation having an energy of 60 keV, and in another embodiment, the co-doped scintillation crystal has an emission maximum at a wavelength no greater than 430 nm, no greater than 425 nm, or no greater than 420 nm when the scintillation crystal is exposed to gamma radiation having an energy of 60 keV. In a particular embodiment, the co-doped scintillation crystal has an emission maximum at a wavelength in a range of 400 nm to 430 nm, 405 nm to 425 nm, or 410 nm to 420 nm when the scintillation crystal is exposed to gamma radiation having an energy of 60 keV. Many Group 1, Group 2, and rare earth elements may be a co-dopant in NaX:Tl, Me without significantly affecting the wavelength of the emission maximum as compared to NaX:Tl. Co-doping with a rare earth element can increase light yield. Some of the rare earth elements may be better suited for use without affecting the emission maximum. For example, co-doping with Sc, Y, La, Lu, and Yb are less likely to affect significantly the wavelength of the emission maximum. Eu may shift the emission maximum to approximately 440 nm, and such a shift may cause the quantum efficiency to decrease or a different photosensor with a higher quantum efficiency at 440 nm to be selected. Co-doping with other rare earth elements that are more likely to cause a significant shift in the wavelength of the emission maximum may include Sm, Pr, Nd, and Tb. Scintillation crystals that include co-doping with both a divalent metal element (e.g., a Group 2 element) and a rare earth element, in addition to Tl, can provide improved performance. The combination of the divalent metal element and the rare earth element as co-dopants in the scintillation crystal can have improved (lower) energy resolution, improved (faster) pulse decay time, and suppress defect color centers. Particular embodiments include NaX:Tl co-doped with Sr and Y or co-doped with Ca and Y. Energy resolution (also called pulse height resolution or PHR) is improved as the energy resolution can be smaller for the co-doped scintillation crystals. Unless specified otherwise, the industry standard for determining energy resolution is to expose a scintillation crystal to 137Cs, which emits gamma radiation at an energy of 662 keV. The testing is performed at room temperature, such as 20° C. to 25° C., and 22° C. in a particular testing method. The energy resolution is the full width at the half maximum of the 662 keV peak divided by the peak height. Energy resolution is typically expressed as a percentage. Energy resolution may be determined over an integration time, also referred to as shaping time. Good energy resolution at a relatively short integration time corresponds to a shorter time to correctly identify a radiation source. In an embodiment, the scintillation crystal has an energy resolution less than 6.4%, less than 6.2%, or less than 6.0% when measured at 662 keV, 22° C., and an integration time of 1 microsecond. In another embodiment, the scintillation crystal has an energy resolution less than 6.1%, less than 6.0%, or less than 5.9% when measured at 662 keV, 22° C., and any integration time in a range of 1 microsecond to 4 microseconds. Although no lower limit for the energy resolution is known at this time, the scintillation crystal may an energy resolution of at least 0.1% at any integration time in a range of 1 microsecond to 4 microseconds. As a basis for comparison, NaI:Tl has an energy resolution greater than 6.2% at integration times of 1, 2, and 4 microseconds. Group 2 elements are particularly well suited in achieving good energy resolution. Ca and Sr are particularly well suited for achieving low energy resolution. NaI:Tl, Sr can achieve an energy resolution of 5.3% at an integration time of 1 microsecond, and NAI:Tl, Ca can achieve an energy resolution of 5.4% at an integration time of 1 microsecond. Even lower energy resolutions may be achieved with further optimization. Compare such energy resolution to NAI:Tl, Eu, which is reported to have an energy resolution of greater than 6.4% at an integration time of 1 microsecond, and greater than 6.2% at an integration time of 4 microseconds. In a particular embodiment, the energy resolution is at least 0.1% at an integration time of 1 microsecond. Group 1 elements may also improve energy resolution. While not being bound by theory, the use of relatively larger Group 1 elements that are substituted for Na atoms may put the crystal lattice in tension and improve hole mobility. Thus, K, Rb, and Cs may be used. K has a relatively high concentration of a radioactive isotope, so Rb and Cs may be better candidates for a co-dopant. Proportionality has recently received more attention with respect to scintillation crystals. Ideally, light yield is a perfect linear function of energy. Thus, at any energy for a particular scintillation crystal composition, identification of a radiation source may be easier and be performed with more confidence as a plot of light yield vs. energy is a perfectly straight line. In reality, the light yield can deviate from perfect linearity, and such deviation is typically greater at lower energies. One method to determine proportionality of a scintillation crystal is to determine the light yield at a high energy, such as 2615 keV. In a plot of light yield vs. energy, a straight line goes from a point corresponding to 0 light yield, 0 energy (0, 0) to another point corresponding to the light yield at 2615 keV, 2615 keV (LY2615, 2615). In terms of an equation, the relative light yield at a particular energy (in units of keV), as normalized to the light yield at 2615 keV, is: relative ⁢ ⁢ light ⁢ ⁢ yield = actual ⁢ ⁢ light ⁢ ⁢ yield predicted ⁢ ⁢ light ⁢ ⁢ yield , where the actual light yield is at the particular energy, and the predicted light yield is: predicted ⁢ ⁢ light ⁢ ⁢ yield = particular ⁢ ⁢ energy 2615 ⁢ ⁢ keV × LY 2615 , where LY2615 is the actual light yield at 2615 keV. An average relative light yield can be obtained by integrating the relative light yield over a particular energy range to obtain an integrated value, and dividing the integrated value by the particular energy range. A relative light yield of 1.00 corresponds to perfect proportionality. As the deviation increases, either higher than 1.00 or less than 1.00, proportionality is worse. For example a relative light yield of 0.98 is better than 1.05 because 1.00 is closer to 0.98 than to 1.05. In an embodiment, at energies in a range of 32 keV to 81 keV, the scintillation crystal has an average relative light yield as normalized to a light yield at 2615 keV of at least 1.01, at least 1.04, or at least 1.07. In another embodiment, at energies in the range of 32 keV to 81 keV, the scintillation crystal has an average relative light yield as normalized to a light yield at 2615 keV of no greater than 1.15, no greater than 1.13, or no greater than 1.11. In a particular embodiment, at energies in the range of a 32 keV to 81 keV, the scintillation crystal has an average relative light yield as normalized to a light yield at 2615 keV that is in a range of 1.01 to 1.15, 1.04 to 1.13, or 1.07 to 1.11. As a basis for comparison, at energies in the range of 32 keV to 81 keV, NaI:Tl has an average relative light yield as normalized to a light yield at 2615 keV that is over 1.15. Although not as great, improvement can be seen at intermediate energies. In an embodiment, at energies in a range of 122 keV to 511 keV, the scintillation crystal has an average relative light yield as normalized to a light yield at 2615 keV of at least 1.01, at least 1.02, or at least 1.03. In another embodiment, at energies in the range of 122 keV to 511 keV, the scintillation crystal has an average relative light yield as normalized to a light yield at 2615 keV no greater than 1.07, no greater than 1.06, or no greater than 1.05. In a particular embodiment, at energies in the range of 122 keV to 511 keV, the scintillation crystal has an average relative light yield as normalized to a light yield at 2615 keV that is in a range of 1.01 to 1.07, 1.02 to 1.06, or 1.03 to 1.05. As a basis for comparison, at energies in the range of 122 keV to 511 keV, NaI:Tl has an average relative light yield as normalized to a light yield at 2615 keV that is approximately 1.08. Group 2 elements are good in achieving proportionality. Ca and Sr are particularly well suited for achieving proportionality closer to 1.00 for relative low and intermediate energy ranges. For energies in a range of 32 to 81 keV, NAI:Tl, Sr can achieve an average relative light yield as normalized to a light yield at 2615 keV of 1.09, and NAI:Tl, Ca can achieve an average relative light yield as normalized to a light yield at 2615 keV of 1.15. For energies in a range of 122 to 511 keV, NAI:Tl, Sr can achieve an average relative light yield as normalized to a light yield at 2615 keV of 1.04, and NAI:Tl, Ca can achieve an average relative light yield as normalized to a light yield at 2615 keV of 1.06. Scintillation pulse decay time can be decreased with a co-dopant as compared to the composition without the co-dopant. In an embodiment, the scintillation crystal with the co-dopant has a pulse decay time that is at least 5%, at least 11%, or at least 20% less than a pulse decay time a NaI:Tl crystal when the scintillation crystal and the NaI:Tl crystal are measured at 22° C. and exposed to gamma radiation having an energy of 662 keV. In another embodiment, the scintillation crystal with the co-dopant has a pulse decay time that is no greater than 80%, no greater than 65%, or no greater than 50% less than a pulse decay time of NaI:Tl crystal when the scintillation crystal and the NaI:Tl crystal are measured at 22° C. and exposed to gamma radiation having an energy of 662 keV. In a particular embodiment, the scintillation crystal with the co-dopant has a pulse decay time that is in a range of 5% to 80%, 11% to 65%, or 20% to 50% less than a pulse decay of a NaI:Tl crystal when the scintillation crystal and the NaI:Tl crystal are measured at 22° C. and exposed to gamma radiation having an energy of 662 keV. With respect to actual times, a NaI:Tl crystal may have a pulse decay time of approximately 230 ns, and a NAI:Tl, Sr crystal can have a pulse decay time as low as 160 ns. Similar improvement can occur with NAI:Tl, Ca. The scintillation crystal can be formed using any one of a variety of crystal growing techniques including Bridgman, Czochralski, Kyropoulos, Edge-defined Film-fed Growth (EFG), Stepanov, or the like. The starting materials include a sodium halide and halides of the dopants. In an embodiment, the starting materials can include NaI and TlI, and depending on the co-dopant, the starting material can include any one or more of CaI2, SrI2, LaI3, YI3, ScI3, LuI3, RbI, CsI, or the like. If a relatively small amount of bromine to be added, any of the dopants (Tl or any of the co-dopants) can be a corresponding bromide. If more bromine is desires, NaBr may be substituted for some of the NaI. After determining a desired composition of the scintillation crystal, skilled artisan will be able to use segregation coefficients for the dopants with respect to the base material (e.g., NaI) to determine amounts of starting materials to use in the melt. Crystal growing conditions can the same as used in forming NaI:Tl or may have relatively small changes to optimize the crystal formation process. Any of the scintillation crystals as previously described can be used in a variety of applications. Exemplary applications include gamma ray spectroscopy, isotope identification, Single Positron Emission Computer Tomography (SPECT) or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) analysis, x-ray imaging, oil well-logging detectors, and detecting the presence of radioactivity. The scintillation crystal can be used for other applications, and thus, the list is merely exemplary and not limiting. A couple of specific applications are described below. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a radiation detection apparatus 100 that can be used for gamma ray analysis, such as a Single Positron Emission Computer Tomography (SPECT) or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) analysis. In the embodiment illustrated, the radiation detection apparatus 100 includes a photosensor 101, an optical interface 103, and a scintillation device 105. Although the photosensor 101, the optical interface 103, and the scintillation device 105 are illustrated separate from each other, skilled artisans will appreciate that photosensor 101 and the scintillation device 105 can be coupled to the optical interface 103, with the optical interface 103 disposed between the photosensor 101 and the scintillation device 105. The scintillation device 105 and the photosensor 101 can be optically coupled to the optical interface 103 with other known coupling methods, such as the use of an optical gel or bonding agent, or directly through molecular adhesion of optically coupled elements. The photosensor 101 may be a photomultiplier tube (PMT), a semiconductor-based photomultiplier, or a hybrid photosensor. The photosensor 101 can receive photons emitted by the scintillation device 105, via an input window 116, and produce electrical pulses based on numbers of photons that it receives. The photosensor 101 is electrically coupled to an electronics module 130. The electrical pulses can be shaped, digitized, analyzed, or any combination thereof by the electronics module 130 to provide a count of the photons received at the photosensor 101 or other information. The electronics module 130 can include an amplifier, a pre-amplifier, a discriminator, an analog-to-digital signal converter, a photon counter, a pulse shape analyzer or discriminator, another electronic component, or any combination thereof. The photosensor 101 can be housed within a tube or housing made of a material capable of protecting the photosensor 101, the electronics module 130, or a combination thereof, such as a metal, metal alloy, other material, or any combination thereof. The scintillation device 105 includes a scintillation crystal 107 can be any one of the scintillation crystals previously described that are represented by a general formula of NaX:Tl, Me, wherein X represents a halogen, and Me represents a Group 1 element, a Group 2 element, a rare earth element, or any combination thereof. The scintillation crystal 107 is substantially surrounded by a reflector 109. In one embodiment, the reflector 109 can include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), another material adapted to reflect light emitted by the scintillation crystal 107, or a combination thereof. In an illustrative embodiment, the reflector 109 can be substantially surrounded by a shock absorbing member 111. The scintillation crystal 107, the reflector 109, and the shock absorbing member 111 can be housed within a casing 113. The scintillation device 105 includes at least one stabilization mechanism adapted to reduce relative movement between the scintillation crystal 107 and other elements of the radiation detection apparatus 100, such as the optical interface 103, the casing 113, the shock absorbing member 111, the reflector 109, or any combination thereof. The stabilization mechanism may include a spring 119, an elastomer, another suitable stabilization mechanism, or a combination thereof. The stabilization mechanism can be adapted to apply lateral forces, horizontal forces, or a combination thereof, to the scintillation crystal 107 to stabilize its position relative to one or more other elements of the radiation detection apparatus 100. As illustrated, the optical interface 103 is adapted to be coupled between the photosensor 101 and the scintillation device 105. The optical interface 103 is also adapted to facilitate optical coupling between the photosensor 101 and the scintillation device 105. The optical interface 103 can include a polymer, such as a silicone rubber, that is polarized to align the reflective indices of the scintillation crystal 107 and the input window 116. In other embodiments, the optical interface 103 can include gels or colloids that include polymers and additional elements. The scintillation crystal can be used in a well logging application. FIG. 2 includes a depiction of a drilling apparatus 10 includes a top drive 12 connected to an upper end of a drill string 14 that is suspended within a well bore 16 by a draw works 17. A rotary table, including pipe slips, 18 can be used to maintain proper drill string orientation in connection with or in place of the top drive 12. A downhole telemetry measurement and transmission device 20, commonly referred to as a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) device, is part of a downhole tool that is connected to a lower end of the drill string 14. The MWD device transmits drilling-associated parameters to the surface by mud pulse or electromagnetic transmission. These signals are received at the surface by a data receiving device 22. The downhole tool includes a bent section 23, a downhole motor 24, and a drill bit 26. The bent section 23 is adjacent the MWD device for assistance in drilling an inclined well bore. The downhole motor 24, such as a positive-displacement-motor (PDM) or downhole turbine, powers the drill bit 26 and is at the distal end of the downhole tool. The downhole signals received by the data reception device 22 are provided to a computer 28, an output device 30, or both. The computer 28 can be located at the well site or remotely linked to the well site. An analyzer device can be part of the computer 28 or may be located within the downhole tool near the MWD device 20. The computer 28 and analyzer device can include a processor that can receive input from a user. The signals are also sent to an output device 30, which can be a display device, a hard copy log printing device, a gauge, a visual audial alarm, or any combination thereof. The computer 28 is operatively connected to controls of the draw works 17 and to control electronics 32 associated with the top drive 12 and the rotary table 18 to control the rotation of the drill string and drill bit. The computer 28 may also be coupled to a control mechanism associated with the drilling apparatus's mud pumps to control the rotation of the drill bit. The control electronics 32 can also receive manual input, such as a drill operator. FIG. 3 illustrates a depiction of a portion of the MWD device 20 within the downhole tool 16. The MWD device 20 includes a housing 202, a temperature sensor 204, a scintillation crystal 222, an optical interface 232, a photosensor 242, and an analyzer device 262. The housing 202 can include a material capable of protecting the scintillation crystal 222, the photosensor 242, the analyzer device 262, or a combination thereof, such as a metal, metal alloy, other material, or any combination thereof. The temperature sensor 204 is located adjacent to the scintillation crystal 222, the photosensor 242, or both. The temperature sensor 204 can include a thermocouple, a thermistor, or another suitable device that is capable of determining the temperature within the housing over the normal operating temperature of the MWD device 20. A radiation detection apparatus includes the scintillation crystal 222 that is optically coupled to the photosensor 242 that is coupled to the analyzer device 262. The scintillation crystal 222 has a composition that is well suited for high temperature applications, such as greater than 120° C., at least 130° C., at least 140° C., at least 150° C., and higher. In an embodiment, the scintillation crystal 222 can be any one of the scintillation crystals previously described that are represented by a general formula of NaX:Tl, Me, wherein X represents a halogen, and Me represents a Group 1 element, a Group 2 element, a rare earth element, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, a radiation detection apparatus with the scintillation crystal as described herein may be configured for another application. In a particular embodiment, the radiation detection apparatus may be configured for use in prompt gamma neutron activation analysis. The decreased pulse decay time may allow for a simpler design for the radiation detection apparatus. In particular, a scintillator crystal without the co-dopant may need to be heated (above room temperature) to achieve a desired pulse decay time. A heater can complicate the design of the radiation detection apparatus and may cause undesired noise. With the co-doping, the pulse decay time may be sufficiently fast at room temperature (for example, 22° C.), thus, obviating the need for a heater and simplifying the design. In a further embodiment, the actual light yield from a scintillation event can be adjusted to improve energy resolution. The concentration of a dopant within a scintillation crystal may vary throughout the crystal, and the concentration of the dopant can affect the decay time and the light yield of the scintillation crystal. Thus, the decay time and light yield can depend on the location where the gamma ray energy is captured within the scintillation crystal. Because light yield is used to determine the energy of the interacting gamma ray, there could be a variation in the energy measurement. In other words, the energy resolution would be poor. In a further embodiment, the actual light yield can be adjusted for the variation in light yield based on the pulse decay time. The method described below is particularly well used for a co-dopant, such as Ca, Sr, Ba, La, or any other co-dopant whose decay time is dependent on the concentration of the co-dopant. Before the adjustment, an equation correlating pulse decay time to light yield is generated. Data can be collected for different dopant concentrations of the co-dopant within a scintillation crystal when detecting radiation a particular gamma ray source, for example, 137Cs, which emits gamma radiation at an energy of 662 keV. A plot of decay time versus light yield provides a linear relationship between the scintillation light yield and the decay time. The pulse decay time is the time interval between the moment of the peak photon flux in each pulse and the moment when photon flux has fallen to a factor of 1/e (36.8%) of the peak photon flux. Thus, a least squares fit of data corresponding to the plot can produce Equation 1 below.LYest=mDT+b, (Equation 1) where: LYest is the estimated light yield, DT is the pulse decay time, m is the slope of the line, and b is the y-axis intercept of the line. As a non-limiting example, FIG. 7 includes a plot of scintillation light yield versus pulse decay time for NaI:Tl crystals co-doped with Ca (triangle symbols). The data in FIG. 7 was generated from samples in which the concentration of Ca in the NaI:Tl crystals is different in each sample. The ordinate of the plot is scintillation light yield in units of photons/MeV of gamma ray energy. The abscissa is the scintillation pulse decay time in units of nanoseconds. Referring to FIG. 7, the straight line is a least squares fit to the data, and the equation for this line isLYest=206.28DT−8360.3, (Equation 2) where: LYest is the estimated light yield in photons/MeV, and DT is the pulse decay time in nanoseconds. If needed or desired, different equations may be generated for different co-dopants, different radiation sources, or both. The equations would be of the same format as Equation 1 and may have different values for m and b for the different co-dopants, radiation sources, or both. After the values for m and b for Equation 1 have been generated, actual measurements of pulse decay time and light yield for a subsequent scintillation event can be determined. The pulse decay time can be used to determine the estimated light yield in accordance with Equation 1. The actually measured light yield can be adjusted by the ratio of the light yield for a scintillator of the same composition without the co-dopant, that is NaX:Tl, using Equation 3 below.LYadj=LYact*LYstd/LYest, (Equation 3) where: LYadj is the adjusted light yield, LYact is the light yield as measured, LYstd is the light yield of a scintillation crystal without a co-dopant, for example NaI:Tl, and LYest is the estimated light yield calculated based on the measured pulse decay time. LYstd can have a previously known value or may be calculated using the pulse decay time for a scintillation crystal without a co-dopant. For NaI:Tl, the pulse decay time can be 230 ns, and Equation 2 can be used to determine LYstd. The adjustment allows the light yield of each individual pulse to be scaled by a compensation factor to reduce the variation in the measured light yield within the same crystal or between different crystals having different co-dopant content. This process can improve the energy resolution of the crystal. Accordingly, a radiation source may be identified more quickly and accurately, as compared to using the actual measurement without the adjustment. Many different aspects and embodiments are possible. Some of those aspects and embodiments are described herein. After reading this specification, skilled artisans will appreciate that those aspects and embodiments are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Embodiments may be in accordance with any one or more of the embodiments as listed below. A scintillation crystal comprising NaX:Tl, Me, wherein: X represents a halogen; Me represents a Group 1 element, a Group 2 element, a rare earth element, or any combination thereof; each of Tl and Me has a dopant concentration of at least 1×10−5 mol %; and the scintillation crystal has a property including: for radiation in a range of 300 nm to 700 nm, an emission maximum at a wavelength no greater than 430 nm; an energy resolution less than 6.4% when measured at 662 keV, 22° C., and an integration time of 1 microsecond; or a pulse decay time that is less than another scintillation crystal that has a composition of NaX:Tl. The scintillation crystal of Embodiment 1, wherein Me is a rare earth element. The scintillation crystal of Embodiment 2, wherein Me is La, Sc, Y, Lu, Yb, or any combination thereof. The scintillation crystal of Embodiment 2 or 3, wherein Me has a dopant concentration of at least 5×10−4 mol % or at least 8×10−4 mol %. The scintillation crystal of any one of Embodiments 2 to 4, wherein Me has a dopant concentration no greater than 0.9 mol %, 0.05 mol %, or 5×10−3 mol %. The scintillation crystal of Embodiment 1, wherein Me is a Group 1 element. The scintillation crystal of Embodiment 1, wherein Me is a Group 2 dopant. The scintillation crystal of Embodiment 7, wherein Me is Ca, Sr, or any combination thereof. A scintillation crystal comprising NaX:Tl, Sr, wherein: X represents a halogen; and each of Tl and Sr has a concentration of at least 1×10−5 mol %. The scintillation crystal of Embodiment 9, wherein the scintillation crystal has a greater light yield as compared to a NaI:Tl crystal when the scintillation crystal and the NaI:Tl crystal are measured at 22° C. A scintillation crystal comprising NaX:Tl, Ca, wherein: X represents a halogen; each of Tl and Ca have a concentration of at least 1×10−5 mol %; and the scintillation crystal has a greater light yield, a shorter pulse decay time, or both as compared to a NaI:Tl crystal when the scintillation crystal and the NaI:Tl crystal are measured at 22° C. A scintillation crystal comprising NaX:Tl, Me2+, and RE, wherein: X represents a halogen; Me2+ represents a divalent metal element; RE represents a rare earth element; and each of Tl and Sr has a concentration of at least 1×10−5 mol %. The scintillation crystal of Embodiment 12, wherein Me2+ is Ca, Sr, or any combination thereof; and RE is La, Sc, Y, Lu, Yb, or any combination thereof. A scintillation crystal comprising NaX:Tl, Me, wherein: X represents a halogen; Me represents a Group 1 element and has a concentration in a range of 1×10−5 mol % to 9 mol %. The scintillation crystal of Embodiment 6 or 14, wherein Me is Rb, Cs, or any combination thereof. The scintillation crystal of any one of Embodiments 6 to 15, wherein the Group 1 element, the Group 2 element, Sr, Ca, Me2+ or RE has a concentration of at least 1×10−4 mol %, at least 1×10−3 mol %, or at least 0.01 mol %. The scintillation crystal of any one of Embodiments 6 to 16, wherein the Group 1 element, the Group 2 element, Sr, Ca, Me2+ or RE has a concentration no greater than 5 mol %, no greater than 0.9 mol %, or no greater than 0.2 mol %. The scintillation crystal of any one of Embodiments 6 to 17, wherein the Group 1 element, the Group 2 element, Sr, Ca, Me2+ or RE has a concentration in a range of 1×10−4 mol % to 5 mol %, 1×10−3 mol % to 0.9 mol %, or 0.01 mol % to 0.2 mol %. The scintillation crystal of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein Tl has a concentration of at least 1×10−4 mol %, at least 1×10−3 mol %, or at least 0.01 mol %. The scintillation crystal of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein Tl has a concentration no greater than 5 mol %, no greater than 0.9 mol %, or no greater than 0.2 mol %. The scintillation crystal of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein Tl has a concentration in a range of 1×10−4 mol % to 5 mol %, 1×10−3 mol % to 0.9 mol %, or 0.01 mol % to 0.2 mol %. The scintillation crystal of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein X is I. The scintillation crystal of any one of Embodiments 1 to 21, wherein X is a combination of I and Br. The scintillation crystal of Embodiment 23, wherein X includes at least 50 mol %, at least 70 mol %, or at least 91 mol % I. The scintillation crystal of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein for radiation in a range of 300 nm to 700 nm, the scintillation crystal has an emission maximum at a wavelength of at least 400 nm, at least 405 nm, or at least 410 nm when the scintillation crystal is exposed to gamma radiation having an energy of 60 keV. The scintillation crystal of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein for radiation in a range of 300 nm to 700 nm, the scintillation crystal has an emission maximum at a wavelength no greater than 430 nm, no greater than 425 nm, or no greater than 420 nm when the scintillation crystal is exposed to gamma radiation having an energy of 60 keV. The scintillation crystal of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein for radiation in a range of 300 nm to 700 nm, the scintillation crystal has an emission maximum at a wavelength in a range of 400 nm to 430 nm, 405 nm to 425 nm, or 410 nm to 420 nm when the scintillation crystal is exposed to gamma radiation having an energy of 60 keV. The scintillation crystal of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the scintillation crystal has an energy resolution less than 6.4%, less than 6.2%, less than 6.0%, or less than 5.5% when measured at 662 keV, 22° C., and an integration time of 1 microsecond. The scintillation crystal of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the scintillation crystal has an energy resolution less than 6.1%, less than 6.0%, or less than 5.9% when measured at 662 keV, 22° C., and any integration time in a range of 1 microsecond to 4 microseconds. The scintillation crystal of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein at energies in the range of 32 keV to 81 keV, the scintillation crystal has an average relative light yield as normalized to a light yield at 2615 keV of at least 1.01, at least 1.04, or at least 1.07. The scintillation crystal of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein at energies in the range of 32 keV to 81 keV, the scintillation crystal has an average relative light yield as normalized to a light yield at 2615 keV of no greater than 1.15, no greater than 1.13, or no greater than 1.11. The scintillation crystal of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein at energies in the range of 32 keV to 81 keV, the scintillation crystal has an average relative light yield as normalized to a light yield at 2615 keV that is in a range of 1.01 to 1.15, 1.04 to 1.13, or 1.07 to 1.11. The scintillation crystal of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein at energies in the range of 122 keV to 511 keV, the scintillation crystal has an average relative light yield as normalized to a light yield at 2615 keV of at least 1.01, at least 1.02, or at least 1.03. The scintillation crystal of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein at energies in the range of 122 keV to 511 keV, the scintillation crystal has an average relative light yield as normalized to a light yield at 2615 keV no greater than 1.07, no greater than 1.06, or no greater than 1.05. The scintillation crystal of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein at energies in the range of 122 keV to 511 keV, the scintillation crystal has an average relative light yield as normalized to a light yield at 2615 keV that is in a range of 1.01 to 1.07, 1.02 to 1.06, or 1.03 to 1.05. The scintillation crystal of any one of Embodiments 30 to 35, wherein the relative light yield at a particular energy (in units of keV), as normalized to the light yield at 2615 keV, is: relative ⁢ ⁢ light ⁢ ⁢ yield = actual ⁢ ⁢ light ⁢ ⁢ yield predicted ⁢ ⁢ light ⁢ ⁢ yield , where the actual light yield is at the particular energy, and the predicted light yield is: predicted ⁢ ⁢ light ⁢ ⁢ yield = particular ⁢ ⁢ energy 2615 ⁢ ⁢ keV × LY 2615 , where LY2615 is the actual light yield at 2615 keV. The scintillation crystal of any one of Embodiments 30 to 36, wherein the average relative light yield is an integral of the relative light yield over a particular energy range divided by the particular energy range. The scintillation crystal of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the scintillation crystal has a pulse decay time that is at least 5%, at least 11%, or at least 20% less than a pulse decay time a NaI:Tl crystal when the scintillation crystal and the NaI:Tl crystal are measured at 22° C. and exposed to gamma radiation having an energy of 662 keV. The scintillation crystal of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the scintillation crystal has a pulse decay time that is no greater than 80%, no greater than 65%, or no greater than 50% less than a pulse decay time of NaI:Tl crystal when the scintillation crystal and the NaI:Tl crystal are measured at 22° C. and exposed to gamma radiation having an energy of 662 keV. The scintillation crystal of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the scintillation crystal has a pulse decay time that is in a range of 5% to 80%, 11% to 65%, or 20% to 50% less than a pulse decay of a NaI:Tl crystal when the scintillation crystal and the NaI:Tl crystal are measured at 22° C. and exposed to gamma radiation having an energy of 662 keV. The scintillation crystal of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the scintillation crystal is monocrystalline. A radiation detection apparatus comprising: the scintillation crystal of any one of the preceding Embodiments; and a photosensor optically coupled to the scintillation crystal. The radiation detection apparatus of Embodiment 42, further comprising a window disposed between the scintillation crystal and the photosensor; The radiation detection apparatus of Embodiment 42 or 43, further comprising a clear adhesive attached to a surface of the scintillation crystal closest to the photosensor. The radiation detection apparatus of any one of Embodiments 42 to 44, wherein the radiation detection apparatus is configured to perform prompt gamma neutron activation analysis. A method comprising: providing the scintillation crystal of any one of the preceding Embodiments; capturing radiation within the scintillation crystal; determining a pulse decay time and an actual light yield of the radiation captured; determining an estimated light yield corresponding to the pulse decay time; and calculating an adjusted light yield that is a product of the actual light yield times the light yield of NaX:Tl divided by the estimated light yield. The concepts described herein will be further described in the Examples, which do not limit the scope of the invention described in the claims. The Examples demonstrate performance of scintillation crystals of different compositions. Numerical values as disclosed in this Examples section may be averaged from a plurality of readings, approximated, or rounded off for convenience. Samples were formed using a vertical Bridgman crystal growing technique. Scintillation crystals were formed to compare light yield (PH) and energy resolution (PHR) of the co-doped samples to a NaI:Tl standard. The compositions of the scintillation crystals are listed in Table 1. Testing was performed at room temperature (approximately 22° C.) by exposing the scintillation crystals to 137Cs and using a photomultiplier tube and multichannel analyzer to obtain a spectrum. TABLE 1Standard, Sr, and La CompositionsSrI2SampleTlI (mol %)(mol %)LaI3 (mol %)NaI:Tl (standard)0.1000——NaI:Tl, Sr0.050.11—NaI:Tl, La0.0880—8.6 × 10−5 FIGS. 4 and 5 include spectra that compare the NaI:Tl standard to the Sr and La co-doped samples. Energy resolution was performed with a 1 microsecond integration time. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the Sr co-doped sample has significantly better energy resolution of about 5.3%, as compared to the NaI:Tl standard, which is approximately 6.5%. The La co-doped sample has light yield that is about 109% of the light yield of the NaI:Tl standard (i.e., 9% more light yield). Ca co-doped samples were also compared to the NaI:Tl standard. Table 2 includes the crystal compositions. The Ca #1, Ca #2, and Ca #3 samples correspond to locations near the top, middle, and bottom, respectively, of the Ca co-doped crystal. Testing was performed at room temperature (approximately 22° C.) by exposing the scintillation crystals to 137Cs and using a photomultiplier tube and multichannel analyzer to obtain a spectrum. TABLE 2Standard and Ca CompositionsCaI2SampleTlI (mol %)(mol %)NaI:Tl (standard)0.100—NaI:Tl, Ca #10.060.09NaI:Tl, Ca #20.030.21NaI:Tl, Ca #30.070.47 Table 3 includes light yield (PH) and energy resolution (PHR) for the samples when using integration times of 1, 2, and 4 microseconds. For PH, light yield of the Ca co-doped samples were compared to the light yield of the NaI:Tl standard. TABLE 3PH and PHR for Ca Co-Doped SamplesSamplePH (%)PHR (%)NaI:Tl1006.4%NaI:Tl, Ca #1785.9%NaI:Tl, Ca #2835.4%NaI:Tl, Ca #3885.6% The best pulse height resolution with the Ca co-doped sample is 5.4%. Further work may be performed to determine whether the Ca concentration, relative Ca to Tl concentrations, or both have a significant impact on the energy resolution. For example, a Ca concentration of at 0.09 mol % to 0.47 mol % or a ratio of Ca:Tl of 1.5 to 7.0 may provide better energy resolution for a Ca co-doped sample as compared to another Ca co-doped sample outside either or both of the ranges. Further studies can help to provide a better insight as to effects of concentrations on energy resolution. Proportionality was tested by comparing the Sr and Ca co-doped samples to the NaI:Tl standard. Table 4 includes the crystal compositions. The Sr #1, Sr #2, and Sr #3 samples correspond to locations near the top, middle, and bottom, respectively, of the Sr co-doped crystal. TABLE 4Standard, Sr, and Ca CompositionsSrI2SampleTlI (mol %)(mol %)CaI2 (mol %)NaI:Tl (standard)0.100——NaI:Tl, Sr #10.050.11 —NaI:Tl, Sr #20.0290.135—NaI:Tl, Sr #30.0300.137—NaI:Tl, Ca0.053—0.020 For each of the samples, light yield data was collected at a plurality of different energies by exposing the samples to different radiation sources that emit different energies. Each sample was normalized to the light yield at 2615 keV for the same sample. The relative light yield at a particular energy (in units of keV), as normalized to the light yield at 2615 keV, is: relative ⁢ ⁢ light ⁢ ⁢ yield = actual ⁢ ⁢ light ⁢ ⁢ yield predicted ⁢ ⁢ light ⁢ ⁢ yield , where the actual light yield is at the particular energy, and the predicted light yield is: predicted ⁢ ⁢ light ⁢ ⁢ yield = particular ⁢ ⁢ energy 2615 ⁢ ⁢ keV × LY 2615 , where LY2615 is the actual light yield at 2615 keV. Ideally, the plots should have all points at 1.00. The average relative light yield was obtained by integrating the relatively light yield over a particular energy range to obtain an integrated value, and dividing the integrated value by the particular energy range. FIG. 6 includes a plot of relative light yield as a function of energy for the samples. As can be seen in FIG. 6, proportionality becomes worse as the energy decreases. The Sr co-doped samples have the best proportionality as compared to the Ca co-doped and standard samples. The improvement is very apparent at low energy. The average light yield for the Sr co-doped samples is approximately 1.09 at energies in a range of 32 keV to 81 keV. For the same energy range, the Ca-doped sample (approximately 1.15) showed improvement over the standard sample (approximately 1.16). An improvement can still be seen at intermediate energies. For energies in the range of 122 keV to 511 keV, the Sr co-doped samples had a relatively light yield of approximately 1.04, the Ca co-doped sample had a relatively light yield of approximately 1.06, the standard sample had a relatively light yield of approximately 1.07. Single crystals from melts that included NaI, Tl at 0.1 atomic % with respect to NaI, with or without co-doping. When co-doped, Ca2+ was present at 0.1, 0.3, and 0.6 atomic %, and Sr2+ was present at 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 atomic %. Crystals formed from the melts had the compositions as listed below in Table 5. TABLE 5Crystal CompositionsCo-dopinga[Tl+]b[Sr2+]b or [Ca2+]bTl+ only0.08 ± 0.03%00.05% Sr2+0.08 ± 0.05%0.05 ± 0.02%0.1% Sr2+0.05 ± 0.02%0.11 ± 0.01%0.2% Sr2+0.06 ± 0.04%0.18 ± 0.01%0.4% Sr2+0.09 ± 0.06%0.52 ± 0.08%0.1% Ca2+0.06 ± 0.03%0.09 ± 0.03%0.3% Ca2+0.03 ± 0.01%0.21 ± 0.03%0.6% Ca2+0.07 ± 0.02%0.47 ± 0.02%aatomic % in the melt, with respect to Na+.bMeasured in grown crystal with inductively coupled plasma - Optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES); in atomic %. The crystals were tested for decay times, which were determined by fitting averaged traces corresponding to 662 keV photopeaks with exponential decay functions. Thirty traces were averaged for each measurement. Scintillation pulses were fitted with double exponential decay functions. A summary of fast and slow decay times is listed in Table 6. TABLE 6Decay Components for CrystalsτsecondaryCo-dopingτprimary (ns)(ns)Tl+ only220 ± 10a (96%)b1500 ± 200 (4%)0.05% Sr2+201 ± 21 (94%) 860 ± 240 (6%)0.1% Sr2+172 ± 10 (92%) 860 ± 160 (8%)0.2% Sr2+195 ± 16 (96%) 690 ± 90 (4%)0.4% Sr2+195 ± 7 (96%)1000 ± 300 (4%)0.1% Ca2+199 ± 10 (95%)1030 ± 150 (5%)0.3% Ca2+173 ± 12 (94%) 830 ± 230 (6%)0.6% Ca2+186 ± 11 (94%) 870 ± 110 (6%)aUncertainties are the standard deviations of measured results of samples from the same crystal ingot.bThe values in the parenthesis are the percentage of total scintillation light in the specific decay component. Uncertainties are 1-2%. On average, co-doped crystals with 0.1% Sr2+ and 0.3% Ca2+ show the shortest decay among their peers. Both show an exceptionally fast primary decay time of about 170 ns, which is over 20% faster than that of standard NaI:Tl+. The fastest decay recorded is for a sample from the 0.3% Ca2+ co-doped crystal. The sample shows decay times of 155 ns (92%)+530 ns (8%). Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity may not be required, and that one or more further activities may be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed is not necessarily the order in which they are performed. Certain features that are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges includes each and every value within that range. Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims. The specification and illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The specification and illustrations are not intended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that use the structures or methods described herein. Separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment, and conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges includes each and every value within that range. Many other embodiments may be apparent to skilled artisans only after reading this specification. Other embodiments may be used and derived from the disclosure, such that a structural substitution, logical substitution, or another change may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.
	summary
	abstract	A nuclear reactor includes guide tubes; and vessel head penetrations each comprising a tubular adapter fixed in one of the openings and defining an inner passage. Each vessel head penetration also includes a tubular sleeve engaged in the inner passage and axially extending in line with one of the guide tubes. Each sleeve is suspended by an upper axial sleeve end lying on an upper range on the corresponding adapter. A lower axial end of the sleeve projects axially into the vessel beyond the adapter and is separated from an upper axial end of the corresponding guide tube by an axial gap having an axial height of less than 50 millimeters.
	claims	1. A process signal control and monitoring system, comprising:a signal processing device which is installed on an outside of a nuclear reactor containment vessel,an internal electrical power source which charges a rechargeable battery with electric power, supplied from the signal processing device,an analog-digital converter which converts an analog signal into a digital signal, the analog signal transmitted from a sensor which is installed on an inside of the nuclear reactor containment vessel,an internal communicator, comprising a processor, which transmits the digital signal, converted in the analog-digital converter, to the signal processing device,an internal repeater which is installed on an inside of the nuclear reactor containment vessel, andan external repeater which is installed on the outside of the nuclear reactor containment vessel and when receiving a signal from the internal repeater, transmits the received signal to a communication satellite,wherein when electric power supply from the signal processing device is disconnected, the internal electrical power source supplies electric power, which is charged in the rechargeable battery, to the analog-digital converter and the internal communicator; andthe internal communicator judges, after the electric power supply from the signal processing device is disconnected, whether communication with the signal processing device is connected or disconnected; andwhen the internal communicator judges that the communication with the signal processing device is connected, the internal communicator continues transmitting the digital signal, which is converted in the analog-digital converter, to the signal processing device. 2. The process signal control and monitoring system according to claim 1,wherein a thermoelectric element installed on the inside of the nuclear reactor containment vessel is provided, andthe internal communicator operates with electric power which the thermoelectric element supplies. 3. The process signal control and monitoring system according to claim 1,wherein when the internal communicator judges that the communication with the signal processing device is disconnected, the internal communicator transmits the digital signal, which is converted in the analog-digital converter, to the internal repeater. 4. The process signal control and monitoring system according to claim 3,wherein the internal communicator transmits the digital signal, which is converted in the analog-digital converter, to the internal repeater by wire communication. 5. The process signal control and monitoring system according to claim 3,wherein the internal communicator transmits the digital signal, which is converted in the analog-digital converter, to the internal repeater by wireless communication. 6. The process signal control and monitoring system according to claim 5,wherein when the internal communicator transmits the digital signal, which is converted in the analog-digital converter, to the internal repeater by wireless communication, the internal communicator transmits the digital signal with a transmission period later than that of a normal operation time. 7. The process signal control and monitoring system according to claim 3,wherein when the external repeater receives a signal from a communication satellite,the internal repeater will transmit the signal which the external repeater received from the communication satellite. 8. The process signal control and monitoring system according to claim 7,wherein when the internal communicator receives the signal which the internal repeater transmitted,the internal communicator transmits to the internal communicator with a transmission period later than that of the normal operation time.
	abstract	Systems and methods of the disclosure are directed toward removing moisture from, and controlling the temperature of, spent nuclear fuel stored in spent fuel containers and the containers themselves. A vacuum system may remove vapor and gas from the container to reduce pressure and stimulate moisture evaporation. The potentially radioactive gas exiting the spent fuel container can also be transported to a radioactive waste gas system. A non-reactive gas is then circulated through a circulation path, which is communicatively coupled to a spent fuel container. The non-reactive gas can absorb heat and/or moisture from the spent fuel stored within the spent fuel container. Accordingly, heat can be removed by a heat exchanger coupled to the circulation path. Condensate moisture can also be removed from the circulation path.
	summary
	description	The invention generally relates to pressurised water nuclear reactors. More precisely, the invention relates to a pressurised water nuclear reactor vessel, of the type comprising: an outer casing which comprises at least one cylindrical shell having a circular cross-section, with a vertical centre axis, and a dished bottom head which closes a lower end of the shell, at least one inlet and outlet for a primary cooling fluid, which are arranged in the fabricated casing, a core comprising a plurality of nuclear fuel assemblies, arranged inside the fabricated casing, a core support plate which is substantially perpendicular relative to the centre axis and which is arranged inside the fabricated casing beneath the core, a vessel bottom head space thus being delimited between the support plate and the dished bottom head, the support plate being perforated with holes for circulation of the primary coolant which place the vessel bottom head space in communication with the core, means for channelling the primary coolant from the inlet(s) as far as the vessel bottom head space, a calming device which is arranged beneath the support plate in the vessel bottom head space and which is capable of calming at least a portion of the primary coolant conveyed by the channelling means before this fluid passes through the support plate, the calming device having, in directions perpendicular relative to the centre axis, dimensions of between 30% and 60% of the inner diameter of the shell. A vessel of this type is known from EP-A-1 006 533 which describes calming means which substantially comprise a cylindrical shell which is coaxial relative to the centre axis of the vessel. These calming means provide very good results. However, if the primary coolant forms small vortexes, these can pass through the inner space of the shell without being broken. In this context, the object of the invention is to provide a nuclear reactor vessel which is provided with a calming device which has an improved level of efficiency, in particular when small vortexes are formed in the primary coolant. To this end, the invention relates to a nuclear reactor vessel of the above-mentioned type, wherein the calming device comprises at least one calming plate which is substantially perpendicular relative to the centre axis, and a plurality of calming holes, the calming holes being provided in the calming plate and being capable of calming the primary coolant by passing it through the holes. The vessel may also have one or more of the following features, taken individually, or according to any technically possible combination: the calming plate has, along the centre axis, a height of between 15% and 40% of the maximum height of the vessel bottom head space, taken along this axis; the calming plate is unitary; the calming plate is a machined forged component; the calming holes extend through the calming plate parallel with the centre axis and are distributed in the manner of a square-mesh grid; the calming holes have a square cross-section perpendicularly relative to the centre axis; the calming holes are delimited at least by a first set of mutually parallel blades which belong to the calming plate, and by a second set of mutually parallel blades which belong to the calming plate, the blades of the first set being perpendicular relative to the blades of the second set; the blades are straight and each extend through the entire calming plate in a direction which is perpendicular relative to the centre axis; the fuel assemblies are arranged in the core in accordance with a square-mesh grid having a predetermined side measurement, the blades of the first set being arranged in accordance with a whole multiple constant pitch of half of the side, the blades of the second set also being arranged in accordance with a whole multiple constant pitch of half of the side; the blades have a thickness of between 5 and 50 millimetres; the calming device comprises columns for fixing the calming plate to the core support plate, these columns being rigidly fixed to nodes of the calming plate which are provided at the intersection of blades of the first and second assemblies; the calming plate has, along the centre axis, a height of between 0.3 and 3.5 times the largest dimension of the cross-section of the calming holes, taken perpendicularly relative to the centre axis; the calming device comprises a cylindrical portion which surrounds the calming plate and which is fixedly joined to the outer edge of the calming plate; and the cylindrical portion extends along the centre axis beyond the calming plate towards the core support plate, over a height of between 25% and 100% of the height of the calming plate. The vessel 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a pressurised water nuclear reactor vessel. It comprises a fabricated outer casing 2 which comprises a cylindrical shell having a circular cross-section 4 having a vertical centre axis X, a dished bottom head 6 which closes an open lower end of the shell 4, and a cover (not illustrated) which is removably fixed to an open upper end of the shell 4. The shell 4 generally comprises a plurality of cylindrical shell elements which are butt welded. The vessel 1 also comprises a plurality of primary cooling fluid inlets 7 which are arranged in the fabricated casing 2, and a plurality of outlets 9 for the same fluid which are also arranged in the fabricated casing 2. The vessel 1 comprises a core 8 which comprises a plurality of nuclear fuel assemblies 10 which are arranged vertically inside the fabricated casing 2. It also comprises a core support plate 12 which is substantially perpendicular relative to the centre axis X and which is arranged inside the fabricated casing 2, below the core 8. The plate 12 extends below the cylindrical shell 4, a vessel bottom head space 14 thus being delimited between the support plate 12 and the dished bottom head 6. The vessel 1 also comprises a cylindrical core casing 16 which has a circular cross-section having an axis X and which is arranged around the core 8. The casing 16 is thus interposed between the core 8 and the cylindrical shell 4, and has a smaller diameter than this shell. The casing 16 thus defines with the shell 4 an annular space 18 which is capable of channelling almost all the primary coolant from the inlets as far as the vessel bottom head space 14. The support plate 12 has a diameter which is substantially equal to that of the casing 16, and is welded over the entire periphery thereof to an open lower end of the casing 16. The casing 16 itself is suspended on the upper edge of the shell 4 using suitable means which will not be described in this instance. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the support plate 12 carries, at the periphery thereof, a plurality of radial indexing keys 20, these keys being engaged in guiding grooves 22 which are fixed to the inner side of the shell 4. The keys 20 co-operate with the grooves 22 in order to index the support plate 12 and the casing 16 in terms of rotation about the centre axis X. The nuclear fuel assemblies 10 of the core 8 rest on the support plate 12 by means of their lower ends (not illustrated). They are arranged vertically parallel with each other, in the manner of a square-mesh grid. The size of the square mesh is constant over the entire grid. Each square has, for example, sides measurement of approximately 215 mm. The support plate 12 is perforated with holes 24 for circulation of the primary coolant which place the vessel bottom head space 14 in communication with the core 8. These holes extend along the centre axis X and extend through the support plate 12 over the entire thickness thereof. The holes 24 are also arranged in the plate 12 in the manner of a square-mesh grid which is arranged in such a manner that four holes 24 are located below each assembly 10. The four holes occupy the extremities of one mesh of the grid. This result is achieved by arranging the holes 24 in a grid, all the square meshes of which are substantially of the same size, the side of each mesh being approximately half of the side of the mesh of the grid of fuel assemblies. The mesh of the grid of holes 24 therefore has a surface equal to one quarter of the mesh of the grid of fuel assemblies. The vessel 1 further comprises a calming device 26, which is arranged below the support plate 12 in the vessel bottom head space 14 and which is fixed to the support plate. This device is capable of calming at least a portion of the primary coolant which is channelled downwards via the annular space 18 as far as the vessel bottom head space 14 before this fluid passes upwards through the support plate 12 in order to be introduced into the core 8. In a first embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the calming device is a machined, forged unitary assembly, comprising an outer cylindrical portion 28 having a circular cross-section, having an axis X and a calming plate 30 which is substantially perpendicular relative to the axis X and which occupies the entire inner cross-section of the cylindrical portion 28. The portion 28 therefore completely surrounds the plate 30 and is fixedly joined to the outer edge of the calming plate 30. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the calming device 26 comprises a plurality of calming holes 32 which are arranged in the plate 30 and which are arranged in the manner of a square-mesh grid. These holes 32 are delimited by a first set of mutually parallel blades 34 which belong to the calming plate 30 and by a second set of mutually parallel blades 36 which belong to the calming plate 30. The blades 34 of the first set are perpendicular relative to the blades 36 of the second set. The blades 34 and 36 extend over the entire height of the plate 30, the height being taken in this instance parallel with the centre axis X. The blades 34 and 36 are straight and each extend through the entire calming plate 30, in a direction perpendicular relative to the centre axis X. The blades 34 extend in the direction designated Y in FIG. 2 and the blades 36 in the direction designated Z in FIG. 2. The blades 34 and 36 are fixedly joined to the cylindrical portion 28 at the two opposing ends thereof. The blades 34 intersect with the blades 36 at intersection points which will be referred to below as nodes, the blades 34 thus being fixedly joined to the blades 36 at each node and over the entire height of the calming plate 30. The blades 34 of the first set are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other at a constant pitch equal to the sides of the meshes of the fuel set grid 10. In the same manner, the blades 36 of the second set are also arranged in accordance with a constant pitch equal to the side of the meshes of the fuel assembly grid. The positions of the blades 34 and 36 are fixed so that, taken along the centre axis X, the blades are arranged between the circulation holes 24 of the core support plate 12. The respective positions of the blades 34 and 36, the circulation holes 24 and the centre axis C of the nuclear fuel assemblies, taken along the axis X are illustrated in FIG. 4. It can be seen that the axes C occupy the centre of the square holes 32 delimited by the blades 34 and 36. Four holes 24 are arranged on the diagonal lines of each square hole 32, half-way between the corners of the hole and the axis C. As can be seen in FIG. 2, all the calming holes 32 arranged in the centre portion of the calming plate 30 have a square cross-section. These holes 32 extend through the calming plate over the entire height thereof, parallel with the centre axis X. They are all the same size. However, the holes 32 which are located at the periphery of the plate 30 have different shapes. These holes are delimited inside the plate 30 by the blades 34 and 36 and at the radially outer side of the plate 30 by the cylindrical portion 28. The calming plate 30 is circular and has, in a plane perpendicular relative to the centre axis X, a diameter of between 30% and 60% of the inner diameter of the shell 4. Furthermore, the calming plate 30 has, along the centre axis X, a height h of between 15% and 40% of the maximum height H of the vessel bottom head space 14 (see FIG. 1). The maximum height H corresponds to the distance which separates a lower face of the core support plate 12 from the inner surface of the dished bottom head 6 at the centre axis X of the vessel. The height h of the plate 30 is between 0.3 and 3.5 times the largest dimension of the cross-section of the holes 32 taken perpendicularly relative to the axis X. Preferably, the height h is between 0.5 and 2 times the largest dimension, and is typically 1 times the largest dimension. The distance between the lower face of the core support plate 12 and the upper face of the calming plate 30 is between 10% and 35% of the maximum height H of the vessel bottom head space 14. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the cylindrical portion 28 of the calming device extends towards the core support plate 12 beyond the upper face 37 of the calming plate 30. Relative to the upper face 37, the cylindrical portion 28 protrudes over a height which is between 25% and 100% of the height of the calming plate 30. The diameter of the calming plate 30 is, for example, approximately 2610 mm. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 28 is, for example, 2690 mm. The height of the calming plate 30 is, for example, 280 mm. The total height of the cylindrical portion 28 is, for example 430 mm. The pitch which separates two blades 34 or two blades 36 is approximately 215 mm, for example. The blades have a thickness of between 5 mm and 50 mm, and preferably substantially equal to 15 mm. The length of the side of the holes 32 is in this case approximately 200 mm, the largest dimension of the cross-section of the holes 32 being approximately 280 mm (diagonal of the square cross-section). The calming device 26 is fixed to the core support plate 12 by means of twenty-four columns 38 which extend parallel with the centre axis X. These columns 38, as illustrated in FIG. 1, are rigidly fixed, at a lower end, to the plate 30, and at an upper end, to the plate 12. To this end, enlarged nodes 40 are provided at the intersection of specific blades 34 and 36. These enlarged nodes 40 are perforated with bores 42 which extend parallel with the centre axis X. The lower portions of the columns 38 are shaped in the form of threaded rods (not illustrated). These rods are engaged in the bores 42 through which they extend axially from one side to the other. Nuts 43 (FIG. 1) are screwed to the free ends of the threaded rods which protrude below the plate 30. The connection between the columns 38 and the calming plate 30 is further reinforced by weld points or seams which are produced between the nuts and the edges of the bores 42. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the bores 42 are arranged at the periphery of the calming plate 30, immediately inside the cylindrical portion 28. The columns 38 are distributed at regular intervals about the centre axis X. An upper end of each column 38 is shaped in the form of a cross-shaped plate 44 (FIG. 1), which extends perpendicularly relative to the axis X. The upper face of this cross-shaped plate carries, at its centre, a centering pin, four fixing holes being arranged in the four branches of the cross-shaped plate. These cross-shaped plates 44 are pressed, with the upper faces thereof, against the core support plate 12, the centering pins engaging in housings which are provided at the lower face of the plate 12 for this purpose. Screws 45 (FIG. 1) extend through the holes of the cross-shaped plate and are engaged in corresponding threaded holes provided on the lower face of the plate 12. The positions of the threaded holes are selected so that the column 38 is positioned at the centre of a square mesh of the grid of circulation holes 24. In the same manner as before, weld points or seams allow the connection to be reinforced between the cross-shaped plate 44 and the lower face of the core support plate 12. The circulation of the primary coolant inside the vessel of the invention will now be described. The primary coolant is generally water. It is delivered by the primary pumps of the reactor and is introduced into the vessel 1 via the inlets which are provided in the fabricated casing 2. The primary water then circulates downwards into the annular space 18, as far as the vessel bottom head space 14. A small portion of the water, leaving the annular space 18, passes directly between the calming device 26 and the core base plate 12, without passing through the calming device. This small portion of the water is then introduced inside the core 8 of the reactor, passing through the holes 24 of the plate 12. The majority of the primary water, leaving the annular space 18, flows along the dished bottom head 6, then rises parallel with the axis X, through the calming device 26. The water passes through the calming holes 32, then continues its upward movement passing through the circulation holes 24 of the plate 12. The primary water then rises along the nuclear fuel assemblies 10 and becomes hot in contact therewith. It leaves the vessel 1 via the outlets which are provided in the fabricated casing 2. The vessel described above has a number of advantages. The structure of the calming device (plate which is perforated with a plurality of holes) allows it to break very effectively the small vortexes which are formed in the primary coolant which enters the vessel bottom head space or which develops in the vessel bottom head space at the point of intersection of the currents originating from different inlets of the vessel. Furthermore, the selection of the dimensions of the calming device perpendicularly relative to the centre axis of the vessel contributes to making it particularly effective. The fact that the calming holes are delimited by mutually perpendicular blades which are provided in the calming plate leads to a very good compromise between the effectiveness of the calming of the fluid and the pressure drop experienced by this fluid passing through the plate. This allows the pressure of the primary pumps to be limited as a last resort. The arrangement of the blades relative to the holes for passage of the primary coolant through the core support plate allows the circulation of the fluid to be facilitated in the vessel. Furthermore, the height of the calming plate and the thickness of the blades are selected in ranges which contribute to improving the compromise between the transparency of the calming plate, the efficiency of the calming and the mechanical strength of the calming device. The relationship between the height of the plate and the largest dimension of the cross-section of the holes of this plate is also optimised in order to improve the efficiency of the calming. The calming device is suspended below the core support plate and can therefore be removed from the vessel of the reactor with the sub-assembly constituted by the screen 16 and the plate 12. The outer cylindrical portion which surrounds the calming plate and which extends beyond the calming plate to the core support plate allows the primary coolant to be channelled which leaves the calming holes and which flows towards the core support plate and allows the turbulences in this fluid to be limited. When the vessel is used in a reactor which comprises a plurality of primary loops (typically 4), each of which is associated with an inlet and an outlet of the vessel, it has been found that the calming device was particularly effective when the circulation in one of the loops is interrupted. The inlets are generally distributed over the vessel so that the circulation in the annular space 18 which leads to the vessel bottom head space is uniform over the entire periphery of this space 18. The loss of one of the primary loops brings about asymmetry in the circulation of the fluid in the annular space so that it creates a number of vortexes in the primary coolant entering the vessel bottom head space. The calming device described above allows these vortexes to be broken in an extremely effective manner. Arranging the calming device in a remote position below the core bottom plate is particularly advantageous. It is known that it is desirable to distribute the flow of cooling water in the most homogeneous manner possible in all of the openings which extend through the core support plate 12 so as to provide an optimum supply to each of the assemblies of the core of the nuclear reactor. However, inside the vessel bottom head space 14, the flow of pressurised cooling water of the reactor is subjected to a high level of interference and in particular occurrences of turbulence are capable of being formed in the circulation of the fluid before it is introduced into the core 8 through the core support plate 12. The distribution of flow rate and pressure at the inlet of the core is therefore subject to a high level of interference and the range of the pressures and flow rates generally has a low level of uniformity if the flow has not been calmed inside the vessel bottom head space 14, that is to say, clearly before the water arrives at the level of the core support plate 12. The vessel described above may have a number of variants. It is possible for the calming device not to comprise an outer cylindrical portion which surrounds the calming plate. The calming device may also comprise an outer cylindrical portion which has a height which is substantially equal to that of the plate, this outer cylindrical portion thus not extending beyond the calming plate to the core support plate. The calming plate 30 cannot have a circular form perpendicularly relative to the centre axis X. It may be square, rectangular, oval or any other shape which allows a high level of, efficiency to be obtained for the calming of the primary coolant. In all cases, the dimensions of the plate in directions perpendicular relative to the centre axis remain between 30% and 60% of the inner diameter of the shell of the fabricated casing. The calming device may comprise a plurality of planar plates which are fixed to each other. Each plate has the structure described above, and is provided with blades which are perpendicular relative to each other and which delimit calming holes of the primary coolant. These various plates are arranged perpendicularly relative to the centre axis of the vessel, in the same plane. Each plate can be surrounded by a cylindrical portion which extends beyond this plate to the core support plate. It is possible for the calming plate not to be a machined forged component but rather a mechanically welded structure. The calming plate can be fixed to the core support plate by means different from the fixing columns described above, for example, welded cross-members, provided that these means allow a sufficiently strong connection between the two plates. The blades 34 and 36 can be arranged in accordance with a different pitch at the side of the square meshes of the grid of the fuel assembly grid. In this instance, a whole multiple constant pitch of half of the side is selected. Preferably, a pitch is selected which is between one and six times one half of the side. It is thus possible to pass the blades 34 and 36 between the rows of circulation holes 24 of the support plate without blocking them, even partially. The blades 34 of the first set are not necessarily perpendicular relative to the blades 36 of the second set but may extend in directions which are inclined relative to the blades 36, the blades 34 intersecting with the blades 36. In this manner, the holes 32 which are provided in the plate 30 are not necessarily square. They may have a variety of different shapes: rectangular, round, oval or another shape. So as to ensure correct operation of the calming device, it is important for these holes to be distributed over the entire surface of the plate 30, preferably in a uniform manner. To this end, it is particularly advantageous to arrange them in a grid having a constant mesh. This mesh can be square, triangular, diamond-shaped or have another shape provided that it is adapted to the shape of the holes. The holes must have small cross-sections in order to effectively break the small vortexes and there must be enough of them for the transparency of the plate to be high, and for the primary coolant not to be subjected to a high pressure drop when passing through the plate.
	description	1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to inspection apparatuses for inspecting a weld zone between a reactor pressure vessel and a structure inside a nuclear reactor. For example, the invention relates to an inspection apparatus for inspecting weld zones in a reactor pressure vessel, the inspection apparatus being capable of detecting a crack of a weld zone between a control rod drive housing and a reactor pressure vessel, which are located on the bottom of a boiling water reactor. 2. Description of the Related Art In a pressure vessel of a nuclear reactor, it is necessary to check its soundness; in particular, weld zones and the like in the nuclear reactor need to be inspected. In most cases, visual inspection is performed periodically. If it is judged that further inspection is necessary as a result of the visual inspection, situational tests of the surface and inside of the material are carried out (the size of a crack is measured). Well known methods for the above inspection include ultrasonic testing and eddy current testing. In addition, inspection areas often exist in narrow portions; therefore, as a method for improving such inspection efficiency, there is disclosed an inspection method in which a lower head of a pressure vessel of the nuclear reactor is inspected by use of a scanning cart that travels while adhering to the lower head (for example, refers to JP-A-6-11595). A reactor pressure vessel is equipped with a control rod drive housing, an in-core monitor housing, a shroud support, and the like. The control rod drive housing, which is located in a nuclear reactor, is a tube for storing a mechanism for driving a control rod that is used for the output control of the nuclear reactor. The control rod drive housing is mounted onto the reactor pressure vessel by welding in such a manner that the control rod drive housing penetrates the bottom of the reactor pressure vessel. In addition, the in-core monitor housing is a tube for storing a monitor that is used to monitor neutrons generated by nuclear fission in the nuclear reactor. The in-core monitor housing is mounted onto a build-up weld inside the reactor pressure vessel by welding in such a manner that the in-core monitor housing penetrates the bottom of the reactor pressure vessel. Moreover, the shroud support is provided in order that structures inside the nuclear reactor are supported. The shroud support is mounted onto the inner surface of the reactor pressure vessel by welding. The weld zone is located inside the reactor pressure vessel that is a pressure boundary, or the weld zone itself is a withstand pressure boundary. The inner bottom surface of the reactor pressure vessel is subjected to cladding processing by welding. The weld zone and the build-up weld are attached to this cladding portion. The weld zones of the reactor pressure vessel are located in areas where devices inside the reactor pressure vessel are closely placed; their spaces are narrow, and their shapes are complex. Accordingly, the accessibility of the inspection apparatus within the reactor pressure vessel is limited. Presently, when some form of abnormality is found by visual inspection, a situational test is conducted on the surface of and the inside of the weld material by placing a sensor (probe) against or close to those complex and narrow areas. Since inspection areas are thus complex and narrow, a certain level of skill has been required to have the inspection apparatus and the probe approach those areas. Furthermore, since weld materials to be inspected change in three-dimensional shape, inspection needs to be preformed with their curvatures and surface states in mind especially when the ultrasonic testing is to be applied. Also, because of largeness and poor ultrasonic propagation properties of the weld portions, the ultrasonic testing occasionally involves difficulty when it is performed toward a deeper region from the inner surface of the reactor pressure vessel. The present invention has been made on the basis of the foregoing facts and circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an inspection apparatus for inspecting weld zones in a reactor pressure vessel, the inspection apparatus being capable of easily approaching three-dimensionally shape-changing weld zones present at complex and narrow portions and of accurately performing inspection. In order to achieve the above object, in a first aspect of the present invention, the invention is an inspection apparatus for inspecting weld zones in a reactor pressure vessel, the inspection apparatus inspecting a weld zone of a control rod drive housing and an area in proximity to the weld zone, the control rod drive housing being placed from the bottom of the reactor pressure vessel to the inside thereof, the inspection apparatus comprising: a probe for emitting an ultrasonic wave; a probe holding unit for holding the probe such that an ultrasonic wave transmitting surface of the probe is kept in direct contact with or at a constant distance from the outer surface of the reactor pressure vessel; a pressing unit for pressing the probe holding unit parallel to the central axis of the control rod drive housing against the reactor pressure vessel; and a rotator for rotating the probe holding unit and the pressing unit around the central axis of the control rod drive housing. In addition, in a second aspect of the present invention, the invention is the inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the longer side of the ultrasonic wave transmitting surface of the probe if said surface is rectangular-shaped or the major axis of said surface if said surface is oval-shaped or circular-shaped is set to a value selected from 35 mm to 120 mm. In addition, in a third aspect of the present invention, the invention is the inspection apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the reactor pressure vessel and an area to be inspected inside the reactor pressure vessel are provided by the probe with an ultrasonic field within a range of −6 db with respect to a focus of the ultrasonic wave or the echo intensity of the focus. In addition, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, the invention is the inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, the inspection apparatus further comprising an elevator for moving up and down the probe, the probe holding unit, the pressing unit, and the rotator along the control rod drive housing. In addition, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, the invention is the inspection apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the longer side of the ultrasonic wave transmitting surface of the probe if said surface is rectangular-shaped or the major axis of said surface if said surface is oval-shaped or circular-shaped is set to a value selected from 35 mm to 120 mm. Moreover, in a sixth aspect of the present invention, the invention is the inspection apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the reactor pressure vessel and an area to be inspected inside the reactor pressure vessel are provided by the probe with an ultrasonic field within a range of −6 db with respect to a focus of the ultrasonic wave or the echo intensity of the focus. Furthermore, in a seventh aspect of the present invention, the invention is the inspection apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the probe can inspect a weld zone between the reactor pressure vessel and a structure inside an nuclear reactor, a built-up weld, and an inner-surface cladding portion of the reactor pressure vessel. According to the present invention, the ultrasonic probe can easily approach three-dimensionally shape-changing weld zones present at complex and narrow portions and perform the inspection accurately. An embodiment of an inspection apparatus for inspecting weld zones in a reactor pressure vessel according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating an inspection apparatus for inspecting weld zones in a reactor pressure vessel according to one embodiment of the present invention. To be more specific, FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating an example in which the present invention is applied to the inspection of weld zones of a control rod drive stub tube that is mounted onto a reactor pressure vessel; and FIG. 2 is a plan view as viewed from the direction of the arrow II-II in FIG. 1. First of all, as one embodiment of the inspection apparatus for inspecting weld zones in the reactor pressure vessel according to the present invention, how the control rod drive stub tube, mounted onto the reactor pressure vessel, and weld zones of the control rod drive stub tubes are configured will be described with reference to FIG. 1. A control rod drive stub tube 2 is secured to the inside of a reactor pressure vessel 1 by a weld zone 3. A control rod drive housing 8 is inserted into and secured to the control rod drive stub tube 2. In order to inspect the weld zone 3 of the control rod drive stub tube 2 that is mounted onto the reactor pressure vessel 1, an ultrasonic probe 6 is placed on the outer surface side of the reactor pressure vessel 1 so that the ultrasonic probe 6 emits an ultrasonic wave toward the inner surface side of the reactor pressure vessel 1. The incident ultrasonic wave reaches the inside of the weld zone 3 of the control rod drive stub tube 2 or reaches an inner-surface cladding portion 200. If a crack exists there, the reflection of the ultrasonic wave from the position of the crack is detected. The depth of the crack inside the weld zone 3 can be evaluated by identifying the position at which the ultrasonic wave is reflected. The size of the ultrasonic probe 6 needs to be set in consideration of the accessibility of the ultrasonic probe 6 to a narrow portion, the thickness of the reactor pressure vessel 1, and the like. This point described in detail, the reactor pressure vessel 1 has a thickness of about 150 mm or more. If the end face of the weld zone 3 is included, the reactor pressure vessel 1 is about 200-mm thick. In order to detect a crack existing in the weld zone 3 by use of an ultrasonic wave, it is necessary to emit the ultrasonic wave to the area whose thickness ranges from about 150 mm to 200 mm. In addition, in order to acquire a sufficiently strong signal from the reflection source of a flaw such as a crack, it is necessary to properly converge the ultrasonic wave on the above area so as to perform inspection. The criterion for selecting a proper focus area of the ultrasonic wave when inspection is performed from the outer surface of the reactor pressure vessel 1 is now explained with reference to FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis indicates the size of the transducer of the ultrasonic probe (sensor); the vertical axis indicates the distance from the sensor (more specifically, the distance in the thickness direction in which inspection is performed). The size of the sensor is expressed as the size of the long side of the sensor or the size of the long axis of the sensor because it is known that the focus settable area of an ultrasonic wave generated by the sensor depends on the size of the long side if the sensor has a rectangular shape including a square and depends on the size of the long axis if the sensor has an oval shape including a circle. In FIG. 3, the solid line indicates maximum sound pressure characteristics; the dotted line indicates sound pressure characteristics obtained when a forward shift from the maximum sound pressure is made by −6 dB; and the alternate long and short dash line indicates sound pressure characteristics obtained when a backward shift from the maximum sound pressure is made by −6 dB. When the ultrasonic probe 6 is placed on the outer surface of the reactor pressure vessel 1, the size of the sensor can be set at a value ranging from 35 mm to 120 mm, as shown in FIG. 3, in order that an effective focus area (within a range of −6 dB from the maximum sound pressure height) reaches an area to be inspected ranging from 150 mm to 200 mm. In particular, when a narrow portion is to be inspected, the size of the sensor can be set at 35 mm at minimum; it is desirable that the size of the sensor be 45 mm. Next, one embodiment of the inspection apparatus using the ultrasonic probe 6 whose size has been set as above will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 again. In one embodiment of the inspection apparatus according to the present invention, because the weld zone 3 exists 360 degrees around the control rod drive stub tube 2, the inspection apparatus also rotates 360 degrees so as to inspect the whole target area. In addition, in order to locate the position of the ultrasonic probe 6 or an ultrasonic wave inspection position, the inspection apparatus has the function of setting the position at which the main body of the inspection apparatus is placed. Moreover, because the lower surface of the reactor pressure vessel 1 has a spherical shape and because the tilt of the surface accessed by the ultrasonic probe 6 becomes larger as the ultrasonic probe 6 moves from the center of the nuclear reactor toward its outside, the inspection apparatus has the function of adjusting the posture of the ultrasonic probe 6 to the shape of an inspection area. For the purpose of achieving the above-described functions, the inspection apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured such that the main body of the access device is placed and secured around the control rod drive housing 8. The inspection apparatus includes an elevator 30 for moving up and down the whole inspection apparatus along the control rod drive housing 8; a rotator 40 for rotating the ultrasonic probe 6 360 degrees around the control rod drive housing 8; a height adjustment unit (pressing mechanism) 50 for adjusting the height-directional distance between the reactor pressure vessel 1 and the whole inspection apparatus; and a probe holding unit 60 including a probe-posture adjustment mechanism 21 for adjusting the posture of the ultrasonic probe 6 to the surface of the reactor pressure vessel 1. Besides the method in which the inspection apparatus is secured around the control rod drive housing 8 as shown in this embodiment, an alternatively possible method is one in which the position of the inspection apparatus is set by measuring the reference distance between the inspection apparatus and the control rod drive housing 8 by use of, for example, an ultrasonic wave range finder or a laser range finder while keeping the distance constant. As a function of the probe holding unit 60, if the ultrasonic probe 6 is pressed against a wall surface of the reactor pressure vessel 1, the ultrasonic probe 6 rotates around a pin 22 attached to the probe-posture adjustment mechanism 21 that functions as a gimbal. This makes it possible to arbitrarily change the angle of the ultrasonic probe 6 in response to the slant of the reactor pressure vessel 1. As a result, the ultrasonic probe 6 can stably move along the surface of the reactor pressure vessel 1. When inspection is performed, besides the method in which the ultrasonic probe 6 is kept in direct contact with the outer surface of the reactor pressure vessel 1, the ultrasonic probe 6 may also be provided with a spacer or the like on the sound-wave-generating-surface side of the ultrasonic probe 6 so that the distance between the ultrasonic probe 6 and the reactor pressure vessel is kept constant. The probe holding unit 60 is attached to the height adjustment unit 50. The height adjustment unit 50 is mounted onto the rotator 40. The height adjustment unit 50 includes a fixed frame 18 that is secured to the rotator 40; a guide 20 guided by this fixed frame 18, the upper end of which is connected to the probe holding unit 60; and a spring 19 that is disposed between the fixed frame 18 and the probe holding unit 60. Even when the whole inspection apparatus is further lifted after the ultrasonic probe 6 is brought into contact with the reactor pressure vessel 1, the ultrasonic probe 6 can be kept in contact with the reactor pressure vessel 1 by the contraction of the spring 19. The rotator 40 is disposed on the top surface of a base 14 whereas the elevator 30 is disposed on the bottom surface of the base 14. The elevator 30 includes a fixed stand 13 that is located on the lower surface side of the base 14; an elevator wheel 12 provided on the fixed stand 13; an elevator motor 10 also mounted onto the fixed stand 13; and a gear 11 for transferring the rotational force of the elevator motor 10 to the elevator wheel 12. Driving of the elevator motor 10 rotates the elevator wheel 12, which moves up or down the whole inspection apparatus along the control rod drive housing 8. The rotator 40 includes a rotator table 17 located on the upper surface side of the base 14; a rotator motor 15 that is mounted on the upper surface side of the base 14; and a gear 16 for transferring the rotational force of the rotator motor 15 to the rotator table 17. The rotation of the rotator motor 15 causes the rotator table 17 to rotate around the control rod drive housing 8. The rotation of the rotator table 17 causes the ultrasonic probe 6 to rotate 360 degrees around the axis of the control rod drive housing 8. The position of the ultrasonic probe 6 or an ultrasonic wave inspection position can be identified by a sensor detecting the rotational angle of the rotator table 17 or detecting the distance traveled by the inspection apparatus around the control rod drive housing, which distance can be converted from the rotational angle. The base 14 of the rotator 40 is provided with a positioning pad 24 through an arm 23. As shown in FIG. 2, placed against the side surface of a control rod drive housing 9 adjacent to the control rod drive housing 8 to which the inspection apparatus is attached, the positioning pad 24 determines the position of the whole inspection apparatus in its rotational direction. In place of the mechanical positioning method using the arm 23 and the positioning pad 24, an ultrasonic-wave or laser range finder can be used; with the use of such a device, each distance from one or more adjacent control rod drive housings 9 to the control rod drive housing 8 can be measured to compute the current position of the inspection apparatus and thereby to locate the position of the ultrasonic probe 6 or of an ultrasonic wave inspection. Next, the operation of the above-described inspection apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention in which weld zones of the control rod drive stub tube are inspected will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 through 6. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating, as the initial access state of an inspection apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, the state in which the inspection apparatus is located at a surface of the bottom side in the reactor pressure vessel 1 of the control rod drive housing 8. First of all, the ultrasonic probe 6 is mounted onto the inspection apparatus (step 600 in FIG. 6). Focus position settings for the ultrasonic probe 6 are then performed (step 601 in FIG. 6). After that, the inspection apparatus is attached to the control rod drive housing 8 (step 602 in FIG. 6). Next, the ultrasonic probe 6 is pressed against the reactor pressure vessel 1 by the elevator 30 (step 603 in FIG. 6) so that the spring 19 of the height adjustment unit 50 is brought into the most contracted state (step 604 in FIG. 6). Proper pressing of the ultrasonic probe 6 is checked by emitting an ultrasonic wave toward the reactor pressure vessel 1 to judge whether or not the ultrasonic wave reflected at its inner bottom surface can be externally acquired through its inner surface. Next, the rotator 40 rotates the ultrasonic probe 6 around the control rod drive housing 8 to a position at which inspection is required (step 605 in FIG. 6), and the inspection is then performed (step 606 in FIG. 6). FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the state in which the inspection apparatus is positioned at a surface of the upper side in the reactor pressure vessel 1 of the control rod drive housing 8. In this case, the expansion of the spring 19 continuously presses the ultrasonic probe 6 against the reactor pressure vessel 1, and the probe-posture adjustment mechanism 21 adjusts the posture of the probe 6. Thus, sufficient adjustability of the probe 6 to the outer surface of the reactor pressure vessel 1 can be ensured. After the completion of the inspection (step 607 in FIG. 6), the elevator 30 lowers the ultrasonic probe 6 to a lower portion of the reactor pressure vessel 1 (step 608 in FIG. 6). The inspection apparatus is then removed from the control rod drive housing 8 (step 609 in FIG. 6), and this completes the operation (step 610 in FIG. 6). The above-described operation control enables the ultrasonic probe 6 to access an arbitrary region around the control rod drive housing 8. Moreover, inspection with high accuracy can be performed by use of the probe holding unit 60 which stably adjusts the posture of the ultrasonic probe 6 and the positioning mechanism 24 of the inspection apparatus. The above embodiment describes the example in which the inspection apparatus according to the present invention is applied to the inspection of the weld zone 3 of the control rod drive stub tube 2. Not limited to this, the inspection apparatus according to the present invention can also be applied to a case where a weld zone 5 of an in-core monitor housing 4, a weld zone 101 of a shroud support 100, and an inner-surface cladding portion 200, which are shown in FIG. 7, are inspected from the outer surface of the reactor pressure vessel 1 by the ultrasonic inspection. In addition, in the above embodiment, the spring 19 is used to stably adjust the posture of the ultrasonic probe 6 to the wall surface shape of the reactor pressure vessel 1. However, instead of using the spring 9, a cylinder mechanism can also be used. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, after the inspection apparatus is correctly positioned, inspection can be performed with the posture of the ultrasonic probe 6 stably adjusted to the wall surface of the reactor pressure vessel 1. Therefore, the probe 6 can easily approach three-dimensionally shape-changing weld zones present at complex and narrow portions and perform inspection accurately there. Moreover, the size of a crack present in a weld zone of a structure inside the nuclear reactor can be simply and easily measured without employing underwater remote control for access to a complex and narrow region. Furthermore, deep areas of weld zones, which was conventionally difficult to inspect by an ultrasonic wave because of its attenuation caused by a material and the shape of the material, can also be easily subjected to the ultrasonic wave inspection by external access of the ultrasonic probe to the reactor pressure vessel, contrary to the conventional method.
	abstract	The invention relates to a scanned-slot x-ray imaging system, having a first collimator and a second collimator arranged in a first distance (a) and a second distance (b), respectively, from a radiation source and each provided with a slot and a detector located under the second collimator slot, said slot of said second collimator being wider than the said slot of said first collimator and said detector under the second slot is wider than the first collimator slot and the second collimator slot. The slot of said second collimator has a width (yxe2x80x2) not less than a safety margin and the product of the width (x) of the slot of said first collimator and said second distance (b) divided with the said first distance (a) for allowing a misalignment with respect to a central symmetry line of said slots.
047059508	abstract	A feed screw is provided in a specimen-exchanging chamber connecting with a specimen chamber valve and a removable element is removed in the axial direction of the feed screw by rotation of the feed screw. The removal of the removable element makes it possible to remove a specimen holder between the specimen chamber and the specimen-exchanging chamber. It is possible to load and unload the specimen holder with the removable element. Thus, while leaving the specimen holder in the specimen chamber, only the removable element can be removed to the specimen-exchanging chamber.
053612825	description	DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The method of manufacturing a fuel channel of a zirconium-based alloy for a BWR in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises three steps performed in the following sequence: (1) high-temperature heat treatment (heating and quenching) of channel strip material to impart excellent corrosion resistance and to randomize the crystallographic texture; (2) warm forming the heat-treated channel strip into fuel channel components under conditions in which surface oxidation is minimized and then seam welding the components to form the fuel channel; and (3) thermal sizing of the fuel channel to eliminate manufacturing stresses and ensure accurate size control. The strip material is formed by any conventional channel strip fabrication technique, for example, forging, extrusion or rolling. Each strip has a width such that the strip can be bent to form one of two components conventionally welded together to form the desired fuel channel. The heat treatment of the strip is carried out utilizing an induction heating coil or any other conventional heating means, such as radiation, convection or resistance heating. Heating is preferably done in a vacuum. The fuel channel is heated to a temperature of 1800.degree. F. or greater (with a practical upper temperature limit of 2050.degree. F.) and held at a temperature equal to or greater than 1800of for a period in the range of 0.25 sec to 30 min. The purpose of this high-temperature heating is to induce a full transformation of the crystalline structure of the zirconium-based alloy of the channel strip material from the alpha phase (hexagonal close-packed) to the beta phase (body-centered cubic). After the strip material has been maintained at a temperature equal to or greater than 1800.degree. F. for a time duration equal to at least the minimum, i.e., 0.25 sec, the strip material is quenched with a fluid to a temperature of 1500.degree. F. or less at a rate in the range from 10.degree. F./sec to 400.degree. F./sec. The strip may be cooled by inert gas, air, water or other suitable quenching medium. The preferred quenching fluid is an inert gas such as helium, rather than water which is prone to contain contaminants such as dissolved O.sub.2. During rapid quenching, the crystallographic structure of the zirconium-based alloy is transformed from grains of beta phase to grains of alpha phase having a high-f.sub.L crystallographic texture. In particular, the structure of the zirconium-based alloy obtains a crystallographic orientation with a texture factor f.sub.L approximately equal to 1/3, i.e., f.sub.L =0.28-0.38. The rapid cooling rate (10.degree.-400.degree. F./sec) is required to yield a highly corrosion-resistant material. After heat treatment, the surface condition of the strip material is brought to a condition suitable for subsequent fabrication. In particular, any lubricants or any contaminants deposited from the air onto the surface are removed during subsequent processing steps so that no contamination will be baked into cracks, fissures and other microscopic mechanical damage to which the surface is prone. The strip material is then bent into the desired shape by any one of various conventional techniques, e.g., by the use of a bending brake, to form a channel component of substantially U-shaped cross section. Each component has a base wall and two mutually facing side walls. Each side wall includes a longitudinal edge surface. Prior to bending, the channel strip is heated to a temperature in the range of 50.degree. F. to 800.degree. F. (preferably 250.degree. F. to 400.degree. F.), under conditions where surface oxidation is minimized, for example, using temperature and time controls, either alone or in conjunction with an inert gas protective atmosphere. The temperature and time of exposure are minimized to reduce the risk of cracks, fissures and other microscopic mechanical damage to the Zircaloy surface. Warm forming (i.e., heating before bending) serves two purposes. The primary purpose is to improve ductility, thereby facilitating the bending operation. A secondary purpose is to lower residual stresses, thereby improving fabricability. However, in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention, bending can be done without prior heating. After the warm forming operation, a pair of channel components are positioned so that their longitudinal edge surfaces abut along their entire length. Then the abutting edge surfaces are welded together, e.g., by tungsten inert gas welding or any other conventional channel welding technique, to form a hollow fuel channel having a substantially uniform rectangular cross section. Upon completion of the welding operation, any weld beads formed along the weld seam inside or outside the fuel channel are reduced to the extent desired by a conventional technique known as planishing. After the channel is assembled by welding, the fuel channel undergoes thermal sizing. In the thermal sizing operation, a conventional mandrel consisting of a material with a thermal coefficient of thermal expansion larger than that of the zirconium-based alloy is inserted into the fuel channel. The mandrel has geometric dimensions corresponding to the final dimensions of the fuel channel. The mandrel/fuel channel assembly is then heated to a temperature of 1000.degree. F. to 1250.degree. F., held in this temperature range for a time duration of 15 min to 10 hr and then cooled. After cooling, the mandrel is removed from the fuel channel. It is critical to avoid contamination of the Zircaloy surface and the formation of oxides and nitrides thereon during thermal sizing. Due to the high reactivity of Zircaloy with oxygen and nitrogen, the fuel channel is preferably protected from extensive oxidation during thermal sizing by an inert gas medium or by enclosing the channel/mandrel assembly in a vacuum system. The resulting fuel channel has a fully annealed (no internal stresses) high-f.sub.L crystallographic structure and precise dimensions. The fuel channel is thereafter subjected to a combination of conventional chemical and mechanical surface conditioning steps as required to meet design and quality requirements. In particular, chemical etching and grit blasting are used to remove oxides from the fuel channel surface. Zircaloy BWR fuel channels manufactured according to the above-prescribed processing limits will exhibit an excellent corrosion resistance and a high-f.sub.L crystallographic texture that provides in-reactor dimensional stability. The method is especially suited for the manufacture of fuel channels made from Zircaloy for a BWR. However, the method could also be used to make fuel rod spacers for use in a fuel channel or any other component made from zirconium-based alloy. Moreover, the product by process of the present invention is not limited to components made from zirconium-based alloy. On the contrary, the invention encompasses any component made from a metal which can be heated to a body-centered cubic (beta) phase, then quenched to a hexagonal close-packed (alpha) phase having high-f.sub.L crystallographic texture and subsequently annealed. Further, benefit is derived from heat treatment of the channel strip material and thermal sizing of the assembled channel regardless of whether warm forming or cold forming is used to form the channel components. These and other variations and modifications of the disclosed preferred embodiment will be readily apparent to practitioners skilled in the art of fuel channel manufacture. All such variations and modifications are intended to be encompassed by the claims set forth hereinafter.
	summary
	claims	1. A lifting drive for a radiation filter in a mammography device,the lifting drive comprising:a recording apparatus that accommodates the radiation filter, the recording apparatus being embodied so that the radiation filter is operatively supported to allow movement for executing a lifting movement in at least one lifting direction,a first drive that is operable to create a drive movement, anda first movement transmission for transmission of the drive movement to the recording apparatus, a first end of the first movement transmission is fixed to the recording apparatus and a second end of the first movement transmission is fixed to the first drive such that the recording apparatus is operable to convert the drive movement into the lifting movement,wherein a shape of the first movement transmission is operable to be changed, so that the drive movement is able to be transmitted over different paths. 2. The lifting drive as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first movement transmission is reversible, elastically bendable, plastically bendable, or any combination thereof. 3. The lifting drive as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first movement transmission is a Bowden cable. 4. The lifting drive as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first movement transmission is operable to transmit compression forces. 5. The lifting drive as claimed in claim 1, comprising a second movement transmission, the second movement transmission being operable to reset the first movement transmission. 6. The lifting drive as claimed in claim 5, wherein the recording apparatus includes a counter force apparatus, the counter force apparatus being operable to act against the force or movement transmitted by the first movement transmission, second movement transmission, or both the first and second transmissions. 7. The lifting drive as claimed in claim 6, wherein the counter force apparatus includes a tensile or compression spring facility. 8. The lifting drive as claimed in claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is located on a carriage, the carriage being operable to allow a displacement of the recording apparatus. 9. The lifting drive as claimed in claim 8, wherein a second drive is operable to allow the movement of the carriage. 10. Lifting drive as claimed in claim 8, wherein the carriage, the recording apparatus, or both are operable to allow movement relative to the first and/or the second drive element. 11. The lifting drive as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first movement transmission is a hydraulic line, pneumatic line, or both. 12. The lifting drive as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first movement transmission is operable to transmit tensile, compression, or both tensile and compression forces. 13. A mammography device comprising:a lifting drive that includes:a recording apparatus that accommodates a radiation filter, the recording apparatus being embodied so that the radiation filter is operatively supported to allow movement for executing a lifting movement in at least one lifting direction,a first drive that is operable to create a drive movement, anda first movement transmission for transmission of the drive movement to the recording apparatus, a first end of the first movement transmission is fixed to the recording apparatus and a second end of the first movement transmission is fixed to the first drive such that the recording apparatus is operable to convert the drive movement into the lifting movement,wherein a shape of the first movement transmission is operable to be changed, so that the drive movement is able to be transmitted over different paths, andwherein the radiation filter is an anti-scatter grid, x-ray grid, or both. 14. The mammography device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first movement transmission is a Bowden cable. 15. The mammography device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first movement transmission is operable to transmit tensile, compression, or both forces. 16. The mammography device as claimed in claim 13, comprising a second movement transmission, the second movement transmission being operable to reset the first movement transmission. 17. The mammography device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the recording apparatus includes a counter force apparatus, the counter force apparatus being operable to act against the force or movement transmitted by the first movement transmission, second movement transmission, or both the first and second transmissions. 18. The mammography device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the recording apparatus is located on a carriage, the carriage being operable to allow a displacement of the recording apparatus.
	description	This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims the benefit of priority from, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 10/960,819, filed Oct. 7, 2004 now abandoned, which claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/509,351, filed Oct. 7, 2003. The disclosures of each of these applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The invention pertains to a method and apparatus employing low-energy x-rays to kill pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms in a variety of articles, including foodstuffs, water, etc., and more particularly to the employment of bremsstrahlung-type x-rays characterized by a continuous range of energies from that of the most energetic electron downwards, this range of energies being of from approximately 10 KeV up to a maximum of approximately 440 KeV. In the United States alone, as many as 9,000 deaths annually are believed to be attributable to food-borne pathogens such as salmonella, listeria, E. coli, trichinella, staphylococcus, etc. And, for at least the years 1997-2000, there was a significant annual increase in the number of food products recalled by reason of contamination. The hazards of natural contamination aside, intentional adulteration of the food supply—also labeled “bioterrorism”—is a widely recognized national security concern. As noted, for example, in a 2005 Congressional Research Service report for the 109th Congress: “There is widespread concern that naturally occurring pathogens such as E. coli 0157:H7, salmonella, listeria, and botulinum toxin could be used as bioterrorist weapons and could spread through the multi-link food distribution chain. Such an attack would be particularly lethal to children, the elderly, and the immune-compromised.” Donna Vogt, CRS REPORT FOR CONGRESS: food safety issued in the 109th Congress (updated Feb. 4, 2005). Congress recognized the urgency of the crisis when it passed the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act (P.L. 107-188) in 2002. The act seeks to more tightly control, including through the Food and Drug administration (“FDA”), the importation and domestic processing of foodstuffs. See, e.g., http//www.cfsan.fda.gov/˜dms/defter.html. The FDA also recognizes the risk of bioterrorism, and has proposed prevention means which would include the promulgation of further “regulations requiring companies to implement practical food defense measures at specific points in the food supply chain.” See http://www.fda.gov/oc/initiatives/advance/food/plan.html#1.1. High-energy ionizing radiation has long been employed to treat foodstuffs such as spices, wheat, wheat flour and potatoes. More recently, such ionizing energy has begun to be employed in the treatment of foodstuffs such as meat, including poultry and pork. See, e.g., FDA (HHS) Final Rule on the Use of Irradiation in the Production, Processing, and Handling of Food, federal Register 50, 29658-29659 (July 1985). Most recently, the FDA has approved the use of radiation to treat leafy green vegetables such as spinach and lettuce. See, e.g., http://www.mcclatchydc.com/244/story/49758.html. The increasing use of irradiation technology has been driven by the growing incidents of sickness and death attributable to food-borne pathogens. Presently, some twenty-seven countries employ irradiation in food processing. In the United States, the FDA and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) are responsible for the establishment of regulatory guidelines respecting food irradiation processes. These guidelines specify the maximum radiation dosage to be delivered to any given food or beverage product. High-energy ionizing radiation has long been employed to treat foodstuffs such as spices, wheat, wheat flour and potatoes. More recently, such ionizing energy has begun to be employed in the treatment of foodstuffs such as meat, including poultry and pork. See, e.g., FDA (HHS) Final Rule on the Use of Irradiation in the Production, Processing, and Handling of Food, Federal Register 50, 29658-29659 (July 1985). The increasing use of irradiation technology has been driven by the growing incidents of sickness and death attributable to foodborne pathogens. Presently, some twenty-seven countries employ irradiation in food processing. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) are responsible for the establishment of regulatory guidelines respecting food irradiation processes. These guidelines specify the maximum radiation dosage to be delivered to any given food or beverage product. Foodstuff irradiation is currently carried out using one or more of the following types of ionizing energy: Gamma rays; high-energy x-rays; and high energy electrons. Gamma ray sources are by far the most prevalent type of ionizing energy used in the food processing industry. These sources typically consist of large quantities of radioactive Cobalt (Co60) or Cesium (Cs137). Gamma ray sources generally have from 1 to 5 discrete energy gammas, as opposed to a continuous energy spectrum such as x-ray sources. Gamma ray sources are thus characterized as discrete energy sources. Gamma rays currently being used in food irradiation have energies in the range of from about 0.66 to about 1.33 million electron volts (MeV). Such high-energy gamma rays are able to significantly penetrate relatively dense foodstuffs, such as poultry and meats, as well as large volumes, such as palletized foodstuffs. However, gamma radiation sources suffer from a number of drawbacks which have thus far hampered the wider expansion of their use in food processing. As gamma radiation is a continuous emission (i.e., it cannot be “turned off”), harmful to humans, the source material (i.e., Co60 or Cs137) must be encapsulated in metal enclosures and stored in a deep pool of water when not in use in order to provide adequate protection for workers and the surrounding environment. This translates into the need for large, non-mobile facilities and, consequently, the need to ship foodstuffs from diverse locations to the gamma radiation source for treatment. It is, moreover, difficult to provide uniform radiation doses to a variety of foodstuffs, making the employment of gamma ray sources undesirable for a more comprehensive array of foodstuffs. A still further drawback to conventionally employed gamma ray sources is the risk of their employment by terrorist. In February, the National Research Council of the National Academies (“NRC”) released a Congressionally-mandated report entitled “Radiation Source Use and Replacement.” In that report, which may be viewed in its entirety on the Internet at http://nap.edu/catalog.php?record id=11976, the NRC recognized that existing industrial radiation sources, including Co60 or Cs137, both of which are employed in commercial food irradiation systems, have the potential to serve as ingredients in radiological dispersal devices-so-called “dirty bombs.” See U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Information Sheet. Accordingly, the NRC recommends that the U.S. government adopt policies incentivizing replacement of such high-risk radionuclide sources. This threat of “dirty bombs” is a very real one, having been recognized by the Department of Homeland Security. Of the other conventional sources of ionizing energy, high-energy x-rays may be produced by acceleration electrons at high speeds onto a high Z (atomic number) target material, typically tungsten, tantalum, and stainless steel. Those electrons stopping in the target material produce a continuous energy spectrum of x-rays. The method of producing high energy electrons most commonly used today produces x-rays as a result of igniting an electron cyclotron resonance plasma inside an evacuated dielectric spherical chamber filled with a heavy atomic weight, non-reactive gas or gas mixture at low pressure. The spherical chamber is located inside a non-evacuated microwave resonant cavity that is in turn located between two magnets to form a magnetic mirror. Conventional microwave energy fed into the resonant cavity ignites the plasma and creates a hot electron ring from which electrons bombard the heavy gas and dielectric material to create an x-ray emission. The disclosures of U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,656, and No. 5,838,760 are exemplary. Lower energy x-rays are then filtered from this spectrum to provide a beam capable of penetrating through larger items while still maintaining a relative uniform absorption rate throughout the foodstuff being irradiated. To further ensure dosage uniformity, the foodstuff being irradiated is typically reversed in direction and orientation from the directions and orientation in which the exposure was initially made. Conventional x-ray generating apparatus, such as the x-ray tube 100 diagrammatically shown in FIG. 1, includes a target material 102. The target material 102 is typically an element with a high Z (atomic) number, and usually comprises tungsten (Z=84), although other materials, including tantalum (Z=73), rhodium, copper, chromium, platinum, and molybdenum, as well as alloys such as rhenium-tungsten-molybdenum, are also used. X-rays are produced by accelerating electrons e− at high speeds toward this target material 102. Upon the accelerated electrons e− striking the target material 102, x-rays are produced in two forms. The first form, commonly referred to as brehmsstralung radiation, is the product of deviations in the trajectory of accelerated electrons as they pass the electron cloud surrounding the target atoms. The second form, known as characteristic radiation, is the product of the interaction between accelerated electrons and inner-shell electrons of the target atoms. More particularly, the accelerated electrons ionize inner shell electrons in the target atoms, causing outer shell electrons to move to occupy the “hole” created by the excited inner shell electron. This movement of each outer shell electron to an inner shell is accompanied by the emission of photons in the x-ray spectrum by the target atoms' electrons typically called characteristic x-rays. The majority of any given x-ray field typically comprises brehmsstralung-type radiation but does have a limited characteristic x-ray component. Conventionally, acceleration of the electrons e− is accomplished by creating a large voltage potential across a finite space defined between a positive anode 104 comprising the target material 102, and a negative cathode 106 comprising a filament circuit (e.g., tungsten). Alternatively, however, electron acceleration may conventionally be accomplished by having an anode maintained at ground potential, with the cathode having a high negative potential. These elements are contained in a glass vacuum enclosure 108, which is in turn contained within a metal shielding enclosure 110 used to absorb the emission therefrom of all but the desired x-rays. A suitable power source (not shown in FIG. 1) supplies the current to create the necessary electrical potential, and powers the filament circuit, which must be heated to incandescence to provide the source of accelerated electrons e−. Conventional x-ray tubes further include cooling means, as the vast majority (approximately 98%) of radiation produced when the accelerated electrons e− strike the target is infrared (i.e., heat). Included among these cooling means is rotation of the anode 104. Conventional x-ray tubes such as shown in FIG. 1 are further characterized by significant amounts of filtration materials 112 such as, for instance, aluminum, beryllium, glass, (and other low Z metal) to reduce the intensity of the x-ray beam 114 by absorbing lower energy photons. Further filtration also takes place as the x-ray beam exits the tube, passing first through an oil layer (not shown) and then through a beryllium (typically) window 116. The high-energy x-rays conventionally used in the irradiation of foodstuffs have energies from 600 KeV to as high as 10 MeV rays in order to increase their penetration power. See, e.g., Report of the Consultant's Meeting on the Development of X-Ray Machines for Food Irradiation, Food and Agriculture Organization, IAEA, A-1400 (Vienna, Austria 1195. The use of high-energy x-rays is not as prevalent in the food irradiation industry primarily because conventional x-ray tubes are extremely energy inefficient. Only about 2% of energy input is translated into useful x-ray energy, the remainder being given off as heat (which must be dissipated through the expenditure of further energy). What is more, the use of high-energy x-rays requires significant shielding to protect workers from inadvertent exposure. High-energy (i.e., up to 10 MeV) electrons, originally obtained from linear accelerators and Van de Graff generators, are characterized by the lowest penetrating power of currently-employed ionizing energy, and are therefore limited to use where the thickness of the foodstuff being irradiated is less that a few inches (3-4″) in depth. Several major drawbacks to conventional foodstuff irradiation methodologies include the adverse impact on taste, the production of alkylcyclobutanoes (ABCs) with the irradiated foodstuffs and the radiolyctic effects associated with emissions from Gamma Ray sources. In particular, some foodstuffs evidence a marked change in flavor including an increase in bitterness associated with fruit juices, such as orange juice and grapefruit juice and a rancid fat flavor in meat products such as beef and poultry following irradiation by gamma rays and high-energy electrons because the high energy radiation destroys not only the organic pathogens and non-pathogens in the foodstuff being irradiated but also destroys the cellular membranes and the other molecules forming the foodstuff (such as flavor molecules). Other conventional beverage treatment methods, such as, for instance, heat pasteurization, likewise adversely affect the taste of these products. Thus, it is desirable to have a means for killing organisms, pathogenic and non-pathogenic alike, in various articles, including foodstuffs, medical supplies, personal hygiene products, agricultural seeds, etc., which means are at once economical, do not adversely affect the taste of treated foodstuffs, do not produce significant amounts of ABCs, may be selectively activated and deactivated, may be employed in an “inline” processing environment so as to avoid the necessity of transporting items to a separate facility for irradiation, have none of the adverse effects of radioactive materials, alleviate public apprehension about the use of radioactive isotopes as the treating radiation, and address both the threat of bioterrorism in relation to the food supply and the threat of radiological terrorism by addressing the NRC's call to replace existing radionuclide sources that could be used in the preparation of “dirty bombs” with a radiation source (i.e., one or more x-ray tubes or x-ray sources in accordance with the invention) incapable of such application. An apparatus for killing pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms using low-energy x-rays, the apparatus comprising a shielding assembly that maximizes internal deflections to prevent the x-rays from escaping the apparatus enclosing an irradiation zone having inlet portion and an outlet portion and defining a passageway therebetween, the passageway defining a path of travel for the articles to be irradiated between the inlet and outlet portions; means for substantially continuously moving the articles to be irradiated through the irradiation zone at least a first velocity; and an irradiation chamber that houses at least one x-ray source disposed within the passageway between the inlet and outlet portions in the path of travel of the articles to be irradiated, each at least one x-ray source having a first power level capable of emitting x-rays for a period of time sufficient to provide at least a predetermined dose of radiation to an article and capable of a maximum continuous power output at 100% duty cycle that is selected from within range of from approximately 16 kW to approximately 20 kW to thereby continuously emit low-energy x-rays having energies of from approximately 10 KeV and up to a maximum of approximately 440 KeV. A method for killing pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms using low-energy x-rays comprising the steps of providing at least one x-ray source including an externally grounded end-type beam window x-ray tube having a window perpendicularly disposed to the longitudinal axis of the x-ray tube with a non-rotating large area anode with an outer surface parallel to the beam window; the at least one x-ray source capable of a maximum continuous power output at 100% duty cycle that is selected from within the range of from approximately 16 kW to approximately 20 kW to thereby continuously emit low-energy x-rays having energies of from approximately 10 KeV and up to a maximum of approximately 440 KeV; providing at least one article to be irradiated, the at least one article being characterized by an initial organism population; and exposing the at least one article to be irradiated to low-energy x-rays emitted by the at least one x-ray source for a period of time sufficient to provide a dose of radiation to the at least one article that achieves at least a predetermined reduction in the initial organism population, and wherein the low-energy x-rays emitted by the at least one x-ray source to which the at least one article is exposed are primarily bremsstrahlung-type x-rays characterized by a continuous range of energies from that of the most energetic electron downwards, this range of energies being of from approximately 10 KeV up to a maximum of approximately 440 KeV, wherein the maximum energy of the x-ray spectrum of the at least one x-ray source to which the article is exposed is selected according to the article being irradiated so as to maximize the amount of x-ray radiation which incompletely penetrates the article. As used herein, the following terms shall have the definitions as ascribed hereafter: The term “low energy” refers to x-rays having energies exclusively in the range of below approximately 440 KeV, which range comprehends at least 440 KeV as the upper limit thereof. The term “dose” means and refers to the amount of radiation absorbed by the product exposed to such radiation. It is generally accepted that the exposure rate (dose rate) is directly proportional to the power output by the tube. This means that Xr {acute over (α)} P=(kVp)×(mA), i.e. the exposure rate (Xr) is directly proportional ({acute over (α)}) to the power (P) which is the product of the kVp (voltage) and mA (amperage). Thus, when the power is doubled, the exposure rate is doubled. This doubling of the power can be achieved by either doubling the mA or doubling the kVp used to produce the x-rays. Therefore, given the previous relationship, if the power is increased by a factor of four, the dose rate is also increased by a factor of four provided other phenomena such as space charge limitations do not adversely affect the dose rate output. “KeV” is a unit of measurement comprehending thousands of electron Volts. “KvP” is the corresponding unit used to describe the maximum potential placed across an x-ray tube in thousands of volts potential. “MeV” is a unit of measurement comprehending millions of electron Volts. “Rads” or “radiation absorbed does” is a unit of measurement defined as 100 ergs absorbed by 1 gram of matter. The “Gray,” or “Gy,” means and refers to a unit of measurement equivalent to 100 rads/kg. A “kilogray,” or “kGy,” is equivalent to 1000 Gray. A conveyor longitudinal axis is any axis projected along a longitudinal length of the conveyor aligned in a direction of path of travel of the conveyor. An article is defined as any product that is irradiated within the apparatus for employing low-energy x-rays killing pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms. The invention is most generally characterized as an apparatus and method for employing low-energy x-rays killing pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms in articles, including foodstuffs such as food and beverage products comprising, by way of non-limiting example, meats, poultry products, seafood, vegetables, fruits, nuts, spices, juices, water, etc., and also non-foodstuffs, by way of non-limiting example, medical supplies, personal hygiene products, agricultural seeds, etc. In an embodiment of the invention, the x-ray source employed in practicing the invention, including in conjunction with the disclosed apparatus, may be an x-ray tube (hereinafter “tube”) as illustrated in FIG. 2 Referring now to FIG. 2, one novel x-ray source for generating x-rays particularly suited to the method and apparatus of this invention comprises at least one externally-grounded housing 118 containing an end-type beam window x-ray tube 120 having a minimal thickness beam window 122 substantially perpendicularly disposed to the longitudinal axis of the x-ray tube 124, an anode 126 having an associated target 130 with an outer surface parallel to the beam window 122, a cathode 132 that is grounded and has an associated filament circuit. In an embodiment of the invention, the beam window 122 is formed of a Beryllium material and has a thickness of approximately 2.5 mm. The housing 118, as well as all other foodstuff contacting surfaces of the apparatus may be manufactured from stainless steel or any other material specified as appropriate for the contact of foodstuffs by the FDA. The anode 126 is fixed and does not rotate, wherein the anode 126 comprises a large diameter target 130 and a large focal spot compared to diameters and focal spot sizes of conventional imaging-type x-ray tubes. In an embodiment of the invention, the target is approximately 4 inches in diameter and the focal spot is approximately 6.8 cm (outer diameter) and approximately 4 cm (inner diameter). Suitable materials for the target 130 and anode 126 include those conventionally known and commercially available from numerous sources, including, without limitation, materials such as tungsten, copper, aluminum, gold, platinum, strontium, titanium, and rhobidium, chromium, rhodium, molybdenum as well as alloys thereof. In an embodiment of the invention, the anode 126 is formed from copper having the associated attached target 130 formed of tungsten. The cathode 132 is maintained at ground potential and comprises a filament circuit, which may be tungsten or other known substitute therefor. In an embodiment of the invention, the filament circuit has an operating voltage range of from approximately 30 to approximately 50 Volts (AC), an operating current range of from approximately 7 to approximately 11.5 Amperes, and a maximum filament current from approximately 11.5 Amperes. The anode 126 and cathode 132 are internally-cooled within the x-ray tube 120. In an embodiment of the invention, the tube is cooled with SYLTHERM HF® (a registered trademark of the Dow Chemical Corporation having headquarters in Midland, Mich.), a commonly available silicone-polymer, low-temperature liquid-phase heat transfer medium. In an embodiment of the invention, the tube 120 has a maximum output of approximately 220 KeV and a continuous power output of up to approximately 16-20 kW at 100% duty cycle for an x-ray energy output in the range of from approximately 10 KeV to approximately 220 KeV (220 kVp, anode-to-ground). However, in other embodiments, tubes may be available with maximum outputs up to 440 KeV. In an embodiment of the invention, minimum operating flow rates of the cooling fluid for the energized tube 120 are: 10 gpm with a pressure drop of 6.9 kPa for the anode 126 and 1 gpm with a pressure drop of 6.9 kPa for a cathode jacket. Additionally, in an embodiment of the invention a maximum heat generation of the tube 120 may be approximately 16,500 Watts. In other embodiments of the invention, a maximum heat generation of the tube 120 may be approximately 20 KW, however it is contemplated that future tubes produced will have a maximum heat generated up to 32 KW. In an embodiment of the invention, the anode 126 is sufficiently cooled by water or other suitable medium via a cooling circuit 134 including a heat exchanger 136 disposed proximate the anode 126 and the cathode 132. Of course, other conventional cooling apparatus and means known to those of skill in the art may also be employed as necessary. In operation, the electrons e− produced at the cathode 132 are, by means of magnets (not shown) such as is known in the art, bent oppositely towards the anode 126. The accelerated electrons e− are not focused on a particular location on the anode 126. Rather, the path of these electrons e− between the cathode 132 and the anode 126 is expanded such that the x-ray beam 138 produced when the electrons e− strike the target anode combination has a greater area than that associated with conventional x-ray tubes. By reason of this configuration, the x-ray tube 120 does not generate as great a heat density in the anode 126 as conventional x-ray tubes, and so the anode 126 may be non-rotating. In order to further increase the area of the x-ray beam 138, the anode 126 is preferably positioned as close as possible to the outlet end (beam window) 122 of the tube 120. The x-ray tube is, by reason of this design, more energy efficient as a greater fraction of the energy converted into x-rays comprises the emerging x-ray beam 138. For whereas the x-rays comprising the emerging x-ray beam 138 in conventional x-ray tubes is approximately 2% of x-rays produced, the x-ray tube 120 of the invention employs x-rays in the emerging x-ray beam that are greater than 20% of the x-rays produced. In operation, the x-ray beam 138 is preferably propagated along the longitudinal axis of the tube 124 and emerges through an opening at the outlet end 122. According to this arrangement, an x-ray tube 120 is provided which is smaller in transverse dimensions than conventional x-ray tubes, and so may be more easily incorporated into foodstuff irradiation apparatus such as hereinafter described in several embodiments. In order to maximize the emission of low-energy x-rays from the apparatus as described, it is further preferred to eliminate those filtration means found in conventional x-ray tubes, including aluminum sheets, oils, thick beam exit windows, and other means employed to eliminate low-energy x-rays from the emerging beam. Thus, the x-ray tube is characterized by an absence of filters of filtering from an x-ray beam propagated by the at least one x-ray tube x-rays. In one embodiment, at least one x-ray source provided is capable of a maximum continuous power output of approximately 16 kW at 100% duty cycle to thereby continuously emit low-energy x-rays have energies of from approximately 10 KeV and up to a maximum of approximately 440 KeV. Further, according to this embodiment, the low-energy x-rays emitted by the at least one x-ray source to which the article is exposed are primarily bremsstrahlung-type x-rays characterized by a continuous range of energies from that of the most energetic electron downwards, this range of energies being of from approximately 10 KeV up to approximately 440 KeV. The inventors hereof have surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that non-filtered bremsstrahlung-type x-rays having a continuous range of energies of from approximately 10 KeV up to a maximum of approximately 440 KeV are capable of irradiating a variety of articles to kill pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms at a much lower dose than that necessary using gamma sources such as Cobalt and Cesium, including being capable of irradiating foodstuffs in satisfaction of government regulations at a lower accumulated dosage than characterizes existing methods, and further without adversely affecting product taste. In an embodiment of the invention, the inside edge penumbra angle for the tube is 98 degrees total divergence which converts to 49 degrees for one side. This results in the widest diverging beam x-ray tube known to date. In an embodiment of the invention, each tube's x-ray beam provides circular, full-umbra coverage of 40 cm in diameter with irradiated articles positioned 10 cm from the beam window. Illustrated in an embodiment of the invention in FIG. 3 is the integrated dose rate profile along a length of a conveyor parallel to direction of travel for a single tube disposed within an irradiation chamber as a function of target-product distance. The inventors hereof have surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that non-filtered x-rays within a continuous spectrum of energies of from approximately 10 KeV up to a maximum of approximately 440 KeV are capable of irradiating foodstuffs in satisfaction of government regulations at a dosage that does not produce significant radiolytic products, provides the government guided reduction in pathogens at a lower total dose, and further without adversely affecting product taste. It will be understood, with reference to the foregoing, that the rate of movement through the passageway and past the x-ray field(s) of the foodstuff or other article being irradiated will be dictated by the necessity of ensuring proper dosing, which in turn is a function of the intensity of the x-ray field, the x-ray energy, the density and thickness of the product, and the duration of exposure. Scatter is another factor that will increase the dose to product. The radiation that is not absorbed in the product will interact with the walls of the irradiation chamber and partially scatter back from the chamber surfaces. In addition, scatter in the product will also increase the dose to the product outside the direct beam. Turning now to FIG. 4, a graph is illustrated which depicts the output beam of an x-ray tube such as described hereinabove in reference to FIG. 2 with the output beam of a conventional x-ray tube such as described in reference to FIG. 1. The energy spectrum shows only the bremsstrahlung x-rays as the number of characteristic x-rays represent a very small fraction of the total x-ray population. More particularly, the compared data comprise the relative number of x-rays generated at each energy. In this example, the energy spectra of both tubes ranges from approximately 1 KeV to approximately 250 KeV for purposes of meaningful comparison, although, as previously indicated, the employment of low-energy x-rays was heretofore unknown for the irradiation of foodstuffs. As compared to the theoretical energy spectrum (comprising the sum of the areas in solid black 140, grey 142, and white 144) achievable from each of the compared x-ray tubes, it will be appreciated that conventional x-ray tubes (the energy spectrum of which comprises the area in white) filter out a significant portion of x-ray energies. In contrast, the x-ray tube disclosed hereinabove will be seen to have an energy spectrum (comprising the sum of the areas in grey and white) insubstantially different from the theoretical energy spectrum. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 36, an x-ray spectrum comprehending the energies of conventional food irradiation methods not only comprehends energies significantly beyond the upper limits contemplated by the instant invention (20 MeV), but further filters out a significant portion of the energy spectrum employed by the invention. The output of each x-ray tube is adjustable in order to vary the spectrum of energies to which the items being irradiated are exposed. Accordingly, the maximum energy of the x-ray spectrum of each one x-ray source may be selected according to the article being irradiated and, as described elsewhere herein, may further be selected according to the number of x-ray sources provided. As used herein, “approximately 10 KeV” is intended to comprehend energies as far below 10 KeV as low as 1 KeV as possible given the filtration inherent in any x-ray source exit window (conventionally made of beryllium). The maximum energy of the x-ray spectrum of the at least one x-ray source to which the article is exposed is selected according to the article being irradiated so as to maximize the amount of x-ray radiation which incompletely penetrates the article. In recognition of this aspect of the present invention, the efficacy of the invention may be further heightened by selecting the maximum energy of the x-ray spectrum of the at least one x-ray source to which the article is exposed according to the article being irradiated so as to maximize the amount of x-ray radiation which incompletely penetrates the article. Generally, such maximization is achieved by adjusting the spectrum of energies of the at least one x-ray source according to the thickness and density of the article being irradiated, thickness and density being known limiting variables in respect of the maximum penetration achievable by x-ray photons of any given energy level. Thus, where only a single x-ray source is provided, the energy spectrum thereof is such as will provide at least the desired dose of radiation to the entirety of the article being irradiated, in view of that article's density and thickness. Thus, the maximum energy selected for each x-ray source may be lower than the maximum energy selectable according to the article being irradiated, and the period of time to provide the at least predetermined dose of radiation is dependent upon the number of x-ray sources provided. However, where two or more x-ray sources are provided, the maximum energy of the spectrum of each x-ray source may be selected either: (a) to maximize the penetration of the radiation through the product to be irradiated, or (b) and/or to maximize the uniformity of the dose throughout the product. According to (a), each of the multiple x-ray sources produces energies with a spectrum capable of penetrating only a portion of the article, with all of the x-ray sources collectively dosing the entire area of the article to the at least predetermined dose of radiation. Per this approach, the period of time to provide the at least predetermined dose of radiation to the article is dependent upon the number of x-ray sources provided and the speed of the product through the radiation field. According to (b), on the other hand, each of the multiple x-ray sources produces energies independently capable of providing a portion of the desired dose of radiation to each area of the article, such that the at least predetermined dose can be realized in a period of time inversely proportional to the number of such x-ray sources, their orientation, and the speed of the product through the irradiation field. Per one embodiment, the step of providing at least one x-ray source comprises providing two or more x-ray sources, and wherein further the maximum energy of the spectrum of each said x-ray source is selected such that the period of time to provide the at least predetermined dose of radiation to the article to be irradiated decreases as the number of x-ray sources provided increases. By the provision of a plurality of such x-ray sources emitting low-energy x-rays having energies in the range of from approximately 10 KeV to approximately 220 KeV or up to a maximum of 440 KeV at a continuous power output of 16 kW at 100% duty cycle, the aforedescribed apparatus is capable of moving articles through the irradiation zone at a first velocity ranging between 0.5-10″ per second depending upon the customer requirements, tube specifications, and foodstuff being irradiated while providing a dose of radiation to such articles that achieves at least a predetermined reduction in the initial organism population. In one embodiment thereof, at least eight x-ray sources are provided, and the at least first velocity is approximately in the range of 2″ to 8″ per second when the article being irradiated is lettuce, depending upon the type of lettuce and the size of the lettuce packaging. With reference now being had to FIGS. 7-28, several exemplary food irradiating apparatuses for carrying out the methodology of the present invention are diagrammatically illustrated. The several exemplary food irradiating apparatuses disclosed herein include configurations that in operation provide for maximum dose uniformity, safety, product throughput, and reliability. With reference now being had to FIG. 15-18, several exemplary food irradiating apparatus tube configurations inside the irradiation chamber for carrying out the methodology of the present invention are diagrammatically illustrated. In each of the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 7-28, the apparatus may include one or more x-ray tubes according to the configuration described above in relation to any of FIGS. 7-10. However, the several apparatus shown in FIGS. 7-10 are not intended to be so limited. Selected arrangements of x-ray sources in an irradiation zone defined within an irradiation chamber. The x-ray sources may be arranged in one direction either above or below a conveyor (shown in FIGS. 7-10), in opposing pairs positioned above and below the conveyor, (shown in FIGS. 11-13) or offset regions above and below the conveyor (shown in FIGS. 14-18). FIG. 5 illustrates a physical representation of how the three different lateral positions of x-ray tubes disposed within an irradiation chamber with respect to a conveyor center-line along a central longitudinal axis of a conveyor differ in each tube's respective irradiation of a product (illustrated here are boxes of beef patties). These positions are also shown in FIG. 7-10. The top illustration 146a within FIG. 5 shows the centering of the product 148 below a center-line 124 tube 152a. The middle illustration 146b shows the arrangement of the product 148 under the left oriented tube 152b and the next tube illustration 146c shows the arrangement of the product 148 under the right oriented tube 152c. As can be seen, the product receives overlapping doses from the various beams 154a, 154b, 154c emitted respectively from tubes 152a, 152b, 152c. FIG. 6 graphically illustrates how the dose profiles across each beam looks with respect to the cross-section of the conveyor and how the three beams sum up to provide a total dose profile across the conveyor. The number of tubes and their placement across the conveyor is determined in order to maximize the uniformity of the dose across the product and is dependent on the product shape and density. Each product requires its own particular design. In the several embodiments of X-ray tube arrangements within the irradiation chamber diagrammatically illustrated in FIGS. 7-10, a plurality of x-ray tubes may be oriented a predefined distance above the conveyor such that the x-ray field being propagated into the foodstuff is oriented downwardly towards an upper surface of the foodstuff and towards an upper surface of the conveyor accordingly. In the several embodiments of tube arrangements within the irradiation chamber diagrammatically illustrated in FIGS. 7-10, the plurality of tubes may be oriented a predefined distance below the conveyor such that the x-ray field being propagated into the foodstuff is oriented upwardly towards a lower surface of the foodstuff and towards a lower surface of the conveyor accordingly. FIG. 7 diagrammatically illustrates a cross-sectional view a plurality of single-ended x-ray tubes 152a, 152b, 152c disposed within an irradiation chamber 156 wherein there are an equal number of tubes arranged off-center a predefined distance D1 from a conveyor central longitudinal axis 158a and at least one or an odd number of tubes arranged along the conveyor central longitudinal axis 158a, and wherein each of the plurality of tubes are equidistant to an adjacent tube along either a first 158b, second 158c, or third 158a longitudinal axis 158b, 158c, 158a, respectively of the conveyor 160, the x-ray field being propagated into the foodstuff transported on the conveyor in a direction at an absolute value of angle ranging between greater than 0° and less than 180° to the path of travel of the conveyor 160 transporting the foodstuff being irradiated. In particular as shown in FIG. 7, the plurality of tubes include a first set 162b in an insert of x-ray tubes 152b arranged along the first longitudinal axis 158b, a second set 162c of the x-ray tubes 152c arranged along the second longitudinal axis 158c, and at least one third x-ray tube 152a disposed along the third central longitudinal axis 158a of the conveyor 160. The first set 162b of x-ray tubes 152b is defined by two first x-ray tubes 152b disposed along the first longitudinal axis 158b offset but parallel to the third central longitudinal axis 158a of the conveyor 160 wherein the conveyor first longitudinal axis 158b is coaxial with a first transverse axis 164b transverse to a respective first longitudinal tube axis (not shown) associated with each of the two first tubes 152b. The second set 162c of x-ray tubes 152c is defined by two second x-ray tubes 152c disposed along the second longitudinal axis 158c offset but parallel to the third central longitudinal axis 158a of the conveyor 160 wherein the conveyor second longitudinal axis 158c is coaxial with a second transverse axis 164c transverse to a respective second longitudinal tube axis (not shown) associated with each of the two second tubes 152c. The two first x-ray tubes 152b are disposed off-center of the conveyor longitudinal axis 158a on a first side (left side as shown in FIG. 7) that is off-center from the third central longitudinal axis 158a and the second two x-ray tubes 158c are located an equal opposing distance from the third central longitudinal axis 158a of the conveyor 160 along a second side of the longitudinal axis 158a of the conveyor 160, and wherein the at least one third x-ray tube 152a has a third transverse tube axis 164a coaxial with the third central longitudinal axis 158a of the conveyor 160 and is transverse to a respective third longitudinal tube axis (not shown) associated with the third tube 152a. In another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of tubes ranging between five and 10 may be arranged in a like manner or pattern as shown in FIG. 7, such that an equal number of first and second tubes 152b, 152c, respectively within each set of first and second tubes 162b, 162c, respectively are spaced in a repeated manner and are each laterally (in a direction transverse to each conveyor longitudinal axis 158a, 158b, 158c) offset from the conveyor third central longitudinal axis 158a, and such that at least one third tube disposed along the conveyor third central longitudinal axis 158a is associated with each repeating of first and second sets of tubes 162b, 162c, respectively. Any combination of patterns of first and second sets of tubes 162b, 162c in combination with at least one third tube 152a may be used to form a tube pattern group 166a of five tubes that may be repeated up to two tube pattern groups 166a of five tubes for a total of up to 10 tubes. FIG. 8 diagrammatically illustrates a cross-sectional view a plurality of single-ended x-ray tubes 152b, 152c disposed within an irradiation chamber 156 wherein there are an equal number of tubes arranged off-center a predefined distance from a conveyor central longitudinal axis 158a, and wherein no tubes are disposed along the conveyor central longitudinal axis 158a, the x-ray field being propagated into the foodstuff transported on the conveyor in a direction at a predefined angle ranging between greater than 0° to less than 0180° with respect to or generally perpendicular to the path of travel of the conveyor transporting the foodstuff being irradiated. FIG. 8 diagrammatically illustrates an alternative embodiment of single ended x-ray tubes disposed of the predefined distance from a conveyor 160 defining a path of travel for foodstuff being radiated, the x-ray field being propagated into the foodstuff transported on the conveyor in a direction at an absolute value of angle ranging between greater than 0° and less than 180° to the path of travel of the conveyor transporting the foodstuff being irradiated. In particular, two sets of tubes 162b, 162c equidistant from the conveyor third central longitudinal axis 158a are disposed along conveyor first and second longitudinal axes 158b, 158c, respectively parallel to the conveyor third central longitudinal axis 158a and offset an opposing equal distance D1 from the conveyor third central longitudinal axis such that the conveyer first longitudinal axis offset the predefined distance D1 from the central longitudinal axis 158a of the conveyor 160 is projected through a respective first transverse tube axis 164b of each of the respective first set of tubes 162b perpendicular to an associated first longitudinal tube axis (shown as 124 in FIG. 2) of each of the first set of tubes 162b, and the conveyor second longitudinal axis 158c offset the predefined distance D1 from the third central longitudinal axis 158a of the conveyor 160 is projected through a respective second transverse tube axis 164c of each of the respective second set of tubes perpendicular to an associated second longitudinal tube axis (shown as 124 in FIG. 2) of each of the second set of tubes. In another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of tubes 152b, 152c ranging between two and 18 may be arranged in a like manner as shown in FIG. 8, such that an equal number of first and second sets of tubes 152b, 152c, respectively are spaced in a repeated manner and are each laterally offset (in a direction transverse to each conveyor longitudinal axis 158a, 158b, 158c) from the conveyor central longitudinal axis 158a. Each grouping of first and second sets of tubes 162b, 162c, respectively form a tube pattern group 166b wherein each tube pattern group includes at least one first and second tubes up to a total of 18 tubes. Each set of first and second tubes within each tube pattern group includes between two and nine tubes are spaced in a repeated manner and are each offset from the conveyor third central longitudinal axis. FIG. 9 diagrammatically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a plurality of single-ended x-ray tubes 152a, 152b, 152c disposed within an irradiation chamber 156 wherein there are an equal number of tubes arranged off-center a predefined distance on each side from a conveyor central longitudinal axis 158a, and wherein an equal number of tubes are disposed along the conveyor central longitudinal axis 158a, the x-ray field being propagated into the foodstuff transported on the conveyor 160 in a direction at a predefined angle ranging between greater than 0° to less than 180° with respect to or generally perpendicular to the path of travel of the conveyor 160 transporting the foodstuff being irradiated. In the embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of tubes 152a, 152b, 152c include a first set 162b of x-ray tubes arranged along a conveyor first longitudinal axis 158b, a second set 162c of tubes 152c arranged along a conveyor second longitudinal axis 152c, and a third set of tubes 162c disposed along a third central longitudinal axis 158a of the conveyor 160, such that an equal number of first, second, and third tubes 152a, 152b, 152c are each arranged along a respective first, second, and third conveyor axis 158b, 158c, 158a. In another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of tubes 152a, 152b, 152c ranging between six and 18 may be arranged in a like manner or pattern as shown in FIG. 9, such that an equal number of first and second tubes 152b, 152c within the first and second sets 162b, 162c of tubes 152b, 152c are each offset a predefined distance D1 from the conveyor third central longitudinal axis 158a, and such that an equal number of third tubes 152a as are within either the first or second set 162b, 162c of tubes 152b, 152c are within a third set 162a of tubes 152a disposed along the conveyor third central longitudinal axis 158a, respectively, are spaced in a repeated manner or pattern to define a tube pattern group 166c of first, second and third sets 162b, 162c, 162a, respectively of tubes 152b, 152c, 152a. Additionally, the tubes may be positioned in any tube pattern group of three or six tubes configurations along each respective first, second and third longitudinal axis 158b, 158c, 158a as long as equal numbers of tubes 152a, 152b, 152c within the tube pattern group 166c are disposed on each axis and such that each tube pattern group 166c, 168c (shown in FIG. 9) ranges between one set of three or six tubes 152a, 152b, 152c that are repeated in a similar pattern up to six repeating tube pattern groups of three tubes and three repeating tube pattern groups of six tubes for a total of up to 18 tubes. As described with respect to the tube configurations shown in FIGS. 7-9, the tube arrangements including tubes offset from the conveyor central longitudinal axis are to provide a flatter radiation dose field across the conveyor width. FIG. 10 diagrammatically illustrates a plurality of single-ended x-ray tubes 152a disposed a predefined distance D3 (as shown in FIG. 5) from a conveyor defining a path of travel for a foodstuff being irradiated, the x-ray field being propagated into the foodstuff being transported in a conveyor 160 in a direction at an absolute value of an angle ranging between greater than 0° and less than 180° to the path of travel of the conveyor 160 transporting the foodstuff 148 (shown in FIG. 5) being irradiated. In particular, the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 illustrates a plurality of x-ray tubes 152a arranged in an irradiation chamber 156 in-line along a central longitudinal axis 158a of a conveyor 160 such that the central longitudinal axis 158a of the conveyor 160 projects through and is co-axial with a third transverse tube axis 164a transverse to a respective central longitudinal tube axis (shown as 124 in FIG. 2) associated with each of the plurality of x-ray tubes 152a. In another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of tubes 152a within a tube 162a defining a tube pattern group 166d ranging between one and up to 18 tubes may be centrally aligned an equal distance D4 from one another in-line along the conveyor central longitudinal axis 158a in a like manner as shown in FIG. 10. The tube configurations described with respect to FIGS. 7-10 may be used to arrange any of the pairs of opposing sets of tubes in any of the radiation chambers described with respect to FIGS. 11-13 or offset sets of tubes in any of the radiation chambers described with respect to FIGS. 14-18. Depending on the tube configuration used, a total number of tubes used with respect to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, a total number of tubes used may ranges from 2 and up to 18. Each set of opposing tubes described with reference to FIG. 11 and each set of offset tubes described with reference to FIG. 14 may be arranged in either an in-line configuration along a central longitudinal axis of the conveyor, an off-center configuration offset from the conveyor central longitudinal axis, or a combination thereof. The opposing configuration of tubes 169 disposed within an irradiation chamber 156 shown in FIG. 11 and additionally in FIG. 12-13 includes a first upper set 171a and a second lower set 171b of tubes, wherein the first upper set 171a of tubes is disposed above the conveyor 160 and are adapted to emit x-rays 178a downwardly towards an upper surface 180 of an article 148 being irradiated and towards an upper side 182 of the conveyor 160, and wherein the second lower set of tubes 171b are offset from the first upper set 171a of tubes and are adapted to emit x-rays 178b towards a lower surface 184 of an article being irradiated and towards a lower side 186 of the conveyor 160. The off-set configuration of tubes 176 disposed within an irradiation chamber 156 shown in FIG. 14 and additionally in FIG. 15-18 includes a first upper set 172a and a second lower set 172b of tubes, wherein the first upper set 172a of tubes is disposed above the conveyor 160 and are adapted to emit x-rays 178a downwardly towards an upper surface 180 of an article 148 being irradiated and towards an upper side 182 of the conveyor 160, and wherein the second lower set of tubes 172b are offset from the first upper set 172a of tubes and are adapted to emit x-rays 178b towards a lower surface 184 of an article being irradiated and towards a lower side 186 of the conveyor 160. As shown in FIG. 11, the opposing tubes in each set of tubes 171a, 171b, respectively may be arranged in a staggered configuration (shown in FIG. 11) wherein the central longitudinal axis of each tube within a pair of opposing tubes 152a from each set 171a, 171b each tube including one downward and upward facing tube are oriented such that a respective longitudinal axis of each tube are parallel but are not coaxial or alternatively may be arranged such that each pair of downward and upward facing tubes from tube sets 171a, 171b have a central longitudinal axis that are co-axial. FIGS. 12-13 depict in diagram an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 11, wherein two sets of single-ended x-ray tubes are disposed externally of the conveyor 160, the x-ray tubes arranged in opposition so that their respective x-ray fields are propagated along parallel axes of propagation in opposite directions to thereby create an overlapping x-ray fields across the conveyor 160. FIG. 12 diagrammatically illustrates a top view of the opposing tube arrangement 169 of the apparatus shown in FIG. 11 wherein the plurality of first upper set 171a of tubes 152a and second lower set 171b of tubes (shown in FIG. 11) are arranged an equal horizontal distance apart from one another in an in-line arrangement aligned along a central longitudinal axis 158a of the conveyor 160 as described with respect to the tube pattern group 166d in FIG. 10. FIG. 13 diagrammatically illustrates a top view of the embodiment of the apparatus having an opposing tube arrangement 169 of FIG. 11, wherein the tubes 171a, 171b (not shown in FIG. 13) are arranged in a tube pattern group 166a configuration as described with respect to FIG. 7. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 13, a total of ten opposing x-ray tubes (five top and five bottom shown in FIG. 11) with eight out of the ten tubes (only four of the off-center tubes from the top tube set 171a shown in FIG. 13) being offset a predefined lateral and horizontal distance from the conveyor central longitudinal axis 158a. FIG. 13 illustrates how the top tubes 171a line up with the conveyor 160 along each first, second, and third longitudinal axes 158b, 158c, 158a. As noted with respect to FIG. 7, any of the tube pattern groups 166a of upper and lower sets 171a, 171b, respectively of tubes 152a, 152b, 152c may be arranged as described with respect to FIG. 7 for a total number of tubes ten tubes including five upper and five lower tubes. FIG. 14 illustrates a side elevational view of a plurality of first single-ended x-ray tubes offset from a respective plurality of second single-ended x-ray tubes each disposed a predefined distance vertical from a conveyor defining a path of travel for a foodstuff 148 being irradiated, the x-ray fields 178a, 178b being propagated into the foodstuff 148 transported on the conveyor 160 in a direction at an absolute value of an angle ranging between 0° and 180° to or perpendicular to the path of travel of the conveyor 160 transporting the foodstuff 148 being irradiated. The off-set configuration of tubes 176 shown in FIG. 14 and additionally in FIG. 15-18 includes a first upper set 172a and a second lower set 172b of tubes, wherein the first upper set 172a of tubes is disposed above the conveyor 160 and are adapted to emit x-rays 178a downwardly towards an upper surface 180 of an article 148 being irradiated and towards an upper side 182 of the conveyor 160, and wherein a second lower set 172b of tubes are offset from the first upper set of tubes and are adapted to emit x-rays 178b towards a lower surface 184 of an article being irradiated and towards a lower side 186 of the conveyor 160. FIG. 15 diagrammatically illustrates a top view of the embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 14 wherein each first upper set 172a and second lower set 172b of off-set tubes are arranged in an in-line configuration of tube pattern groups 166d similar to that shown in FIG. 10. Equal numbers of tubes in each first upper and lower set may range between one and nine for a total of up to 18 tubes (nine upper tubes and nine lower tubes). As shown in a non-limiting embodiment in FIG. 15, there are three in-line tubes in the first upper set of tubes 172a and three in-line tubes second lower set 174b of tubes. FIG. 16 diagrammatically illustrates a top view of the embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 14 wherein each first upper set 172a and second lower set 172b of off-set tubes are arranged within irradiation chamber 156 in an symmetrical configuration along two conveyor longitudinal axes 158b, 158c each offset an equal lateral (transverse to the conveyor central longitudinal axis 158a) distance from the conveyor central longitudinal axis 158a in a tube pattern group 166b described and shown with respect to or in repeating patterns of the tube patterns 166b in FIG. 8. In particular, FIG. 16 illustrates eight tubes total, including four downwardly facing upper tubes in tube set 172a symmetrically disposed a pre-defined vertical distance about the conveyor 160 an equal transverse horizontal distance about the central longitudinal axis 158a that are offset from four upwardly facing lower tubes in tube set 172b symmetrically disposed a pre-defined vertical distance about the conveyor 160 an equal transverse horizontal distance about the central longitudinal axis 158a. FIG. 17 diagrammatically illustrates a top view of the embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 14 wherein each first upper set 172a and second lower set 172b of off-set tubes are each respectively arranged in the irradiation chamber 156 along conveyor first, second, and third longitudinal axes 158b, 158c, 158a of the conveyor 160 in a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 7 or in repeating tube pattern groups 166c of the tubes shown in FIG. 7. In particular, FIG. 17 diagrammatically illustrates a top view of the embodiment of the off-set tube configuration 176 apparatus of FIG. 14 ten tubes total, including five downwardly facing upper tubes of the first upper tube set 172a of tubes arranged are offset from five upwardly facing lower tubes of the second lower tube set 172b of wherein each first upper set and second lower set of off-set tubes (shown in FIG. 14) are each respectively arranged in a tube pattern group 166a or repeating tube pattern group 166a configuration as described and shown with respect to FIG. 7. FIG. 18 diagrammatically illustrates a top view of the embodiment of the off-set tube configuration 176 apparatus of FIG. 14 wherein each first upper set 172a and second lower set 172b of off-set tubes are each respectively arranged within the irradiation chamber 156 along first, second, and third longitudinal axes 158b, 156c, 158a of the conveyor 160 in a tube pattern group 166c or repeating tube pattern group 168c configuration as described and shown with respect to FIG. 9, wherein equal sets of each respective six upper and second lower sets 172a, 172b of tubes are each further aligned such that equal numbers of tubes within a first, second, and third sets 162b, 162c, 162a of tubes are respectively aligned along a first, second, and third conveyor longitudinal axis 158b, 158c, 158a. In particular, FIG. 18 illustrates 12 tubes total, including six downwardly facing upper tubes arranged are offset from six upwardly facing lower tubes wherein each first upper set and second lower set of off-set tubes are each respectively arranged in a tube pattern group 166c or repeating tube pattern group 166c configuration as described and shown with respect to FIG. 9. With reference now being had to FIGS. 19-28, several exemplary food irradiating apparatuses for carrying out the methodology of the present invention are diagrammatically illustrated. According to several embodiments, shown in FIGS. 19-28 exemplary food-irradiating apparatuses are illustrated for carrying out the methodology of the present invention the apparatus, which is particularly well suited to in line irradiation. In particular, an apparatus for killing pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms using low-energy x-rays, the apparatus comprising a shielding assembly that maximizes internal deflections to prevent the x-rays from escaping the apparatus enclosing an irradiation zone having inlet portion and an outlet portion and a passageway therebetween, the passageway defining a path of travel for the articles to be irradiated between the inlet and outlet portions; a conveyor assembly for substantially continuously moving the articles to be irradiated through the irradiation zone at least a first velocity; and an irradiation chamber housing at least one x-ray source disposed within the passageway between the inlet and outlet portions in the path of travel of the articles to be irradiated, the at least one x-ray source having a first power level capable of emitting x-rays for a period of time sufficient to provide at least a predetermined dose of radiation to an article and capable of a maximum continuous power output at 100% duty cycle that is selected from within range of from approximately 16 kW to approximately 20 kW to thereby continuously emit low-energy x-rays having energies of from approximately 10 KeV and to approximately 200-220-KeV or alternatively, to a maximum of approximately 440 KeV. Desirably, the shielding assembly is configured to dissipate the low-energy x-rays emitted from each x-ray source so as to minimize, and most preferably eliminate, the amount of radiation which escapes from the apparatus. To this end, a shielding assembly is disposed about the irradiation zone along path of travel of the closed portion of the conveyor assembly and further may partition the closed portion of the conveyor assembly from the open portion of the conveyor assembly. The shielding assembly disposed about the irradiation zone absorbs radiation emitted within the irradiation zone and may be made of lead or any other material adapted to effectively absorb all of the irradiation emitted within the irradiation zone. The shielding assembly may include an external shield disposed about entire apparatus; and a first internal shield forms an x-ray absorbant housing disposed about a plurality of x-ray sources disposed within the irradiation chamber. Additionally, a second internal shield integrally formed with the external shield partitions an internal region of the irradiation zone from the conveyor assembly open region. In an embodiment of the invention, the configuration of the geometry of the shielding assembly maximizes the percentage of emitted low-energy x-rays emitted by the at least one x-ray source is carried out in the irradiation chamber. Per another feature of the apparatus, the passageway may be defined by a non-linear configuration or a linear configuration, or a combination thereof the geometry of which maximizes the percentage of emitted low-energy x-rays which are internally deflected and so prevented from exiting the irradiation zone. Additionally the passageway may be defined by an lower and an elevated level to transport articles through the passageway to minimize the floor space the apparatus occupies in accordance with requirements for the apparatus defined by a user. In practice, it has been discovered that effectively shielding a linear one-level conveyor when employing x-ray sources having high outputs such as described herein is difficult, and so the shield for the associated conveyor assembly may be configured to define a non-linear shape in the form of a substantially T-shaped loop (shown in FIGS. 19-20) or in the form of either a one level conveyor (shown in FIGS. 19-22) or a two level conveyor (shown in FIGS. 23-27, respectively) forming an elongated oval loop, a linear shape, or a combination thereof, wherein the oval loop or linear shape combination may include a two level conveyor thereby maximizing the percentage of emitted low-energy x-rays which are internally deflected and so prevented from exiting the irradiation zone. The items to be irradiated are moved substantially continuously through the irradiation zone on a powered conveyor the speed of which may be selectively varied in order to adjust the x-ray dosage received by the items as they pass through the irradiation zone. The conveyor system comprises: at least one conveyor that moves a plurality of articles at least a first velocity through the passageway defined between the inlet and outlet portions of the irradiation zone; an open portion accessing an article transported along the at least one conveyor; and a closed portion housed within the irradiation zone. In embodiment of the invention, the conveyor defines a path of travel for a foodstuff being irradiated. In an embodiment of the invention, the conveyor is non-linear and can be removed from invention to be cleaned. In another embodiment, the direction of the conveyor is reversible. With regard to the apparatuses shown and described with respect to FIGS. 19-27, the irradiation chamber 200a (as shown in more detail in (FIG. 28) includes either the opposing or off-set tube configurations described with respect to FIGS. 11-13 and 14-18, respectively and additionally the tubes within the irradiation chamber 200a may be arranged in any of the tube pattern group configurations shown and described with respect to FIGS. 7-10. FIGS. 19-20 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of an apparatus 190a having a T-shaped profile for killing pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms using low-energy x-rays having the external shield 192a defining a rectangular pattern housing the irradiation zone 194a including the conveyor 160a and irradiation chamber 200a having a first internal shield 208a disposed within the irradiation zone 194a, wherein the closed portion 202a of the conveyor assembly 260a is enclosed within and transports foodstuffs 148 along a passageway within the irradiation zone 194a defined between an inlet 196a and an outlet 198a and the conveyor open portion 204a access in open communication with the irradiation zone 194a and defines an open access region exterior to the shielding assembly for accessing articles to be irradiated or that have been irradiated within the irradiation chamber 200a. A second internal shield 193 is integrally formed with external shield 192a to position the closed portion 202a of the conveyor assembly from the open portion 204a. As shown further in FIG. 19, the directional arrow 206a indicates a direction of travel of the conveyor. FIGS. 19-20 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the apparatus 190a with a T-shaped profile shown in FIG. 19 further including an exemplary two tube pattern groups 166a of ten tubes disposed within the irradiation chamber 200a as shown and described with respect to FIG. 7. However, the tubes shown in FIG. 20 may be arranged in any pattern as shown and described with respect to FIGS. 7-10; and may be either opposed or non-opposed and off-set as shown and described with respect to FIGS. 11 and 14. FIG. 21 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of an elongated oval floor plan of an apparatus 190b for killing pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms using low-energy x-rays having the external shield 192b defining a rectangular pattern housing the irradiation zone 194b including the conveyor 160b and irradiation chamber 200b disposed within the irradiation zone 194b, wherein the closed portion 202b of the conveyor assembly 260b enclosed within and transports foodstuffs 148 along a passageway within the irradiation zone 194b defined between an inlet 196b and an outlet 198b and the conveyor open portion 204b in open communication with the irradiation zone 194b and defines an open access region exterior to the shielding assembly for accessing articles to be irradiated or that have been irradiated within the irradiation chamber 200b including internal shield 208b. As shown further in FIG. 21, the directional arrow 206b indicates a direction of travel of the conveyor. The direction of travel can be reversed in all embodiments. In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22 an apparatus similar to the elongated oval profile apparatus shown in FIG. 21 further includes an in-line configuration of x-ray tubes disposed within an irradiation chamber, when the irradiation the x-ray tubes are disposed in alignment around the conveyor central longitudinal axis and further wherein the number of tubes equals four as described with respect to the tube pattern group 166d in FIG. 10. In an embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 22, the tubes shown in FIG. 22 may be either upwardly or alternatively, downwardly facing; and may be arranged in any pattern as shown and described with respect to FIGS. 7-10; and may be either opposed or non-opposed and off-set as shown and described with respect to FIGS. 11 and 14. In an embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 23-24, a top cross-sectional view of an apparatus 190c including an oval-spiral conveyor system 161c having a two level conveyor 160c including a closed portion 202c housed by external shield 192c within the apparatus 190c for killing pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms using low-energy x-rays is illustrated. The portion of the conveyor 160c passing through the irradiation chamber 200c having internal shield 208c is elevated through a first spiral or helically-shaped elevating member 210c adapted to vertically elevate articles 148 disposed on the conveyor 160c within the irradiation zone 194c from a first level 212c (shown in more detail in FIG. 25) transported from the irradiation zone inlet 196c to a second elevated level 216c (shown in more detail in FIG. 25) through the irradiation chamber 200c and out of the irradiation chamber 200c via a second spiral or helically shaped de-elevating member 218c that de-elevates the articles 148 disposed on the conveyor 160c within the irradiation zone 194c to the first conveyor level 212c and out the irradiation zone outlet 198c. As shown in FIG. 24, a configuration including the apparatus 190c including the oval-spiral conveyor system 161c further includes an exemplary four x-ray tubes arranged in tube pattern group 166d as described with respect to FIG. 10, however any combination of x-ray tubes as described with respect to FIG. 7-18 may be disposed within the irradiation chamber. FIG. 25 illustrates a cross-sectional side elevational view of the apparatus 190c shown in FIG. 24 including all of the elements described with respect to FIGS. 23-24 including first and second levels 212c, 216c, respectively of the conveyor 160c and the first and second spiral elevating and de-elevating members 210c, 218c disposed within the irradiation zone 194c and further illustrates the elevated irradiation chamber 200c including an exemplary five upper tubes and five opposing lower tubes 220c. As discussed with reference to FIG. 24, the number of tubes 220c, 221c (shown in FIG. 25) may comprise any of the configurations as described with respect to FIGS. 7-18 herein. In an embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 26 a top cross-sectional view of an apparatus 190d including an oval-spiral conveyor system 161d having a two level conveyor 160d housed by external shield 192d within the apparatus 190d for killing pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms using low-energy x-rays is illustrated. The portion of the conveyor 160d passing through the irradiation chamber 193d is elevated through a first spiral or helically-shaped elevating member 210d shielded by a second internal shield 193d adapted to vertically elevate articles disposed on the conveyor 160d within the irradiation zone 194d from a first level 214d (shown in more detail in FIG. 25) transported from the irradiation zone inlet 196d to a second elevated level 216d (shown in more detail in FIG. 25) through the irradiation chamber 200d and out of the irradiation chamber 200d via a second spiral or helically shaped de-elevating member 218d shielded by another internal shield 220d that de-elevates the articles 148 disposed on the conveyor 160d within the irradiation zone 194d to the first conveyor level 212d and out the irradiation zone outlet 198d. As shown in FIG. 24, a configuration including the apparatus 190d including the oval-spiral conveyor 161d further includes an exemplary five x-ray tubes arranged in the irradiation chamber shown in a configuration similar to the tube pattern group described with respect to FIG. 7, however any member and combination of ray tubes as described with respect to FIG. 7-18 may be disposed within the irradiation chamber. FIG. 27 illustrates a cross-sectional side elevational view of the apparatus 190d shown in FIG. 23 including, first and second levels 214d, 216d, respectively of the conveyor 160d and the first and second spiral elevating and de-elevating members 210d, 218d disposed within the irradiation zone 218d and further illustrates the elevated irradiation chamber 156d including an exemplary five upper tubes and five opposing lower tubes 220d. As discussed with reference to FIG. 24, the number of tubes 220d may comprise any of the configurations as described with respect to FIGS. 7-18 herein. As discussed with reference to FIG. 26, any number and combinations of tubes 220d may comprise as described with respect to FIGS. 7-18 may be disposed within the irradiation chamber herein. FIG. 28 illustrates cross-sectional view of an irradiation chamber 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d respectively associated with any of the apparatuses 190a (shown in FIGS. 19-20), 190b (shown in FIGS. 21-22), 190c (shown in FIGS. 23-25), and 190d (shown in FIGS. 26-27), respectively taken across an axis transverse to the path of travel of the conveyor 160a, 160b, 160c, 160d, respectively. It will be understood, with reference to each of the foregoing examples, that the rate of movement through the conveyor and past the x-ray field(s) of the foodstuff being irradiated will be dictated by the necessity of ensuring proper dosing, which in turn is a function of the intensity of the x-ray field and the duration of exposure. It will also be appreciated from the above disclosure that the present invention providing an apparatus and method for the irradiation of foodstuffs that is at once efficacious and easily employed, which does not adversely affect product taste, which permits the use of x-rays with minimal shielding, and which further does not suffer from the public concern over the use of radioactive isotopes such as Co60. Without desiring to be bound by any particular theory, the inventors hereof believe that this utility is attributable to the greater absorption of low-energy x-rays having, according to the present invention, a continuous spectrum of energies which includes energies of from approximately 10 KeV and upwards. These lower energy photons are more readily absorbed by the articles being irradiated, as contrasted with the high energy photons generated by conventional food irradiation methodologies, such as Co60, which photons completely penetrate the foodstuff being irradiated. As indicated, the inventive method for killing pathogenic and nonpathogenic organisms in an article essentially comprises exposing the article to bremsstrahlung-type low-energy x-rays characterized by a continuous spectrum of energies in the range of from approximately 10 KeV to approximately 440 KeV, and preferably in the range of from approximately 10 KeV to approximately 220 KeV, and even more preferably in the range of from approximately 10 KeV to approximately 200 KeV, for a period of time sufficient to provide at least a predetermined dose of radiation to the article. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that a “predetermined dose” may be dictated by, for instance, government regulations comprehending the nature of the article being irradiated, In the United States, for example, the FDA specifies that irradiation methods for killing pathogens in food products must be capable of realizing a 5 log reduction in the pathogen population without exceeding specified maximum doses of radiation according to the type of the foodstuff irradiated. For instance, poultry meats treated by irradiation cannot exceed doses of from 1.5 kGy to 3.0 kGy, while fresh (i.e., not frozen) red meats cannot exceed doses of 4.5 kGy. It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the method of this invention may be employed not only to significantly reduce pathogenic organisms from foodstuffs and other articles, and further to do so without adversely affecting the taste of such foodstuffs, but further to eliminate non-pathogenic organisms, including those which may be implicated in the spoilage of foodstuffs. Thus, for example, it is contemplated that low-energy x-rays may be employed to treat whole or otherwise unprocessed foodstuffs to eliminate or reduce the presence of organisms, including non-pathogenic microbes, insects, etc., which may cause spoilage or otherwise reduce the shelf-life thereof. It will likewise be appreciated from this disclosure that while the irradiation of beef and fish is exemplified, the methodology of this invention may be transposed to the treatment of numerous other foodstuffs with no more than routine experimentation by varying the maximum energy of the low-energy x-rays employed, as well as the duration and intensity of the exposure, in order to determine the energy, time and intensity necessary to provide a desired dose of radiation to the foodstuff, whether the desired result is the elimination of pathogenic or other organisms, or the same coupled with the preservation of the initial, pre-irradiated taste of the foodstuff. In connection with the aforementioned considerations, the inventors hereof have further discovered that mixing of foodstuff may be employed before and during irradiation in order to decrease the duration of exposure to the low-energy x-rays and increase the uniformity of the dose absorbed, while ensuring that the entire foodstuff being irradiated receives the desired dose. Necessarily, the degree of mixing will vary according to such considerations as the dimensions of the apparatus employed to accommodate the foodstuff during irradiation, as well as the nature of the foodstuff being irradiated. The objective of the present experiment was to assess microbial efficacy of low-energy X-ray for reduction of indigenous spoilage microorganisms in salmon and croaker fish fillet and to conduct informal quality assessment. FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate the post-irradiation growth patterns of respective salmon and croaker fish samples. In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates post-irradiation grown pattern of control (0 kGy), low-dose (1 kGy), and high-dose (2 kGy) salmon samples, wherein two data points for 24 h and 6 d in the control sample were conjectured based on the measurements of 12 d and 18 d. FIG. 2 illustrates post-irradiation growth pattern of control (0 kGy), and high-dose (2 kGy) croaker fish samples wherein two data points of 24 h and 6 d in the control sample were conjectured based on the measurements of 2 d and 18 d. The salmon materials used included a thin slice (˜5 mm) of salmon and croaker fish samples (<5 g each) were packaged in MAP. The samples were refrigerated at 4 degrees Celsius during the test period. The samples were then irradiated at low dose (˜1 kGy) and high dose (˜2 kGy) of X-ray. The irradiation samples were stored in a refrigerator with control samples and then sampled at 1, 6, 12, and 18 days of storage. For each sampling, anaerobic plating and color measurement were conducted. The results of this showed low and high dose irradiation were able to reduce spoilage microorganism population to a significantly lower level for salmon and croaker fish (see FIG. 34 and FIG. 35). Also, the post radiation growth of the irradiated samples was not promoted during the storage periods of 1, 6 and 12 days, but at 18 days there was some increment of microorganism population, however, it was not significant and the population of the control sample kept increasing throughout the storage period. The results showed red color component of the high-dosed salmon sample was different from the sample with low-dosed samples (p=0.046 with 95% confidence) and control samples (p=0.014 with 95% confidence). However, there was no significant difference between low-dosed and control samples (p=0.512 with 95% confidence). Further, rotten fish odor was developed in the control samples (6˜18 days) but not in the irradiated samples, of course, this was a subjective test. It was also observed that the samples were severely dehydrated due to the small sample size. In conclusion, low dose (˜1 kGy) of x-ray for salmon and high dose (˜2 kGy) for croaker fish fillet are expected to be able to extend shelf life without significant quality changes. However, a testing with actual product is necessary to confirm this conclusion because the pilot test was conducted with small samples. Of course, the foregoing is merely illustrative of the present invention, and those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many additions and modifications to the present invention, as set out in this disclosure, are possible without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of this invention as defined in the appended claims.
	description	This application is a Divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 12/183,726, filed on Jul. 31, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,888,641, and claims priority of Japanese Application No. 2007-198282, filed on Jul. 31, 2007, the disclosures of which Applications are incorporated by reference herein. The present invention relates to an electron microscope with an electron spectrometer capable of acquiring an electron energy loss spectrum and a two-dimensional element distribution image and more particularly, to an electron microscope with a lens adjustment system capable of adjusting the electron spectrometer highly efficiently and highly accurately and to a lens adjustment method as well. With advancement of fineness of working dimensions of a silicon semiconductor, a magnetic device and the like and with advancement of their high-grade integration, problems of degradation in device characteristics and reduction in reliability have now become more serious than heretofore in the course of developing a new process and of a mass production process. In recent years, for the purpose of getting to the root of causes of the faults as above, a spectroscopic analysis/two-dimensional distribution analysis based on electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) using a transmission or (scanning) transmission electron microscope ((S) TEM) has become an indispensable analytical means in analysis of faults of nanometer area in the semiconductor device and has been fulfilling itself in an analysis of faults in which the chemical reactions take part in the process development and mass production. For the electron energy loss spectroscopy, electron energy loss observation equipment using an electron microscope and an electron spectrometer for energy dispersion in combination is employed. The electron spectrometer has the ability to acquire electron energy loss spectra and a two-dimensional element distribution by making use of an energy dispersion of an incident electron beam and a group of lenses such as multi-pole lenses to perform the enlargement/constriction of spectrum and the adjustment of focus. Upon installing the electron spectrometer, a plurality of lenses inside the electron spectrometer are optimized for placing the energy resolution in good condition. But because of the lenses varying with time and the change of external disturbance near the apparatus, the electron spectrometer is not always used in the optimal condition. As a solution to the aforementioned problem, JP-A-2003-151478 discloses a trial expedient according to which the magnetic field intensity of a multi-pole lens is changed every observation of an electron energy loss spectrum in such a way that the optimal condition of the electron spectrometer satisfies either a condition of minimization of the half-width of a peak due to a zero-loss spectrum or a condition of maximization of the intensity of a peak of a zero-loss spectrum, or both, and then optimization of the energy resolution is managed to be attained with the help of changed magnetic field intensity. JP-A-2000-285845 also discloses a trial expedient in which with a view to efficiently adjusting the mechanical position of a spectroscope and the projection lens as well, a wobbler circuit that generates a wobbler signal of predetermined amplitude and frequency is provided and the spectroscope mechanical position and the projection lens are adjusted on the basis of an image shift or a defocus taking place when the spectroscope exciting current is increased/decreased with the help of the wobbler signal. In JP-A-2003-151478, the condition of magnetic field intensity for optimizing the value of either the half-width of a peak due to the zero-loss spectrum or the intensity of the zero-loss electron or both is selected and is used as the optimum condition for the energy resolution. Accordingly, in order to determine the condition of the minimized half-width of the zero-loss spectrum peak, a condition for minimizing the peak half-width must be determined while adjusting the magnetic field intensity of each of the plural lenses inside the electron spectrometer over a range of all variation areas and much time is consumed. Further, in selecting the condition of the maximum intensity of the zero-loss electron, each of the plural lenses inside the electron spectrometer must be adjusted over a range of all of magnetic field intensity varying areas. In addition, in case the electron beam intensity cannot always be constant owing to instability of an electron source or variations in external disturbance, it is difficult to place the energy resolution of spectrum in optimal condition by determining the maximum value of electron beam intensity. In the expedient having the wobbler circuit for generating a wobbler signal described in JP-A-2000-285845, the condition for optimizing the energy resolution of a spectrum needs to be determined by adjusting the exciting current of each lens over the whole of its variation areas, consuming much time. As described above, each of the techniques disclosed in JP-A-2003-151478 and JP-A-2000-285845 is directed to an adjustment method for optimization of the energy resolution in the electron spectrometer attached to the electron microscope but has difficulties in making adjustments of the individual lenses at a time. Accordingly, the trade-off between far higher efficiency and far higher accuracy must be studied. Furthermore, improvements in easy-to-operate capability are desired. Under the circumstances, the present invention intends to solve the problems the conventional method of adjusting an electron spectrometer attached to a (scanning) transmission electron microscope faces and it is an object of this invention to provide method and system for adjustment of electron spectrometer lenses which can permit the optimal condition adjustment highly efficiently and highly accurately. To accomplish the above object, according to the present invention, an electron microscope having an electron spectrometer adapted to acquire an electron energy loss spectrum or a two-dimensional element distribution image comprises an electron spectrometer controller for adjusting a plurality of lenses provided in the electron spectrometer, the controller being operative to set conditions of the individual lenses on the basis of a parameter design method using exciting conditions of the individual lenses as parameters. Thus, in acquiring an electron energy loss spectrum and a two-dimensional element image distribution by means of the electron spectrometer, optimum conditions of the plurality of lenses can be set highly efficiently and highly accurately. The electron microscope, electron spectrometer and electron spectrometer controller are not always required to be configured integrally but the electron microscope and electron spectrometer may be combined suitably to provide an electron energy loss spectrum observation apparatus. To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention is also concerned with lens adjusting method and system, wherein an electron microscope is attached with an electron spectrometer having a plurality of lenses and wherein in adjusting the optimum conditions of the lenses, optimum conditions of exciting currents of the individual lenses are set through simulation based on a parameter design method using, as parameters, exciting current values of the plurality of lenses or values set on the basis of the exciting current values. The lens adjustment as above comprises a step of inputting the parameters, a step of allotting the parameters to an orthogonal array, preparing a factor effect table by the results of experiments based on the orthogonal array, a step of simulating optimum conditions of exciting currents of the individual lenses and a step of setting exciting currents of the individual lenses through the simulation. According to the present invention, an electron spectrometer for subjecting to spectral diffraction an electron beam having transmitted through a specimen comprises a lens adjustment system adapted to set an optimum condition of each of the plural lenses provided for the electron spectrometer through simulation based on a parameter design method using an exciting current as a parameter. The electron spectrometer may be used as an apparatus integral with the electron microscope or may be used in suitable combination with a conventional electron microscope. It is sufficient for the lens adjustment system to operate to acquire data of spectra delivered out of the electron spectrometer and to control the lenses and the lens adjustment system may therefore be incorporated into the electron spectrometer controller or the electron microscope controller. The lens adjustment method of setting optimum conditions of exciting currents for the individual lenses through simulation based on the parameter design method using the exciting currents as parameters as in the above techniques can also be applied to other apparatus having a plurality of lenses than the electron microscope and electron spectrometer. According to the present invention, the electron microscope can be provided which can adjust highly efficiently and highly accurately the optimum conditions of the plurality of lenses the electron spectrometer has and can measure energy with high resolution. Further, according to the above lens adjustment method and system for the electron spectrometer, the lenses can be adjusted within a short period of time with easy-to-operation capability. Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. An electron microscope of the present invention will now be described in greater detail. An electron energy loss spectrum can principally be classified into a zero-loss spectrum that does not loose energy during passage of an electron beam through a specimen, a plasmon loss spectrum acquired by exciting a valance band electron and loosing energy and a core electron excitation loss spectrum acquired by exciting a core electron and loosing energy. In the core electron excitation loss (core loss) spectrum, a fine structure can be observed in the vicinity of the absorption edge. The structure is referred to as an energy loss near-edge structure (ELNES) and has information in which an electron state and a chemical-bonding state of a specimen are reflected. Furthermore, an energy loss value (absorption edge position) is specific to an element and therefore, can be analyzed qualitatively. In addition, information related to peripheral coordination of an element of interest can be acquired from a shift of an energy loss value which is referred to as a chemical shift and therefore, a simplified analysis of the state can also be made. For the purpose of knowing details of an energy loss near-edge fine structure of the core loss spectrum, a spectrum needs to be acquired under a good energy resolution condition. The energy resolution can be evaluated by a half-width of a zero-loss spectrum. In other words, a small half-width of a peak of the zero-loss spectrum is expressed as corresponding to a condition of good energy resolution. The core loss spectrum can be acquired with an apparatus using a transmission electron microscope or a scanning transmission electron microscope in combination with an electron spectrometer. An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example of a method of acquiring a core loss spectrum by means of a transmission electron microscope with electron spectrometer by making reference to the accompanying drawings. FIGS. 1A and 1B schematically illustrate the present embodiment. The transmission electron microscope with electron spectrometer according to the present embodiment comprises a transmission electron microscope 1, an electron spectrometer 8, an image display unit 16, a central controller 17 and a lens adjustment system 18. Arranged in the transmission electron microscope 1 are an electron source 2 for emitting an electron beam 3, a convergent lens 4, an objective lens 6, an image forming lens system 7 and a fluorescent screen 9. A specimen 5 is interposed between convergent lens 4 and objective lens 6. The electron spectrometer 8 includes a magnetic field sector 10, multi-pole lenses 11, 12, 13 and 14 and an imaging unit 15. The construction of transmission electron microscope 1 and that of electron spectrometer 8 are not limited to this. The multi-pole lenses 11, 12, 13 and 14 inside the electron spectrometer 8 are exemplified as including one disposed before the magnetic field sector 10 and three disposed after it but preceding and succeeding arrangements of two/two, three/one, four/zero or zero/four may be taken. Further, the number of multi-pole lenses is not limited to four and the present invention may be applied widely to an electron spectrometer having two, three or five or more plural multi-pole lenses. The electron beam 3 emitted from the electron source 2 passes through the convergent lens 4 inside the transmission electron microscope and is irradiated on the specimen 5. The electron beam 3 having transmitted through the specimen 5 passes through the image objective lens 6 and the image forming lens system 7 comprised of a plurality of image forming lenses and directly enters the electron spectrometer 8 when the fluorescent screen 9 is opened. In acquiring a core loss spectrum, the electron beam is caused to enter the electron spectrometer attached to the transmission electron microscope directly beneath it. The electron spectrometer has the magnetic field sector and multi-pole lenses for adjustment of focus of a spectrum and enlargement thereof and for reduction of a spectrum aberration as well before and after the magnetic field sector. The entering electron beam 3 passes through the multi-pole lenses 11, 12, 13 and 14 which are used for focusing and enlarging an electron energy loss spectrum and reducing aberration thereof as well and also through the magnetic field sector 10 inside the electron spectrometer 8. Then, spectra resulting from energy dispersion by the magnetic field sector are picked up by means of the imaging unit 15 to provide electron energy loss spectra or a two-dimensional element distribution which in turn is displayed on the image display unit 16. The imaging unit has photo-detector elements that are arrayed linearly or two-dimensionally and acquisition of the electron energy loss spectra or two-dimensional element distribution image can be achieved by means of the imaging unit. The magnetic field sector 10 and the multi-pole lenses 11, 12, 13 and 14 are controlled by means of the central controller 17. The contents of control can be confirmed by means of the image display unit. The contents of control is saved or stored in the controller as necessary. Before acquiring a desired electron energy loss spectrum from the specimen 5, a factor effect table is prepared in the lens adjustment system through simulation based on a parameter design method using exciting currents of the plural multi-pole lenses 11, 12, 13 and 14 as parameters and conditions of the individual lenses for minimizing the peak half-width of a zero-loss spectrum are determined by using the factor effect table and then the multi-pole lenses 11, 12, 13 and 14 inside the electron spectrometer 8 are adjusted. Since the contents of control such as the lens conditions are stored as necessary, preceding control conditions can be used for adjustment of the lenses, contributing to high efficiency of simulation and optimization of the results. In FIG. 1A, the lens adjustment system is attached to the image display unit but it may be mounted to the central controller for controlling the electron spectrometer or to an electron microscope controller not shown. Further, the electron microscope illustrated in FIG. 1A is a post-column type electron microscope connected with the electron spectrometer but an in-column type may be used having an electron spectrometer built in an electron microscope as shown in FIG. 1B. Referring to FIG. 2, a flowchart shows an example of procedures of adjustment of multi-pole lenses in the lens adjustment system for minimizing the half-width of peak of a zero-loss spectrum. When at least S103 to S112 in FIG. 2 are executed by means of the lens adjustment system, the lenses can be adjusted highly efficiently by reducing load imposed on the operator. Firstly, at least three exciting current values of each multi-pole lens are inputted as parameters (S 101). For the exciting current of each lens, the input values may be a maximum value, an intermediate value and a minimum value within a variation range or for an exciting current during apparatus installation, the input values may fall into a range of predetermined upper and lower values. In connection with a lens having less influence upon the adjustment of spectra, the parameter may be fixed at the time of apparatus installation or apparatus production. In such a case, a plurality of parameters are fixed during apparatus installation and unfixed parameters are adjusted during measurement. The fixed parameters may also be used for simulation of lens adjustment but by eliminating the fixed values from the parameters, the simulation can be simplified. Next, the number of simulation operations (simulation frequency) is inputted (S102). The simulation frequency is one or more and is not limitative. But in case the simulation frequency is large, much time is required to determine optimum conditions of the individual lenses and so it is preferable that before conducting adjustment of the lenses, the half-width of the zero-loss spectrum at present be once confirmed. By the dint of the confirmation of the spectrum before adjustment, setting of the frequency of simulation can be changed in accordance with the result of confirmation and time to be consumed until the necessary adjustment ends can be shortened. After the frequency of simulation has been set, parameters of each lens are allotted to an orthogonal array based on the Taguchi method (S103, 104). When there are five or more lenses necessary for adjustment, an L-18 orthogonal array is used and for the number of lenses being four or less, an L-9 orthogonal array may be used. Under the experiment conditions based on the orthogonal array, the zero-loss spectrum is measured, peak half-widths of the zero-loss spectrum under the individual conditions for acquisition of measurement results are calculated to prepare a factor effect table and thereafter, an expression indicative of the relation between the parameter of each lens and the half-width is acquired (S105 to S107). From the relation, solutions to parameters of each lens are determined (S108). If the simulation frequency set before starting the simulation is not reached, the parameters of each lens are again set and the above procedure is again carried out (S109 to S111). In setting parameters at the second and ensuing frequency, the accuracy can be improved by limiting the range of upper and lower limit values of parameters more strictly at the present than at the previous simulation. After completion of a predetermined number of simulation operations, solutions to the individual lenses are outputted (S112). The optimum values are set and the individual lenses are adjusted. Subsequently, operation the operator conducts and the operation command screen of the electron microscope will be described. Illustrated in FIG. 3 is an example of the contents of display on the image display unit 16. A selection button group 21 includes a spectrum acquisition start/end button, a spectrum acquisition time change button, a button for determination of a half-width of a zero-loss spectrum and a zero-loss spectrum peak half-width adjustment button 23. For example, when the spectrum acquisition start button of selection button group 21 is selected, an electron energy loss spectrum 22 acquired by the imaging unit 15 is displayed. When the zero-loss spectrum peak half-width adjustment button 23 of selection button group 21 is selected, a multi-pole lens exciting current parameter input table 24 and an orthogonal array 25 are displayed. Exciting currents of multi-pole lenses are inputted as parameters to the exciting current parameter input table 24. As an input value, either a fixed value or a value to be set can be selected. After the parameters have been inputted to the exciting current parameter input table 24, allotment to the orthogonal array 25 based on the Taguchi method is carried out. In case the parameters are set automatically, the exciting current parameter input table 24 and orthogonal array 25 for the multi-pole lenses need not be displayed each time that the zero-loss spectrum peak half-width adjustment button 23 is selected. Further, as the orthogonal array, the L-9 or L-18 orthogonal array can be used in accordance with the number of lenses for which the adjustment is required. Whether the factor effect table and the relational expression between the parameter of each lens and the half-width are to be displayed can be changed as desired. The image display unit 16 additionally incorporates a function 26 of calculating and displaying a peak half-width of zero-loss spectrum. An example of procedures for calculation and display of zero-loss spectrum half-width will be described below. (1) A zero-loss spectrum is displayed. (2) A maximum peak intensity and a maximum peak position the zero-loss spectrum has are determined. (3) The maximum peak position of the zero-loss spectrum is set to 0 eV. (4) A half value of maximum peak intensity, that is, half the intensity of zero-cross spectrum is calculated. (5) In connection with loss energy value in the vicinity of the half-value of the maximum peak intensity, the loss energy values are calculated from a spectrum range on the left side of 0 eV and a spectrum range on the right side of 0 eV, respectively. (6) The loss energy value determined from the left-side spectrum range is subtracted from the loss energy value determined from the right-side spectrum range to determine a peak half-width of the zero-loss spectrum. (7) The peak half-width is displayed on the image display unit 16. The present procedures are exemplified as showing a calculation/display method of the peak half-width of the zero-loss spectrum but the calculation method is not limited thereto. An input table of exciting current parameters of the multi-pole lenses will now be described with reference to FIG. 4. Described in the left-edge column are individual lens numbers (lens 1=multi-pole lens 11, lens 2=multi-pole lens 12, lens 3=multi-pole lens 13 and lens 4=multi-pole lens 14). The number of entries can be increased/decreased in accordance with the number of multi-pole lenses necessary for adjustment. Described in the uppermost line or row are parameter numbers (parameters 1 to 3) of exciting currents set to the individual lenses. Three parameters are set to each multi-pole lens. The parameter may be fixed during apparatus installation or may be set every adjustment before measurement as described previously. An L-9 orthogonal array in the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 5. Described in the left-edge column are experiment condition numbers (experiment conditions 1 to 9) and described in the uppermost line or row are lens numbers required of adjustment (lens 1=multi-pole lens 11, lens 2=multi-pole lens 12, lens 3=multi-pole lens 13 and lens 4=multi-pole lens 14). Inputting of a parameter is discriminatively depicted by a decorative indication in FIG. 5 as in the case of FIG. 4. In the case of the number of multi-pole lenses required of adjustment being more than 4, an L-18 orthogonal array is used. Next, the results obtained by practicing the above embodiment will be described. In this instance, for a transmission electron microscope with an electron spectrometer having four multi-pole lenses, these lenses inside the electron spectrometer are adjusted by using the present lens adjustment system to minimize the peak half-width of a zero-loss spectrum During acquisition of the zero-loss spectrum, the accelerating voltage in the transmission electron microscope is set to 197 kV, the electron beam takeout angle is set to 4.4 mrad and the energy dispersion is set to 0.05 eV/ch. An imaging unit 15 used for zero-loss spectrum acquisition is a 1024×1024 two-dimensional detector. A zero-loss spectrum before adjustment is illustrated in FIG. 6. The zero-loss spectrum has a peak half-width of 1.3 eV before adjustment of the lenses. In this example, the four multi-pole lenses 11, 12, 13 and 14 inside the electron spectrometer are scheduled for adjustment and therefore the L-9 orthogonal array is used. The number of simulation operations is 2. Parameters for the individual multi-pole lenses to be inputted to the exciting current parameter input table 24 do not represent exciting currents per se passed to the individual multi-pole lenses but they represent ratios when the amounts of maximum and minimum exciting currents are set to +100 and −100, respectively. Examples of the factor effect diagram showing the relation between the input parameter (exciting current) of each of the multi-pole lenses 11, 12, 13 and 14 (lenses 1, 2, 3 and 4) and the half-width are illustrated graphically in FIGS. 7 to 9. In each relational diagram, a parameter making the peak half-width of a zero-loss spectrum minimum is determined in respect of each multi-pole lens by fitting a quadratic function. In the second simulation operation, ±10% of results obtained in the first simulation are used as parameters and are again allotted to the L-9 orthogonal array. In this instance, the relation between the input parameter and the half-width is fit by a quadratic function but this relational expression is not limitative. Parameters for the individual multi-pole lenses outputted after the second simulation are determined as being −22.65 (FIG. 7), 11.15 (FIG. 8), −11.28 (FIG. 9) and 6.38 (FIG. 10), respectively. The individual lenses are adjusted on the basis of the results to obtain a zero-loss spectrum as shown in FIG. 11. After adjustment, the zero-loss spectrum has a peak half-width of 0.6 eV. For confirmation, peak half-widths of the zero-loss spectrum are determined manually over the whole variation area (±100) of each multi-pole lens to obtain similar results, proving that the individual multi-pole lenses inside the electron spectrometer 8 are adjusted to the optimum conditions. Conventionally, for the individual multi-pole lenses, the adjustment is carried out using the range of all variation areas of exciting current amounts but according to the invention, the adjustment within a limited range is conducted and the time of adjustment can be shortened. If, after the use of the present adjustment system, only values intimately nearby the outputted parameters are confirmed, the individual multi-pole lenses can be adjusted with far higher accuracies. The above example has been described by way of example of the provision of the condition adjustment button for the lens adjustment system operation on the spectrum confirmation screen but this button may be provided at a different location such as the electron spectrometer, electron microscope or controller. Especially when the parameter is not changed during the lens adjustment each time that measurement is conducted and a predetermined value thereof is used, the parameter need not be inputted every measurement and therefore it matters little to inconvenience whether the start button is not provided on the image display unit. As will be seen from the above, with the lens adjustment method and system according to the foregoing embodiments, the electron spectrometer attached to the electron microscope and being capable of acquiring the electron energy loss spectrum and two-dimensional element distribution image can be adjusted highly efficiently and highly accurately. According to the foregoing embodiments, the factor effect table is prepared by using the half-width of the spectrum and then the lenses are adjusted but alternatively, the lens adjustment may be conducted by using a different kind of parameter such as a peak intensity of the spectrum. In the present embodiment, only the method of adjusting the zero-loss spectrum before acquisition of the electron energy loss spectrum has been described but the invention may also be applied to image focus adjustment when acquiring the two-dimensional element distribution. Even in a different type of apparatus having a plurality of lenses, the minimum beam diameter can be adjusted as in the case of the electron spectrometer, in the course of adjustment of focus/defocus and correction of spherical/chromatic aberration, nano-diffraction/analysis, focused electron diffraction or acquisition of an electron beam holography. Accordingly, the aforementioned lens adjustment system can be used easily for the apparatus having the plural lenses to perform adjustment of these lenses. Further, by using the value such as the spectrum half-width in the foregoing embodiments which is outputted from an image/spectrum obtained with the detector and is used for preparation of the factor effect table, the lenses can be adjusted. For example, in order to adjust the lenses with a view to adjusting the focus and astigmatism in an electron microscope image, the degree of true circle or distortion at the central portion after Fourier transform of the electron microscope image obtained from an amorphous portion or either the beam diameter or beam shape can be used. The lens adjustment system may advantageously be applied to other apparatus than that described as above and improvements in accuracy and operation easiness as well of adjustment of the lenses can be achieved to advantage. The present invention made by the present inventors has been described specifically by way of example of the embodiments but the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments and can be changed or modified within a range without departing from the gist of the present invention.
	description	The present invention relates to a nuclear fuel assembly including a fuel bundle and a tie plate for supporting the fuel assembly and, particularly, relates to a debris shield attached to the Upper Tie Plate (UTP) of the fuel bundle assembly. In a fuel assembly, liquid coolant/moderator flows into the assembly thru the bottom and exits as a water/steam mixture from the top. The core includes a plurality of fuel bundles arranged in vertical side-by-side relation, each containing a plurality of fuel rods. The fuel bundles include a housing formed by a hollow metal channel. The fuel bundles also include one or more tie plates that support the fuel rods in the bundle. Generally a bundle includes an upper tie plate near the top of the fuel assembly and a lower tie plate at the bottom of the fuel assembly. Debris may fall through a conventional upper tie-plate and become lodged within the fuel assembly where the debris may cause fuel rod fretting during normal operating conditions. Fretting is potentially damaging to the fuel rods, resulting in what is typically known as a “leaker”. Conventional efforts to address debris falling down into a fuel assembly typically focus on prevention of debris within the coolant itself and coolant flow passages. Conventional efforts typically involve administrative controls regarding the treatment of coolant flow passages and handling of fuel assemblies such that debris does not enter the passages or the fuel assemblies. These controls are designed to alleviate the sources of debris such that debris does not fall down into fuel assemblies. Nevertheless, there is a risk that debris will fall into a fuel assembly, especially while the coolant flow stops and the reactor core is open. There is a long felt need for procedures and devices to ensure that debris does not fall into fuel assemblies, especially while the coolant flow is stopped, during refuel operations, and in a reverse coolant flow pattern. A nuclear reactor fuel bundle assembly is disclosed including: a fuel bundle including an array of fuel rods mounted in an upper tie plate and housed in a channel, and a debris shield mounted at least partially within the channel and above or below the upper tie plate, the shield extending to or over the channel, wherein the shield is porous. A nuclear reactor fuel bundle assembly is disclosed comprising: a fuel bundle including an array of fuel rods mounted in an upper tie plate and housed in a channel, and a debris shield matrix mounted at least partially in the channel and above below the upper tie plate, wherein the matrix has a surface at least coextensive with an open upper area of the fuel bundle. A method is disclosed to prevent debris falling into a nuclear reactor fuel assembly including an array of fuel rods mounted in an upper tie plate and housed within a channel, the method comprising: inserting a debris shield to cover an upper open area of the channel, wherein the insertion of the shield places the shield over or below the upper tie plate; maintaining the shield over or below the upper tie plate, while the fuel bundle is in an operating mode within a nuclear reactor core; flowing coolant through the bundle and debris shield during operation of the core, and capturing debris falling down into the fuel assembly from above with the debris shield. FIG. 1 is a side view showing in cross-section a fuel assembly 10 shaped generally as a vertical column with a square cross-section. The assembly typically includes, for example, an array of full-length fuel rods 11 and part-length fuel rods 12 arranged in parallel. The fuel rods are supported by an upper tie plate 13, a lower tie plate 14, and one or more spacers 15 arranged at locations along the length of the fuel rods. Expansion springs 16 extend from the upper end plug of the full length fuel rods 11 to the under side of the upper tie plate 13. Hex nuts 17 secure the tie rods 24, that extend through the upper tie plate while the opposite end of each tie rods is secured into the lower tie plate of the fuel assembly. The tie plates, especially lower tie plate, includes finger springs 18 on the outer sidewalls of the lower tie plate that engage a channel 20 that provides a hollow housing for the bundle of fuel rods 11, 12, water rods 23, 230, tie plates 13, 14, tie rods 24, and spacers 15. The channel 20 is typically an elongated hollow tube, rectangular in cross-section and having a length that covers the length of fuel rods in the fuel assembly. Generally, a U-shaped lifting handle 22 is attached or part of the upper tie plate 13. The handle 22 may be used to raise and lower the fuel bundle assembly 10 into a reactor core 21 or to otherwise move the assembly. Debris may enter the top of the fuel bundle 10 during non-operating or operating conditions such as, refuel, new fuel receipt, transport to core, when the coolant flow stops flowing upward through the core, and when flow may be stagnate or reversed. Debris falling into the top of the fuel bundle may become lodged in a tie plate, spacer bracket, between the rods or between a channel wall and a rod. The crevices in the fuel bundle can trap the debris in the bundle. The debris may fall below the upper tie plate 13 and become lodged in a location in the bundle where it could cause fuel rod 11, 12 fretting during operating conditions. FIG. 2 shows a debris shield 26 over the upper tie plate in a fuel bundle 10 to be placed within the core of a nuclear power reactor. The debris shield 26 may be a generally planar porous material, such as a flat mesh plate, having edges 28 that abut the interior surfaces of the channel walls 20. The debris shield may or may not be attached or integral to the upper tie plate, channel, water rod, or other load-bearing component that forms the top of a fuel assembly 10. The planar debris shield 26 may be a wire or fabric mesh, sponge, grid, array of crossing bars or slats, or other matrix. The debris shield may be flexible to facilitate its insertion into the bundle and past the lifting handle 22. The insertion may require the shield to slide over the lifting handle 22 and to seat the shield on the top of the upper tie plate. Slits 30 may be included in the debris shield 26 to allow the shield to fit over and between the lifting handle 22. The shield may have apertures 32, 33 that fit over exposed tips and nubs of the full length fuel rods, water rods, and tie rods that extend upward through the upper tie plate. The larger apertures 33 may be aligned with an upper end plug 19 of a water rod and a clip, hex nut or other shield securing device may fit through the aperture 33 and into the end plug 19. The apertures 32 fit snugly over the tips and nubs to prevent debris from falling through the apertures and down into the fuel assembly. Further, the shield may be held in place by the hex nuts 17 that secure the tie rods 24 to the top of the upper tie plate while the lock-tabs 34 secure the hex nuts from coming loose from each of the tie rods within the fuel bundle. The debris shield 26 may remain in the fuel assembly during operation of the nuclear reactor core. The debris shield 26 preferably has a porosity, open mesh or matrix structure that allows coolant, especially emergency coolant, to flow through the shield without substantial flow resistance. The porous, mesh or matrix structure of the debris shield blocks the passage of debris. The debris shield serves as a filter that allows passage of fluids, such as cooling fluid, and blocks the passage of particulates. Preferably the debris shield should block the passage of particles of debris material having a pore size that minimizes the size of the debris while maintaining the optimal flow of coolant. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a fuel bundle assembly 10 with a cone shaped debris shield 36 inserted in the top of the fuel assembly 10. The cone shaped debris shield 36 may be formed of a mesh, matrix or other porous structure having a generally inverted conical, pyramidal or cup shape. The debris shield 36 includes an upper rim 38 that extends vertically above the upper edge 39 of the channel wall 20 of the bundle, and may or may not extend horizontally beyond the channel walls. The shield 36 with the rim 38 effectively functions as a net to capture debris falling down from above, into the top of the fuel bundle. Because the rim 38 preferably extends at least to and beyond the upper edge 39 of the channel walls 20, debris is captured or deflected by the shield and does not fall into the top of the fuel bundle assembly. Debris falls onto the upper surface of the shield 36 and slides or rolls along one of the sloped interior sidewalls 40 to the bottom 42 of the shield, where the debris is to may be retained by gravity or stagnant flow area during operation. The bottom 42 of the debris shield 36 may be a mesh, porous or of a solid material. Coolant flows through the mesh or porous bottom of the shield. A solid bottom 42 forms a stagnant flow area into which debris may be captured. The debris may be retained in the bottom 42 of the shield 36 until the fuel bundle 10 is removed from the reactor core or maintenance is performed on the bundle. The shield 36 may be formed of a flexible web like material. During maintenance, the shield may be folded to retain the debris and thereafter removed from the fuel bundle assembly and later unfolded to discharge the debris retained in the bottom of the shield. The shield 36 may be formed of a flexible web, porous sheet or matrix that is shaped to conform to fit into the top of the fuel bundle. The material forming the shield should withstand service in a nuclear reactor core. Slits 44 in the shield enable the shield to be fitted through the U-shaped lifting handle 22 and inserted into the fuel bundle assembly 10. Alternatively, the shield 36 may split and be stitched together after having been placed in the top of the fuel assembly. The threaded end plugs on the upper end plug 19 of the waters rods may secure the pieces of the shield 36 such that the pieces are adjacent and form a single shielding device for catching debris. While preferably flexible for installation in the bundle, the shield has sufficient rigidity to retain its shape once installed in the upper tie plate of the fuel assembly. An upper umbrella 46 may fit over the rim 38 of the cone shaped debris shield 36 and deflect debris away from the interior of the fuel assembly. The umbrella may form a ring, e.g., a rectangular ring, that is attached to the rim 38 of the debris shield 36. The umbrella 46 may be sloped downward from the inner edges of the ring to the outer edges so as to deflect debris away from the fuel assembly 10. The umbrella 46 may be wire mesh, or otherwise porous to avoid interfering with the flow of coolant past the fuel assembly. A solid umbrella on top of the fuel assembly may also be acceptable if it does not adversely interfere with coolant flow. FIG. 4 is a top down view of the top of a fuel assembly 10 showing a debris shield plate 50 attached to the bottom of an upper tie plate 52. The debris shield plate 50 is a metallic plate with small diameter apertures that are drilled cut or stamped into the plate. The debris shield plate 50 is attached to the bottom of the upper tie plate by means of welding, clips, screws or other attachments 55. The debris shield plate may have both large and small apertures, arranged in the same pattern of the apertures 54 on the upper tie plate 52. The small apertures are to receive the upper end plugs on each of the full length rods 11 and the tie rods 24 in the fuel bundle. The debris shield plate may be held in place by the fuel rod expansion springs 16 and pressed upward to the underside of the upper tie plate 13. The fuel rods extend through the debris shield plate and upper tie plate where the tie rods are secured by the hex nuts 17 and the lock-tabs 34. A debris shield is disclosed herein mitigates the entry of foreign material into the top of a fuel assembly. The debris shield may consist of a plurality of holes or a missile shield such that the device deflects, catches, or removes foreign materials potentially introduced into the top of the fuel assembly. The debris shields 26, 36 and 50 shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are exemplary shields. The debris shield 26 shown in FIG. 2 is configured as a perforated plate mounted over an upper tie plate 13. The debris shield 36 in FIG. 3 has a shape that blocks downwardly flowing debris and has relatively little resistive area to emergency cooling flow and allows recirculation of fluid flowing through and around the shield to the top of the bundle during application of the emergency core cooling system. The flat perforated plate debris shield 50 shown in FIG. 4 is attached to the bottom of the upper tie plate and is relatively unobtrusive. Debris shields having other shapes, compositions and arrangements in the top of a fuel bundle assembly may be fashioned to serve the function of preventing debris falling into a bundle, in substantially the same way of blocking passage of debris falling downward into the bundle while passing coolant, to achieve the result of substantially no debris being introduced in the bundle due to debris falling down past the upper tie plate. By preventing the entry of foreign materials into the fuel bundle assembly, the possibility of a fuel rod fretting failure is substantially reduced. The debris shield catcher should improve the reliability of the fuel assembly. The use of a debris shield as disclosed herein should prevent debris from falling into a fuel bundle and thereby reduce fuel rod failures due to debris. Similarly, preventing debris falling into the fuel bundle is expected to assure the operational life of the fuel assembly by reducing the risk of fuel rod failure and premature discharge from the reactor core. While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
	abstract	An improved method and apparatus for S/TEM sample preparation and analysis. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide improved methods for TEM sample creation, especially for small geometry (<100 nm thick) TEM lamellae. A novel sample structure and a novel use of a milling pattern allow the creation of S/TEM samples as thin as 50 nm without significant bowing or warping. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide methods to partially or fully automate TEM sample creation, to make the process of creating and analyzing TEM samples less labor intensive, and to increase throughput and reproducibility of TEM analysis.
042773083	claims	1. A rate of change of reactor power level count-factor-increase time monitor for developing a scram signal with the count-factor-increase time less than or equal to a particular value corresponding to an asymptotic period T, comprising a pulse-type neutron detector having a pulsed output developing pulses corresponding to the incidence of a neutron thereon, means coupled to said detector for counting the number of pulses N.sub.1 therefrom during a first time period .DELTA.t, means coupled to said detector for counting the number of pulses N.sub.2 therefrom during a next time period .DELTA.t divided by n, said next time period .DELTA.t beginning at the end of said first time period .DELTA.t, where n is greater than 1 and .DELTA.t=T(1n n), and comparator means coupled to both said means for counting and being responsive to the values counted thereof to develop a scram signal with N.sub.2 .gtoreq.1.1N.sub.1 during said next time period. 2. The monitor of claim 1 wherein said means for counting the number of pulses N.sub.2 includes a programmable divider coupled to said detector and being responsive to the pulsed output thereof to develop a divider output, said divider output being pulsed with the number of pulses therefrom equal to the pulsed output of said detector divided by n, and a counter coupled to said divider and being responsive to said divider output to develop an N.sub.2 output corresponding to the count of the number of pulses of said divider output. 3. The monitor of claim 2 wherein said means for counting the number of pulses N.sub.1 includes a register coupled to said comparator means and which develops an output equal to the value of N.sub.1 at the end of said first time period .DELTA.t, said comparator means comparing said output of said register N.sub.1 with the output of said counter N.sub.2 during said next .DELTA.t. 4. The monitor of claim 3 further including a programmable timer coupled to said counter and said means for counting the number of pulses N.sub.1 and developing a command signal every .DELTA.t, said counter and said means for counting the number of pulses N.sub.1 being responsive to said command signal to begin counting from zero again, said register being responsive to said command signal to update the value of said register's output so that said comparator means compares the count of said counter during a .DELTA.t time period with N.sub.1 from the previous .DELTA.t time period. 5. The monitor of claim 4 further including a preset count coupled to said register for presetting said register's output during the first .DELTA.t time period.
055132340	description	DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Firstly, referring to FIG. 1, which is a cross sectional view of the new structural member and pressure tubes exhibiting the following features: interior tube cavity 11 of the Calandria tube 14; new structural member tubes 12 used as beam designed to support loads and stresses with minimal deflection of the Calandria tube 14 and fuel channel pressure tube 18; Calandria tube 14 surrounding the fuel channel pressure tube 18 for support and structural strength; cylindrical air space 15 allowing flexible movement of the fuel channel pressure tube 18 within the Calandria tube 14; support pads 16 to support and cushion the fuel channel pressure tube 18 within the Calandria tube 14; support pad 16A supporting the bottom of the fuel channel pressure tube 18 within the Calandria tube 14; intermediate bracing pad 16B supporting the side walls of the fuel channel pressure tube 18 within the Calandria tube 14; fuel channel pressure tube 18 inside of the Calandria tube 14 holding the nuclear fuel for the reactor; steel plate or web 22 between two fuel channel pressure tubes 18 to give support and flexible strength to the fuel channel pressure tubes 18 surrounding the Calandria tubes 14; strap with bolt 24 attaching the Calandria tubes 14 to the steel plate or web 22. Now, referring to FIG. 2 which is a cross sectional view of the new structural member and pressure tubes along with a side view of the pressure tubes and web exhibiting the following features: interior tube cavity 11 of the Calandria tube 14; new structural member tubes 12 used as beam designed to support loads and stresses with minimal deflection of the Calandria tube 14 and fuel channel pressure tube 18; Calandria tube 14 surrounding the fuel channel pressure tube 18 for support and structural strength; cylindrical air space 15 allowing flexible movement of the fuel channel pressure tube 18 within the Calandria tube 14; fuel channel pressure tube 18 inside of the Calandria tube 14 holding the nuclear fuel for the reactor; steel plate or web 22 between two fuel channel pressure tubes 18 to give support and flexible strength to the fuel channel pressure tubes 18 surrounding the Calandria tubes 14; steel plate or web support pad 22A supporting the upper fuel channel pressure tubes 18 within the new structural member tubes 12 restricting vertical movement of the fuel channel pressure tubes 18 as part of the steel plate or web 22; holes in steel plate or web 22C allows flexibility of the Calandria tubes 14. Now, referring to FIG. 3, which is a cross sectional view of the new structural members inside of the nuclear reactor exhibiting the following features: interior tube cavity 11 of the Calandria tube 14; new structural member tubes 12 used as beam designed to support loads and stresses with minimal deflection of the Calandria tube 14 and fuel channel pressure tube 18; Calandria tube 14 surrounding the fuel channel pressure tube 18 for support and structural strength; cylindrical air space 15 allowing flexible movement of the fuel channel pressure tube 18 within the Calandria tube 14; fuel channel pressure tube 18 inside of the Calandria tube 14 holding the nuclear fuel for the reactor; steel plate or web 22 between two fuel channel pressure tubes 18 to give support and flexible strength to the fuel channel pressure tubes 18 surrounding the Calandria tubes 14; steel plate or web support pad 22A supporting the upper fuel channel pressure tubes 18 within the new structural member tubes 12 restricting vertical movement of the fuel channel pressure tubes 18 as part of the steel plate or web 22. Now, referring to FIG. 4, which is a second cross sectional view of the new structural members inside of the nuclear reactor exhibiting the following features: interior tube cavity 11 of the Calandria tube 14; new structural member tubes 12 used as beam designed to support loads and stresses with minimal deflection of the Calandria tube 14 and fuel channel pressure tube 18; Calandria tube 14 surrounding the fuel channel pressure tube 18 for support and structural strength; cylindrical air space 15 allowing flexible movement of the fuel channel pressure tube 18 within the Calandria tube 14; fuel channel pressure tube 18 inside of the Calandria tube 14 holding the nuclear fuel for the reactor; steel plate or web 22 between two fuel channel pressure tubes 18 to give support and flexible strength to the fuel channel pressure tubes 18 surrounding the Calandria tubes 14; steel plate or web support pad 22A supporting the upper fuel channel pressure tubes 18 within the new structural member tubes 12 restricting vertical movement of the fuel channel pressure tubes 18 as part of the steel plate or web 22. Now, referring to FIG. 5, which is a cross sectional view of the new structural member and pressure tubes showing the side bolts exhibiting the following features: interior tube cavity 11 of the Calandria tube 14; new structural member tubes 12 used as beam designed to support loads and stresses with minimal deflection of the Calandria tube 14 and fuel channel pressure tube 18; Calandria tube 14 surrounding the fuel channel pressure tube 18 for support and structural strength; cylindrical air space 15 allowing flexible movement of the fuel channel pressure tube 18 within the Calandria tube 14; fuel channel pressure tube 18 inside of the Calandria tube 14 holding the nuclear fuel for the reactor; steel plate or web 22 between two fuel channel pressure tubes 18 to give support and flexible strength to the fuel channel pressure tubes 18 surrounding the Calandria tubes 14; steel plate or web support pad 22A supporting the upper fuel channel pressure tubes 18 within the new structural member tubes 12 restricting vertical movement of the fuel channel pressure tubes 18 as part of the steel plate or web 22; steel plate or web bolts 22B attaching the Calandria tubes 14 to the steel plate or web 22. Now, referring to FIG. 6, which is a cross sectional view of the new structural members showing four pressure tube structure exhibiting the following features: fuel channel pressure tube 18 inside of the Calandria tube 14 holding the nuclear fuel for the reactor; four pressure tube structural member 20 holding four fuel channel pressure tubes 18 within the Calandria tubes 14. Now, referring to FIG. 7, which is a cross sectional view of the new structural members with various detail showing four pressure tube structure with support details exhibiting the following features: fuel channel pressure tube 18 inside of the Calandria tube 14 holding the nuclear fuel for the reactor; four pressure tube structural member 20 holding four fuel channel pressure tubes 18 within the Calandria tubes 14. Now, referring to FIG. 7A, which is a detail view of the center wall horizontal support inside of the cross sectional view of the new structural members with four pressure tube structure exhibiting the following features: four pressure tube structural member 20 holding four fuel channel pressure tubes 18 within the Calandria tubes 14; four pressure tube structural member center wall horizontal support 20A supporting the upper fuel channel pressure tube 18 and the lower fuel channel pressure tube 18 within the four pressure tube structural member 20 restricting vertical movement of the fuel channel pressure tubes 18. Now, referring to FIG. 7B, which is a detail view of the center wall vertical support inside of the cross sectional view of the new structural members with four pressure tube structure exhibiting the following features: four pressure tube structural member 20 holding four fuel channel pressure tubes 18 within the Calandria tubes 14; four pressure tube structural member center wall vertical support 20B supporting the left fuel channel pressure tube 18 and the right fuel channel pressure tube 18 within the four pressure tube structural member 20 restricting horizontal movement of the fuel. Now, referring to FIG. 7C, which is a detail view of the center wall corner support inside of the cross sectional view of the new structural members with four pressure tube structure exhibiting the following features: four pressure tube structural member 20 holding four fuel channel pressure tubes 18 within the Calandria tubes 14; four pressure tube structural member corner support 20C supporting the each of the fuel channel pressure tubes 18 within the four pressure tube structural member 20 restricting rotational movement of the fuel channel pressure tubes 18; four pressure tube structural member corner support brace 20D supporting the four pressure tube structural member corner support 20C in order to support the fuel channel pressure tubes 18. Lastly, referring to FIG. 7D, which is a detail view of the center wall bottom support inside of the cross sectional view of the new structural members with four pressure tube structure exhibiting the following features: four pressure tube structural member 20 holding four fuel channel pressure tubes 18 within the Calandria tubes 14; four pressure tube structural member corner support brace 20D supporting the four pressure tube structural member corner support 20C in order to support the fuel channel pressure tubes 18. It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the type described above. While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a structural member for nuclear reactor pressure tubes, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.
	claims	1. A fuel assembly for being loaded into a reactor core wherein a control rod-side water gap width and an opposite-side water gap width are almost equal to each other, comprising: a plurality of fuel rods arranged in a square lattice pattern, each fuel rod being filled with nuclear fuel pellets, distances between adjacent fuel rods in row and column directions are the same; and at least one neutron moderator rod shifted toward one corner where a control rod is inserted, away from a cross sectional center of the fuel assembly. 2. A fuel assembly for being loaded into a reactor core wherein a control rod-side water gap width and an opposite-side water gap width are almost equal to each other, comprising: a plurality of fuel rods arranged in a square lattice pattern, each fuel rod being filled with nuclear fuel pellets, distances between adjacent fuel rods in row and column directions are the same; and at least one neutron moderator rod, a center of said at least one neutron moderator rod being shifted toward one corner where a control rod is inserted, away from a cross sectional center of the fuel assembly. 3. A fuel assembly for being loaded into a reactor core wherein a control rod-side water gap width and an opposite-side water gap width are almost equal to each other, comprising: a fuel bundle having a plurality of fuel rods arranged in a square lattice pattern and at least one neutron moderator rod, each fuel rod being filled with nuclear fuel pellets, distances between adjacent fuel rods in row and column directions are the same; an upper tie plate and a lower tie plate-holding upper end portions and lower end portions of said fuel rods respectively; and means for fixing a channel box covering said fuel bundle to one corner of said upper tie plate by a channel fastener, a center of said at least one neutron moderator rod being shifted toward said one corner, away from a cross sectional center of the fuel assembly. 4. A fuel assembly for being loaded into a reactor core wherein a control rod-side water gap width and an opposite-side water gap width are almost equal to each other, comprising: a plurality of fuel rods arranged in a square lattice of 10-rows by 10-columns, each fuel rod being filled with nuclear fuel pellets, distances between adjacent fuel rods in row and column directions are the same; and one water rod disposed in an area of 3-rows by 3-columns in said square lattice, a center of said one water rod being shifted toward one corner where a control rod is inserted with respect to a cross sectional center of the fuel assembly. 5. A fuel assembly for being loaded into a reactor core wherein a control rod-side water gap width and an opposite-side water gap width are almost equal to each other, comprising: a fuel bundle having a plurality of fuel rods arranged in a square lattice of 10-rows by 10-columns and one water rod disposed in an area of 3-rows by 3-columns in said square lattice, each fuel rod being filled with nuclear fuel pellets, distances between adjacent fuel rods in row and column directions are the same; an upper tie plate and a lower tie plate holding upper end portions and lower end portions of said fuel rods respectively; and means for fixing a channel box covering said fuel bundle to one corner of said upper tie plate by a channel fastener, a center of said one water rod being shifted toward said one corner with respect to a cross sectional center of the fuel assembly. 6. A fuel assembly for being loaded into a reactor core wherein a control rod-side water gap width and an opposite-side water gap width are almost equal to each other, comprising: a plurality of fuel rods arranged in a square lattice pattern, each fuel rod being filled with nuclear fuel pellets, distances between adjacent fuel rods in row and column directions are the same; and at least one neutron moderator rod shifted toward one corner where a control rod is inserted, away from a cross sectional center of the fuel assembly so as to cause the distribution of neutron moderators within a cross section to be shifted toward said one corner. 7. A fuel assembly for being loaded into a reactor core wherein a control rod-side water gap width and an opposite side water gap width are almost equal to each other, comprising: a plurality of fuel rods arranged in a square lattice pattern, each fuel rod being filled with nuclear fuel pellets, distances between adjacent fuel rods in row and column directions are the same; and at least one neutron moderator rod, a center of said at least one neutron moderator rod being shifted toward one corner where a control rod is inserted, away from a cross sectional center of the fuel assembly so as to cause the distribution of neutron moderators within a cross section to be shifted toward said one corner.
	description	The present invention relates to a device for managing the display of data on at least one display screen, for controlling a nuclear power plant including at least one nuclear reactor. The invention also relates to a system for controlling the nuclear power plant. The system comprises a set of sensors and actuators associated with the nuclear reactor(s), a plurality of electronic control units, each control unit being configured to perform at least one action from among acquiring a value measured by a corresponding sensor and controlling a corresponding actuator; and such an electronic device, the data being associated with the control units, the electronic device being connected to the plurality of control units. The control units and the sensor(s) and/or actuator(s) are according to several different nuclear safety classes. The invention also relates to a method for managing the data display, implemented by such an electronic device. The invention also relates to a computer program product including software instructions which, when implemented by a computer, implement such a display management method. Document U.S. Pat. No. 8,259,990 B2 describes a system for controlling a nuclear power plant, including secure equipment and non-secure equipment. Each piece of secure equipment is a piece of equipment capable of performing a function making it possible to stop a nuclear reactor immediately, and each piece of nonsecure equipment is a piece of equipment making it possible to perform normal starts/stops, and to monitor and/or control operations. The control system comprises a device for managing the display of data associated with the secure and non-secure equipment, the data associated with the different pieces of equipment being, during the display, superimposed on one another to obtain the displayed pages. However, with such a control system, the management of the display of the data associated with the secure equipment is not optimal. An aim of the present disclosure is therefore to provide an electronic device and a method for managing the display of data making it possible to improve the management of the safety of the data for the control of a nuclear power plant. To that end, an electronic device for managing the display of data on at least one display screen to control a nuclear power plant including at least one nuclear reactor is provided, the data coming from a plurality of electronic control units, each control unit being configured to perform at least one action from among acquiring a value measured by a sensor and controlling an actuator, the sensor(s) and/or actuator(s) being associated with the nuclear reactor(s), the control units and/or the sensor(s) and/or actuator(s) being according to several different nuclear safety classes, the electronic device being able to be connected to the plurality of control units, and comprising: a set of electronic module(s) for creating overlay(s), the assembly being configured to create several separate overlays, each overlay containing information to be displayed for a respective safety class, associated with one or several control units according to said safety class, and an electronic generating module configured to generate at least one data page to be displayed, each page being obtained by superimposing a plurality of separate overlays. Thus, the module(s) for creating overlay(s) are configured to create several separate overlays, each overlay containing information to be displayed for a respective safety class, said information being associated with one or several control units according to said safety class. Separating the information to be displayed via separate overlays from one safety class to the other then allows better management of the data safety to control the nuclear power plant, while avoiding mixing information between different safety classes. According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the electronic device comprises one or more of the following features, considered alone or according to all technically possible combinations: the electronic device comprises at least one module for creating overlay(s) for each respective safety class, the overlay creation modules being separated from one safety class to the next; the electronic device comprises a single generating module; the generating module is according to the highest safety class from among the different safety classes; the generating module is configured to generate each page by superimposing an overlay associated with a higher safety class on top of an overlay associated with a lower safety class, to favor the information from the higher safety class in case of conflict during the superposition of the overlays; the created overlays are separated from one safety class to the next; and each nuclear safety class is a safety class according to a standard chosen from among the group consisting of: standard IEC 61513, standard IEC 61226, standard IAEA, the United States of America nuclear safety standard, the European nuclear safety standard, the French N4 nuclear safety standard, the Japanese nuclear safety standard, the Republic of Korea nuclear safety standard, the Russian nuclear safety standard, the Swiss nuclear safety standard and the British nuclear safety standard. Further separating the creation of the overlays for different safety classes through independence of the associated creation modules allows better management of the manufacture of the screen pages containing information from electronic control units for different safety classes, and thus guarantees the display of information from the highest safety class. When the management device comprises several separate creation modules, each one is configured to create a separate overlay. A system for controlling a nuclear power plant including at least one nuclear reactor is also provided, the system comprising: a set of sensors and actuators associated with the nuclear reactor(s); a plurality of electronic control units, each control unit being configured to perform at least one action from among acquiring a value measured by a corresponding sensor and controlling an actuator, the control units and/or the sensor(s) and/or actuator(s) being according to several different nuclear safety classes; and an electronic device for managing the display of data on at least one display screen, the data being associated with the control units, the electronic device being connected to the plurality of control units, the electronic device being as defined above. A method for managing the display of data on at least one display screen to control a nuclear power plant including at least one nuclear reactor is also provided, the data coming from a plurality of electronic control units, each control unit being configured to perform at least one action from among acquiring a value measured by a sensor and controlling an actuator, the sensor(s) and/or actuator(s) being associated with the nuclear reactor(s), the control units and/or the sensor(s) and/or actuator(s) being according to several different nuclear safety classes, the method being able to be carried out by an electronic device able to be connected to the plurality of control units, and comprising: creating, for each page to be displayed on at least one display screen, of several separate overlays, each overlay containing information to be displayed for a respective safety class, associated with one or several control units according to said safety class, and generating at least one data page to be displayed, each page being obtained by superimposing a plurality of separate overlays. According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the display management method comprises one or more of the following features, considered alone or according to all technically possible combinations: during the creation of the overlays, the created overlays are separated from one safety class to the next; and during generation of the page(s), an overlay associated with a higher safety class is superimposed on top of an overlay associated with a lower safety class, to favor the information from the higher safety class in case of conflict during the superposition of the overlays. A computer program product is also provided comprising software set points which, when implemented by a computer, carry out a display management method as defined above. FIG. 1 shows a system 10 for controlling a nuclear power plant including at least one nuclear reactor, not shown. The control system 10 comprises a set of sensors 12A, 12B, 12C and actuators 14A, 14B, 14C associated with the nuclear reactor(s). The control system 10 comprises a plurality of electronic control units 16A, 16B, 16C, each control unit 16A, 16B, 16C being configured to perform at least one action from among acquiring a value measured by a corresponding sensor 12A, 12B, 12C and controlling a corresponding actuator 14A, 14B, 14C. The control system 10 comprises an electronic device 18 for managing the display of data on at least one display screen 20, the data being associated with the control units, the electronic device 18 being connected to the plurality of control units 16A, 16B, 16C. “Data associated with the control units” refers to data from the control units 16A, 16B, 16C and/or data sent to the control units 16A, 16B, 16C. These data are for example measurements done by the sensors 12A, 12B, 12C, and then come from control units 16A, 16B, 16C; and/or control orders intended for actuators 14A, 14B, 14C, these data then first being sent to the control units 16A, 16B, 16C. The control system 10 comprises, optionally and additionally, several interface modules with the user, such as one or several display screens 20, a keyboard 22 and a pointing device (mouse, trackball, touchscreen, etc.) 24, visible in FIG. 1. In the example of FIG. 1, the control system 10 comprises three display screens 20, and the display screens 20, the keyboard 22 and the pointing device 24 are connected directly to the management device 18. The sensor(s) 12A, 12B, 12C and/or actuator(s) 14A, 14B, 14C and the control units 16A, 16B, 16C are in accordance with several separate nuclear safety classes, each in compliance with a respective nuclear safety class. As an illustration, each safety class is associated with a respective suffix letter ‘A’, ‘C’ for the references relative to the sensor(s) 12A, 12B, 12C, the actuator(s) 14A, 14B, 14C and the control units 16A, 16B, 16C. In the example of FIG. 1, the sensor(s) 12A, 12B, 12C and/or actuator(s) 14A, 14B, 14C and the control units 16A, 16B, 16C are according to three separate safety classes, the suffix letter ‘A’ corresponding by convention to the highest safety class, the suffix letter ‘C’ corresponding to the lowest safety class, and the suffix letter ‘B’ corresponding to the intermediate safety class. Each safety class is associated with a degree of safety, and by definition the highest safety class is that having the highest degree of safety. By analogy, the lowest safety class is that having the lowest degree of safety. Each nuclear safety class is, for example, a safety class according to a standard chosen from among the group consisting of: standard IEC 61513, standard IEC 61226, standard IAEA, the United States of America nuclear safety standard, the European nuclear safety standard, the French N4 nuclear safety standard, the Japanese nuclear safety standard, the Republic of Korea nuclear safety standard, the Russian nuclear safety standard, the Swiss nuclear safety standard and the British nuclear safety standard. For example, a match table between these nuclear safety standards is provided in table 1 below. TABLE 1StandardNuclear safety classUSAClass 1E, secure\|,Systems whoseNon-secureor safety-relatedsafety functionsmay be inhibitedby a failureRISC-1, RISC-3RISC-2,RISC-4IAEASecureSafety-relatedNotimportantfor securityIEC 61226Category ACategory BCategory CUnclassifiedIEC 61513Class 1Class 2Class 3UnclassifiedEuropeF1AF1BF2UnclassifiedFrance N41E2EIFC/NCJapanPS1/MS1PS2/MS2PS3/MS3Non-secureSouthIC-1IC-2IC-3Non-ICKoreaRussiaClass 2Class 3Class 4Switzer-Category ACategory BCategory CNotlandimportantfor securityUnitedCategory 1Category 2UnclassifiedKingdom Each nuclear safety class is preferably a safety class according to standard IEC61513. The highest safety class is then class 1, and the lowest safety class is class N, where N represents the number of classes involved. In other words, according to standard IEC 61513, class 1 is that having the highest degree of safety, and class N is that having the lowest degree of safety. The sensor(s) 12A, 12B, 12C and/or actuator(s) 14A, 14B, 14C and the control units 16A, 16B, 16C are known in themselves, to control the nuclear power plant. The sensor(s) 12A, 12B, 12C are for example sensors for measuring a temperature, pressure, flow rate, quantity of liquid in a reservoir, position. The actuator(s) 14A, 14B, 14C are for example pumps, valves, electrical circuit breakers. The management device 18 is configured to manage the display of data associated with the control units 16A, 16B, 16C. As an optional addition, the management device 18 is further configured to manage commands or actions from one or several operators, these commands or actions corresponding to entries made by the operator(s) using interface modules, such as the keyboard 22 and the pointing device 24. These commands or actions are for example intended for the control units 16A, 16B, 16C to command the actuators 14A, 14B, 14C. Alternatively or additionally, these actions are intended to navigate between data display pages or to enter requests. The management device 18 comprises a set 25 of electronic module(s) 26A, 26B, 26C for creating overlay(s) 28A, 28B, 28C, the set 25 being configured to create several distinct overlays 28A, 28B, 28C, each overlay 28A, 28B, 28C containing information to be displayed for a respective safety class, associated with one or several control units 16A, 16B, 16C. The management device 18 preferably comprises at least one module for creating overlay(s) 26A, 26B, 26C for each respective safety class. The modules for creating overlay(s) 26A, 26B, 26C are for example separated from one safety class to the next. If applicable, each safety class is associated with a respective suffix letter ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ for the references 26A, 26B, 26C relative to the overlay creation modules, with the previously described convention, namely that the letter ‘A’ corresponds to the safest class, the letter ‘C’ corresponding to the least safe class and the letter ‘B’ corresponding to the class of intermediate safety. The management device 18 comprises an electronic generating module 30 configured to generate at least one data page 32 to be displayed, each page 32 being obtained by superimposing a plurality of separate overlays 28A, 28B, 28C. The management device 18 preferably comprises a single generating module 30. The generating module 30 is then preferably according to the highest safety class from among the different safety classes. As an optional addition, the management device 18 comprises one or several distributors 34B, 34C, each being connected to several overlay creation modules 26A, 25 26B, 26C and associated with a respective safety class, as shown in FIG. 2. As a further optional addition, the management device 18 comprises a data concentrator 36 connected between, on the one hand, the control units 16A, 16B, 16C, and, on the other hand, the overlay creation modules 26A, 26B, 26C, in particular the distributors 34B, 34C if applicable. The data concentrator 36 includes one or several data 30 concentration units 38A, 38B, 38C, each data concentration unit 38A, 38B, 38C being connected to one or several control units 16A, 16B, 16C and associated with a respective safety class. According to this optional addition and in the example of FIG. 2, the data concentrator 36 includes three data concentration units 38A, 38B, 38C, the data concentration unit 38A, associated with class 1 according to standard IEC 61513, being connected to a control unit 16A and the overlay creation module 26A, the data concentration unit 38B, associated with class 2 according to standard IEC 61513, being connected between three control units 16B and the distributor 34B, and the data concentration unit 38C, associated with class 3 according to standard IEC 61513, being connected between a single control unit 16C and the distributor 34C. The management device 18 for example comprises one or several information processing unit(s) each formed by a processor and a memory associated with the processor, not shown. The overlay creation module(s) 26A, 26B, 26C and the generating module 30 are then for example made in the form of overlay creation software, and respectively generating software, these software programs being able to be stored in the memory and to be executed by the corresponding processor. As an optional addition, the distributors 34B, 34C are also made in the form of distributing software able to be stored in the memory and executed by the processor. Alternatively, the overlay creation module(s) 26A, 26B, 26C and the generating module 30 are made in the form of programmable logic components, such as FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays), or in the form of dedicated integrated circuits, such as ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). Each overlay 28A, 28B, 28C is also called layer, and contains information specific to a given safety class. The created overlays 28A, 28B, 28C are separated from one safety class to the next. The overlays 28A, 28B, 28C are defined in the computer file format containing graphic objects. The overlays 28A, 28B, 28C make it possible to depict a dynamic state of the nuclear power plant and control the power plant through operator actions. The generating module 30 is preferably configured to generate each page 32 by favoring the information for the highest safety class in case of conflict during the superposition of the overlays. The generating module 30 is then configured to superimpose an overlay 28A, 28B associated with a higher safety class on top of an overlay 28B, 28C associated with a lower safety class. In the example of FIG. 4, the overlay 28C is thus superimposed on a background 39, the overlay 28B is next superimposed on the result obtained by 30 superposition of the background 39 and the overlay 28C, and the overlay 28A is lastly superimposed on the result obtained by superposition of the background 39 and the overlays 28C, 28B. In the example of FIG. 1, the generating module 30 includes a unit 40 for producing each page 32 from the overlay 28A, 28B, 28C provided by the set 25 of electronic module(s) 26A, 26B, 26C, a unit 42 for managing display screens 20, a unit, not shown, for managing entries made by an operator via the keypad 22 and the pointing device 24, and a library 44 of static elements representing the backgrounds 39 of the images. The library of static elements 44 for example includes symbols and/or icons to be displayed on the screen 20, in addition to information associated with the sensor(s) 12A, 12B, 12C and/or actuator(s) 14A, 14B, 14C. Each distributor 34B, 34C is, for a respective safety class, configured to distribute the received information between different overlay(s) creation modules 26A, 26B, 26C, which then makes it possible to create, in parallel for different screens 20, several separate overlays 28A, 28B, 28C for a given safety class. Each data concentration unit 38A, 38B, 38C forms a data gateway between, on the one hand, the control unit(s) 16A, 16B, 16C to which it is connected, and on the other hand, the overlay(s) creation modules 26A, 26B, 26C, in particular the distributors 34B, 34C if applicable, to which it is connected. The operation of the management device 18 will now be explained using FIG. 3, showing a flowchart of the inventive method for managing the display of data to control the nuclear power plant. During an initial step 100, the management device 18, in particular the set 25 of overlay(s) creation module(s) 26A, 26B, 26C, or even, if applicable, the distributors 34B, 34C, receives data intended to be displayed on the display screen(s) 20 by control units 16A, 16B, 16C, these data in turn being associated with the sensor(s) 12A, 12B, 12C and/or actuator(s) 14A, 14B, 14C. During the following step 110, the set 25 of overlay(s) creation module(s) 26A, 26B, 26C creates, for each of the pages to be displayed on the screens 20, several separate overlays 28A, 28B, 28C, each overlay 28A, 28B, 28C containing information to be displayed for a respective safety class, this information having been received from the control unit(s) 16A, 16B, 16C according to said safety class. When the overlays 28A, 28B, 28C are created 110, the created overlays 28A, 28B, 28C are preferably separated from one safety class to the next. Preferably, the management device 18 comprises at least one module for creating overlay(s) 26A, 26B, 26C for each respective safety class, the overlay creation modules 26A, 26B, 26C being separated from one safety class to the next. This then allows the separation of the information from different safety classes intended to be displayed. The data from a sensor 12A, 12B, 12C or actuator 14A, 14B, 14C according to a given safety class are first sent to a control unit 16A, 16B, 16C according to said given class, then to the overlay(s) creation module 26A, 26B, 26C according to said given class. In other words, the architecture of the control system 10 according to an embodiment of the invention in this case guarantees that the data pass from the sensor 12A, 12B, 12C or the actuator 14A, 14B, 14C to the overlay(s) creation module 26A, 26B, 26C through elements that all comply with the same given safety class, which then makes it possible to improve the management of the data safety. The fact that the generating module 30 is compliant with the highest safety class from among the different safety classes then makes it possible to guarantee safe processing of the data even if the generating module 30 is the only one and connected to the set 25 of overlay(s) creation module(s) 26A, 26B, 26C. Indeed, the generating module 30 compliant with the highest safety class is compatible and able to communicate with an 10 overlay(s) creation module 26B, 26C according to a safety class having a lower degree of safety, while guaranteeing that this lower degree of safety will nevertheless be respected. During the following step 120, the generating module 30 generates at least one data page 32 to be displayed, each page 32 being obtained by superimposing several separate overlays 28A, 28B, 28C. When page(s) 32 are generated 120, an overlay 28A, 28B associated with a higher safety class is preferably superimposed on top of an overlay 28B, 28C associated with a lower safety class, as shown in FIG. 4. This then makes it possible to favor the information from the higher safety class, relative to that of a lower safety class, in case of overlap during the superposition of the overlays. In FIG. 4, the generating module 30 begins by generating a blank page 200, on which the background 39 is first superimposed, the background 39 for example coming from the library 44 and being stored in the memory, not shown, of the management device 18. The generating module 30 next adds the overlay 28C corresponding to the lowest safety class, by superposition on top of the background 39, then adds the overlay 28B corresponding to the intermediate safety class by superposition on top of the overlay 28C previously added. Lastly, the generating module 30 adds the overlay 28A corresponding to the highest safety class by superposition on top of the overlay 28B previously added, in order to ultimately obtain the page 32 to be displayed on the corresponding display screen(s) 20. In other words, the separate overlays 28A, 28B, 28C are taken into account by increasing order of degree of safety of the safety class with which they are associated, this increasing order being represented by the arrow F visible in FIG. 4. Each overlay 28A, 28B, 28C is then superimposed on top of the overlay(s) 28B, 28C, or on top of the background 39, already taken into account. One skilled in the art will understand that the information that is visible and displayed ultimately on the page 32 generated by the generating module 30 is the information contained in the overlay 28A corresponding to the safest safety class, as well as that contained in an overlay 28B, 28C corresponding to a lower safety class and not covered by information from an overlay 28A, 28B from a higher safety class. One can then see that the electronic device 18 and the method for managing the display of data improve the management of the safety of the data in order to control the nuclear power plant, while making it possible to separate the information to be displayed by overlays 28A, 28B, 28C developed separately from one safety class to the next.
	abstract	Design data and sample characteristic information corresponding to individual areas on the design data are used to perform an image quality improvement operation to make appropriate improvements on image quality according to sample characteristic corresponding to the individual areas on the image, allowing a high speed area division on the image. Further, the use of a database that stores image information associated with the design data allows for an image quality improvement operation that automatically emphasizes portions of the image that greatly differ from past images of the similar design data.
	abstract	A charged particle shaped beam column includes: a charged particle source; a gun lens configured to provide a charged particle beam approximately parallel to the optic axis of the column; an objective lens configured to form the charged particle shaped beam on the surface of a substrate, wherein the disk of least confusion of the objective lens does not coincide with the surface of the substrate; an optical element with 8N poles disposed radially symmetrically about the optic axis of the column, the optical element being positioned between the condenser lens and the objective lens, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; and a power supply configured to apply excitations to the 8N poles of the optical element to provide an octupole electromagnetic field. The octupole electromagnetic field is configured to induce azimuthally-varying third-order deflections to the beam trajectories passing through the 8N-pole optical element. By controlling the excitation of the 8N poles a shaped beam, such as a square beam, can be formed at the surface of the substrate. The 8N-pole element can be magnetic or electrostatic.
	abstract	In fabricating an X-ray mask, a chromium oxide film serving as an etching stopper is formed on a diamond film serving as an X-ray transmitter. Then, a diamond layer serving as a first X-ray absorber is formed on the chromium oxide film. Thereafter, a tungsten layer serving as a second X-ray absorber is formed on the diamond layer. Consequently, the diamond layer and the tungsten layer form an X-ray absorber having a laminated structure. When the X-ray absorber has a laminated structure including substances having different compositions, the transmittance and the phase shift quantity of the overall X-ray absorber can be readily adjusted. Thus, a method of fabricating an X-ray mask providing improved resolution of the pattern of a semiconductor device or the like is obtained.
049869582	description	DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present inventor examined a fuel assembly having a further enhanced enrichment and hence a further high burn-up, while utilizing the concept disclosed in Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 58-26292, that is, the feature in which the enrichment of the upper regions of fuel rods disposed in the periphery of a fuel assembly are greater than the average enrichment of the upper region of the fuel assembly, while the enrichment of the lower regions of the fuel rods disposed in that periphery are made greater than the average enrichment of the lower region of the fuel assembly, whereby fuel economy is improved. From this examination, the present inventor discovered the following problem: since, in the aforesaid fuel assembly, fuel rods having higher enrichment are disposed in the periphery in which neutron flux level is high and, furthermore, it is necessary to further enhance the enrichment so as to extend burn-up, the peaking in the axial power distribution which is formed in the lower region further increases. As a result, the maximum linear power density of each of the fuel rods may exceed its permissible value. To obtain a means for solving the abovedescribed problem, the present inventor examined in various aspects of the fuel assembly disclosed in Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 58-26292. In this examination, the present inventor employed a fuel assembly in which the quantity of fissile material in its periphery was greater than that in its central portion and in which the total quantity of fissile material was increased. First, the present inventor investigated the reason why the axial power peaking formed in the lower region increased when the total quantity of fissile material was increased in a fuel assembly in which the quantity of fissile material in the periphery was greater than that in the central portion. From this investigation, the following fact was discovered: That is, the void fraction in the lower region of the fuel assembly is small compared with that in the upper region and therefore the effect of slowing down of neutrons is large. The effect of slowing down of neutrons in the periphery portion of the cross section of the fuel assembly is larger than that in the central. Accordingly, in a case where the quantity of fissile material is increased in the whole fuel assembly, a local power peaking becomes excessively large in the periphery of the lower region, thus resulting in an increase in the axial power peaking. Based on this finding, further investigations were made while changing the quantity of fissile material in the periphery of the lower region, and the characteristic shown in FIG. 1 was obtained. The characteristic shown in FIG. 1 represents the relationship between the proportion of fuel rods in the fuel rods disposed in the periphery (the outermost periphery), whose enrichment in their respective lower regions are greater than the average enrichment in the lower region of the fuel assembly and the increment of the local power peaking of the fuel assembly. As can be seen from FIG. 1, when the proportion of the fuel rods whose enrichment in their respective lower region are greater than the average enrichment in the lower region of the fuel assembly exceeds 20% of the total number of fuel rods disposed in the periphery, then the increment of the local power peaking becomes remarkably large. For this reason, it is desirable that the proportion of the fuel rods whose enrichment in their respective lower region are greater than the average enrichment in the lower region of the fuel assembly is selected to be not greater than 20% in the periphery of the fuel assembly. If, in the periphery of the fuel assembly, the proportion of fuel rods having a large enrichment is selected to be not greater than the above numerical value, it is possible to suppress a remarkable increase in the axial power peaking and hence to reduce the maximum linear power density of each fuel rod to a level below its permissible value. In addition to the investigation as to the lower region of the fuel assembly, the present inventor investigated the influence in the upper region of the fuel assembly which was exerted by the proportion of fuel rods in the fuel rods disposed in the periphery (the outermost periphery), whose enrichment in their respective upper regions was greater than the average enrichment in the upper region of the fuel assembly. From this investigation, the characteristic shown in FIG. 2 was obtained: That is, when the proportion of fuel rods whose enrichment in their respective upper regions are greater than the average enrichment in the upper region of the fuel assembly becomes less than 50% of the total number of fuel rods disposed in the periphery, then the increment of the infinite multiplication factor of the fuel assembly is remarkably reduced. Accordingly, if the proportion of fuel rods whose enrichment in their respective upper regions is greater than the average enrichment in the upper region of the fuel assembly is at least 50% of the total number of fuel rods disposed in the periphery, it is possible to effectively utilize the effect of the fuel assembly, disclosed in Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 58-26292, whose enrichment is enhanced in its periphery. However, even if, the proportion of fuel rods whose enrichment in their respective regions are greater than the average enrichment in the upper region of the fuel assembly are selected to be not less than 50% of the total number of fuel rods disposed in the periphery of the fuel assembly, since the void fraction in the upper region of the fuel assembly is high, the local power peaking does not increase to such an extreme level that may adversely affect the maximum linear power density of each of the fuel rods (that is, to such an extent that the maximum linear power density of each fuel rod exceeds its permissible value). One preferred embodiment of a fuel assembly which is implemented on the basis of the results of the above-described examinations in accordance with the present invention is described below with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. As illustrated, a fuel assembly 10 has a lower tie plate 14, a water rod 17, a plurality of fuel rods 16, and an upper tie plate 21. The upper and lower ends of the water rod 17 and each of the fuel rods 16 are supported by the lower tie plate 14 and the upper tie plate 21, respectively. A channel box 12 is mounted on the upper tie plate 21. The lower tie plate 14 is mounted on the lower end of the channel box 12. A plurality of openings are formed in the lower tie plate 14 and the lower end plugs 18 of the respective fuel rods 16 are inserted into the openings. The fuel rods 16 are urged downwardly by expansion springs 22 attached to their respective upper end plugs 20. A plurality of fuel spacers 26 are disposed in the fuel assembly 10 in the, axial direction thereof to keep the space between the adjacent fuel rods 16 at a predetermined interval. A handle 28 is mounted on the top of the upper tie plate 14. The fuel rods 16 each have a cladding pipe 30 whose opposite ends are hermetically closed by the lower end plug 18 and the upper end plug 20, respectively, and a multiplicity of fuel pellets 32 are charged into the cladding pipe 30. These fuel pellets 32 are pressed in the axial downward direction by a spring 34. The water rod 17, as shown in FIG. 5, is disposed in the center of the cross section of the fuel assembly 10. The outer diameter of the water rod 17 is selected to be greater than the pitches at which the fuel rods 16 are arranged. Specifically, the cross section of the water rod 17 occupies an area which accommodates four fuel rods 16. A dashed line 13 in FIG. 5 represents the boundary between the periphery and the central portion when the fuel assembly 10 is viewed in cross section. The periphery in which thermal neutron flux level is high is defined outside the dashed line 13, and accommodates the fuel rods 16 disposed in the outermost periphery of the fuel assembly 10. The area inside the dashed line 13 is the central portion in which a thermal neutron flux is small compared with that in the periphery. As shown in FIG. 6, the fuel rods accommodated in the fuel assembly 10 are specifically divided into five kinds, that is, fuel rods 1 to 5. The enrichment distribution in each of the fuel rods 1 to 5 is shown in FIG. 6. Each of the fuel rods 1 to 5 has natural uranium in the region from the lower end of an effective fuel length portion (a portion charged with fuel pellets, that is the portion shown as C in FIG. 4) to the height corresponding to 1/24 of the overall axial length of the effective fuel length portion, as well as in the region from the height corresponding to 23/24 of the overall axial length of the effective fuel length portion to the upper end of the effective fuel length portion. In the case of the fuel rod 1, the enrichment in the part of the fuel effective length portion which is not charged with natural uranium is 4.8% by weight. In the case of the fuel rod 2, the enrichment in the same part is 3.9% by weight. In the case of the fuel rod 4, the enrichment in the same part is 3.3% by weight. In the case of the fuel rod 5, the enrichment in the same part is 2.3% by weight. In each of the fuel rods described above, the enrichment is uniform in the axial direction. In the case of the fuel rod 3, if the lower end of its effective fuel length portion is specified as the base point, the enrichment in the region between the position corresponding to 1/24 of the overall axial length of the effective fuel length portion and the position corresponding to 11/24 of the overall axial length of the effective fuel length portion is 3.3% by weight, as well as the enrichment in a region above the aforesaid region, that is, in the region between the position corresponding to 11/24 of the overall axial length of the effective fuel length portion and the position corresponding to 23/24 of the overall axial length of the effective fuel length portion is 3.9% by weight. In the fuel assembly 10 having the fuel rods with the above-described enrichment distribution, the average enrichment in the lower region over the range from 1/24 to 11/24 of the overall axial length of the effective fuel length portion is 3.63% by weight, whereas the average enrichment in the upper region over the range from 11/24 to 23/24 of the overall axial length of the effective fuel length portion is 3.83% by weight. The lower region of the fuel assembly 10 corresponds to the range from the lower end of the effective fuel length portion to 11/24 of the overall axial length of the effective fuel length portion, while the upper region of the fuel assembly 10 corresponds to the range from 11/24 of the overall axial length of the effective fuel length portion to the upper end of the effective fuel length portion. The average enrichment in the upper region of the fuel assembly 10 is selected to be greater than that in the lower region. Among the twenty-eight fuel rods 16 disposed in the periphery of the fuel assembly 10, sixteen fuel rods 16 (whose proportion is 57%) are selected such that the enrichment in their respective upper regions are greater than the average enrichment in the upper region of the fuel assembly 10. However, the twenty-eight fuel rods 16 disposed in the periphery of the fuel assembly 10 does not includes any fuel rod whose enrichment in its lower region is greater than the average enrichment in the lower region of the fuel assembly 10. This fact satisfies such a condition that the proportion of fuel rods whose enrichment in their respective regions are greater than the average enrichment in the lower region of the fuel assembly does not exceed 20 percent of the total number of fuel rods disposed in the periphery of the fuel assembly 10. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the upper region of the fuel assembly 10, in which shaded circles represent the fuel rods 16 whose enrichment in their respective upper regions are greater than the average enrichment in the upper region of the fuel assembly 10. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the lower region of the fuel assembly 10, in which shaded circles represent the fuel rods 16 whose enrichment in their respective lower regions are greater than the average enrichment in the lower region of the fuel assembly 10. When a boiling water reactor having a core in which are loaded the fuel assemblies 10 each having the above-described construction is operated, the thermal neutron flux in the central portion, although the water rod 17 is provided, becomes greater than that in the periphery under the influence of the water gap between each adjacent fuel assembly 10. Since the proportion of fuel rods 16 whose enrichment in their respective upper regions are greater than the average enrichment in the upper region of the fuel assembly 10 is 57% of the total number of fuel rods 16 disposed in the periphery of the fuel rod 10, the infinite multiplication factor in the upper region of the fuel assembly 10 is large. This leads to an increase in the infinite multiplication factor in the whole of the fuel assembly 10. On the other hand, since the fuel rods 16 whose enrichment in their respective lower regions are less than the average enrichment in the lower region of the fuel assembly 10 are disposed in the periphery of the fuel assembly, the local power peaking of the fuel assembly 10 becomes small and the maximum linear power density becomes lower than its permissible value, as well as the infinite multiplication factor in the lower region of the fuel assembly 10 becomes small. The average enrichment of the fuel assembly 10 is remarkably large compared with that of the fuel assembly shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 in Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 58-26292. Accordingly, the length of burn-up of the fuel assembly 10 is even higher than that of the known fuel assembly. In addition, the fuel assembly 10 according to the above-described embodiment involves no problem in the term of power peaking for the follower reason. In this embodiment, since the fuel rods 16 whose enrichment in their respective upper regions having a higher void fraction are greater than the average enrichment of the upper region of the fuel assembly are disposed in the upper region of the fuel assembly 10, it is possible to attain the effects described in Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 58-26292, Page 4, the top of its left column, lines 11-17, that is, to greatly improve fuel economy and prolong the length of burn-up without the risk of adversely affecting any local peaking. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the fuel rods 16 whose enrichment in their respective lower regions having a lower void fraction are greater than the average enrichment of the lower region of the fuel assembly are not disposed in the lower region of the fuel assembly 10, the increment of the local power peaking, as shown in FIG. 1, is reduced to a minimum and therefore the local power peaking can be suppressed to a low level. Thus, the maximum linear power density of the fuel assembly 10 does not exceed its permissible value. The local power peaking is small in the lower region of the fuel assembly 10. Accordingly, even if a control rod is operated to form an axial power distribution whose peak, as shown in solid line in FIG. 8, is formed in the lower region of the fuel assembly 10, the maximum linear power density of the fuel assembly 10 does not exceed its permissible value. When the power distribution shown by the solid line is to be formed, the control rod may be inserted deeply into the core. The use of the fuel assembly 10 of this embodiment makes it possible to form the power distribution whose peak appears in its lower region without allowing the maximum linear power density to exceed the permissible value as described above. It is therefore possible to carry out spectral shift control which can effectively utilize fuel. In general, the spectral shift control is as follows. During the period from the beginning of a single fuel cycle to the middle of the same, the average axial power distribution in the core is formed so that its output peak may appear in the lower region of the fuel assembly 10 to increase the average void fraction in the core, thereby hardening a neutron spectrum and accelerating accumulation of plutonium in the upper region of the fuel assembly 10. By pulling out the control rod, in the final period of this fuel cycle, the average axial power distribution in the core is formed so that its power peak may appear in the upper region of the fuel assembly 10, the average void coefficient in the core is decreased, and thereby the neutron spectrum is softened. Thus, uranium 235 in the upper region of the fuel assembly 10 and the plutonium which has been accumulated in that upper region during the period from the beginning to the middle of the fuel cycle are burned to improve reactivity. In the core which accommodates the fuel assemblies 10, the axial power distribution having its peak in the upper region thereof as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 8 is formed during the final period of the fuel cycle owing to the facts that: (1) the average enrichment in the upper region of the fuel assembly 10 is greater than that in the lower region of the same; (2) more fuel rods having a large enrichment are disposed in the periphery of the upper region of the fuel assembly than in the periphery of the lower region of the same; (3) during the period from the start to the middle of one fuel cycle, a fissile material is consumed in the lower region of the fuel assembly and the fissionable material is accumulated in the upper region of the fuel assembly, as well as the control rod is pulled out. Thus, the void fraction is reduced and the reactivity can thereby be improved. for example, it is possible to improve the resistivity in the final period of one fuel cycle by 0.4% .DELTA.k. On the other hand, since the infinite multiplication factor decreases by approximately 0.2% .DELTA.k as the result of a reduction in the local power peaking in the lower region of the fuel assembly 10, the fuel economy is improved by the balance of an approximately 0.2% .DELTA.k. It is to be noted that, if the enrichment is averagely increased in the whole of the fuel assembly shown in FIG. 4 of Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 58-26292 up to the average enrichment of the fuel assembly 10, the local power peaking in the lower region increases and the maximum linear power density becomes greater than its permissible value. To prevent the occurrence of such a phenomenon, it is necessary to pull out the control rod by about half of its axial length, and the power distribution shown by a dashed line in FIG. 9 is formed in the axial direction of the core in an initial period of one fuel cycle. Accordingly, the power distribution whose power peak appears in its lower region, such as that shown by a solid line in FIG. 9 which is formed during an initial period of the fuel cycle of the fuel assembly 10, is not formed, and spectral shift control cannot be carried out. In order to flatten the axial power distribution as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,229,258, the boundary between the upper region of the fuel assembly whose average enrichment is large and the lower region of the fuel assembly whose average enrichment is small may preferably be established within the range from 1/3 to 7/12 of the overall axial length of the effective fuel length portion if the lower end of the effective fuel length portion of the fuel assembly is determined as the base point. Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 10. Although the above-described fuel assembly 10 has the fuel rods 16 which are disposed in a matrix of 8 rows and 8 columns, a fuel assembly 10A according to this embodiment has the fuel rods 16 which are disposed in a matrix of 9 rows and 9 columns. As in the case of the fuel assembly 10, the fuel rods 16 disposed in the fuel assembly 10A are divided into five kinds of fuel rods 1 to 5, and the differences between the fuel assemblies 10 and 10A only reside in the positions of the fuel rods and the number of fuel rods employed. A water rod 17A is disposed in the central portion of the fuel assembly 10A. The water rod 17A occupies a space which accommodates nine fuel rods 16. In the periphery of the fuel assembly 10A, twenty fuel rods 3 are disposed whose enrichment in their respective upper regions are greater than the average enrichment (3.89% by weight) in the region of the fuel assembly 10A which corresponds to the range from 11/24 to 22/24 of the overall axial length of the effective fuel length portion. The proportion of these fuel rods 3 is about 63 percent of the total number of fuel rods disposed in the periphery of the fuel assembly 10A. Therefore, the infinite multiplication factor of the upper region of the fuel assembly 10A is greater than that of the lower region of the same. On the other hand, the fuel rods disposed in the periphery of the fuel assembly 10A do not include any fuel rod whose enrichment in its lower region is greater than the average enrichment (3.66% by weight) in the region of the fuel assembly 10A which corresponds to the range from 1/24 (the lower end) to 11/24 of the overall axial length of the effective fuel length portion, and therefore the local power peaking is small in the lower region of the fuel assembly 10A. Accordingly, this embodiment can provide effects similar to those of the embodiment described previously. The concept illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B of U.S. Pat. No. 4,587,090 can be applied to the fuel assembly 10. More specifically, a burnable poison is introduced into the fuel assembly 10 so that the quantity of burnable poison contained in the upper region of the fuel assembly 10 may be greater than that of burnable poison contained in the lower region of the same. The burnable poison is, for example, Gd. A concrete method for making the quantity of burnable poison contained in the upper region of the fuel assembly 10 greater than that of burnable poison contained in the lower region of the same is that the number of fuel rods containing Gd at the same density in the upper region of the fuel assembly is made greater than that in the lower region of the same. The fuel assembly 10 characterized by this axial distribution of the burnable poison can provide the effect of spectral shift utilizing the burnable poison, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,587,090. Accordingly, as compared with the fuel assembly 10 which does not have the aforesaid axial distribution of the burnable poison, the effect of spectral shift is further enhanced and therefore fuel economy is further improved. In this case, it is likely that the difference between the infinite multiplication factor in the upper region of the fuel assembly and the infinite multiplication factor in the lower region of the fuel assembly becomes large and the shut-down margin of the reactor may consequently be narrowed. In this embodiment, however, since the peak of the axial power distribution appears in its lower region in the first half of one fuel cycle, the power output in the upper region of the fuel assembly becomes relatively small and thus the burn-up of the burnable poison in the upper region slows down. In consequence, a portion of the burnable poison remains unburnt in the final period of the fuel cycle, and the shut-down margin is improved. Finally, (1) the difference between the infinite multiplication factors in the upper region and the lower region of the fuel assembly becomes large and (2) the burnable poison partially remains unburnt, so that the influences of (1) and (2) upon the shut-down margin cancel out each other and the shut-down margin does not change. Another embodiment of the fuel assembly according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. The arrangement of a fuel assembly 10B according to this embodiment is substantially identical to that of the fuel assembly according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, and the fuel assembly 10B is characterized in that four fuel rods 2 are disposed in its periphery. The enrichment of the four fuel rods 2 in their respective lower regions are greater than the average enrichment (3.69% by weight) in the lower region of the fuel assembly 10B. The proportion of the fuel rods 2 whose enrichment in their respective lower regions are greater than the average enrichment in the lower region of the fuel assembly 10B is approximately 12.2% of the total number of fuel rods disposed in the periphery of the fuel assembly 10B. The average enrichment in the upper region of the fuel assembly 10B is approximately 3.89% by weight. Accordingly, this embodiment is capable of providing effects similar to those of the fuel assembly 10 but, in this embodiment, the local power peaking becomes slightly large compared with that of the fuel assembly 10.
	abstract	An optical detection apparatus and method thereof is provided, which is applicable for detecting the image signals of a labeled sample. First, a laser module provides excitation light, and the excitation light is continuously reflected by a scan module for providing linear scanning light by changing a reflection angle. The carrier moves the light module in a direction nonparallel to the linear direction so as to provide a two-dimensional testing zone. The labeled sample placed in the testing zone is excited by the linear scanning light and generates emission light to be received by the light receiver. Therefore, the light receiver forms the image signals of the labeled sample corresponding to the emission light.
	abstract	An x-ray transmissive window comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes arranged into a patterned frame. At least one transmission passage is defined in the patterned frame, the transmission passage extending from a base of the patterned frame to a face of the patterned frame. A film is carried by the patterned frame, the film at least partially covering the transmission passage while allowing transmission of x-rays through the transmission passage.
	summary
	description	This application claims priority to Korean Application No. 10-2006-0108377, filed on Nov. 3, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ion implanter for compensating for a wafer cut angle and an ion implantation method using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to an ion implanter for compensating for a wafer cut angle generated during wafer fabrication, when adjusting an angle of ion implantation into the wafer, and an ion implantation method using the same. 2. Background of the Invention In general, a semiconductor device may be fabricated through a variety of unit processes, for example, an exposure process, a diffusion process, an etching process, a chemical vapor deposition process, and an ion implantation process. Among the unit processes for fabricating the semiconductor device, the ion implantation process is a process of infiltrating impurities of a plasma ion-beam state into a surface of an intrinsic silicon (Si) wafer and acquiring a required conductive resistivity device. A conventional ion implantation device will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration view of a conventional ion implanter. As shown in FIG. 1, the conventional ion implanter 10 includes an orienter 11 for aligning a notch of a wafer W; a wafer stage 12 for mounting thereon the wafer W for ion implantation after completion of notch alignment; an ion implantation angle adjustment unit 13 for adjusting a slope of the wafer stage 12 to adjust an ion implantation angle of the wafer W mounted on the wafer stage 12; an ion beam generator 14 for irradiating an ion beam toward the wafer W mounted on the wafer stage 12; a scan driver 15 for moving the wafer stage 12 and allowing the ion beam irradiated by the ion beam generator 14 to scan the wafer W; and a controller 16 for controlling the orienter 11, the ion implantation angle adjustment unit 13, and the scan driver 15. In the conventional ion implanter, when the orienter 11 completes the notch alignment, the wafer W is loaded on the wafer stage 12 and is subjected to an ion implantation process by the ion beam generated from the ion beam generator 14. Before an ion beam is irradiated into the wafer W, a slope of the wafer stage 12 is controlled using the ion implantation angle adjustment unit 13, thereby adjusting an angle at which the ion beam is injected into the wafer W. However, the conventional ion implanter 10 measures and corrects a zero angle by hardware at the time of ion implantation into the wafer W and then keeps performing ion implantation on the basis of the corrected zero angle. Thus, a correction to compensate for a wafer cut angle, that is, an angle generated at the time of cutting a wafer, is not made. Therefore, there is a drawback in that an ion implantation angle cannot be delicately controlled even when a semiconductor device's after-ion-implantation profile is significantly varied, according to the ion implantation angle, due to miniaturization of the semiconductor device. In general, example embodiments of the invention relate to an ion implanter for compensating for a wafer cut angle generated during wafer fabrication, when adjusting an angle of ion implantation into the wafer, and an ion implantation method using the same. Accordingly, an ion implantation angle may exactly correspond with a desired angle that takes the wafer cut angle into consideration, thus enabling a delicate ion implantation process. In accordance with one example embodiment, there is provided an ion implanter for compensating for a wafer cut angle. The ion implanter may include an orienter for rotating a wafer mounted on an alignment stage thereof to align a notch of the wafer and a wafer stage for mounting thereon the wafer whose notch has been aligned. In addition, the ion implanter may include an ion implantation angle adjustment unit for adjusting an angle of the wafer stage, a cut angle measurement unit for measuring the wafer cut angle while the wafer is mounted and rotated on the alignment stage, and a controller for controlling the ion implantation angle adjustment unit to compensate for the measured wafer cut angle. In accordance with another example embodiment, there is provided an ion implantation method for compensating for a wafer cut angle. The method may include aligning a notch of a wafer. Next, the wafer cut angle may be calculated and an ion implantation angle of the wafer may be adjusted in consideration of the calculated wafer cut angle. Finally, the method may also include injecting an ion beam to implant ions into the wafer. Hereinafter, aspects of example embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that they can be readily implemented by those skilled in the art. FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration view of an ion implanter for compensating for a wafer cut angle. As shown in FIG. 2, the ion implanter 100 for compensating for the wafer cut angle may include an orienter 110, a cut angle measurement unit 120, a wafer stage 130, an ion implantation angle adjustment unit 140, an ion beam generator 150, a scan driver 160, and a controller 170. The orienter 110 may align a notch of a wafer W. The cut angle measurement unit 120 may measure a cut angle of the wafer W positioned at the orienter 110. The wafer stage 130 may mount the wafer W for an ion implantation process after completing notch alignment and cut angle measurement. The ion implantation angle adjustment unit 140 may adjust an angle of the wafer stage 130 thereby adjusting an angle at which an ion beam is injected into the wafer W. The ion beam generator 150 may generate and inject the ion beam into the wafer W. The scan driver 160 may move the wafer stage 130 to allow an ion beam generated by the ion beam generator 10 to scan the wafer W. The controller 170 may control the ion implantation angle adjustment unit 140 to compensate for the wafer cut angle measured by the cut angle measurement unit 120. The orienter 110 may include an alignment stage 111, a rotation motor 112, and a notch sensor 113. The alignment stage 111 may mount the wafer W on its top surface. The rotation motor 112 may rotate the alignment stage 111. The notch sensor 113 may be installed at one side of the alignment stage 111 and may sense the notch of the wafer W. The notch sensor 113 may include a light emitting element and a light receiving element. The light emitting element may emit a beam having a specific wavelength toward an edge of the wafer W. The light receiving element may sense a notch by using the beam received from the light emitting element and may output a detection signal to the controller 170. The cut angle measurement unit 120 may be installed at an upper side of the alignment stage 111 of the orienter 110 and may measure a cut angle generated by cutting when the wafer W is fabricated. To this end, the cut angle measurement unit 120 may include a beam generator 121 and a detector 122. The beam generator 121 may generate and irradiate a beam, for example, X-rays, into the wafer W. The detector 122 may receive a beam that is irradiated from the beam generator 121 and reflected from the rotating wafer W and may output a detection signal to the controller 170. The cut angle measurement unit 120 may further include a beam path adjustment unit 123 for adjusting a path of a beam such that a beam generated by the beam generator 121 is inclinedly incident on the wafer W, i.e., such that the beam's angle of incidence is non-perpendicular with respect to the wafer surface. The wafer stage 130 may load and mount thereon, by a wafer transfer robot, the wafer W for an ion implantation process after completion of notch alignment. The ion implantation angle adjustment unit 140 may adjust a slope of the wafer stage 130 by a driving unit such as a motor or a cylinder, etc., thereby adjusting an ion implantation angle with respect to the wafer W. The ion beam generator 150 may generate and inject an ion beam into the wafer W along a specific path for ion implantation into the wafer W. The scan driver 160 may move the wafer stage 130 in all directions by a driving unit, such as a rotation motor or a linear motor, to allow the ion beam to scan the wafer W. The controller 170 may control the orienter 110, the cut angle measurement unit 120, the ion implantation angle adjustment unit 140, the ion beam generator 150, and the scan driver 160. The controller may 170 control the ion implantation angle adjustment unit 140 to take into consideration the wafer cut angle measured by the cut angle measurement unit 120 such that injection of an ion beam into the wafer W can be accurately performed at a desired angle. The controller 170 can calculate a cut angle of a wafer W in various ways. For example, the controller 170 can calculate a wafer cut angle based on a variation of an intensity amount and/or a wavelength of the beam received by the detector 122. The variation may be caused by rotation of the wafer W and may be detected by the detector 122. In other words, a variation of an intensity amount and/or a wavelength of a reflected beam may occur because of rotation of a silicon lattice caused by the rotation of the wafer W. The variation may be acquired or derived from the detection signal generated by the detector 122 that receives a beam outputted from the beam generator 121 and reflected from the rotating wafer W. From this variation, the controller 170 may calculate a cut angle generated by cutting during fabrication of the wafer W. To accomplish this, the controller 170 may reference data retained therein or in a separate memory module. The data may include, e.g., a look-up table of numerical values for wafer cut angles corresponding to different variations of an intensity amount and/or a wavelength of a beam that the detector 122 receives. A detailed description of operation of the ion implanter 100 for compensating for the cut angle of the wafer will now be made in connection with a description of an exemplary ion implantation method for compensating for a wafer cut angle. FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary ion implantation method for compensating for a wafer cut angle. The ion implantation method may include aligning a wafer notch (step S10), calculating a cut angle of a wafer (step S20), adjusting an ion implantation angle of the wafer in consideration of the wafer cut angle (step S30), and injecting an ion beam into the wafer (step S40). In the step S10 of aligning the wafer notch, the notch sensor 113 may sense a notch of a wafer W loaded on the alignment stage 111 of the orienter 110 and the rotation motor 112 may rotate the wafer W, thereby aligning the notch. In the step S20 of calculating the cut angle of the wafer, the detector 122 may receive a reflection of a beam, e.g., X-rays, generated by the beam generator 121 and inclinedly incident on the wafer W mounted on the alignment stage 111 of the orienter 110. The detector 122 may output a detection signal indicating a variation of an intensity amount and/or a wavelength of the received beam to the controller 170. Using the detection signal of the detector 122, the controller 170 may calculate a wafer cut angle based on the intensity amount and/or wavelength variation. The variation of beam intensity amount and/or wavelength is caused by a collision and reflection of the beam from a silicon lattice of the rotating wafer W. The controller 170 may use previously stored data representing a relationship between a wafer cut angle and a variation of the beam to calculate the wafer cut angle. After calculating the cut angle of the wafer W, the controller 170 may control an angle of the wafer W, i.e., an angle of ion implantation into the wafer W, in consideration of the cut angle of the wafer W in the step S30. For example, the controller 170 may compensate for the cut angle of the wafer W by controlling the ion implantation angle adjustment unit 140 to exactly coincide an angle of an ion beam incident on the wafer W with a desired ion implantation angle. Accordingly, the angle of the ion beam incident on the wafer W may be controlled with consideration of an actual wafer angle generated due to the cut angle of the wafer W. By doing so, an angle at which an ion beam generated by the ion beam generator 150 is incident on the wafer W may be equal to a desired angle that takes into consideration the wafer cut angle and thus, a delicate ion implantation process can be performed. As described above, in an ion implanter for compensating for a wafer cut angle and an ion implantation method using the same, the wafer cut angle generated by cutting when a wafer is fabricated may be measured and compensated for when adjusting an angle of ion implantation into the wafer. Thus, an ion implantation angle may exactly correspond with a desired angle that takes into consideration the wafer cut angle, thus enabling a delicate ion implantation process. While the invention has been shown and described with respect to the embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
	claims	1. A Hall thruster with a shared magnetic structure comprising:a plurality of plasma accelerators each including an anode and a discharge zone for providing plasma discharge;an electrical circuit having one or more cathodes connected to said plurality of plasma accelerators for emitting electrons that are attracted to said anode in each of said plasma accelerators; anda shared magnetic circuit structure for establishing a transverse magnetic field in each of said plurality of plasma accelerators that creates an impedance to the flow of electrons toward said anode in each of said plurality of plasma accelerators and enables ionization of a gas moving through one or more of said plurality of plasma accelerators and which creates an axial electric field in said plurality of plasma accelerators for accelerating ionized gas through said one or more of said plurality of plasma accelerators to create thrust. 2. The Hall thruster of claim 1 in which said shared magnetic circuit structure includes at least one magnetic field source for creating said transverse magnetic field in each of said plurality of plasma accelerators. 3. The Hall thruster of claim 2 in which said at least one magnetic field source includes a magnetic field source chosen from the group consisting of: an electromagnetic coil and a permanent magnet. 4. The Hall thruster of claim 3 in which said shared magnetic circuit structure includes a selected combination of said at least one magnetic field source. 5. The Hall thruster of claim 2 in which said shared magnetic circuit structure includes an outer pole and an inner pole for each of said plurality of plasma accelerators. 6. The Hall thruster of claim 5 in which said shared magnetic circuit structure includes a magnetic material interconnecting said outer pole and said inner pole. 7. The Hall thruster of claim 6 in which said shared magnetic circuit structure includes at least one shared magnetic path for establishing said transverse magnetic field in each of said plurality of plasma accelerators. 8. The Hall thruster of claim 7 in which said shared magnetic circuit structure carries magnetic flux between said inner pole and said outer pole and through said magnetic material and said shared magnetic path. 9. The Hall thruster of claim 7 in which said shared magnetic path includes at least one magnetic field source chosen from the group consisting of: an electromagnetic coil and a permanent magnet. 10. The Hall thruster of claim 9 in which said shared magnetic path includes a selected combination of said at least one magnetic field source. 11. The Hall thruster of claim 7 further including a plurality of shared magnetic paths for establishing said transverse magnetic field in each of said plurality of plasma accelerators. 12. The Hall thruster of claim 11 in which said plurality of shared magnetic paths each include one or more magnetic field sources chosen from the group consisting of an electromagnetic coil and a permanent magnet. 13. The Hall thruster of claim 11 in which said plurality of magnetic paths include a selected combination of said one or more magnetic field sources. 14. The Hall thruster of claim 1 further including a plurality of cathodes. 15. The Hall thruster of claim 1 in which said plurality of plasma accelerators are selectively enabled for steering and attitude control of said Hall thruster. 16. The Hall thruster of claim 9 in which said shared magnetic path reduces the number of said one or more magnetic sources required to achieve a predetermined said transverse magnetic field in each of said plurality of plasma accelerators. 17. The Hall thruster of claim 16 in which the reduced number of said one or more magnetic field sources decreases the weight and volume of said Hall thruster. 18. The Hall thruster of claim 7 in which said plurality of plasma accelerators includes one or more inner plasma accelerators and one or more outer plasma accelerators arranged concentrically. 19. The Hall thruster of claim 18 in which said shared magnetic path provides an outer pole for said one or more inner plasma accelerators and an inner pole for said one or more outer plasma accelerators that establish said transverse magnetic field in each of the concentrically arranged plasma accelerators. 20. The Hall thruster of claim 7 in which said inner pole is racetrack shaped. 21. The Hall thruster of claim 20 in which said inner pole and said outer pole define a racetrack shaped plasma gap. 22. The Hall thruster of claim 7 in which said inner pole and said outer pole are linearly shaped to define at least one linearly shaped plasma gap. 23. The Hall thruster of claim 7 in which said shared magnetic path includes a plurality of branches that provide said inner pole for each of said plurality of plasma accelerators. 24. The Hall thruster of claim 23 in which said plurality of branches are arranged relative to each other in a configuration chosen from the group consisting of: an orthogonal configuration, an angle configuration, a parallel configuration, and an opposite configuration. 25. The Hall thruster of claim 24 in which said plurality of plasma accelerators are arranged relative to each other in a configuration chosen from the group consisting of: an orthogonal configuration, an angle configuration, a parallel configuration, and an opposite configuration. 26. The Hall thruster of claim 25 in which said at least one of said plurality of plasma accelerators are selectively enabled for steering and attitude control of said Hall thruster. 27. The Hall thruster of claim 1 further including one or more shared power processing units for providing power to said electrical circuit and said shared magnetic circuit structure. 28. The Hall thruster of claim 1 in which said gas is selectively provided to at least one of said plurality of plasma accelerators to create said thrust. 29. The Hall thruster of claim 28 in which selectively providing said gas to said one or more of said plurality of plasma accelerators is used for throttling, steering and attitude control of said Hall thruster.
041750039	abstract	A grid of improved design for a nuclear reactor fuel assembly which includes a multiplicity of interleaved straps enclosed in a peripheral frame which forms a grid of egg-crate configuration. Each cell formed by the grid straps, except those containing control rod guide tubes, supports a fuel rod which is held in place by springs projecting laterally inwardly into each cell from the grid straps. The springs extend parallel to the fuel rods and are spaced at 90.degree. intervals around the rod. Further, each of two adjacent springs contact a fuel rod at two points along its length and each of the other two adjacent springs contact the fuel rod at one point thus imparting strength and flexibility to the fuel assembly containing such grids.
053944488	claims	1. A method for processing elements activated by irradiation with a view to their removal, the activated elements comprising two constituents having different magnetic characteristics, a first one of said constituents having a high activity and a second one of said constituents having a substantially lower activity, said method comprising the steps of: (a) grinding the activated elements to obtain unit fragments, comprising first fragments consisting mainly of said first constituent and second fragments consisting mainly of said second constituent; (b) separating said first fragments consisting mainly of said first constituent and sending said first fragments by magnetic means to a first discharge and storage station, and separating second fragments consisting mainly of said second constituent and sending said second fragments by magnetic means to a continuous handling means; (c) continuously detecting by radioactivity measurement whether first fragments consisting mainly of said first constituent are present among said second fragments on said continuous handling means; and (d) sending said second fragments deposited on said continuous handling means to a second discharge and storage station if no first fragment of said first constituent is detected on said continuous handling means, and to said first discharge and storage station if at least one fragment of said first constituent is detected on said continuous handling means. (a) a grinding mill; (b) means for removing a product in divided form at an output of said grinding mill; (c) a magnetic separator having an input part communicating with a removal means of said grinding mill in order to feed it and first and second output paths for said product in divided form; (d) a first storage and removal means into which said first output path of the separator emerges; (e) a continuous handling means with two directions of motion, comprising a first end arranged below said second output path of said separator and above said first storage and removal means; (f) a radioactivity detector arranged in proximity to said continuous handling means and connected to a control unit of said continuous handling means; and (g) a second storage and removal means arranged below a second end of said continuous handling means to receive divided products discharged by said continuous handling means in a first direction of motion. 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the elements activated by irradiation are jackets of fuel elements of a reactor of the graphite/gas type, which consist of a tubular graphite element and of stainless steel wires implanted in the graphite element, and wherein grinding of the tubular graphite elements is carried out to obtain pieces of graphite and segments of stainless steel wires. 3. A method according to claim 2, comprising collecting the segments of stainless steel wires separated from the pieces of graphite in a high-integrity container. 4. A device for removing elements activated by irradiation, said device comprising 5. A device according to claim 4, wherein said grinding mill is an impeller-disk mill. 6. A device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said magnetic separator is a high-intensity roller separator comprising permanent magnets based on rare earths. 7. A device according to claim 6, wherein said magnetic separator comprises two separation stages. 8. A device according to claim 4, wherein said radioactivity detector is a scintillation detector. 9. A device according to claim 4, wherein at least one of said first storage and removal means and of said second storage and removal means comprises a hopper, a hatch body arranged under an outlet opening of said hopper, an element for closing said hopper, a transport and storage container comprising a leaktight closure element, means for transporting and lifting said container into an opening of said hatch body and means for moving closure elements of the hopper and of said container by sliding inside said hatch body, so as to selectively isolate and bring into communication said hopper and said container in lifted and engaged position inside said opening of said hatch body.
	claims	1. An operation method of a nuclear power plant comprising the steps of:augmenting a second reactor thermal power output in a second operation cycle of a reactor larger than a first reactor thermal power output in a first operation cycle before the second operation cycle; andmaking a temperature rise amount at a high pressure feedwater heater in said second operation cycle smaller than a temperature rise amount at said high pressure feedwater heater in said first operation cycle, and making an enthalpy difference of a coolant between an inlet and outlet of said reactor in said second operation cycle larger than an enthalpy difference of said first operation cycle, wherein said nuclear power plant comprises:the reactor;a steam loop comprising a high pressure turbine and low pressure turbine where steam generated by the reactor is supplied;a condenser for condensing steam discharged from a low pressure turbine;a low pressure feedwater heater placed at a more downstream side than the condenser and at a more upstream side than a main feedwater pump, and a high pressure feedwater heater placed at a more downstream side than said main feedwater pump and at a more upstream side than said reactor; anda feedwater loop for leading feedwater discharged from the high pressure feedwater heater to said reactor. 2. An operation method of a nuclear power plant according to claim 1, wherein said first operation cycle is a first operation cycle after the installation of said nuclear plant, said second operation cycle is an operation cycle after said first operation cycle, and at least not less than one operation cycle is made to intervene between said first operation cycle and said second operation cycle.
052873927	description	DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The fluid flow in a boiling water reactor will be generally described with reference to FIG. 1. Feedwater is admitted into reactor pressure vessel (RPV) 10 via an inlet 12. Inlet 12 is connected to feedwater sparger 14, which is a ring-shaped pipe having suitable apertures through which the feedwater is distributed inside the RPV. The feedwater from sparger 14 flows downwardly through the downcomer annulus 16, which is an annular region between the RPV and core shroud 18. Core shroud 18 is a stainless steel cylinder which surrounds the core 20 (only one fuel assembly 22 of which is depicted in FIG. 1) and separates the upward flow of coolant through the core from the downward flow in downcomer annulus 16. The water flowing through downcomer annulus 16 then flows to the core lower plenum 24. The water subsequently enters the fuel assemblies 22 disposed within core 20, wherein a boiling boundary layer (not shown) is established, thus causing a lower non-boiling region and an upper boiling region within the fuel assemblies. Next, a mixture of water and steam enters core upper plenum 26 which is formed within shroud head 28 and disposed atop core 20. Core upper plenum 26 provides stand-off between the steam-water mixture exiting core 20 and entering vertical standpipes 30, the latter being disposed atop shroud head 28 and in fluid communication with core upper plenum 26. Each standpipe 30 is in fluid communication with a steam separator 32 mounted thereon. The steam-water mixture flowing through standpipes 30 enters steam separators 32, which are of the axial-flow centrifugal type. These separators separate the liquid water from the steam by employing a swirling motion to drive the water droplets to the outer wall of the separator. The separated liquid water then mixes with feedwater in the mixing plenum 33, which mixture then flows to the core via the downcomer annulus. The liquid water elevation or level established within the RPV during normal operation of the BWR is designated by numeral 50 in FIG. 4. The steam passes through steam dryers 34 and enters steam dome 36. The steam is withdrawn from the RPV via steam outlet 38. The BWR also includes a coolant recirculation system which provides the forced convection flow through the core necessary to achieve the required power density. In some, but not all BWRs, a portion of the water is sucked from the lower end of the downcomer annulus 16 via outlet 43 and forced by a centrifugal recirculation pump 40 (see FIG. 4) into jet pump assemblies 42 via inlet 45. This type of BWR also has two recirculation pumps, each of which provides the driving flow for a plurality of jet pump assemblies. As best seen in FIG. 1, the pressurized driving water is supplied to a jet pump nozzle 44 by an inlet riser 46 via elbow 48. In accordance with the invention, the passive recombiner must be located in a hydrogen-rich region. Hydrogen injection is via the feedwater spargers. Thus, the recombiner must be located between the steam separators and the jet pumps, preferably immediately downstream of the steam water separator assembly of the BWR shown in FIG. 1. Two locations were studied. The first location is attached to the shroud head, so that it is removed when the shroud head is removed. The second location is attached to the shroud above the jet pumps, which would require the ability to periodically remove the recombiner for access to the jet pumps. It is estimated that access to the jet pump annulus is required approximately every second refueling outage. In accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the recombiner, generally designated by 48 in FIG. 4, has a generally annular configuration and is mounted on the shroud head 28. In accordance with a second preferred embodiment, the recombiner, generally designated by 48' in FIG. 6, is mounted on shroud 28 and located in the downcomer annulus 16 (above the jet pumps for BWRs which have them). FIGS. 4 and 6 respectively depict a cross section of such generally annular recombiners. The honeycombed hatching is intended to symbolize an arrangement in which catalytic material is packed into and held in place by a stiffened metal mesh housing. The catalytic recombiner material packed inside the housing should have a high surface area-to-volume ratio and could take the form of tangled wire or foil strips, crimped ribbon, porous sintered metal composite, a honeycombed structure or any other structure having a high surface area-to-volume ratio. Other geometries would be suitable. The catalytic material could, for example, be platinum or palladium deposited on a stainless steel substrate; a noble metal-doped alloy of stainless steel (or other proven reactor structural material doped with noble metal); or a commercially available noble metal catalytic material. The catalytic material may be formed as a coating on a substrate, or as a solute in an alloy formed into the substrate, the coating or solute being sufficient to catalyze the recombination of oxidizing and reducing species at the surface of the substrate. The preferred catalytic materials are platinum, palladium, osmium, ruthenium, iridium, rhodium, and mixtures thereof, whereas the preferred substrate is stainless steel. The formation of a catalytic layer of a noble metal on an alloy catalyzes the recombination of reducing species, such as hydrogen, with oxidizing species, such as oxygen or hydrogen peroxide, that are present in the water of a BWR. The surface of the recombiner structure also inherently catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide via heterogeneous decomposition. Such catalytic action at the surface of the alloy can lower the corrosion potential of the alloy below the critical o corrosion potential where SCC is minimized. As a result, the efficacy of hydrogen additions to high-temperature water in lowering the electrochemical potential of components made from the alloy and exposed to the injected water is increased manyfold. The key requirement of the catalytic material is that it must perform at reactor operating temperatures of 288.degree. C. in the water phase. Current laboratory data suggests that catalytic recombination of H.sub.2 and O.sub.2 or of H.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O.sub.2 only occurs effectively when there is a stoichiometric excess of hydrogen. The H.sub.2 O.sub.2 produced in the core is generally nonvolatile. While the H.sub.2 and O.sub.2 partition in the steam separators to go into the steam, the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 stays in the liquid and gets recirculated. Because of the differences of Henry's Law for H.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O.sub.2, the water exiting the steam separator may be sub-stoichiometric for the molar ratio of H.sub.2 to (O.sub.2 +H.sub.2 O.sub.2). Because of this effect, it may be necessary to have some hydrogen-containing feedwater mix with the water exiting the separation assembly before it enters the recombiner. This can be accomplished by placement of the recombiner downstream of the location where feedwater enters the vessel, as in the embodiment of FIG. 6, or by injecting the feedwater over, around and through the recombiner. The typical residence time for water passing through the recombiner will be a few seconds or less. A calculation of the effectiveness of the passive catalytic recombiner using a radiolysis model is shown in FIG. 5. The calculation predicts that conditions for preventing SCC (i.e., O.sub.2 +H.sub.2 O.sub.2 <2 ppb) can be achieved with feedwater hydrogen injection rates (i.e., about 0.4 ppm) below rates which cause significant increases in the main steam line radiation level. The major advantages of shroud head attachment are that the recombiner can be installed in the separator pool and that the recombiner is removed with the shroud head during refuelings. Also, attachment to the shroud is disadvantageous because it requires many individual pieces to fill the cross-sectional area of the downcomer annulus. Therefore attachment to the shroud head is preferred for most BWRs. However, differences in geometry and design may dictate that attachment to the shroud is preferred for some BWRs. The minimum size of a piece of the recombiner material should be a strip 0.012 inch thick by 12.0 inches long. The minimum thickness of any component currently used in the RPV is 0.012 inches as part of the fuel spacers. Therefore this thickness was chosen from the recombiner strips. The concern for small thicknesses is that pieces could break off and become lodged in the fuel assemblies where they could cause local hot spots. The minimum length of 12 inches was selected to prevent a piece from traversing the path from the control rod guide tube to the fuel rods. The width requirements are more subjective. A reasonable minimum width of 0.25 inch was selected based on fabrication concerns. A piece of this size can be formed into any required shape to facilitate packing. The total weight of a recombiner attached to the shroud head will be approximately 12,000 to 20,000 pounds. The weight of a 251-inch RPV shroud head is approximately 125,000 pounds. The weight of a recombiner was estimated by assuming that 90% of the recombiner volume would be open and 10% would be solid metal. Thus, the recombiner weighs approximately 50 pounds per cubic foot of recombiner volume plus the weight of the support structure. The support structure is expected to add approximately 5000 pounds. A specific design for a recombiner mounted on the shroud head is shown in FIGS. 7 through 9. The inside height of the recombiner 48 will be approximately 72.9 inches. The recombiner structure is supported by a ring 52 which rests on the top of the shroud head flange 54. The ring is attached to the shroud head flange with brackets and bolts. There will be a small amount of leakage past the recombiner at the bottom inside edge. Proper design will cause the feedwater to force all the flow from the steam dryer drain channels 56 into the separator array and then through the recombiner. The recombiner includes a stainless steel flow-through housing packed with catalytic recombiner material, which could take the form of tangled wire or foil strips, crimped ribbon, porous sintered metal composite, a honeycombed structure or any other structure having a high surface area-to-volume ratio. As best seen in FIG. 8, the recombiner is generally annular in shape and has inner and outer circumferential walls of complex configuration. These walls have small holes which allow water to flow-through. FIG. 8 shows how the recombiner 48 fits outside of the separator standpipes 30 and around the shroud head bolts 60. The minimum flow path through the recombiner varies around the circumference from approximately 6 inches to approximately 13 inches. The flow is prevented from taking a shorter flow path by eliminating outlet holes in selected portions of the outer circumferential wall. The recombiner shown in FIG. 8 would be installed in four major pieces, which would bolt together behind the four shroud head lifting rods 62. No flow would go through these four regions. The top of the recombiner would be attached to the shroud head lower bolt ring 58 with brackets and bolts (not shown). There is a minimum of 2 inches of clearance between the recombiner and any part of the reactor assembly that is stationary. The inside volume of the recombiner shown in FIG. 8 is approximately 206 ft.sup.3. The flow area through the recombiner is approximately 320 ft.sup.2. The average residence time of the water in the recombiner is approximately one-quarter of a second, assuming a 6-inch flow path. FIG. 9 shows the geometric configuration of the recombiner housing 64 in an isometric view. All planar wall panel of the inner circumferential wall of housing 64 have a plurality of small holes, as shown for panel 64a, to allow flow-through of the liquid from the steam separation assembly. Although only shown incompletely, the outer flow-through panels are also provided with similar holes. The holes are sufficiently small to prevent escape of the catalytic material packed inside the housing. As previously described, the housing may take the form of a stiffened metal mesh with catalytic recombiner material packed inside the housing. Preferably, the catalytic recombiner material is tangled wire plated with catalytic material, or crimped ribbons or tangled strips made of alloy doped with catalytic material. The preferred embodiments of the hydrogen peroxide decomposer of the invention will have the same structure as is depicted in FIGS. 4 and 6-9. The only difference is that the high surface area-to-volume structure will not be doped or coated with a water recombination catalyst. The preferred catalytic decomposer material is stainless steel because of its predictable performance in a BWR environment. However, other solid materials which cause heterogeneous decomposition and which have structural strength and corrosion resistance suitable for the BWR environment can be used. The key requirement of the catalytic decomposer material is that it must perform at reactor operating temperatures of 288.degree. C, in the water phase. The H.sub.2 O.sub.2 produced in the core is generally nonvolatile. While the H.sub.2 and O.sub.2 partition in the steam separators to go into the steam, the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 stays in the liquid and recirculates through the decomposer. The typical residence time for water passing through the decomposer will be a few seconds or less. Upon passage of this recirculated water through the catalytic decomposer of the invention, hydrogen peroxide is decomposed. The resulting reactor water entering the vessel downcomer annulus will be very low in H.sub.2 O.sub.2 as compared to the level when a decomposer is not used. The net effect of this reduction in the H.sub.2 O.sub.2 concentration will be a decrease in the amount of hydrogen which must be added to the feedwater to establish the low levels of (O.sub.2 +H.sub.2 O.sub.2) which result in corrosion potentials below the critical potential and thus protect against SCC. The specific embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 through 9 has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration only. Practitioners of ordinary skill in the art of nuclear reactor engineering will recognize that the geometry and location of the catalytic device in accordance with the invention will depend on the specific design of the BWR in which the device is to be installed. In accordance with the invention, however, the recombiner/decomposer catalytic device for any given type of BWR must be designed to ensure that virtually all water phase exiting the steam/water separator device flows over the surface of the catalytic material.
	description	This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0070458, filed on Jun. 19, 2013 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0035994, filed on Mar. 27, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 1. Field The present disclosure relates to a cooling system for cooling a nuclear reactor containment structure in the event of a severe accident, and more particularly, to a cooling system of a nuclear reactor containment structure, capable of being driven for a long time by natural convection without supply of power. 2. Discussion of Related Art In order to prevent damage of a containment building housing a nuclear reactor due to an increase in pressure of the containment building and a large leakage of fission products due to the damage when a severe accident occurs in the nuclear reactor, the containment building includes a release port installed thereto and a filtered exhaust apparatus which condenses and removes water vapor and fission products generated in the nuclear reactor. Since such a filtered exhaust apparatus, however, has to continuously condense vapor, which continues to be generated in a containment vessel, in a vessel outside the containment vessel, the vessel should significantly increase in size in order to increase operating hours of the filtered exhaust apparatus without an operator's intervention. Currently, the operating hours of the filtered exhaust apparatus is approximately one day. However, it is identified that power restoration of the filtered exhaust apparatus may take a long time after the Fukushima nuclear accident. Therefore, in order to prepare for this situation, there is a need for a filtered exhaust apparatus which may be driven for more than 72 hours without supply of power. In addition, when the filtered exhaust apparatus is driven for a long time, condensed water within an exhaust apparatus has an increasing temperature and a filter has an increasing temperature due to fission products accumulated in the filter, thereby rapidly deteriorating removal performance of fission products required for the filter. Meanwhile, since the conventional systems for condensing and filtering vapor cause undesired water hammer by releasing vapor into an overcooled water tank in an initial operation of the filtered exhaust apparatus, pipes and devices related thereto may be damaged. Consequently, there is a need for methods to solve the above problems. One aspect of the present invention is directed to a cooling system of a nuclear reactor containment structure, capable of being driven for a long time by natural convection without supply of power. Additional advantages and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. According to an aspect of the present invention, a cooling system of a nuclear reactor containment structure includes a containment structure housing a nuclear reactor, a pressure vessel which receives condensed water therein and has a receiving space located such that at least a portion of the pressure vessel is lower than a bottom of the containment structure, a release pipe connecting an inner portion of the containment structure to an inner portion of the pressure vessel such that water vapor and fission products generated in the containment structure in the event of an accident is capable of flowing into the pressure vessel, and a recovery pipe connecting the inner portion of the pressure vessel to the inner portion of the containment structure such that the condensed water received in the pressure vessel is capable of flowing into the containment structure, wherein when a level of the condensed water received in the pressure vessel is higher than a water level in the containment structure, the condensed water flows from the pressure vessel toward the containment structure by a water head difference. The pressure vessel may be provided with one or more radiation fins. In addition, a cooling pool receiving cooling water may be formed around a lower portion of the pressure vessel. The cooling system may further include an exhaust pipe connected to the pressure vessel such that gas generated within the pressure vessel is discharged out thereof through the exhaust pipe. The pressure vessel may include a filter for removal of fission products. The pressure vessel may include a moisture separator located beneath the filter. The release pipe may store non-condensable gas and may be provided with a gas tank to which the non-condensable gas is selectively released. The gas tank may be further provided with a gas release valve for adjusting release of the non-condensable gas and a gas flow restrictor for controlling a release amount of the non-condensable gas. The release pipe may be provided with a release isolation valve located in an inner exposed portion of the containment structure thereon, and the release pipe may be provided with a first release valve located in an outer exposed portion of the containment structure thereon. The recovery pipe may be provided with a recovery isolation valve located in an inner exposed portion of the containment structure thereon, and the recovery pipe may be provided with a recovery valve located in an outer exposed portion of the containment structure thereon. The pressure vessel may be provided with a supply tank connected to the pressure vessel by a supply pipe to supply the receiving space with condensing water. The supply tank may include a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature in the receiving space, and the supply pipe may be provided with a supply valve which opens the supply pipe when the temperature in the receiving space is increased to be equal to or greater than a set temperature. The cooling system may further include a gas recovery pipe connected to the pressure vessel and the containment structure such that gas generated within the pressure vessel flows into the containment structure. The cooling system may further include a bypass pipe connecting the release pipe to the pressure vessel. The bypass pipe may further include a bypass valve to control opening and closing of the bypass pipe. The bypass pipe may be connected to a position higher than the level of the condensed water in the pressure vessel. The release pipe may include a second release valve located between a portion from which the bypass pipe diverges and a portion to which the pressure vessel is connected. Another aspect of the invention provides a nuclear power plant, which comprises: a nuclear reactor containment structure defining an interior space in which a nuclear reactor is located; a cooling vessel comprising a water tank and a plurality of cooling fins connected to the water tank; a vapor release pipe connecting between the interior space of the containment structure and the water tank, the vapor release pipe being configured to transfer vapor from the interior space to the water tank based on a pressure difference between the interior space and the water tank; a water return pipe connecting between the water tank and the interior space of the containment structure, the water return pipe being configured to transfer water from the water tank to the interior space of the containment space based on a water head difference between water contained in the water tank and water in the interior space of the containment structure such that water condensed from vapor transferred to the water tank is spontaneously returned to the interior space of the containment structure from the water tank even in the absence of pumping. In the foregoing nuclear power plant, the water tank may have a first bottom surface lower than a second bottom surface of the interior space of the containment structure by a predetermined height such that the water tank has a volume to contain water under the level of the second bottom surface sufficient to maintain the water head in the water tank lower than the second bottom surface for a substantial period after vapor begins to be transferred from the containment structure to the water tank. A cooling system of a nuclear reactor containment structure according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. While the present invention is shown and described in connection with exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall structure of a cooling system of a nuclear reactor containment structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the cooling system of a nuclear reactor containment structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a containment structure 10, a pressure vessel or water tank 20, a release pipe 30, and a recovery pipe 40. The containment structure 10 is a structure housing a nuclear reactor and is formed in the form of a typical building to include various related facilities therein. The pressure vessel 20 receives condensed water W therein and has a receiving space located such that at least a portion of the pressure vessel is lower than a bottom of the containment structure 10. In the present embodiment, the pressure vessel 20 is buried under the ground at a lower portion thereof, and thus the buried portion is located lower than the bottom of the containment structure 10. The release pipe 30 connects an inner portion of the containment structure 10 to an inner portion of the pressure vessel 20 such that water vapor and fission products generated in the containment structure 10 in the event of an accident may flow into the pressure vessel 20. The recovery pipe 40 connects the inner portion of the pressure vessel 20 to the inner portion of the containment structure 10 such that the condensed water W received in the pressure vessel 20 may flow into the containment structure 10. That is, the water vapor generated in the containment structure 10 in the event of an accident flows toward the pressure vessel 20 so that a level of the condensed water W becomes high as the water vapor is cooled by the condensed water W. When the level of the condensed water W received in the pressure vessel 20 is higher than a water level in the containment structure 10, the condensed water W may flow from the pressure vessel 20 toward the containment structure 10 by a water head difference. Accordingly, the present invention may decrease a temperature in the containment structure 10 over a long period of time due to natural convection generated by the water head difference without separate supply of power or an operator's operation. Hereinafter, the above circulation process will be described in more detail. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which water vapor and fission products generated in the containment structure 10 flow into the pressure vessel 20 in the cooling system of a nuclear reactor containment structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which condensed water W in the pressure vessel 20 flows toward the containment structure 10 in the cooling system of a nuclear reactor containment structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when water vapor is released from the containment structure 10 to the pressure vessel 20, the water vapor is condensed within the condensed water W and the level of the condensed water W gradually becomes high. However, since the recovery pipe 40 is connected to the containment structure 10, the condensed water W may be naturally circulated by a difference between the level of the condensed water W in the pressure vessel 20 and the water level in the containment structure 10. In this case, one or more radiation fins 26 are installed outside the pressure vessel 20 in the present embodiment. The radiation fins 26 serve to remove heat accumulated in the condensed water W by vapor condensation and residual heat generated by the fission products accumulated inside the pressure vessel 20. That is, the condensed water W in the pressure vessel 20 may continue to be cooled so as to continuously have a density higher than that of liquid in the containment structure 10. Accordingly, when the level of the condensed water W in the pressure vessel 20 simultaneously becomes high while the water vapor generated in the containment structure 10 is condensed by the above-mentioned configuration, the cooling system has a structure in which the condensed water W may be circulated into the containment structure 10 by the water head difference. In the embodiment, the cooling system further includes an exhaust pipe 50 connected to the pressure vessel 20 such that gas generated in the pressure vessel 20 is discharged out thereof through the exhaust pipe 50. In this case, the pressure vessel 20 may include a filter 24 for removal of fission products and a moisture separator 22 located beneath the filter 24. Meanwhile, the water vapor and fission products within the containment structure 10 are released through the release pipe 30 to the pressure vessel 20. In this case, the water vapor is condensed by the condensed water W in the pressure vessel 20. The fission products are primarily removed by the condensed water W and are additionally removed by the filter 24, so that only non-condensable gas which does not include the fission products is released to the outside through the exhaust pipe 50. A discharge valve may be installed at the exhaust pipe 50, and may have a rupture disc structure which is operated by an operator or is automatically opened by pressure. In addition, an exhaust filter may be additionally installed at the exhaust pipe 50. Consequently, it may be possible to further increase filtering performance. In the embodiment, a release isolation valve 32 is provided in an inner exposed portion of the containment structure 10 on the release pipe 30 and a first release valve 34 is provided in an outer exposed portion of the containment structure 10 on the release pipe 30. The two valves are closed during a normal operation and are automatically and sequentially opened according to an operator's operation or increases in temperature and pressure when an accident occurs. Arrangement of the two valves in a row is to prevent the water vapor and the fission products from being discharged out of the containment structure 10 by a single malfunction of the operator during the normal operation. Similarly, in the embodiment, a recovery isolation valve 42 is provided in an inner exposed portion of the containment structure 10 on the recovery pipe 40 and a recovery valve 44 is provided in an outer exposed portion of the containment structure 10 on the recovery pipe 40. The two valves are closed during the normal operation and are automatically and sequentially opened according to the operator's operation or increases in temperature and pressure when an accident occurs. Arrangement of the two valves in a row is to prevent the condensed water W from being introduced into the containment structure 10 by a single malfunction of the operator during the normal operation. In the embodiment, non-condensable gas is stored in the release pipe 30 and the release pipe is provided with a gas tank 60 to which the non-condensable gas is selectively released. In addition, the gas tank 60 is further provided with a gas release valve 62 for adjusting release of the non-condensable gas and a gas flow restrictor 64 for controlling a release amount of the non-condensable gas. In this case, the non-condensable gas may be vaporized nitrogen gas, etc. Accordingly, the water vapor and the fission products may be additionally mixed with the non-condensable gas when flowing toward the pressure vessel 20, so as to be together released to the condensed water W through a release port 36. Consequently, it is possible to prevent water hammer from occurring when the water vapor is released due to the fact that the condensed water W in the pressure vessel 20 is overcooled in an initial stage of the accident. Meanwhile, when the water vapor and the fission products are introduced into the pressure vessel 20, the water vapor is condensed by the condensed water W. Most of the fission products are collected in the condensed water W, and the remaining non-condensable gas and a portion of the fission products pass through the filter 24 disposed at an upper portion of the pressure vessel 20. Subsequently, the fission products and aerosols are additionally removed by the filter 24, and only non-condensable gas which barely includes the fission products may be discharged to the atmosphere through the exhaust pipe 50. The moisture separator 22 is provided beneath the filter 24 as described above, and water droplets released together with the volatile fission products and the non-condensable gas are removed by the moisture separator 22 and are recovered toward the condensed water W. Consequently, only a gas component is discharged to the filter 24, thereby enabling removal performance of the fission products by the filter 24 to be improved. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an overall structure of a cooling system of a nuclear reactor containment structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the cooling system of a nuclear reactor containment structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention has configurations similar to those of the above-mentioned first embodiment, but differs in that a cooling pool receiving cooling water S is formed around the lower portion of the pressure vessel 20. In the present embodiment, the cooling pool has a predetermined depth defined under the ground surface so that a lower portion of the pressure vessel 20 is exposed to the cooling water S. Thus, the cooling pool may reduce an increase in temperature within the pressure vessel 20, together with the radiation fins 26. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an overall structure of a cooling system of a nuclear reactor containment structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the cooling system of a nuclear reactor containment structure according to the third embodiment of the present invention has configurations similar to those of the above-mentioned first embodiment, but differs in that the cooling system further includes a supply tank connected to the pressure vessel 20 by a supply pipe 70 to supply the receiving space with condensing water. Since the provision of the supply tank allows the condensed water W in the pressure vessel 20 having an increased temperature equal to or greater than a certain degree to be supplied with new condensing water, the temperature in the pressure vessel may be decreased. The supply tank may include a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature in the receiving space, and the supply pipe 70 may be provided with a supply valve 72 which opens the supply pipe 70 when the temperature in the receiving space is increased to be equal to or greater than a set temperature. That is, the supply valve 72 is opened when the temperature in the receiving space is increased to be equal to or greater than a certain degree, so that condensed water may be supplied thereto. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an overall structure of a cooling system of a nuclear reactor containment structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the cooling system of a nuclear reactor containment structure according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention has configurations similar to those of the above-mentioned first embodiment, but differs in that the exhaust pipe provided in the first embodiment is omitted and the cooling system further includes a gas recovery pipe 80 connected to the pressure vessel 20 and the containment structure 10 such that gas generated within the pressure vessel 20 flows into the containment structure 10. That is, in the present embodiment, non-condensable gas generated within the pressure vessel 20 may flow toward the containment structure 10 through the gas recovery pipe 80. In this case, the gas recovery pipe 80 may be further provided with a gas recovery pipe isolation valve 82 for opening and closing of the gas recovery pipe 80 and prevention of a backflow. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an overall structure of a cooling system of a nuclear reactor containment structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. When a pressure in the containment structure 10 is greater than that in the pressure vessel 20, condensed water W does not flow into the containment structure 10 through the recovery pipe 40. To prevent this phenomenon, the cooling system of a nuclear reactor containment structure according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention has configurations similar to those of the above-mentioned first embodiment, but differs in that the cooling system further includes a bypass pipe 90 connecting the release pipe 30 to the pressure vessel 20. That is, the bypass pipe 90 serves to allow the pressure in the containment structure 10 to be equal to that in the pressure vessel 20, so that the condensed water W may be easily introduced into the containment structure 10 through the recovery pipe 40. The bypass pipe 90 may further include a bypass valve 91 to control opening and closing of the bypass pipe 90, so that the bypass pipe 90 may be selectively opened and closed as needed. Furthermore, the bypass pipe 90 may be connected to a position higher than the level of the condensed water W in the pressure vessel 20 so as to prevent the condensed water W from being introduced into the bypass pipe 90. In addition, the release pipe 30 may further include a second release valve 35 located between a portion from which the bypass pipe 90 diverges and a portion to which the pressure vessel 20 is connected, so that the pressure in the containment structure 10 may be more efficiently regulated to be equal to that in the pressure vessel 20. In detail, since the bypass pipe 90 is opened by adjustment of the bypass valve 91 and the release pipe 30 is closed by adjustment of the second release valve 35, the bypass pipe 90 may function more efficiently. In embodiments, a nuclear power plant may include a nuclear reactor containment structure defining an interior space in which a nuclear reactor is located. The plant further includes a cooling vessel comprising a water tank and a plurality of cooling fins connected to the water tank; a vapor release pipe connecting between the interior space of the containment structure and the water tank; and a water return pipe connecting between the water tank and the interior space of the containment structure. In embodiments, the vapor release pipe is configured to transfer vapor from the interior space to the water tank based on a pressure difference between the interior space and the water tank. The water return pipe is configured to transfer water from the water tank to the interior space of the containment space based on a water head difference between water contained in the water tank and water in the interior space of the containment structure such that water condensed from vapor transferred to the water tank is spontaneously returned to the interior space of the containment structure from the water tank even in the absence of pumping. In embodiments, the water tank may have a first bottom surface lower than a second bottom surface of the interior space of the containment structure by a predetermined height such that the water tank has a volume to contain water under the level of the second bottom surface sufficient to maintain the water head in the water tank lower than the second bottom surface for a substantial period after vapor begins to be transferred from the containment structure to the water tank. In certain embodiments, the substantial period is about 3 hours, about 4 hours, about 5 hours, about 6 hours, about 7 hours, about 8 hours, about 10 hours, about 12 hours, about 15 hours, about 18 hours, about 24 hours, about 1.5 days, about 2 days, about 3 days, about 4 days, about 5 days, about 6 days, about 7 days, about 10 days, or about 14 days. As is apparent from the above description, a cooling system of a nuclear reactor containment structure according to the present invention may form a circulation structure by natural convection without separate supply of power or an operator's operation so as to decrease a temperature in the nuclear reactor containment structure over a long period of time. In addition, it may be possible to prevent deterioration of removal performance of fission products which may occur during cooling. Furthermore, it may be possible to prevent damage of pipes and devices caused by water hammer in an initial operation of the cooling system. Although the present invention has been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and applications may be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the intrinsic aspects of the embodiments. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in concrete constituent elements of the embodiments. In addition, it is to be understood that differences relevant to the variations and modifications fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure defined in the appended claims.
	abstract	Disclosed is a plasma welding apparatus for a guide thimble and guide thimble end plug of a nuclear fuel assembly, which includes: a welding chamber (100) includes an end-plug inserting part (110) into which the end plug (10) is inserted, a guide-thimble inserting part (120) which is provided on the same axis as the end-plug inserting part (110) and into which the guide thimble (20) is inserted and fixed, a torch assembling part (130) to which a plasma welding torch (131) is assembled so as to make a right angle with the end-plug inserting part (110) and the guide-thimble inserting part (120), and argon inflow and outflow ports (141, 142) through which argon is supplied or discharged; an end-plug transfer unit (210) supplying the end plug (10) to the end-plug inserting part (110); and an guide-thimble transfer unit (220) transferring the guide thimble (20) to the guide-thimble inserting part (120).
	abstract	A cabin 14 is formed as a casing body with a protection structure. The casing body is partitioned and separable from the vehicle body and has on a bottom side thereof support pillars 42 for secure attachment to the vehicle body 13 with restraint at least in planar coordinate directions.
	abstract	The present invention provides a method for modeling the performance of a system by fitting non-linear curves to data points for system performance parameters, such as response time and throughput, as a function of load. Data points may be measured in testing may be measured through monitoring a system operating in a production environment. While a variety of non-linear curves may be used in accordance with the present invention, a logarithmic curve may be used to model system throughput and an exponential curve may be used to model system response time. By defining a relationship between throughput and response time a distance may be calculated between the curves, and this distance may be used to determine an optimal load. Additionally, a graph displaying both throughput and response time as a function of load may be displayed to a system operator in a graphical user interface to facilitate the evaluation of system performance.
	abstract	A circuit arrangement, in particular for a safety I&C system of a nuclear power plant, keeps a proven diagram-centric project-specific engineering approach known from CPU-based systems while reaping the benefits of FPGA technology. To this end, the circuit arrangement includes: a generic FPGA with a plurality of logic blocks, and at least one dedicated PLD which operates as an application-specific switch-matrix for the logic blocks.
	claims	1. A method of determining the identity of at least two coded beads in a mixture, wherein each coded bead comprises a substrate, two or more different phosphor particles, and at least one member of an affinity set, comprising:a) irradiating at least one bead with at least one irradiating wavelength of light, wherein the at least one irradiating wavelength of light causes at least one phosphor particle to emit at least one emitting wavelength of light;b) detecting the at least one emitting wavelength of light;c) optionally repeating (a) and (b) 1 to 20 times, wherein at least one of the at least one irradiating wavelength of light for each repetition is the same or different from at least one of the at least one irradiating wavelength of light for any previous irradiating of the beads, and wherein at least one of the at least one emitting wavelength of light for each repetition is the same or different from at least one of the at least one emitting wavelength of light for any previous emission by a phosphor particle; andd) determining the identity of at least one coded bead. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one emitting wavelength of light comprises light in the visible spectrum. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one emitting wavelength of light is between 380 nm and 720 nm. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one coded bead comprises two or more different phosphor particles that emit light at wavelengths shorter than a wavelength capable of exciting the two or more different phosphor particles. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one coded bead comprises at least one phosphor particle that emits light at a wavelength shorter than a wavelength capable of exciting the phosphor particle. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one coded bead comprises two or more different phosphor particles that emit light at wavelengths longer than a wavelength capable of exciting the two or more different phosphor particles. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one coded bead comprises at least one phosphor particle that emits light at a wavelength longer than a wavelength capable of exciting the phosphor particle. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one coded bead comprises two or more different phosphor particles comprising:phosphor particles that emit light at wavelengths shorter than a wavelength capable of exciting the two or more different phosphor particles; andphosphor particles that emit light at wavelengths longer than a wavelength capable of exciting the two or more different phosphor particles. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one member of an affinity set for each of the at least two coded beads is independently selected from a polynucleotide, a polypeptide, a polysaccharide, streptavidin, biotin, a ligand, an antigen, and an antibody. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one coded bead comprises at least one substrate selected from glass, metal, and an organic polymer. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one coded bead comprises phosphor particles distributed throughout the bead. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one coded bead comprises phosphor particles homogeneously distributed throughout the bead. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one coded bead comprises phosphor particles attached to the surface of the bead.
044926499	description	Referring to the drawing, the nuclear power plant is denoted by the reference numeral 10, and off-gas is led away by pipes 11 to a humidifying unit 12. The humidifying unit may be a gas-water contactor, a sprayer or an evaporator, by which the moisture content of the gas is raised. The humidified gas is led from the humidifying unit 12 via piping 13 to an absorption bed system 14, where it is passed through successive beds of calcium hydroxide, and exhausted via piping 15, after removal of the carbon dioxide. The bed temperature is preferably maintained at about 25.degree. C., i.e. between 20.degree. C. and 30.degree. C., in which case the moisture content of the humidified gas must correspond to a relative humidity of between 80%-100% at that temperature. The unit 14 in the present example comprises a vertical column 16 in which a number of packed beds 17 of the calcium hydroxide are arranged so that the gas will flow through each. Each bed 17 is in the form of a relatively flat layer and is spaced from the adjacent bed so as to permit mixing and redistribution of the gas. In an experimental pilot plant gas streams containing from 20 to 50000 l of carbon dioxide per liter of gas were treated in the carbon dioxide removal system. The gas streams were humidified to greater than 80% relative humidity at ambient temperature and then passed through a stationary bed of the packed solid calcium hydroxide. The chemical analysis of the absorbent bed is given in Table 1; however it was found that the composition is not critical. TABLE 1 ______________________________________ Chemical Analysis of the Calcium Hydroxide Used Compounds Wt Fraction (g/kg) ______________________________________ Ca(OH).sub.2 870-900 CaO 24-33 CaCO.sub.3 57-86 H.sub.2 O 10-15 ______________________________________ The conditions and results of these further tests are set out in Table 2. The tests were also carried out at other bed temperatures and different values of moisture content of the humidified gas. The conditions and results of these further tests are set out in Table 3. The results of these tests demonstrate that carbon dioxide can be removed from gas streams at ambient temperature, and indeed at temperatures in the range 10.degree. C.-50.degree. C. by calcium hydroxide and a high conversion of the Ca(OH).sub.2 to CaCO.sub.3 can be achieved if the gas is first conditioned to high humidity. TABLE 2 __________________________________________________________________________ Conditions and Results of the Tests CO.sub.2 Gas Flow CO.sub.2 Relative Ca(OH).sub.2 Ca(OH.sub.2) Bed Ca(OH).sub.2 Bed Ca(OH).sub.2 Concentration Rate Concentration Humidity Particle Size Configuration Temperature Conversion Downstream of (L/min) (.mu.L/L) (%) (mm) and Weight (.degree.C.) (%) Bed __________________________________________________________________________ (.mu.L/L) 0.2 (nitrogen) 50 000 100% at 25.degree. C. 0.595-2.38 2.5 cm diameter 25-30 >40 <3 7.5 cm deep, 14.4 g 0.2 (nitrogen) 50 000 100% at 25.degree. C. 0.250-0.595 2.5 cm diameter 25-30 >40 <3 7.5 cm deep, 14.4 g 2.0 (air) 300-400 100% at 25.degree. C. 0.595-2.38 2.5 cm diameter 25-30 >40 <1 3.75 cm deep, 7.2 g 2.0 (air) 300-400 100% at 25.degree. C. 0.250-0.595 2.5 cm diameter 25-30 >40 <1 3.75 cm deep, 7.2 g 140 (nitrogen) 22 80% at 17.degree. C. 0.595-2.38 20 cm diameter 25-30 --* <1 37.5 cm deep, 5 kg 140 (nitrogen) 28 80% at 17.degree. C. 0.595-2.38 20 cm diameter 200 --** <1 37.5 cm deep, 5 kg __________________________________________________________________________ The test was carried out for about 1000 hours, with no increase in CO.sub.2 concentration downstream of tne bed, conversion of the Ca(OH).sub.2 will be determined. The test was carried out for about 80 hours with no increase in CO.sub. concentration downstream of the bed, conversion of the Ca(OH).sub.2 was not determined. TABLE 3 __________________________________________________________________________ CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF THE TESTS IN A Ca(OH).sub.2 BED 2.5 cm DIAMETER, 3.8 cm DEEP WITH 7.2 g OF Ca(OH).sub.2 IN THE SIZE OF 0.595 TO 2.38 mm Ca(OH).sub.2 Conversion When Ca(OH).sub.2 CO.sub.2 Concentration Down- Gas Flow CO.sub.2 Bed stream of Bed Reached 5% Rate Concentration Temperature of the Inlet CO.sub.2 Concen- (L/min) (.mu.L/L) Relative Humidity (%) (.degree.C.) tration (%) __________________________________________________________________________ 2.0 380-390 12% at 25.degree. C. 24-25 1.3 2.0 265-270 24% at 24.degree. C. 24 2.2 2.0 305-310 48-51% at 24.degree. C. 24 1.6 2.0 320 50% at 23.degree. C. 23 3.6 2.0 290-305 67-74% at 24.degree. C. 24 14.1 2.0 300 84% at 26.degree. C. 26 21.4 2.0 310-355 85% at 25.degree. C. 25 31.2 2.0 330 89-92% at 23-25.degree. C. 23-25 49.5 2.0 300 86-96% at 23-25.degree. C. 23-25 34.4 2.0 300 26% at 50.degree. C. 50 4.4 2.0 300 46% at 50.degree. C. 50 18.4 2.0 300 69% at 44.degree. C. 40 45.9 2.0 310 100% at 9.8.degree. C. 9.8 54.7 2.0 310 89-92% at 9.8-10.degree. C. 9.8-10 21.9 2.0 310 78-79% at 9.6-10.degree. C. 9.6-10 5.4 __________________________________________________________________________ *Ca(OH).sub.2 Conversion is calculated by the equation: ##STR1## It is to be understood that the gas stream may be at a temperature substantially higher than ambient, in which case its relative humidity at that higher temperature may be substantially less than 80%. The essential thing is that the moisture content of the gas, prior to passage through the bed, should correspond to a relative humidity of between 40% and 100% at the bed temperature and be controlled according to the bed temperature so as to achieve a conversion of the calcium hydroxide of at least 15%. For the treatment of industrial off-gas it is generally necessary to humidify the gas stream to bring its moisture content up to the required value prior to passing the gas stream through the bed, as described above. However, in cases where the initial humidity of the gas is higher than the required value, as for example in rebreathing apparatus, it is generally necessary to control the humidity by extracting moisture.
	summary
060193263	claims	1. A new and improved video enhancement kit comprising, in combination: a stand including an inverted L-shaped support with a vertically oriented hole formed therein; a video camera with a threaded bore formed in a bottom thereof; a spotting scope having a cylindrical configuration and a threaded bore formed in a side thereof with the threaded bore of the spotting scope residing along an axis perpendicular with respect to that about which the spotting scope is formed; a binoculars including a pair of side portions each having a cylindrical configuration with a common diameter, wherein the side portions of the binoculars are connected via an interconnect with a threaded bore formed in a front thereof about an axis residing in parallel with those about which the side portions are formed; a plurality of couples each including a disk-shaped handle with a threaded bolt coupled thereto and extending therefrom in concentric relationship therewith; a base strip with a planar rectangular configuration, the base strip including a top face, a bottom face and a periphery formed therebetween defined by a pair of elongated parallel side edges and a short first and second end edge, the base strip including three linearly aligned threaded bores therein at a central extent thereof along a central longitudinal axis, a linear elongated slot formed between the central extent of the base strip and the first end edge thereof, and a pair of mounting assemblies positioned adjacent to the second end edge of the base strip and adjacent to the central extent of the base strip, respectively, each mounting assembly including a central threaded bore formed in the base strip along the central longitudinal axis thereof and a pair of cylindrical tabs integrally coupled to the bottom face of the base strip and depending therefrom such that the cylindrical tabs flank the associated threaded bore; wherein the base strip is removably mounted on the support of the stand via one of the couples the threaded post of which passes through the hole of the stand and is threadedly coupled to one of the threaded bores of the central extent of the base strip; wherein the camera is removably mounted to the top face of the base strip adjacent to the first end edge thereof via one of the couples the threaded post of which is slidably situated through the elongated slot of the base strip and threadedly coupled to the threaded bore of the camera; a spotting scope mount having an L-shaped configuration with a horizontal extent and a vertical extent coupled to the horizontal extent in an end-to-end relationship and further situated in a separate perpendicular plane, each extent of the spotting scope mount equipped with a linear elongated slot formed therein along a central longitudinal axis thereof, wherein the elongated slot of the horizontal extent is slidably mounted along the cylindrical tabs of one of the mounting assemblies and the horizontal extent is removably mounted to the base strip via one of the couples the threaded post of which passes through the elongated slot of the horizontal extent and is threadedly coupled to the threaded bore of the associated mounting assembly, wherein the spotting scope is removably mounted to the vertical extent of the spotting scope mount via one of the couples the threaded post of which passes through the slot of the vertical extent of the spotting scope mount and is threadedly engaged with the threaded bore of the spotting scope; and a binoculars mount having a T-shaped configuration with a horizontal extent and a vertical extent having an end edge mounted to a central extent of a side edge of the horizontal extent such that the horizontal extent and the vertical extent are situated in perpendicular planes, wherein the elongated slot of the horizontal extent of the binoculars mount is slidably mounted along the cylindrical tabs of one of the mounting assemblies and the horizontal extent is removably mounted to the base strip via one of the couples the threaded post of which passes through the elongated slot of the horizontal extent of the binoculars mount and is threadedly coupled to the threaded bore of the associated mounting assembly, wherein the binoculars is mounted to the vertical extent of the binoculars mount via one of the couples the threaded post of which passes through the slot of the vertical extent of the binoculars mount and is threadly engaged with the threaded bore of the binoculars. a support; a video camera; a magnification lens assembly; a plurality of couples; an elongated base strip removably coupled to the support with the video camera removably coupled thereon at a user selected position along a length of the base strip; and a mount removably coupled to the elongated base strip via one of the couples and further removably coupled to the magnification lens assembly via one of the couples for aligning the magnification lens assembly with the video camera, the mount having an L-shaped configuration with a horizontal extent and a vertical extent coupled to the horizontal extent in an end-to-end relationship and further situated in a separate perpendicular plane with at least one extent of the mount being equipped with a linear elongated slot formed therein. a support; a video camera; a magnification lens assembly; a plurality of couples; an elongated base strip removably coupled to the support with the video camera removably coupled thereon at a user selected Position along a length of the base strip; and a mount removably coupled to the elongated base strip via one of the couples and further removably coupled to the magnification lens assembly via one of the couples for aligning the magnification lens assembly with the video camera, the mount having a T-shaped configuration with a horizontal extent and a vertical extent having an end edge mounted to a central extent of a side edge of the horizontal extent such that the horizontal extent and the vertical extent are situated in perpendicular planes, wherein at least one of the extents has an elongated slot formed therein. 2. A video enhancement kit comprising: 3. A video enhancement kit comprising:
	claims	1. A combined magnetic resonance and single photon nuclear imaging system, the system comprising:at least one compound semiconductor detector configured to directly convert incident gamma photons into electron-hole charge carriers;at least one collimator for single photon nuclear imaging an object under study with the at least one compound semiconductor detector;at least one magnet for producing a magnetic field suitable for magnetic resonance imaging, the at least one magnet having a central opening;at least one transceiver for magnetic resonance imaging the object under study with the at least one magnet; anda correction processor,wherein the at least one compound semiconductor detector is configured to single photon nuclear image the object under study under the magnetic field suitable for magnetic resonance imaging,wherein the at least one compound semiconductor detector is configured to single photon nuclear image the object under study at either end of the at least one magnet and outside the central opening of the at least one magnet such that the object under study is single photon nuclear imaged and magnet resonance imaged in a sequential manner,wherein the at least one compound semiconductor detector is adjacent and attached to the outside surface of the at least one magnet,wherein the correction processor is configured to compensate for an effect on the charge carriers traveling within the at least one compound semiconductor detector and under the magnetic field suitable for magnetic resonance imaging,wherein the at least one semiconductor detector comprises a first ring having a plurality of first modules and a second ring having a plurality of second modules, and wherein the first modules of the first ring are aligned to have an angular offset with the second modules of the second ring along an axial direction to view the object under study with twice the angular sampling with one axial motion. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one compound semiconductor detector comprises a material selected from the group consisting of cadmium telluride (CdTe), mercuric iodide (HgI2), thallium bromide (TlBr), gallium arsenide (GaAs), cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe), and cadmium manganese telluride (CdMnTe). 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one compound semiconductor detector is a cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) detector. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one compound semiconductor detector comprises:at least one compound semiconductor substrate for producing the charge carriers through interaction with the gamma photons; anda plurality of electrodes for collecting the charge carriers. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one collimator is configured to be positioned between the object under study and the at least one compound semiconductor detector. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one compound semiconductor detector is a stationary detector. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the effect on the charge carriers configured to be compensated by the correction processor is a Lorentz-force effect. 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a signal processor configured to process the charge carriers as a detection signal and comprising a plurality of electronics adapted to amplify, address, and process the detection signal,wherein the signal processor is positioned away from the magnetic field suitable for magnetic resonance imaging to remove an interference effect of the magnetic field suitable for magnetic resonance imaging. 9. A method of combining magnetic resonance and single photon nuclear imaging, the method comprising:injecting a radioactive isotope into an object under study;directly converting gamma photons from the radioactive isotope within the object under study by at least one semiconductor detector into electron-hole charge carriers;single photon nuclear imaging the object under study with at least one collimator positioned between the object under study and the at least one semiconductor detector;producing a magnetic field suitable for magnetic resonance imaging by at least one magnet;magnetic resonance imaging the object under study with at least one transceiver positioned between the object under study and the at least one magnet; andcorrecting for an effect on the charge carriers traveling within the at least one compound semiconductor detector and under the magnetic field suitable for magnetic resonance imagingwherein the object under study is single photon nuclear imaged under the magnetic field suitable for magnetic resonance imaging,wherein the at least one semiconductor detector is at least one compound semiconductor detector,wherein the at least one magnet comprises a central opening,wherein the object under study is single photon nuclear imaged by the at least one semiconductor at either end of the at least one magnet and outside the central opening of the at least one magnet such that the object under study is single photon nuclear imaged and magnet resonance imaged in a sequential manner,wherein the at least one compound semiconductor detector is adjacent and attached to the outside surface of the at least one magnet,wherein the at least one semiconductor detector comprises a first ring having a plurality of first modules and a second ring having a plurality of second modules, and wherein the first modules of the first ring are aligned to have an angular offset with the second modules of the second ring along an axial direction to view the object under study with twice the angular sampling with one axial motion. 10. The method of claim 9, the detecting of the gamma photons comprising:interacting the gamma photons with at least one compound semiconductor substrate of the at least one compound semiconductor detector; andcollecting charge carriers produced by the interaction of the gamma photons with the at least one compound semiconductor substrate. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the correcting for the effect on the charge carriers comprises correcting for a Lorentz-force effect on the charge carriers traveling within the at least one compound semiconductor detector and under the magnetic field suitable for magnetic resonance imaging. 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising:generating at least one direct detection signal in response to detecting the gamma photons by the at least one compound semiconductor detector;receiving the detection signal by a signal processor comprising a plurality of electronics adapted to amplify, address, and process the detection signal; andremoving an interference effect of the magnetic field suitable for magnetic resonance imaging on the single photon nuclear imaging by positioning the signal processor away from the magnetic field suitable for magnetic resonance imaging. 13. A combined magnetic resonance and single photon nuclear imaging system, the system comprising:at least one compound semiconductor detector configured to directly convert incident gamma photons into electron-hole charge carriers;at least one collimator for single photon nuclear imaging an object under study with the at least one compound semiconductor detector;at least one magnet for producing a magnetic field suitable for magnetic resonance imaging; andat least one transceiver for magnetic resonance imaging the object under study with the at least one magnet,wherein the at least one compound semiconductor detector is configured to single photon nuclear image the object under study under the magnetic field suitable for magnetic resonance imaging,wherein the at least one compound semiconductor detector is adjacent and attached to the outside surface of the at least one magnet,wherein the at least one semiconductor detector comprises a first ring having a plurality of first modules and a second ring having a plurality of second modules, and wherein the first modules of the first ring are aligned to have an angular offset with the second modules of the second ring along an axial direction to view the object under study with twice the angular sampling with one axial motion. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the at least one compound semiconductor detector comprises a material selected from the group consisting of cadmium telluride (CdTe), mercuric iodide (HgI2), thallium bromide (TlBr), gallium arsenide (GaAs), cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe), and cadmium manganese telluride (CdMnTe). 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the at least one compound semiconductor detector is a cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) detector. 16. The system of claim 13, wherein the at least one compound semiconductor detector comprises:at least one compound semiconductor substrate for producing the charge carriers through interaction with the gamma photons; anda plurality of electrodes for collecting the charge carriers. 17. The system of claim 13, wherein the at least one collimator is configured to be positioned between the object under study and the at least one compound semiconductor detector. 18. The system of claim 13, wherein the at least one compound semiconductor detector is a stationary detector. 19. A method of combining magnetic resonance and single photon nuclear imaging an object under study injected with a radioactive isotope, the method comprising:directly converting gamma photons from the radioactive isotope within the object under study by at least one compound semiconductor detector into electron-hole charge carriers;single photon nuclear imaging the object under study with at least one collimator positioned between the object under study and the at least one compound semiconductor detector;producing a magnetic field suitable for magnetic resonance imaging by at least one magnet; andmagnetic resonance imaging the object under study with at least one transceiver positioned between the object under study and the at least one magnet,wherein the object under study is single photon nuclear imaged under the magnetic field suitable for magnetic resonance imaging,wherein the at least one compound semiconductor detector is adjacent and attached to the outside surface of the at least one magnet,wherein the at least one semiconductor detector comprises a first ring having a plurality of first modules and a second ring having a plurality of second modules, and wherein the first modules of the first ring are aligned to have an angular offset with the second modules of the second ring along an axial direction to view the object under study with twice the angular sampling with one axial motion.
	abstract	A shaper for shaping an ion beam and that can be used for both deposition and etching is described. The shaper includes a plate that is placed between an ion beam grid and an ion beam source. The plate covers holes in the grid, and is shaped and dimensioned such that the plate does not partially cover any holes in the grid that are directly adjacent to the plate. A hole is configured to mount the shaper at a center of the grid and at least one other hole is configured to secure the shaper to the grid to prevent the shaper from rotating relative to the grid. A center mount portion covers holes in the grid. The plate has two axes of reflection symmetry. The uniformity of both deposition and etching is improved.
062228986	summary	This invention relates to protective metallic coatings for uranium. More particularly it is concerned with the bonding of an aluminum jacket to a uranium body for protection against corrosion. Uranium is highly reactive in oxidizing media. This fact requires that uranium be coated with a protective covering which is resistant to oxidizing agents. Accordingly, a process of bonding an aluminum jacket to a uranium body or slug has been developed to protect the uranium from corrosion during its exposure within a neutronic reactor as that disclosed in copending application Ser. No. 568,904, filed on Dec. 19, 1944 by Fermi et al (now Pat. No. 2,708,656). Heretofore the process of inserting a cylindrical slug of uranium into a cylindrical container has required the use of an outer jacket for protecting the container from the corrosive action of the bonding agent used to bond the slug within the container. After the container is inserted into a protective jacket in a fluid-tight manner, the container is filled with a suitable bonding agent. The cylindrical slug is then inserted into the jacket, whereby the bonding agent is displaced except for the part remaining at the interface of the jacket and the slug. In addition, a cap of material similar to the container is placed over the open end of the jacket through which the slug has been inserted. The cap is there bonded in place both to the slug and the jacket. A uranium body or slug or rod is thereby created having a corrosion resistant jacket completely covering it. After completion of the bonding, the outer protective jacket, such as stainless steel, is removed. An object of this invention is to provide a protective covering for a jacket which has an external contour of any shape and which may or may not have integral fins or ribs extending therefrom. Another object is to provide a protected jacket having greater thermal conductivity when inserting the slug in order to derive better seating and bonding characteristics. Other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. This invention was conceived to overcome the expense of using an outer jacket preparatory to placement in a neutronic reactor. It has been found that the outer sleeve or jacket may be eliminated by applying a coating of graphite to the outer surface of the container prior to the bonding process. In general, before the bonding agent, which can metallurgically dissolve the container, is brought into contact with the container, a coating of graphite is applied to the exterior surface thereof and permitted to dry in a uniform, continuous layer. The container is then filled with the bonding agent at the proper temperature with care being taken to remove all gas bubbles. Immediately thereafter the uranium body or slug is inserted into the cylindrical container and a cover or cap of material similar to it is placed over the end thereof, forming a fluid-tight seal therewith. The assembly is then quenched in water which causes the graphite to flake off.
	abstract	The invention provides for a method for producing isotopes using a beam of particles from an accelerator, whereby the beam is maintained at between about 70 to 2000 MeV; and contacting a thorium-containing target with the particles. The medically important isotope 225Ac is produced via the nuclear reaction (p,2p6n), whereby an energetic proton causes the ejection of 2 protons and 6 neutrons from a 232Th target nucleus. Another medically important isotope 213Bi is then available as a decay product. The production of highly purified 211At is also provided.
047598999	summary	BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to nuclear reactors and coolant circulation systems therefor. A nuclear reactor typically includes a core contained within a vessel and a primary cooling system for pumping a primary coolant through the core. The primary coolant typically travels through a fluid circuit wherein the primary coolant receives heat from the core and is cooled externally in a heat exchanger to transfer heat to a working fluid. If failure of some element of the fluid circuit occurs, as due to a power failure or an external pipe rupture, and circulation of fluid to the core stops, the core may overheat. Because of the hazards associated with such overheating, a reactor may include a secondary or backup cooling system. It is desirable that a secondary cooling system begin to function immediately upon reduction of flow in the primary cooling system, without reliance on complicated monitoring systems or on operator intervention. One such proposed system is described in a research memorandum by K. Hannerz entitled "Towards Intrinsically Safe Light Water Reactors," Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Institute for Energy Analysis, DE83-017859, July 1983, which is available through the National Technical Information Service. In the reactor described therein, the core is submerged in a pool of relatively cool water, and a primary coolant is circulated through the core and through steam generators by a pumping system. Two horizontal interfaces between stagnant pool water and stagnant primary coolant in communication with flowing primary coolant are provided, one beneath the core and one offset from the top of a riser which extends about 25 meters above the core. Intermixing of the two fluids at the interfaces is limited by their density differences. At each interface, the higher temperature, lower density primary coolant is above the pool water. If the pressure differential in the primary circuit is equal to the static head differential in the secondary fluid, no secondary fluid will flow through the core. However, in the event of reduction of the pressure of the primary coolant at the interface beneath the core as upon failure of the pumping system, water from the pool rises into the core and the core is cooled by natural convection. A limitation of the above-described system is that, because the static pressure between the two interfaces is essentially equal to the static pressure difference in the pool, head losses in the core must be offset by natural convection to avoid flow from the pool. Thus, the rate of coolant flow is determined by the level of reactivity in the core which occasions such convection, and cannot be varied independently thereof without upsetting the balance of interfaces. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a reactor having its core submerged in a pool of relatively cool secondary coolant includes means to enable flow of secondary coolant from the pool through the core by natural convection as a secondary cooling system, and includes means to enable selection of the flow rate of primary coolant independently of core reactivity. Accordingly, it is a general aspect of the present invention to provide a nuclear reactor having a novel cooling system. It is a more particular aspect of the present invention to provide a nuclear reactor which has a primary cooling system having a flow rate which may be varied independently of core reactivity so as to enable control of coolant inlet and outlet temperatures, and a secondary cooling system which begins functioning immediately upon reduction of primary coolant flow below a predetermined minimum. Further aspects, objects and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the following description and in the accompanying drawings.
	description	This application: is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/425,683 filed Apr. 17, 2009 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,939,809, which claims the benefit of: U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/055,395 filed May 22, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/137,574 filed Aug. 1, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/192,245 filed Sep. 17, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/055,409 filed May 22, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/203,308 filed Dec. 22, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/188,407 filed Aug. 11, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/188,406 filed Aug. 11, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/189,815 filed Aug. 25, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/201,731 filed Dec. 15, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/205,362 filed Jan. 12, 2009; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/134,717 filed Jul. 14, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/134,707 filed Jul. 14, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/201,732 filed Dec. 15, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/198,509 filed Nov. 7, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/134,718 filed Jul. 14, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/190,613 filed Sep. 2, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/191,043 filed Sep. 8, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/192,237 filed Sep. 17, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/201,728 filed Dec. 15, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/190,546 filed Sep. 2, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/189,017 filed Aug. 15, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/198,248 filed Nov. 5, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/198,508 filed Nov. 7, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/197,971 filed Nov. 3, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/199,405 filed Nov. 17, 2008; U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/199,403 filed Nov. 17, 2008; and U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/199,404 filed Nov. 17, 2008; claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/209,529 filed Mar. 9, 2009; claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/208,182 filed Feb. 23, 2009; claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/208,971 filed Mar. 3, 2009; and claims priority to PCT patent application serial No.: PCT/RU2009/00015, filed Mar. 4, 2009, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference thereto. 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to treatment of solid cancers. More particularly, the invention relates to a ion beam focusing lens used in conjunction with charged particle cancer therapy beam acceleration, extraction, and/or targeting methods and apparatus. 2. Discussion of the Prior Art Cancer A tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue. Tumors are either benign or malignant. A benign tumor grows locally, but does not spread to other parts of the body. Benign tumors cause problems because of their spread, as they press and displace normal tissues. Benign tumors are dangerous in confined places such as the skull. A malignant tumor is capable of invading other regions of the body. Metastasis is cancer spreading by invading normal tissue and spreading to distant tissues. Cancer Treatment Several forms of radiation therapy exist for cancer treatment including: brachytherapy, traditional electromagnetic X-ray therapy, and proton therapy. Problem There exists in the art of particle beam therapy of cancerous tumors a need for efficiently focusing a negative ion beam. There further exists in the art a need for generating a negative ion, extracting the negative ion, converting the negative ion into a positive ion, and injecting the positive ion into a synchrotron. There further exists in the art of particle beam treatment of cancerous tumors in the body a need for reduced synchrotron power supply requirements, reduced synchrotron size, and control of synchrotron magnetic fields. Still further, there exists a need in the art to control the charged particle cancer therapy system in terms of specified energy, intensity, and/or timing of charged particle delivery. Yet still further, there exists a need for efficient, precise, and/or accurate noninvasive, in-vivo treatment of a solid cancerous tumor with minimization of damage to surrounding healthy tissue in a patient. The invention comprises an ion beam focusing method and apparatus used in conjunction with a charged particle cancer therapy beam system. This invention relates generally to treatment of solid cancers. More particularly, the invention relates to an ion beam focusing system as part of an ion beam injection system used in conjunction with charged particle cancer therapy beam injection, acceleration, extraction, and/or targeting methods and apparatus. Novel design features of a synchrotron are described. Particularly, a negative ion beam source with novel features in the negative ion source, ion source vacuum system, ion beam focusing lens, and tandem accelerator are described. Additionally, turning magnets, edge focusing magnets, magnetic field concentration magnets, winding and correction coils, flat magnetic field incident surfaces, and extraction elements are described that minimize the overall size of the synchrotron, provide a tightly controlled proton beam, directly reduce the size of required magnetic fields, directly reduce required operating power, and allow continual acceleration of protons in a synchrotron even during a process of extracting protons from the synchrotron. Used in conjunction with the injection system, novel features of a synchrotron are described. Particularly, intensity control of a charged particle beam acceleration, extraction, and/or targeting method and apparatus used in conjunction with charged particle beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors is described. More particularly, intensity control of a charged particle stream of a synchrotron is described. Intensity control is described in combination with turning magnets, edge focusing magnets, concentrating magnetic field magnets, winding and control coils, and extraction elements of the synchrotron. The synchrotron control elements allow tight control of the charged particle beam, which compliments the tight control of patient positioning to yield efficient treatment of a solid tumor with reduced tissue damage to surrounding healthy tissue. In addition, the system reduces the overall size of the synchrotron, provides a tightly controlled proton beam, directly reduces the size of required magnetic fields, directly reduces required operating power, and allows continual acceleration of protons in a synchrotron even during a process of extracting protons from the synchrotron. Cyclotron/Synchrotron A cyclotron uses a constant magnetic field and a constant-frequency applied electric field. One of the two fields is varied in a synchrocyclotron. Both of these fields are varied in a synchrotron. Thus, a synchrotron is a particular type of cyclic particle accelerator in which a magnetic field is used to turn the particles so they circulate and an electric field is used to accelerate the particles. The synchrotron carefully synchronizes the applied fields with the travelling particle beam. By increasing the fields appropriately as the particles gain energy, the charged particles path can be held constant as they are accelerated. This allows the vacuum container for the particles to be a large thin torus. In practice it is easier to use some straight sections between the bending magnets or turning magnets and some turning sections giving the torus the shape of a round-cornered polygon. A path of large effective radius is thus constructed using simple straight and curved pipe segments, unlike the disc-shaped chamber of the cyclotron type devices. The shape also allows and requires the use of multiple magnets to bend the particle beam. The maximum energy that a cyclic accelerator can impart is typically limited by the strength of the magnetic fields and the minimum radius/maximum curvature, of the particle path. In a cyclotron the maximum radius is quite limited as the particles start at the center and spiral outward, thus this entire path must be a self-supporting disc-shaped evacuated chamber. Since the radius is limited, the power of the machine becomes limited by the strength of the magnetic field. In the case of an ordinary electromagnet, the field strength is limited by the saturation of the core because when all magnetic domains are aligned the field may not be further increased to any practical extent. The arrangement of the single pair of magnets also limits the economic size of the device. Synchrotrons overcome these limitations, using a narrow beam pipe surrounded by much smaller and more tightly focusing magnets. The ability of this device to accelerate particles is limited by the fact that the particles must be charged to be accelerated at all, but charged particles under acceleration emit photons, thereby losing energy. The limiting beam energy is reached when the energy lost to the lateral acceleration required to maintain the beam path in a circle equals the energy added each cycle. More powerful accelerators are built by using large radius paths and by using more numerous and more powerful microwave cavities to accelerate the particle beam between corners. Lighter particles, such as electrons, lose a larger fraction of their energy when turning. Practically speaking, the energy of electron/positron accelerators is limited by this radiation loss, while it does not play a significant role in the dynamics of proton or ion accelerators. The energy of those is limited strictly by the strength of magnets and by the cost. Charged Particle Beam Therapy Throughout this document, a charged particle beam therapy system, such as a proton beam, hydrogen ion beam, or carbon ion beam, is described. Herein, the charged particle beam therapy system is described using a proton beam. However, the aspects taught and described in terms of a proton beam are not intended to be limiting to that of a proton beam and are illustrative of a charged particle beam system. Any charged particle beam system is equally applicable to the techniques described herein. Referring now to FIG. 1, a charged particle beam system 100 is illustrated. The charged particle beam preferably comprises a number of subsystems including any of: a main controller 110; an injection system 120; a synchrotron 130 that typically includes: (1) an accelerator system 132 and (2) an extraction system 134; a scanning/delivery system 140; a patient interface module 150; a display system 160; and/or an imaging system 170. An exemplary method of use of the charged particle beam system 100 is provided. The main controller 110 controls one or more of the subsystems to accurately and precisely deliver protons to a tumor of a patient. For example, the main controller 110 obtains an image, such as a portion of a body and/or of a tumor, from the imaging system 170. The main controller 110 also obtains position and/or timing information from the patient interface module 150. The main controller 110 then optionally controls the injection system 120 to inject a proton into a synchrotron 130. The synchrotron typically contains at least an accelerator system 132 and an extraction system 134. The main controller preferably controls the proton beam within the accelerator system, such as by controlling speed, trajectory, and timing of the proton beam. The main controller then controls extraction of a proton beam from the accelerator through the extraction system 134. For example, the controller controls timing, energy, and/or intensity of the extracted beam. The controller 110 also preferably controls targeting of the proton beam through the scanning/targeting/delivery system 140 to the patient interface module 150. One or more components of the patient interface module 150 are preferably controlled by the main controller 110. Further, display elements of the display system 160 are preferably controlled via the main controller 110. Displays, such as display screens, are typically provided to one or more operators and/or to one or more patients. In one embodiment, the main controller 110 times the delivery of the proton beam from all systems, such that protons are delivered in an optimal therapeutic manner to the patient. Herein, the main controller 110 refers to a single system controlling the charged particle beam system 100, to a single controller controlling a plurality of subsystems controlling the charged particle beam system 100, or to a plurality of individual controllers controlling one or more sub-systems of the charged particle beam system 100. Synchrotron Herein, the term synchrotron is used to refer to a system maintaining the charged particle beam in a circulating path; however, cyclotrons are alternatively used, albeit with their inherent limitations of energy, intensity, and extraction control. Further, the charged particle beam is referred to herein as circulating along a circulating path about a central point of the synchrotron. The circulating path is alternatively referred to as an orbiting path; however, the orbiting path does not refer a perfect circle or ellipse, rather it refers to cycling of the protons around a central point or region. Referring now to FIG. 2, an illustrative exemplary embodiment of one version of the charged particle beam system 100 is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, an injector system 210 or charged particle beam source generates protons. The protons are delivered into a vacuum tube that runs into, through, and out of the synchrotron. The generated protons are delivered along an initial path 262. Focusing magnets 230, such as quadrupole magnets or injection quadrupole magnets, are used to focus the proton beam path. An injector bending magnet 232 bends the proton beam toward the plane of the synchrotron 130. The focused protons having an initial energy are introduced into an injector magnet 240, which is preferably an injection Lamberson magnet. Typically, the initial beam path 262 is along an axis off of, such as above, a circulating plane of the synchrotron 130. The injector bending magnet 232 and injector magnet 240 combine to move the protons into the synchrotron 130. Main bending magnets 250 or circulating magnets are used to turn the protons along a circulating beam path 264. The main bending magnets 250 bend the initial beam path 262 into a circulating beam path 264. In this example, the main bending magnets 250 or circulating magnets are represented as four sets of four magnets to maintain the circulating beam path 264 into a stable circulating beam path. However, any number of magnets or sets of magnets are optionally used to move the protons around a single orbit in the circulation process. The protons pass through an accelerator 270. The accelerator accelerates the protons in the circulating beam path 264. As the protons are accelerated, the fields applied by the magnets are increased. Particularly, the speed of the protons achieved by the accelerator 270 are synchronized with magnetic fields of the main bending magnets 250 or circulating magnets to maintain stable circulation of the protons about a central point or region 280 of the synchrotron. At separate points in time the accelerator 270/main bending magnet 250 combination is used to accelerate and/or decelerate the circulating protons while maintaining the protons in the circulating path or orbit. An extraction element of the inflector/deflector system 290 is used in combination with a Lamberson extraction magnet 292 to remove protons from their circulating beam path 264 within the synchrotron 130. One example of a deflector component is a Lamberson magnet. Typically the deflector moves the protons from the circulating plane to an axis off of the circulating plane, such as above the circulating plane. Extracted protons are preferably directed and/or focused using an extraction bending magnet 237 and extraction focusing magnets 235, such as quadrupole magnets along a transport path 268 into the scanning/targeting/delivery system 140. Two components of a scanning system 140 or targeting system typically include a first axis control 142, such as a vertical control, and a second axis control 144, such as a horizontal control. A nozzle system 146 is used for imaging the proton beam and/or as a vacuum barrier between the low pressure beam path of the synchrotron and the atmosphere. Protons are delivered with control to the patient interface module 150 and to a tumor of a patient. Ion Beam Generation System An ion beam generation system generates a negative ion beam, such as a hydrogen anion or H− beam; preferably focuses the negative ion beam; converts the negative ion beam to a positive ion beam, such as a proton or H+ beam; and injects the positive ion beam into the synchrotron 130. Portions of the ion beam path are preferably under partial vacuum. Each of these systems are further described, infra. Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary ion beam generation system 300 is illustrated. As illustrated, the ion beam generation system 300 has four major elements: a negative ion source 310, a first partial vacuum system 330, an optional ion beam focusing system 350, and a tandem accelerator 390. Still referring to FIG. 3, the negative ion source 310 preferably includes an inlet port 312 for injection of hydrogen gas into a high temperature plasma chamber 314. In one embodiment, the plasma chamber includes a magnetic material 316, which provides a magnetic field barrier 317 between the high temperature plasma chamber 314 and a low temperature plasma region on the opposite side of the magnetic field barrier. An extraction pulse is applied to a negative ion extraction electrode 318 to pull the negative ion beam into a negative ion beam path 319, which proceeds through the first partial vacuum system 330, through the ion beam focusing system 350, and into the tandem accelerator 390. Still referring to FIG. 3, the first partial vacuum system 330 preferably includes: a first pump 332, such as a continuously operating pump and/or a turbo molecular pump; a large holding volume 334; and a semi-continuously operating pump 336. Preferably, a pump controller 340 receives a signal from a pressure sensor 342 monitoring pressure in the large holding volume 334. Upon a signal representative of a sufficient pressure in the large holding volume 334, the pump controller 340 instructs an actuator 345 to open a valve 346 between the large holding volume and the semi-continuously operating pump 336 and instructs the semi-continuously operating pump to turn on and pump to atmosphere residual gases out of the vacuum line 320 about the charged particle stream. In this fashion, the lifetime of the semi-continuously operating pump is extended by only operating semi-continuously and as needed. Still referring to FIG. 3, the ion beam focusing system 350 includes two or more electrodes where one electrode of each electrode pair partially obstructs the ion beam path with conductive paths 372, such as a conductive mesh. In the illustrated example, three ion beam focusing system sections are illustrated, a two electrode ion focusing section 360, a first three electrode ion focusing section 370, and a second three electrode ion focusing section 380. In a given electrode pair, electric field lines, running between the conductive mesh of a first electrode and a second electrode, provide inward forces focusing the negative ion beam. Multiple such electrode pairs provide multiple negative ion beam focusing regions. Preferably the two electrode ion focusing section 360, first three electrode ion focusing section 370, and second three electrode ion focusing section 380 are placed after the negative ion source and before the tandem accelerator and/or cover a space of about 0.5, 1, or 2 meters along the ion beam path. Ion beam focusing systems are further described, infra. Still referring to FIG. 3, the tandem accelerator 390 preferably includes a foil 395, such as a carbon foil. The negative ions in the negative ion beam path 319 are converted to positive ions, such as protons, and the initial ion beam path 262 results. The foil 395 is preferably sealed directly or indirectly to the edges of the vacuum tube 320 providing for a higher pressure, such as about 10−5 torr, to be maintained on the side of the foil 395 having the negative ion beam path 319 and a lower pressure, such as about 10−7 torr, to be maintained on the side of the foil 390 having the proton ion beam path 262. Having the foil 395 physically separating the vacuum chamber 320 into two pressure regions allows for a system having fewer and/or smaller pumps to maintain the lower pressure system in the synchrotron 130 as the inlet hydrogen and its residuals are extracted in a separate contained and isolated space by the first partial vacuum system 330. Ion Beam Focusing System Referring now to FIG. 4, the ion beam focusing system 350 is further described. In this example, three electrodes are used. In this example, the first electrode 410 and third electrode 430 are both negatively charged and each is a ring electrode circumferentially enclosing or at least partially enclosing the negative ion beam path 319. The second electrode 420 is positively charged and is also a ring electrode circumferentially enclosing the negative ion beam path. In addition, the second electrode includes one or more conducting paths 372 running through the negative ion beam path 319. For example, the conducting paths are a wire mesh, a conducting grid, or a series of substantially parallel conducting lines running across the second electrode. In use, electric field lines run from the conducting paths of the positively charged electrode to the negatively charged electrodes. For example, in use the electric field lines 440 run from the conducting paths 372 in the negative ion beam path 319 to the negatively charged electrodes 410, 430. Two ray trace lines 450, 460 of the negative ion beam path are used to illustrate focusing forces. In the first ray trace line 450, the negative ion beam encounters a first electric field line at point M. Negatively charged ions in the negative ion beam 450 encounter forces running up the electric field line 471, illustrated with an x-axis component vector 472. The x-axis component force vectors 472 alters the trajectory of the first ray trace line to a inward focused vector 452, which encounters a second electric field line at point N. Again, the negative ion beam 452 encounters forces running up the electric field line 473, illustrated as having an inward force vector with an x-axis component 474, which alters the inward focused vector 452 to a more inward focused vector 454. Similarly, in the second ray trace line 460, the negative ion beam encounters a first electric field line at point O. Negatively charged ions in the negative ion beam encounter forces running up the electric field line 475, illustrated as having a force vector with an x-axis force 476. The inward force vectors 476 alters the trajectory of the second ray trace line 460 to an inward focused vector 462, which encounters a second electric field line at point P. Again, the negative ion beam encounters forces running up the electric field line 477, illustrated as having force vector with an x-axis component 478, which alters the inward focused vector 462 to a more inward focused vector 464. The net result is a focusing effect on the negative ion beam. Each of the force vectors 472, 474, 476, 478 optionally has x and/or y force vector components resulting in a 3-dimensional focusing of the negative ion beam path. Naturally, the force vectors are illustrative in nature, many electric field lines are encountered, and the focusing effect is observed at each encounter resulting in integral focusing. The example is used to illustrate the focusing effect. Still referring to FIG. 4, optionally any number of electrodes are used, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 electrodes, to focus the negative ion beam path where every other electrode, in a given focusing section, is either positively or negatively charged. For example, three focusing sections are optionally used. In the first ion focusing section 360, a pair of electrodes are used where the first electrode encountered along the negative ion beam path is negatively charged and the second electrode is positively charged, resulting in focusing of the negative ion beam path. In the second ion focusing section 370, two pairs of electrodes are used, where a common positively charged electrode with a conductive mesh running through the negatively ion beam path 319 is used. Thus, in the second ion focusing section 370, the first electrode encountered along the negative ion beam path is negatively charged and the second electrode is positively charged, resulting in focusing of the negative ion beam path. Further, in the second ion focusing section, moving along the negative ion beam path, a second focusing effect is observed between the second positively charged electrode and a third negatively charged electrode. In this example, a third ion focusing section 380 is used that again has three electrodes, which acts in the fashion of the second ion focusing section, describe supra. Referring now to FIG. 5, the central regions of the electrodes in the ion beam focusing system 350 is further described. Referring now to FIG. 5A, the central region of the negatively charged ring electrode 410 is preferably void of conductive material. Referring now to FIGS. 5B-D, the central region of positively charged electrode ring 420 preferably contains conductive paths 372. Preferably, the conductive paths 372 or conductive material within the positively charged electrode ring 420 blocks about 1, 2, 5, or 10 percent of the area and more preferably blocks about 5 percent of the cross-sectional area of the negative ion beam path 319. Referring now to FIG. 5B, one option is a conductive mesh 510. Referring now to FIG. 5C, a second option is a series of conductive lines 520 running substantially in parallel across the positively charged electrode ring 420 that surrounds a portion of the negative ion beam path 319. Referring now to FIG. 5D, a third option is to have a foil 530 or metallic layer cover all of the cross-sectional area of the negative ion beam path with holes punched through the material, where the holes take up about 90-99 percent and more preferably about 95 percent of the area of the foil. More generally, the pair of electrodes are configure to provide electric field lines that provide focusing force vectors to the negative ion beam when the ions in the negative ion beam translate through the electric field lines, as described supra. Referring now to FIG. 6, an example of a two electrode negative beam ion focusing system is provided. In this example, electric field lines 440 run from conductive paths 372 of a positively charged ring electrode 420, that surrounds a cross-sectional area of the negative ion beam path 319, to a negatively charged ring electrode 410, which also surrounds or partially surrounds a cross-sectional area of the negative ion beam path 319. In this example, seven ray tracing lines of the negative ion beam path 319 having a first cross-sectional diameter, d1, are focused using the two electrode system, as described supra, to a second cross-sectional diameter, d2, where d1>d2. Referring now to FIG. 7, an example of a three electrode negative beam ion focusing system is provided. In this example, electric field lines 440 run from conductive paths 372 of a positively charged ring electrode 420, that surrounds a cross-sectional area of the negative ion beam path 319, to two negatively charged ring electrodes 410, 430, each of which also surround or partially surround a cross-sectional area of the negative ion beam path 319. In this example, seven ray tracing lines of the negative ion beam path 319 having a first cross-sectional diameter, d1, are focused using the three electrode system, as described supra, to a third cross-sectional diameter, d3, where d1>d3. For like potentials on the electrodes, the three electrode system provides tighter or stronger focusing compared to the two-electrode system, d3<d2. In the examples provided, supra, of a multi-electrode ion beam focusing system, the electrodes are rings. More generally, the electrodes are of any geometry sufficient to provide electric field lines that provide focusing force vectors to the negative ion beam when the ions in the negative ion beam translate through the electric field lines, as described supra. For example, one negative ring electrode is optionally replaced by a number of negatively charged electrodes, such as about 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, or more electrodes placed about the outer region of a cross-sectional area of the negative ion beam probe. Generally, more electrodes are required to converge or diverge a faster or higher energy beam. In another embodiment, by reversing the polarity of electrodes in the above example, the negative ion beam is made to diverge. Thus, the negative ion beam path is optionally focused and expanded using combinations of electrode pairs. For example, if the electrode having the mesh across the negative ion beam path is made negative, then the negative ion beam path is made to defocus. Hence, combinations of electrode pairs are used for focusing and defocusing a negative ion beam path, such as where a first pair includes a positively charged mesh for focusing and a where a second pair includes a negatively charged mesh for defocusing. In still another embodiment, a positively charged beam is focused or defocused using the ion beam focusing system, discussed supra. Referring now to FIG. 8, another exemplary method of use of the charged particle beam system 100 is provided. The main controller 110, or one or more sub-controllers, controls one or more of the subsystems to accurately and precisely deliver protons to a tumor of a patient. For example, the main controller sends a message to the patient indicating when or how to breath. The main controller 110 obtains a sensor reading from the patient interface module, such as a temperature breath sensor or a force reading indicative of where in a breath cycle the subject is. The main controller collects an image, such as a portion of a body and/or of a tumor, from the imaging system 170. The main controller 110 also obtains position and/or timing information from the patient interface module 150. The main controller 110 then optionally controls the injection system 120 to inject hydrogen gas into a negative ion beam source 310 and controls timing of extraction of the negative ion from the negative ion beam source 310. Optionally, the main controller controls ion beam focusing using the ion beam focusing lens system 350; acceleration of the proton beam with the tandem accelerator 390; and/or injection of the proton into the synchrotron 130. The synchrotron typically contains at least an accelerator system 132 and an extraction system 134. The synchrotron preferably contains one or more of: turning magnets, edge focusing magnets, magnetic field concentration magnets, winding and correction coils, and flat magnetic field incident surfaces, some of which contain elements under control by the main controller 110. The main controller preferably controls the proton beam within the accelerator system, such as by controlling speed, trajectory, and/or timing of the proton beam. The main controller then controls extraction of a proton beam from the accelerator through the extraction system 134. For example, the controller controls timing, energy, and/or intensity of the extracted beam. The controller 110 also preferably controls targeting of the proton beam through the targeting/delivery system 140 to the patient interface module 150. One or more components of the patient interface module 150 are preferably controlled by the main controller 110, such as vertical position of the patient, rotational position of the patient, and patient chair positioning/stabilization/control elements. Further, display elements of the display system 160 are preferably controlled via the main controller 110. Displays, such as display screens, are typically provided to one or more operators and/or to one or more patients. In one embodiment, the main controller 110 times the delivery of the proton beam from all systems, such that protons are delivered in an optimal therapeutic manner to the patient. Circulating System A synchrotron 130 preferably comprises a combination of straight sections 910 and ion beam turning sections 920. Hence, the circulating path of the protons is not circular in a synchrotron, but is rather a polygon with rounded corners. In one illustrative embodiment, the synchrotron 130, which is also referred to as an accelerator system, has four straight elements and four turning sections. Examples of straight sections 910 include the: inflector 240, accelerator 270, extraction system 290, and deflector 292. Along with the four straight sections are four ion beam turning sections 920, which are also referred to as magnet sections or turning sections. Turning sections are further described, infra. Referring now to FIG. 9, an exemplary synchrotron is illustrated. In this example, protons delivered along the initial path 262 are inflected into the circulating beam path with the inflector 240 and after acceleration are extracted via a deflector 292 to a beam transport path 268. In this example, the synchrotron 130 comprises four straight sections 910 and four turning sections 920 where each of the four turning sections use one or more magnets to turn the proton beam about ninety degrees. As is further described, infra, the ability to closely space the turning sections and efficiently turn the proton beam results in shorter straight sections. Shorter straight sections allows for a synchrotron design without the use of focusing quadruples in the circulating beam path of the synchrotron. The removal of the focusing quadruples from the circulating proton beam path results in a more compact design. In this example, the illustrated synchrotron has about a five meter diameter versus eight meter and larger cross-sectional diameters for systems using a quadrupole focusing magnet in the circulating proton beam path. Referring now to FIG. 10, additional description of the first turning section 920 is provided. Each of the turning sections preferably comprises multiple magnets, such as about 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 magnets. In this example, four turning magnets 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040 in the first turning section 20 are used to illustrate key principles, which are the same regardless of the number of magnets in a turning section 920. A turning magnet 1010 is a particular type of circulating magnet 250. In physics, the Lorentz force is the force on a point charge due to electromagnetic fields. The Lorentz force is given by the equation 1 in terms of magnetic fields with the election field terms not included.F=q(v×B) eq. 1 In equation 1, F is the force in newtons; B is the magnetic field in Teslas; and v is the instantaneous velocity of the particles in meters per second. Referring now to FIG. 11, an example of a single magnet turning section 1010 is expanded. The turning section includes a gap 1110. The gap 1110 is preferably a flat gap, allowing for a magnetic field across the gap 1110 that is more uniform, even, and intense. A magnetic field enters the gap 1110 through a magnetic field incident surface and exits the gap 1110 through a magnetic field exiting surface. The gap 1110 runs in a vacuum tube between two magnet halves. The gap 1110 is controlled by at least two parameters: (1) the gap 1110 is kept as large as possible to minimize loss of protons and (2) the gap 1110 is kept as small as possible to minimize magnet sizes and the associated size and power requirements of the magnet power supplies. The flat nature of the gap 1110 allows for a compressed and more uniform magnetic field across the gap 1110. One example of a gap dimension is to accommodate a vertical proton beam size of about two centimeters with a horizontal beam size of about five to six centimeters. As described, supra, a larger gap size requires a larger power supply. For instance, if the gap 1110 size doubles in vertical size, then the power supply requirements increase by about a factor of four. The flatness of the gap 1110 is also important. For example, the flat nature of the gap 1110 allows for an increase in energy of the extracted protons from about 250 to about 330 MeV. More particularly, if the gap 1110 has an extremely flat surface, then the limits of a magnetic field of an iron magnet are reachable. An exemplary precision of the flat surface of the gap 1110 is a polish of less than about five microns and preferably with a polish of about one to three micrometers. Unevenness in the surface results in imperfections in the applied magnetic field. The polished flat surface spreads unevenness of the applied magnetic field. Still referring to FIG. 11, the charged particle beam moves through the gap 1110 with an instantaneous velocity, v. A first magnetic coil 1120 and a second magnetic coil 1130 run above and below the gap 1110, respectively. Current running through the coils 1120, 1130 results in a magnetic field, B, running through the single magnet turning section 1010. In this example, the magnetic field, B, runs upward, which results in a force, F, pushing the charged particle beam inward toward a central point of the synchrotron, which turns the charged particle beam in an arc. Still referring to FIG. 11, a portion of an optional second magnet turning section 1020 is illustrated. The coils 1120, 1130 typically have return elements 1140, 1150 or turns at the end of one magnet, such as at the end of the first magnet turning section 1010. The turns 1140, 1150 take space. The space reduces the percentage of the path about one orbit of the synchrotron that is covered by the turning magnets. This leads to portions of the circulating path where the protons are not turned and/or focused and allows for portions of the circulating path where the proton path defocuses. Thus, the space results in a larger synchrotron. Therefore, the space between magnet turning sections 1160 is preferably minimized. The second turning magnet is used to illustrate that the coils 1120, 1130 optionally run along a plurality of magnets, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more magnets. Coils 1120, 1130 running across turning section magnets allows for two turning section magnets to be spatially positioned closer to each other due to the removal of the steric constraint of the turns, which reduces and/or minimizes the space 1160 between two turning section magnets. Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, two illustrative 90 degree rotated cross-sections of single magnet turning sections 1010 are presented. The magnet assembly has a first magnet 1210 and a second magnet 1220. A magnetic field induced by coils, described infra, runs between the first magnet 1210 to the second magnet 1220 across the gap 1110. Return magnetic fields run through a first yoke 1212 and second yoke 1222. The charged particles run through the vacuum tube in the gap 1110. As illustrated, protons run into FIG. 12 through the gap 1110 and the magnetic field, illustrated as vector B, applies a force F to the protons pushing the protons towards the center of the synchrotron, which is off page to the right in FIG. 12. The magnetic field is created using windings. A first coil makes up a first winding coil 1250 and a second coil of wire makes up a second winding coil. Isolating gaps 1230, 1240, such as air gaps, isolate the iron based yokes 1212, 1222 from the gap 1110. The gap 1110 is approximately flat to yield a uniform magnetic field across the gap 1110, as described supra. Referring again to FIG. 13, the ends of a single turning magnet are preferably beveled. Nearly perpendicular or right angle edges of a turning magnet 1010 are represented by dashed lines 1374, 1384. The dashed lines 1374, 1384 intersect at a point 1390 beyond the center of the synchrotron 280. Preferably, the edge of the turning magnet is beveled at angles alpha, α, and beta, β, which are angles formed by a first line 1372, 1382 going from an edge of the turning magnet 1010 and the center 280 and a second line 1374, 1384 going from the same edge of the turning magnet and the intersecting point 1390. The angle alpha is used to describe the effect and the description of angle alpha applies to angle beta, but angle alpha is optionally different from angle beta. The angle alpha provides an edge focusing effect. Beveling the edge of the turning magnet 1010 at angle alpha focuses the proton beam. Multiple turning magnets provide multiple magnet edges that each have edge focusing effects in the synchrotron 130. If only one turning magnet is used, then the beam is only focused once for angle alpha or twice for angle alpha and angle beta. However, by using smaller turning magnets, more turning magnets fit into the turning sections 920 of the synchrotron 130. For example, if four magnets are used in a turning section 920 of the synchrotron, then there are eight possible edge focusing effect surfaces, two edges per magnet. The eight focusing surfaces yield a smaller cross-sectional beam size. This allows the use of a smaller gap 1110. The use of multiple edge focusing effects in the turning magnets results in not only a smaller gap 1110, but also the use of smaller magnets and smaller power supplies. For a synchrotron 130 having four turning sections 920 where each turning sections has four turning magnets and each turning magnet has two focusing edges, a total of thirty-two focusing edges exist for each orbit of the protons in the circulating path of the synchrotron 130. Similarly, if 2, 6, or 8 magnets are used in a given turning section, or if 2, 3, 5, or 6 turning sections are used, then the number of edge focusing surfaces expands or contracts according to equation 2. TFE = NTS * M NTS * FE M eq . ⁢ 2 where TFE is the number of total focusing edges, NTS is the number of turning section, M is the number of magnets, and FE is the number of focusing edges. Naturally, not all magnets are necessarily beveled and some magnets are optionally beveled on only one edge. The inventors have determined that multiple smaller magnets have benefits over fewer larger magnets. For example, the use of 16 small magnets yields 32 focusing edges whereas the use of 4 larger magnets yields only 8 focusing edges. The use of a synchrotron having more focusing edges results in a circulating path of the synchrotron built without the use of focusing quadruples magnets. All prior art synchrotrons use quadruples in the circulating path of the synchrotron. Further, the use of quadruples in the circulating path necessitates additional straight sections in the circulating path of the synchrotron. Thus, the use of quadruples in the circulating path of a synchrotron results in synchrotrons having larger diameters or larger circumferences. In various embodiments of the system described herein, the synchrotron has: at least 4 and preferably 6, 8, 10, or more edge focusing edges per 90 degrees of turn of the charged particle beam in a synchrotron having four turning sections; at least about 16 and preferably about 24, 32, or more edge focusing edges per orbit of the charged particle beam in the synchrotron; only 4 turning sections where each of the turning sections includes at least 4 and preferably 8 edge focusing edges; an equal number of straight sections and turning sections; exactly 4 turning sections; at least 4 edge focusing edges per turning section; no quadruples in the circulating path of the synchrotron; a rounded corner rectangular polygon configuration; a circumference of less than 60 meters; a circumference of less than 60 meters and 32 edge focusing surfaces; and/or any of about 8, 16, 24, or 32 non-quadrupole magnets per circulating path of the synchrotron, where the non-quadrupole magnets include edge focusing edges. Referring now to FIG. 12, the incident magnetic field surface 1270 of the first magnet 1210 is further described. FIG. 12 is not to scale and is illustrative in nature. Local imperfections or unevenness in quality of the finish of the incident surface 1270 results in inhomogeneities or imperfections in the magnetic field applied to the gap 1110. Preferably, the incident surface 1270 is flat, such as to within about a zero to three micron finish polish, or less preferably to about a ten micron finish polish. An exiting magnetic field surface 1280 is preferably constructed to the same specifications as the incident magnetic field surface 1270. Referring now to FIG. 14, additional magnet elements, of the magnet cross-section illustratively represented in FIG. 12, are described. The first magnet 1210 preferably contains an initial cross-sectional distance 1410 of the iron based core. The contours of the magnetic field are shaped by the magnets 1210, 1220 and the yokes 1212, 1222. The iron based core tapers to a second cross-sectional distance 1420. The magnetic field in the magnet preferentially stays in the iron based core as opposed to the gaps 1230, 1240. As the cross-sectional distance decreases from the initial cross-sectional distance 1410 to the final cross-sectional distance 1420, the magnetic field concentrates. The change in shape of the magnet from the longer distance 1410 to the smaller distance 1420 acts as an amplifier. The concentration of the magnetic field is illustrated by representing an initial density of magnetic field vectors 1430 in the initial cross-section 1410 to a concentrated density of magnetic field vectors 1440 in the final cross-section 1420. The concentration of the magnetic field due to the geometry of the turning magnets results in fewer winding coils 1250, 1260 being required and also a smaller power supply to the coils being required. In one example, the initial cross-section distance 1410 is about fifteen centimeters and the final cross-section distance 1420 is about ten centimeters. Using the provided numbers, the concentration of the magnetic field is about 15/10 or 1.5 times at the incident surface 1270 of the gap 1110, though the relationship is not linear. The taper 1460 has a slope, such as about 20 to 60 degrees. The concentration of the magnetic field, such as by 1.5 times, leads to a corresponding decrease in power consumption requirements to the magnets. Referring now to FIG. 15, an additional example of geometry of the magnet used to concentrate the magnetic field is illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the first magnet 1210 preferably contains an initial cross-sectional distance 1410 of the iron based core. The contours of the magnetic field are shaped by the magnets 1210, 1220 and the yokes 1212, 1222. In this example, the core tapers to a second cross-sectional distance 1420 with a smaller angle theta, θ. As described, supra, the magnetic field in the magnet preferentially stays in the iron based core as opposed to the gaps 1230, 1240. As the cross-sectional distance decreases from the initial cross-sectional distance 1410 to the final cross-sectional distance 1420, the magnetic field concentrates. The smaller angle, theta, results in a greater amplification of the magnetic field in going from the longer distance 1410 to the smaller distance 1420. The concentration of the magnetic field is illustrated by representing an initial density of magnetic field vectors 1430 in the initial cross-section 1410 to a concentrated density of magnetic field vectors 1440 in the final cross-section 1420. The concentration of the magnetic field due to the geometry of the turning magnets results in fewer winding coils 1250, 1260 being required and also a smaller power supply to the winding coils 1250, 1260 being required. Still referring to FIG. 15, optional correction coils 1510, 1520 are illustrated that are used to correct the strength of one or more turning magnets. The correction coils 1520, 1530 supplement the winding coils 1250, 1260. The correction coils 1510, 1520 have correction coil power supplies that are separate from winding coil power supplies used with the winding coils 1250, 1260. The correction coil power supplies typically operate at a fraction of the power required compared to the winding coil power supplies, such as about 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, or 10 percent of the power and more preferably about 1 or 2 percent of the power used with the winding coils 1250, 1260. The smaller operating power applied to the correction coils 1510, 1520 allows for more accurate and/or precise control of the correction coils. The correction coils 1610, 1620, 1630, 1640 are used to adjust for imperfection in the turning magnets 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040. Referring now to FIG. 16, an example of winding coils and correction coils about a plurality of turning magnets 1610, 1620 in an ion beam turning section 920 is illustrated. One or more high precision magnetic field sensors are placed into the synchrotron and are used to measure the magnetic field at or near the proton beam path. For example, the magnetic sensors are optionally placed between turning magnets and/or within a turning magnet, such as at or near the gap 1110 or at or near the magnet core or yoke. The sensors are part of a feedback system to the correction coils. Thus, the system preferably stabilizes the magnetic field in the synchrotron elements rather that stabilizing the current applied to the magnets. Stabilization of the magnetic field allows the synchrotron to come to a new energy level quickly. This allows the system to be controlled to an operator or algorithm selected energy level with each pulse of the synchrotron and/or with each breath of the patient. The winding and/or correction coils correct 1, 2, 3, or 4 turning magnets, and preferably correct a magnetic field generated by two turning magnets. Referring now to FIG. 17, an example is used to clarify the magnetic field control using a feedback loop 1700 to change delivery times and/or periods of proton pulse delivery. In one case, a respiratory sensor 1710 senses the breathing cycle of the subject. The respiratory sensor sends the information to an algorithm in a magnetic field controller 1720, typically via the patient interface module 150 and/or via the main controller 110 or a subcomponent thereof. The algorithm predicts and/or measures when the subject is at a particular point in the breathing cycle, such as at the bottom of a breath. Magnetic field sensors 1730, such as the high precision magnetic field sensors 1050, are used as input to the magnetic field controller, which controls a magnet power supply 1740 for a given magnetic field 1750, such as within a first turning magnet 1010 of a synchrotron 130. The control feedback loop is thus used to dial the synchrotron to a selected energy level and deliver protons with the desired energy at a selected point in time, such as at the bottom of the breath. More particularly, the synchrotron accelerates the protons and the control feedback loop keeps the protons in the circulating path by synchronously adjusting the magnetic field strength of the turning magnets. Intensity of the proton beam is also selectable at this stage. The feedback control to the correction coils allows rapid selection of energy levels of the synchrotron that are tied to the patient's breathing cycle. This system is in stark contrast to a system where the current is stabilized and the synchrotron deliver pulses with a period, such as 10 or 20 cycles second with a fixed period. The feedback or the magnetic field design coupled with the correction coils allows for the extraction cycle to match the varying respiratory rate of the patient. Traditional extraction systems do not allow this control as magnets have memories in terms of both magnitude and amplitude of a sine wave. Hence, in a traditional system, in order to change frequency, slow changes in current must be used. However, with the use of the feedback loop using the magnetic field sensors, the frequency and energy level of the synchrotron are rapidly adjustable. Further aiding this process is the use of a novel extraction system that allows for acceleration of the protons during the extraction process, described infra. Referring again to FIG. 16, an example of a winding coil 1630 that covers four turning magnets 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040 is provided. Optionally, a first winding coil 1640 covers two magnets 1030, 1040 and a second winding coil covers another two magnets 1010, 1020. As described, supra, this system reduces space between turning section allowing more magnetic field to be applied per radian of turn. A first correction coil 1610 is illustrated that is used to correct the magnetic field for the first turning magnet 1010. A second correction coil 1620 is illustrated that is used to correct the magnetic field for a winding coil 1630 about four turning magnets. Individual correction coils for each turning magnet are preferred and individual correction coils yield the most precise and/or accurate magnetic field in each turning section magnet. Particularly, the individual correction coil 1610 is used to compensate for imperfections in the individual magnet of a given turning section. Hence, with a series of magnetic field sensors, corresponding magnetic fields are individually adjustable in a series of feedback loops, via a magnetic field monitoring system, as an independent coil is used for each turning section. Alternatively, a multiple magnet correction coil is used to correct the magnetic field for a plurality of turning section magnets. Flat Gap Surface While the gap surface is described in terms of the first turning magnet 1010, the discussion applies to each of the turning magnets in the synchrotron. Similarly, while the gap 1110 surface is described in terms of the magnetic field incident surface 670, the discussion additionally optionally applies to the magnetic field exiting surface 680. The magnetic field incident surface 1270 of the first magnet 1210 is preferably about flat, such as to within about a zero to three micron finish polish or less preferably to about a ten micron finish polish. By being very flat, the polished surface spreads the unevenness of the applied magnetic field across the gap 1110. The very flat surface, such as about 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, or 20 micron finish, allows for a smaller gap size, a smaller applied magnetic field, smaller power supplies, and tighter control of the proton beam cross-sectional area. Proton Beam Extraction Referring now to FIG. 18, an exemplary proton extraction process from the synchrotron 130 is illustrated. For clarity, FIG. 18 removes elements represented in FIG. 2, such as the turning magnets, which allows for greater clarity of presentation of the proton beam path as a function of time. Generally, protons are extracted from the synchrotron 130 by slowing the protons. As described, supra, the protons were initially accelerated in a circulating path 264, which is maintained with a plurality of main bending magnets 250. The circulating path is referred to herein as an original central beamline 264. The protons repeatedly cycle around a central point in the synchrotron 280. The proton path traverses through a radio frequency (RF) cavity system 1810. To initiate extraction, an RF field is applied across a first blade 1812 and a second blade 1814, in the RF cavity system 1810. The first blade 1812 and second blade 1814 are referred to herein as a first pair of blades. In the proton extraction process, an RF voltage is applied across the first pair of blades, where the first blade 1812 of the first pair of blades is on one side of the circulating proton beam path 264 and the second blade 1814 of the first pair of blades is on an opposite side of the circulating proton beam path 264. The applied RF field applies energy to the circulating charged-particle beam. The applied RF field alters the orbiting or circulating beam path slightly of the protons from the original central beamline 264 to an altered circulating beam path 265. Upon a second pass of the protons through the RF cavity system, the RF field further moves the protons off of the original proton beamline 264. For example, if the original beamline is considered as a circular path, then the altered beamline is slightly elliptical. The applied RF field is timed to apply outward or inward movement to a given band of protons circulating in the synchrotron accelerator. Each orbit of the protons is slightly more off axis compared to the original circulating beam path 264. Successive passes of the protons through the RF cavity system are forced further and further from the original central beamline 264 by altering the direction and/or intensity of the RF field with each successive pass of the proton beam through the RF field. The RF voltage is frequency modulated at a frequency about equal to the period of one proton cycling around the synchrotron for one revolution or at a frequency than is an integral multiplier of the period of one proton cycling about the synchrotron. The applied RF frequency modulated voltage excites a betatron oscillation. For example, the oscillation is a sine wave motion of the protons. The process of timing the RF field to a given proton beam within the RF cavity system is repeated thousands of times with successive passes of the protons being moved approximately one micrometer further off of the original central beamline 264. For clarity, the approximately 1000 changing beam paths with each successive path of a given band of protons through the RF field are illustrated as the altered beam path 265. With a sufficient sine wave betatron amplitude, the altered circulating beam path 265 touches a material 1830, such as a foil or a sheet of foil. The foil is preferably a lightweight material, such as beryllium, a lithium hydride, a carbon sheet, or a material of low nuclear charge. A material of low nuclear charge is a material composed of atoms consisting essentially of atoms having six or fewer protons. The foil is preferably about 10 to 150 microns thick, is more preferably 30 to 100 microns thick, and is still more preferably 40-60 microns thick. In one example, the foil is beryllium with a thickness of about 50 microns. When the protons traverse through the foil, energy of the protons is lost and the speed of the protons is reduced. Typically, a current is also generated, described infra. Protons moving at a slower speed travel in the synchrotron with a reduced radius of curvature 266 compared to either the original central beamline 264 or the altered circulating path 265. The reduced radius of curvature 266 path is also referred to herein as a path having a smaller diameter of trajectory or a path having protons with reduced energy. The reduced radius of curvature 266 is typically about two millimeters less than a radius of curvature of the last pass of the protons along the altered proton beam path 265. The thickness of the material 1830 is optionally adjusted to created a change in the radius of curvature, such as about ½, 1, 2, 3, or 4 mm less than the last pass of the protons 265 or original radius of curvature 264. Protons moving with the smaller radius of curvature travel between a second pair of blades. In one case, the second pair of blades is physically distinct and/or are separated from the first pair of blades. In a second case, one of the first pair of blades is also a member of the second pair of blades. For example, the second pair of blades is the second blade 1814 and a third blade 1816 in the RF cavity system 1810. A high voltage DC signal, such as about 1 to 5 kV, is then applied across the second pair of blades, which directs the protons out of the synchrotron through an extraction magnet 292, such as a Lamberson extraction magnet, into a transport path 268. Control of acceleration of the charged particle beam path in the synchrotron with the accelerator and/or applied fields of the turning magnets in combination with the above described extraction system allows for control of the intensity of the extracted proton beam, where intensity is a proton flux per unit time or the number of protons extracted as a function of time. For example, when a current is measured beyond a threshold, the RF field modulation in the RF cavity system is terminated or reinitiated to establish a subsequent cycle of proton beam extraction. This process is repeated to yield many cycles of proton beam extraction from the synchrotron accelerator. Because the extraction system does not depend on any change any change in magnetic field properties, it allows the synchrotron to continue to operate in acceleration or deceleration mode during the extraction process. Stated differently, the extraction process does not interfere with synchrotron. In stark contrast, traditional extraction systems introduce a new magnetic field, such as via a hexapole, during the extraction process. More particularly, traditional synchrotrons have a magnet, such as a hexapole magnet, that is off during an acceleration stage. During the extraction phase, the hexapole magnetic field is introduced to the circulating path of the synchrotron. The introduction of the magnetic field necessitates two distinct modes, an acceleration mode and an extraction mode, which are mutually exclusive in time. Charged Particle Beam Intensity Control Control of applied field, such as a radio-frequency (RF) field, frequency and magnitude in the RF cavity system 1810 allows for intensity control of the extracted proton beam, where intensity is extracted proton flux per unit time or the number of protons extracted as a function of time. Referring still to FIG. 18, when protons in the proton beam hit the material 1830 electrons are given off resulting in a current. The resulting current is converted to a voltage and is used as part of a ion beam intensity monitoring system or as part of an ion beam feedback loop for controlling beam intensity. The voltage is optionally measured and sent to the main controller 110 or to a controller subsystem 1840. More particularly, when protons in the charged particle beam path pass through the material 1830, some of the protons lose a small fraction of their energy, such as about one-tenth of a percent, which results in a secondary electron. That is, protons in the charged particle beam push some electrons when passing through material 1830 giving the electrons enough energy to cause secondary emission. The resulting electron flow results in a current or signal that is proportional to the number of protons going through the target material 1830. The resulting current is preferably converted to voltage and amplified. The resulting signal is referred to as a measured intensity signal. The amplified signal or measured intensity signal resulting from the protons passing through the material 1830 is preferably used in controlling the intensity of the extracted protons. For example, the measured intensity signal is compared to a goal signal, which is predetermined in an irradiation of the tumor plan. The difference between the measured intensity signal and the planned for goal signal is calculated. The difference is used as a control to the RF generator. Hence, the measured flow of current resulting from the protons passing through the material 1830 is used as a control in the RF generator to increase or decrease the number of protons undergoing betatron oscillation and striking the material 1830. Hence, the voltage determined off of the material 1830 is used as a measure of the orbital path and is used as a feedback control to control the RF cavity system. Alternatively, the measured intensity signal is not used in the feedback control and is just used as a monitor of the intensity of the extracted protons. As described, supra, the photons striking the material 1830 is a step in the extraction of the protons from the synchrotron 130. Hence, the measured intensity signal is used to change the number of protons per unit time being extracted, which is referred to as intensity of the proton beam. The intensity of the proton beam is thus under algorithm control. Further, the intensity of the proton beam is controlled separately from the velocity of the protons in the synchrotron 130. Hence, intensity of the protons extracted and the energy of the protons extracted are independently variable. For example, protons initially move at an equilibrium trajectory in the synchrotron 130. An RF field is used to excite the protons into a betatron oscillation. In one case, the frequency of the protons orbit is about 10 MHz. In one example, in about one millisecond or after about 10,000 orbits, the first protons hit an outer edge of the target material 130. The specific frequency is dependent upon the period of the orbit. Upon hitting the material 130, the protons push electrons through the foil to produce a current. The current is converted to voltage and amplified to yield a measured intensity signal. The measured intensity signal is used as a feedback input to control the applied RF magnitude, RF frequency, or RF field. Preferably, the measured intensity signal is compared to a target signal and a measure of the difference between the measured intensity signal and target signal is used to adjust the applied RF field in the RF cavity system 1810 in the extraction system to control the intensity of the protons in the extraction step. Stated again, the signal resulting from the protons striking and/or passing through the material 130 is used as an input in RF field modulation. An increase in the magnitude of the RF modulation results in protons hitting the foil or material 130 sooner. By increasing the RF, more protons are pushed into the foil, which results in an increased intensity, or more protons per unit time, of protons extracted from the synchrotron 130. In another example, a detector external to the synchrotron 130 is used to determine the flux of protons extracted from the synchrotron and a signal from the external detector is used to alter the RF field or RF modulation in the RF cavity system 1810. Here the external detector generates an external signal, which is used in a manner similar to the measured intensity signal, described in the preceding paragraphs. In yet another example, when a current from material 130 resulting from protons passing through or hitting material is measured beyond a threshold, the RF field modulation in the RF cavity system is terminated or reinitiated to establish a subsequent cycle of proton beam extraction. This process is repeated to yield many cycles of proton beam extraction from the synchrotron accelerator. In still yet another embodiment, intensity modulation of the extracted proton beam is controlled by the main controller 110. The main controller 110 optionally and/or additionally controls timing of extraction of the charged particle beam and energy of the extracted proton beam. In yet still an additional embodiment, a method or apparatus for extracting intensity controlled charged particles from charged particles circulating in a synchrotron of a charged particle cancer therapy system, includes: oscillation blades with a radio-frequency voltage across the for inducing oscillating charged particles from the charged particles circulating in the synchrotron; an extraction material where the oscillating charged particles traverse the extraction material during use generating both reduced energy charged particles and secondary emission electrons or a current; and extraction blades used in extracting the energy controlled and intensity controlled charged particles from the synchrotron. Preferably, the system includes a feedback intensity controller 1840 that generates a measure of the secondary emission electrons, compares the measure and a target signal, such as an irradiation plan signal 1860 for each beam position striking the tumor 1920, and having the intensity controller adjusts amplitude of the radio-frequency voltage based on the comparison yielding intensity controlled and energy controlled extracted charged particles. The beam intensity is optionally measured with a detector 1850 after extraction from the synchrotron. The benefits of the system include a multi-dimensional scanning system. Particularly, the system allows independence in: (1) energy of the protons extracted and (2) intensity of the protons extracted. That is, energy of the protons extracted is controlled by an energy control system and an intensity control system controls the intensity of the extracted protons. The energy control system and intensity control system are optionally independently controlled. Preferably, the main controller 110 controls the energy control system and the main controller simultaneously controls the intensity control system to yield an extracted proton beam with controlled energy and controlled intensity where the controlled energy and controlled intensity are independently variable. Thus the irradiation spot hitting the tumor is under independent control of: time; energy; intensity; x-axis position, where the x-axis represents horizontal movement of the proton beam relative to the patient, and y-axis position, where the y-axis represents vertical movement of the proton beam relative to the patient. In addition, the patient is optionally independently rotated relative to a translational axis of the proton beam at the same time. Patient Positioning Referring now to FIG. 19, the patient is preferably positioned on or within a patient positioning system 1910 of the patient interface module 150. The patient positioning system 1910 is used to translate the patient and/or rotate the patient into a zone where the proton beam can scan the tumor using a scanning system 140 or proton targeting system, described infra. Essentially, the patient positioning system 1910 performs large movements of the patient to place the tumor near the center of a proton beam path 268 and the proton scanning or targeting system 140 performs fine movements of the momentary beam position 269 in targeting the tumor 1920. To illustrate, FIG. 19 shows the momentary proton beam position 269 and a range of scannable positions 1940 using the proton scanning or targeting system 140, where the scannable positions 1940 are about the tumor 1920 of the patient 1930. This illustratively shows that the y-axis movement of the patient occurs on a scale of the body, such as adjustment of about 1, 2, 3, or 4 feet, while the scannable region of the proton beam 268 covers a portion of the body, such as a region of about 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 inches. The patient positioning system and its rotation and/or translation of the patient combines with the proton targeting system to yield precise and/or accurate delivery of the protons to the tumor. Referring still to FIG. 19, the patient positioning system 1910 optionally includes a bottom unit 1912 and a top unit 1914, such as discs or a platform. Referring now to FIG. 19A, the patient positioning unit 1910 is preferably y-axis adjustable 1916 to allow vertical shifting of the patient relative to the proton therapy beam 268. Preferably, the vertical motion of the patient positioning unit 1910 is about 10, 20, 30, or 50 centimeters per minute. Referring now to FIG. 19B, the patient positioning unit 1910 is also preferably rotatable 1917 about a rotation axis, such as about the y-axis, to allow rotational control and positioning of the patient relative to the proton beam path 268. Preferably the rotational motion of the patient positioning unit 1910 is about 360 degrees per minute. Optionally, the patient positioning unit rotates about 45, 90, or 180 degrees. Optionally, the patient positioning unit 1910 rotates at a rate of about 45, 90, 180, 360, 720, or 1080 degrees per minute. The rotation of the positioning unit 1917 is illustrated about the rotation axis at two distinct times, t1 and t2. Protons are optionally delivered to the tumor 1920 at n times where each of the n times represent different directions of the incident proton beam 269 hitting the patient 1930 due to rotation of the patient 1917 about the rotation axis. Any of the semi-vertical, sitting, or laying patient positioning embodiments described, infra, are optionally vertically translatable along the y-axis or rotatable about the rotation or y-axis. Preferably, the top and bottom units 1912, 1914 move together, such that they rotate at the same rates and translate in position at the same rates. Optionally, the top and bottom units 1912, 1914 are independently adjustable along the y-axis to allow a difference in distance between the top and bottom units 1912, 1914. Motors, power supplies, and mechanical assemblies for moving the top and bottom units 1912, 1914 are preferably located out of the proton beam path 269, such as below the bottom unit 1912 and/or above the top unit 1914. This is preferable as the patient positioning unit 1910 is preferably rotatable about 360 degrees and the motors, power supplies, and mechanical assemblies interfere with the protons if positioned in the proton beam path 269 Proton Beam Position Control Referring now to FIG. 20, a beam delivery and tissue volume scanning system is illustrated. Presently, the worldwide radiotherapy community uses a method of dose field forming using a pencil beam scanning system. In stark contrast, FIG. 20 illustrates a spot scanning system or tissue volume scanning system. In the tissue volume scanning system, the proton beam is controlled, in terms of transportation and distribution, using an inexpensive and precise scanning system. The scanning system is an active system, where the beam is focused into a spot focal point of about one-half, one, two, or three millimeters in diameter. The focal point is translated along two axes while simultaneously altering the applied energy of the proton beam, which effectively changes the third dimension of the focal point. The system is applicable in combination with the above described rotation of the body, which preferably occurs in-between individual moments or cycles of proton delivery to the tumor. Optionally, the rotation of the body by the above described system occurs continuously and simultaneously with proton delivery to the tumor. For example, in the illustrated system in FIG. 20A, the spot is translated horizontally, is moved down a vertical, and is then back along the horizontal axis. In this example, current is used to control a vertical scanning system having at least one magnet. The applied current alters the magnetic field of the vertical scanning system to control the vertical deflection of the proton beam. Similarly, a horizontal scanning magnet system controls the horizontal deflection of the proton beam. The degree of transport along each axes is controlled to conform to the tumor cross-section at the given depth. The depth is controlled by changing the energy of the proton beam. For example, the proton beam energy is decreased, so as to define a new penetration depth, and the scanning process is repeated along the horizontal and vertical axes covering a new cross-sectional area of the tumor. Combined, the three axes of control allow scanning or movement of the proton beam focal point over the entire volume of the cancerous tumor. The time at each spot and the direction into the body for each spot is controlled to yield the desired radiation does at each sub-volume of the cancerous volume while distributing energy hitting outside of the tumor. The focused beam spot volume dimension is preferably tightly controlled to a diameter of about 0.5, 1, or 2 millimeters, but is alternatively several centimeters in diameter. Preferred design controls allow scanning in two directions with: (1) a vertical amplitude of about 100 mm amplitude and frequency up to 200 Hz; and (2) a horizontal amplitude of about 700 mm amplitude and frequency up to 1 Hz. More or less amplitude in each axis is possible by altering the scanning magnet systems. In FIG. 20A, the proton beam is illustrated along a z-axis controlled by the beam energy, the horizontal movement is along an x-axis, and the vertical direction is along a y-axis. The distance the protons move along the z-axis into the tissue, in this example, is controlled by the kinetic energy of the proton. This coordinate system is arbitrary and exemplary. The actual control of the proton beam is controlled in 3-dimensional space using two scanning magnet systems and by controlling the kinetic energy of the proton beam. The use of the extraction system, described supra, allows for different scanning patterns. Particularly, the system allows simultaneous adjustment of the x-, y-, and z-axes in the irradiation of the solid tumor. Stated again, instead of scanning along an x,y-plane and then adjusting energy of the protons, such as with a range modulation wheel, the system allows for moving along the z-axes while simultaneously adjusting the x- and or y-axes. Hence, rather than irradiating slices of the tumor, the tumor is optionally irradiated in three simultaneous dimensions. For example, the tumor is irradiated around an outer edge of the tumor in three dimensions. Then the tumor is irradiated around an outer edge of an internal section of the tumor. This process is repeated until the entire tumor is irradiated. The outer edge irradiation is preferably coupled with simultaneous rotation of the subject, such as about a vertical y-axis. This system allows for maximum efficiency of deposition of protons to the tumor, as defined using the Bragg peak, to the tumor itself with minimal delivery of proton energy to surrounding healthy tissue. Combined, the system allows for multi-axes control of the charged particle beam system in a small space with low power supply. For example, the system uses multiple magnets where each magnet has at least one edge focusing effect in each turning section of the synchrotron and/or multiple magnets having concentrating magnetic field geometry, as described supra. The multiple edge focusing effects in the circulating beam path of the synchrotron combined with the concentration geometry of the magnets and described extraction system yields a synchrotron having: a small circumference system, such as less than about 50 meters; a vertical proton beam size gap of about 2 cm; corresponding reduced power supply requirements associated with the reduced gap size; an extraction system not requiring a newly introduced magnetic field; acceleration or deceleration of the protons during extraction; and control of z-axis energy during extraction. The result is a 3-dimensional scanning system, x-, y-, and z-axes control, where the z-axes control resides in the synchrotron and where the z-axes energy is variably controlled during the extraction process inside the synchrotron. Referring now to FIG. 20B, an example of a proton scanning or targeting system 140 used to direct the protons to the tumor with 4-dimensional scanning control is provided, where the 4-dimensional scanning control is along the x-, y-, and z-axes along with intensity control, as described supra. A fifth axis is time. Typically, charged particles traveling along the transport path 268 are directed through a first axis control element 142, such as a vertical control, and a second axis control element 144, such as a horizontal control and into a tumor 1920. As described, supra, the extraction system also allows for simultaneous variation in the z-axis. Further, as describe, supra, the intensity or dose of the extracted beam is optionally simultaneously and independently controlled and varied. Thus instead of irradiating a slice of the tumor, as in FIG. 20A, all four dimensions defining the targeting spot of the proton delivery in the tumor are simultaneously variable. The simultaneous variation of the proton delivery spot is illustrated in FIG. 20B by the spot delivery path 269. In the illustrated case, the protons are initially directed around an outer edge of the tumor and are then directed around an inner radius of the tumor. Combined with rotation of the subject about a vertical axis, a multi-field illumination process is used where a not yet irradiated portion of the tumor is preferably irradiated at the further distance of the tumor from the proton entry point into the body. This yields the greatest percentage of the proton delivery, as defined by the Bragg peak, into the tumor and minimizes damage to peripheral healthy tissue. Imaging System Herein, an X-ray system is used to illustrate an imaging system. Timing An X-ray is preferably collected either (1) just before or (2) concurrently with treating a subject with proton therapy for a couple of reasons. First, movement of the body, described supra, changes the local position of the tumor in the body relative to other body constituents. If the subject has an X-ray taken and is then bodily moved to a proton treatment room, accurate alignment of the proton beam to the tumor is problematic. Alignment of the proton beam to the tumor using one or more X-rays is best performed at the time of proton delivery or in the seconds or minutes immediately prior to proton delivery and after the patient is placed into a therapeutic body position, which is typically a fixed position or partially immobilized position. Second, the X-ray taken after positioning the patient is used for verification of proton beam alignment to a targeted position, such as a tumor and/or internal organ position. Positioning An X-ray is preferably taken just before treating the subject to aid in patient positioning. For positioning purposes, an X-ray of a large body area is not needed. In one embodiment, an X-ray of only a local area is collected. When collecting an X-ray, the X-ray has an X-ray path. The proton beam has a proton beam path. Overlaying the X-ray path with the proton beam path is one method of aligning the proton beam to the tumor. However, this method involves putting the X-ray equipment into the proton beam path, taking the X-ray, and then moving the X-ray equipment out of the beam path. This process takes time. The elapsed time while the X-ray equipment moves has a couple of detrimental effects. First, during the time required to move the X-ray equipment, the body moves. The resulting movement decreases precision and/or accuracy of subsequent proton beam alignment to the tumor. Second, the time require to move the X-ray equipment is time that the proton beam therapy system is not in use, which decreases the total efficiency of the proton beam therapy system. X-Ray Source Lifetime It is desirable to have components in the particle beam therapy system that require minimal or no maintenance over the lifetime of the particle beam therapy system. For example, it is desirable to equip the proton beam therapy system with an X-ray system having a long lifetime source, such as a lifetime of about 20 years. In one system, described infra, electrons are used to create X-rays. The electrons are generated at a cathode where the lifetime of the cathode is temperature dependent. Analogous to a light bulb, where the filament is kept in equilibrium, the cathode temperature is held in equilibrium at temperatures at about 200, 500, or 1000 degrees Celsius. Reduction of the cathode temperature results in increased lifetime of the cathode. Hence, the cathode used in generating the electrons is preferably held at as low of a temperature as possible. However, if the temperature of the cathode is reduced, then electron emissions also decrease. To overcome the need for more electrons at lower temperatures, a large cathode is used and the generated electrons are concentrated. The process is analogous to compressing electrons in an electron gun; however, here the compression techniques are adapted to apply to enhancing an X-ray tube lifetime. Referring now to FIG. 21, an example of an X-ray generation device 2100 having an enhanced lifetime is provided. Electrons 2120 are generated at a cathode 2110, focused with a control electrode 2112, and accelerated with a series of accelerating electrodes 2140. The accelerated electrons 2150 impact an X-ray generation source 2148 resulting in generated X-rays that are then directed along an X-ray path 2270 to the subject 1930. The concentrating of the electrons from a first diameter 2115 to a second diameter 2116 allows the cathode to operate at a reduced temperature and still yield the necessary amplified level of electrons at the X-ray generation source 2148. Still referring to FIG. 21, a more detailed description of an exemplary X-ray generation device 2100 is described. An anode 2114/cathode 2110 pair is used to generated electrons. The electrons 2120 are generated at the cathode 2110 having a first diameter 2115, which is denoted d1. The control electrodes 2112 attract the generated electrons 2120. For example, if the cathode is held at about −150 kV and the control electrode is held at about −149 kV, then the generated electrons 2120 are attracted toward the control electrodes 2112 and focused. A series of accelerating electrodes 2140 are then used to accelerate the electrons into a substantially parallel path 2150 with a smaller diameter 2116, which is denoted d2. For example, with the cathode held at −150 kV, a first, second, third, and fourth accelerating electrode 2142, 2144, 2146, 2148 are held at about −120, −90, −60, and −30 kV, respectively. If a thinner body part is to be analyzed, then the cathode 2110 is held at a smaller level, such as about −90 kV and the control electrode, first, second, third, and fourth electrode are each adjusted to lower levels. Generally, the voltage difference from the cathode to fourth electrode is less for a smaller negative voltage at the cathode and vise-versa. The accelerated electrons 2150 are optionally passed through a magnetic lens 2160 for adjustment of beam size, such as a cylindrical magnetic lens. The electrons are also optionally focused using quadrupole magnets 2170, which focus in one direction and defocus in another direction. The accelerated electrons 2150, which are now adjusted in beam size and focused strike an X-ray generation source 2148, such as tungsten, resulting in generated X-rays that pass through a blocker 2262 and proceed along an X-ray path 2170 to the subject. The X-ray generation source 2148 is optionally cooled with a cooling element 2149, such as water touching or thermally connected to a backside of the X-ray generation source 2148. The concentrating of the electrons from a first diameter 2115 to a second diameter 2116 allows the cathode to operate at a reduced temperature and still yield the necessary amplified level of electrons at the X-ray generation source 2148. More generally, the X-ray generation device 2100 produces electrons having initial vectors. One or more of the control electrode 2112, accelerating electrodes 2140, magnetic lens 2160, and quadrupole magnets 2170 combine to alter the initial electron vectors into parallel vectors with a decreased cross-sectional area having a substantially parallel path, referred to as the accelerated electrons 2150. The process allows the X-ray generation device 2100 to operate at a lower temperature. Particularly, instead of using a cathode that is the size of the electron beam needed, a larger electrode is used and the resulting electrons 2120 are focused and/or concentrated into the required electron beam needed. As lifetime is roughly an inverse of current density, the concentration of the current density results in a larger lifetime of the X-ray generation device. A specific example is provided for clarity. If the cathode has a 15 mm radius or d1 is about 30 mm, then the area (πr2) is about 225 mm2 times pi. If the concentration of the electrons achieves a radius of 5 mm or d2 is about 10 mm, then the area (πr2) is about 25 mm2 times pi. The ratio of the two areas is about 9 (225π/25π). Thus, there is about 9 times less density of current at the larger cathode compared to the traditional cathode having an area of the desired electron beam. Hence, the lifetime of the larger cathode approximates 9 times the lifetime of the traditional cathode, though the actual current through the larger cathode and traditional cathode is about the same. Preferably, the area of the cathode 2110 is about 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, 20, or 25 times that of the cross-sectional area of the substantially parallel electron beam 2150. In another embodiment of the invention, the quadrupole magnets 2170 result in an oblong cross-sectional shape of the electron beam 2150. A projection of the oblong cross-sectional shape of the electron beam 2150 onto the X-ray generation source 2148 results in an X-ray beam that has a small spot in cross-sectional view, which is preferably substantially circular in cross-sectional shape, that is then passed through the patient 1930. The small spot is used to yield an X-ray having enhanced resolution at the patient. Referring now to FIG. 22, in one embodiment, an X-ray is generated close to, but not in, the proton beam path. A proton beam therapy system and an X-ray system combination 2200 is illustrated in FIG. 22. The proton beam therapy system has a proton beam 268 in a transport system after the Lamberson extraction magnet 292 of the synchrotron 130. The proton beam is directed by the scanning/targeting/delivery system 140 to a tumor 1920 of a patient 1930. The X-ray system 2205 includes an electron beam source 2105 generating an electron beam 2150. The electron beam is directed to an X-ray generation source 2148, such as a piece of tungsten. Preferably, the tungsten X-ray source is located about 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, or 20 millimeters from the proton beam path 268. When the electron beam 2150 hits the tungsten, X-rays are generated in all directions. X-rays are blocked with a port 2262 and are selected for an X-ray beam path 2270. The X-ray beam path 2270 and proton beam path 268 run substantially in parallel as they progress to the tumor 1920. The distance between the X-ray beam path 2270 and proton beam path 269 preferably diminishes to near zero and/or the X-ray beam path 2270 and proton beam path 269 overlap by the time they reach the tumor 1920. Simple geometry shows this to be the case given the long distance, of at least a meter, between the tungsten and the tumor 1920. The distance is illustrated as a gap 2280 in FIG. 22. The X-rays are detected at an X-ray detector 2290, which is used to form an image of the tumor 1920 and/or position of the patient 1930. As a whole, the system generates an X-ray beam that lies in substantially the same path as the proton therapy beam. The X-ray beam is generated by striking a tungsten or equivalent material with an electron beam. The X-ray generation source is located proximate to the proton beam path. Geometry of the incident electrons, geometry of the X-ray generation material, and geometry of the X-ray beam blocker 262 yield an X-ray beam that runs either in substantially in parallel with the proton beam or results in an X-ray beam path that starts proximate the proton beam path an expands to cover and transmit through a tumor cross-sectional area to strike an X-ray detector array or film allowing imaging of the tumor from a direction and alignment of the proton therapy beam. The X-ray image is then used to control the charged particle beam path to accurately and precisely target the tumor, and/or is used in system verification and validation. Referring now to FIG. 23, additional geometry of the electron beam path 2150 and X-ray beam path 2270 is illustrated. Particularly, the electron beam 350 is shown as an expanded electron beam path 2152, 2154. Also, the X-ray beam path 2270 is shown as an expanded X-ray beam path 2272, 2274. Patient Immobilization Accurate and precise delivery of a proton beam to a tumor of a patient requires: (1) positioning control of the proton beam and (2) positioning control of the patient. As described, supra, the proton beam is controlled using algorithms and magnetic fields to a diameter of about 0.5, 1, or 2 millimeters. This section addresses partial immobilization, restraint, and/or alignment of the patient to insure the tightly controlled proton beam efficiently hits a target tumor and not surrounding healthy tissue as a result of patient movement. In this section an x-, y-, and z-axes coordinate system and rotation axis is used to describe the orientation of the patient relative to the proton beam. The z-axis represent travel of the proton beam, such as the depth of the proton beam into the patient. When looking at the patient down the z-axis of travel of the proton beam, the x-axis refers to moving left or right across the patient and the y-axis refers to movement up or down the patient. A first rotation axis is rotation of the patient about the y-axis and is referred to herein as a rotation axis, bottom unit 1912 rotation axis, or y-axis of rotation. In addition, tilt is rotation about the x-axis, yaw is rotation about the y-axis, and roll is rotation about the z-axis. In this coordinate system, the proton beam path 269 optionally runs in any direction. As an illustrative matter, the proton beam path running through a treatment room is described as running horizontally through the treatment room. In this section, three examples of positioning systems 2400 are provided: (1) a semi-vertical partial immobilization system; (2) a sitting partial immobilization system; and (3) a laying position. Elements described for one immobilization apply to other immobilization systems with small changes. For example, a head rest will adjust along one axis for a reclined position, along a second axis for a seated position, and along a third axis for a laying position. However, the headrest itself is similar for each immobilization position. Vertical Patient Positioning/Immobilization The semi-vertical patient positioning system is preferably used in conjunction with proton therapy of tumors in the torso. The patient positioning and/or immobilization system controls and/or restricts movement of the patient during proton beam therapy. In a first partial immobilization embodiment, the patient is positioned in a semi-vertical position in a proton beam therapy system. As illustrated, the patient is reclining at an angle alpha, α, about 45 degrees off of the y-axis as defined by an axis running from head to foot of the patient. More generally, the patient is optionally completely standing in a vertical position of zero degrees off the of y-axis or is in a semi-vertical position alpha that is reclined about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, or 65 degrees off of the y-axis toward the z-axis. Patient positioning constraints are used to maintain the patient in a treatment position, including one or more of: a seat support, a back support, a head support, an arm support, a knee support, and a foot support. The constraints are optionally and independently rigid or semi-rigid. Examples of a semi-rigid material include a high or low density foam or a visco-elastic foam. For example the foot support is preferably rigid and the back support is preferably semi-rigid, such as a high density foam material. One or more of the positioning constraints are movable and/or under computer control for rapid positioning and/or immobilization of the patient. For example, the seat support is adjustable along a seat adjustment axis, which is preferably the y-axis; the back support is adjustable along a back support axis, which is preferably dominated by z-axis movement with a y-axis element; the head support is adjustable along a head support axis, which is preferably dominated by z-axis movement with a y-axis element; the arm support is adjustable along an arm support axis, which is preferably dominated by z-axis movement with a y-axis element; the knee support is adjustable along a knee support axis, which is preferably dominated by y-axis movement with a z-axis element; and the foot support is adjustable along a foot support axis, which is preferably dominated by y-axis movement with a z-axis element. If the patient is not facing the incoming proton beam, then the description of movements of support elements along the axes change, but the immobilization elements are the same. An optional camera is used with the patient immobilization system. The camera views the subject creating an video image. The image is provided to one or more operators of the charged particle beam system and allows the operators a safety mechanism for determining if the subject has moved or desires to terminate the proton therapy treatment procedure. Based on the video image, the operators may suspend or terminate the proton therapy procedure. For example, if the operator observes via the video image that the subject is moving, then the operator has the option to terminate or suspend the proton therapy procedure. An optional video display is provided to the patient. The video display optionally presents to the patient any of: operator instructions, system instructions, status of treatment, or entertainment. Motors for positioning the constraints, the camera, and video display are preferably mounted above or below the proton path. Breath control is optionally performed by using the video display. As the patient breathes, internal and external structures of the body move in both absolute terms and in relative terms. For example, the outside of the chest cavity and internal organs both have absolute moves with a breath. In addition, the relative position of an internal organ relative to another body component, such as an outer region of the body, a bone, support structure, or another organ, moves with each breath. Hence, for more accurate and precise tumor targeting, the proton beam is preferably delivered at point a in time where the position of the internal structure or tumor is well defined, such as at the bottom of each breath. The video display is used to help coordinate the proton beam delivery with the patient's breathing cycle. For example, the video display optionally displays to the patient a command, such as a hold breath statement, a breath statement, a countdown indicating when a breadth will next need to be held, or a countdown until breathing may resume. Sitting Patient Positioning/Immobilization In a second partial immobilization embodiment, the patient is partially restrained in a seated position. The sitting restraint system has support structures that are similar to the support structures used in the semi-vertical positioning system, described supra with the exception that the seat support is replaced by a chair and the knee support is not required. The seated restraint system generally retains the adjustable support, rotation about the y-axis, camera, video, and breadth control parameters described in the semi-vertical embodiment, described supra. Referring now to FIG. 24, a particular example of a sitting patient semi-immobilization system is provided. The sitting system is preferably used for treatment of head and neck tumors. As illustrated, the patient is positioned in a seated position on a chair 2410 for particle therapy. The patient is further immobilized using any of the: the head support 2440, the back support 2430, a hand support 2420, the knee support 2460, and the foot support 2470. The supports 2440, 2430, 2420, 2460, 2470 preferably have respective axes of adjustment 2442, 2432, 2422, 2462, 2472 as illustrated. The chair 2410 is either readily removed to allow for use of a different patient constraint system or adapts to a new patient position, such as the semi-vertical system. Laying Patient Positioning/Immobilization In a third partial immobilization embodiment, the patient is partially restrained in a laying position. The laying restraint system has support structures that are similar to the support structures used in the sitting positioning system and semi-vertical positioning system, described supra. In the laying position, optional restraint, support, or partial immobilization elements include one or more of: the head support and the back, hip, and shoulder support. The supports preferably have respective axes of adjustment that are rotated as appropriate for a laying position of the patient. The laying position restraint system generally retains the adjustable supports, rotation about the y-axis, camera, video, and breadth control parameters described in the semi-vertical embodiment, described supra. If the patient is very sick, such as the patient has trouble standing for a period of about one to three minutes required for treatment, then being in a partially supported system can result in some movement of the patient due to muscle strain. In this and similar situations, treatment of a patient in a laying position on a support table is preferentially used. The support table has a horizontal platform to support the bulk of the weight of the patient. Preferably, the horizontal platform is detachable from a treatment platform Additionally, leg support and/or arm support elements are optionally added to raise, respectively, an arm or leg out of the proton beam path 269 for treatment of a tumor in the torso or to move an arm or leg into the proton beam path 269 for treatment of a tumor in the arm or leg. This increases proton delivery efficiency, as described infra. In a laying positioning system, the patient is positioned on a platform, which has a substantially horizontal portion for supporting the weight of the body in a horizontal position. Optional hand grips are used, described infra. One or more leg support elements are used to position the patient's leg. A leg support element is preferably adjustable along at least one leg adjustment axis or along an arc to position the leg into the proton beam path 269 or to remove the leg from the proton beam path 269, as described infra. An arm support element is preferably adjustable along at least one arm adjustment axis or along an arc to position the arm into the proton beam path 269 or to remove the arm from the proton beam path 269, as described infra. Both the leg support and arm support elements are optional. Preferably, the patient is positioned on the platform in an area or room outside of the proton beam path 269 and is wheeled or slid into the treatment room or proton beam path area. For example, the patient is wheeled into the treatment room on a gurney where the top of the gurney, which is the platform, detaches and is positioned onto a table. The platform is preferably lifted onto the table or slid onto the table so that the gurney or bed need not be lifted onto the table. The semi-vertical patient positioning system and sitting patient positioning system are preferentially used to treatment of tumors in the head or torso due to efficiency. The semi-vertical patient positioning system, sitting patient positioning system, and laying patient positioning system are all usable for treatment of tumors in the patient's limbs. Support System Elements Positioning constraints include all elements used to position the patient, such as those described in the semi-vertical positioning system, sitting positioning system, and laying positioning system. Preferably, positioning constraints or support system elements are aligned in positions that do not impede or overlap the proton beam path 269. However, in some instances the positioning constraints are in the proton beam path 269 during at least part of the time of treatment of the patient. For instance, a positioning constraint element may reside in the proton beam path 269 during part of a time period where the patient is rotated about the y-axis during treatment. In cases or time periods that the positioning constraints or support system elements are in the proton beam path, then an upward adjustment of proton beam energy is preferably applied that increases the proton beam energy to offset the positioning constraint element impedance of the proton beam. In one case, the proton beam energy is increased by a separate measure of the positioning constraint element impedance determined during a reference scan of the positioning constraint system element or set of reference scans of the positioning constraint element as a function of rotation about the y-axis. For clarity, the positioning constraints or support system elements are herein described relative to the semi-vertical positioning system; however, the positioning elements and descriptive x-, y-, and z-axes are adjustable to fit any coordinate system, to the sitting positioning system, or the laying positioning system. An example of a head support system is described to support, align, and/or restrict movement of a human head. The head support system preferably has several head support elements including any of: a back of head support, a right of head alignment element, and a left of head alignment element. The back of head support element is preferably curved to fit the head and is optionally adjustable along a head support axis, such as along the z-axis. Further, the head supports, like the other patient positioning constraints, is preferably made of a semi-rigid material, such as a low or high density foam, and has an optional covering, such as a plastic or leather. The right of head alignment element and left of head alignment elements or head alignment elements, are primarily used to semi-constrain movement of the head. The head alignment elements are preferably padded and flat, but optionally have a radius of curvature to fit the side of the head. The right and left head alignment elements are preferably respectively movable along translation axes to make contact with the sides of the head. Restricted movement of the head during proton therapy is important when targeting and treating tumors in the head or neck. The head alignment elements and the back of head support element combine to restrict tilt, rotation or yaw, roll and/or position of the head in the x-, y-, z-axes coordinate system. Referring now to FIG. 25 another example of a head support system is described for positioning and/or restricting movement of a human head 1902 during proton therapy of a solid tumor in the head or neck. In this system, the head is restrained using 1, 2, 3, 4, or more straps or belts, which are preferably connected or replaceably connected to a back of head support element 2510. In the example illustrated, a first strap 2520 pulls or positions the forehead to the head support element 2510, such as by running predominantly along the z-axis. Preferably a second strap 2530 works in conjunction with the first strap 2520 to prevent the head from undergoing tilt, yaw, roll or moving in terms of translational movement on the x-, y-, and z-axes coordinate system. The second strap 2530 is preferably attached or replaceable attached to the first strap 2520 at or about: (1) the forehead; (2) on one or both sides of the head; and/or (3) at or about the support element 2510. A third strap 2540 preferably orientates the chin of the subject relative to the support element 2510 by running dominantly along the z-axis. A fourth strap 2550 preferably runs along a predominantly y- and z-axes to hold the chin relative to the head support element 2510 and/or proton beam path. The third 2540 strap preferably is attached to or is replaceably attached to the fourth strap 2550 during use at or about the patient's chin. The second strap 2530 optionally connects to the fourth strap 2550 at or about the support element 2510. The four straps 2520, 2530, 2540, 2550 are illustrative in pathway and interconnection. Any of the straps optionally hold the head along different paths around the head and connect to each other in separate fashion. Naturally, a given strap preferably runs around the head and not just on one side of the head. Any of the straps 2520, 2530, 2540, and 2550 are optionally used independently or in combinations or permutations with the other straps. The straps are optionally indirectly connected to each other via a support element, such as the head support element 2510. The straps are optionally attached to the head support element 2510 using hook and loop technology, a buckle, or fastener. Generally, the straps combine to control position, front-to-back movement of the head, side-to-side movement of the head, tilt, yaw, roll, and/or translational position of the head. The straps are preferably of known impedance to proton transmission allowing a calculation of peak energy release along the z-axis to be calculated, such as an adjustment to the Bragg peak is made based on the slowing tendency of the straps to proton transport. Referring now to FIG. 26, still another example of a head support system 2440 is described. The head support 2440 is preferably curved to fit a standard or child sized head. The head support 2440 is optionally adjustable along a head support axis 2442. Further, the head supports, like the other patient positioning constraints, is preferably made of a semi-rigid material, such as a low or high density foam, and has an optional covering, such as a plastic or leather. Elements of the above described head support, head positioning, and head immobilization systems are optionally used separately or in combination. Still referring to FIG. 26, an example of the arm support 2420 is further described. The arm support preferably has a left hand grip 2610 and a right hand grip 2620 used for aligning the upper body of the patient 1930 through the action of the patient 1930 gripping the left and right hand grips 2610, 2620 with the patient's hands 1934. The left and right hand grips 2610, 2620 are preferably connected to the arm support 2420 that supports the mass of the patient's arms. The left and right hand grips 2610, 2620 are preferably constructed using a semi-rigid material. The left and right hand grips 2610, 2620 are optionally molded to the patient's hands to aid in alignment. The left and right hand grips optionally have electrodes, as described supra. An example of the back support is further described. The back support is preferably curved to support the patient's back and to wrap onto the sides of the patient's torso. The back support preferably has two semi-rigid portions, a left side and right side. Further, the back support has a top end and a bottom end. A first distance between the top ends of the left side and right side is preferably adjustable to fit the upper portion of the patient's back. A second distance between the bottom ends of the left side and right side is preferably independently adjustable to fit the lower portion of the patient's back. An example of the knee support is further described. The knee support preferably has a left knee support and a right knee support that are optionally connected or individually movable. Both the left and right knee supports are preferably curved to fit standard sized knees. The left knee support is optionally adjustable along a left knee support axis and the right knee support is optionally adjustable along a right knee support axis. Alternatively, the left and right knee supports are connected and movable along the knee support axis. Both the left and right knee supports, like the other patient positioning constraints, are preferably made of a semi-rigid material, such as a low or high density foam, having an optional covering, such as a plastic or leather. Positioning System Computer Control One or more of the patient positioning unit components and/or one of more of the patient positioning constraints are preferably under computer control, where the computer control positioning devices, such as via a series of motors and drives, to reproducibly position the patient. For example, the patient is initially positioned and constrained by the patient positioning constraints. The position of each of the patient positioning constraints is recorded and saved by the main controller 110, by a sub-controller or the main controller 110, or by a separate computer controller. Then, medical devices are used to locate the tumor 1920 in the patient 1930 while the patient is in the orientation of final treatment. The imaging system 170 includes one or more of: MRI's, X-rays, CT's, proton beam tomography, and the like. Time optionally passes at this point where images from the imaging system 170 are analyzed and a proton therapy treatment plan is devised. The patient may exit the constraint system during this time period, which may be minutes, hours, or days. Upon return of the patient to the patient positioning unit, the computer can return the patient positioning constraints to the recorded positions. This system allows for rapid repositioning of the patient to the position used during imaging and development of the treatment plan, which minimizes setup time of patient positioning and maximizes time that the charged particle beam system 100 is used for cancer treatment. Proton Delivery Efficiency A Bragg peak energy profile shows that protons deliver their energy across the entire length of the body penetrated by the proton up to a maximum penetration depth. As a result, energy is being delivered to healthy tissue, bone, and other body constituents before the proton beam hits the tumor. It follows that the shorter the pathlength in the body prior to the tumor, the higher the efficiency of proton delivery efficiency, where proton delivery efficiency is a measure of how much energy is delivered to the tumor relative to healthy portions of the patient. Examples of proton delivery efficiency include: (1) a ratio proton energy delivered the tumor and proton energy delivered to non-tumor tissue; (2) pathlength of protons in the tumor versus pathlength in the non-tumor tissue; and (3) damage to a tumor compared to damage to healthy body parts. Any of these measures are optionally weighted by damage to sensitive tissue, such as a nervous system element, heart, brain, or other organ. To illustrate, for a patient in a laying position where the patient is rotated about the y-axis during treatment, a tumor near the hear would at times be treated with protons running through the head-to-heart path, leg-to-heart path, or hip-to-heart path, which are all inefficient compared to a patient in a sitting or semi-vertical position where the protons are all delivered through a shorter chest-to-heart; side-of-body-to-heart, or back-to-heart path. Particularly, compared to a laying position, using a sitting or semi-vertical position of the patient, a shorter pathlength through the body to a tumor is provided to a tumor located in the torso or head, which is a higher or better proton delivery efficiency. Herein proton delivery efficiency is separately described from the time efficiency or synchrotron use efficiency, which is a fraction of time that the charged particle beam apparatus is in operation. Patient Placement Preferably, the patient 1930 is aligned in the proton beam path 269 in a precise and accurate manner. Several placement systems are described. The patient placement systems are described using the laying positioning system, but are equally applicable to the semi-vertical and sitting positioning systems. In a first placement system, the patient is positioned in a known location relative to the platform. For example, one or more of the positioning constraints position the patient in a precise and/or accurate location on the platform. Optionally, a placement constraint element connected or replaceably connected to the platform is used to position the patient on the platform. The placement constraint element(s) is used to position any position of the patient, such as a hand, limb, head, or torso element. In a second placement system, one or more positioning constraints or support element, such as the platform, is aligned versus an element in the patient treatment room. Essentially a lock and key system is optionally used, where a lock fits a key. The lock and key elements combine to locate the patient relative to the proton beam path 269 in terms of any of the x-, y-, and z-position, tilt, yaw, and roll. Essentially the lock is a first registration element and the key is a second registration element fitting into, adjacent to, or with the first registration element to fix the patient location and/or a support element location relative to the proton beam path 269. Examples of a registration element include any of a mechanical element, such as a mechanical stop, and an electrical connection indicating relative position or contact. In a third placement system, the imaging system, described supra, is used to determine where the patient is relative to the proton beam path 269 or relative to an imaging marker placed in an support element or structure holding the patient, such as in the platform. When using the imaging system, such as an X-ray imaging system, then the first placement system or positioning constraints minimize patient movement once the imaging system determines location of the subject. Similarly, when using the imaging system, such as an X-ray imaging system, then the first placement system and/or second positioning system provide a crude position of the patient relative to the proton beam path 269 and the imaging system subsequently determines a fine position of the patient relative to the proton beam path 269. Monitoring Breathing Preferably, the patient's breathing pattern is monitored. When a subject, also referred to herein as a patient, is breathing many portions of the body move with each breath. For example, when a subject breathes the lungs move as do relative positions of organs within the body, such as the stomach, kidneys, liver, chest muscles, skin, heart, and lungs. Generally, most or all parts of the torso move with each breath. Indeed, the inventors have recognized that in addition to motion of the torso with each breath, various motion also exists in the head and limbs with each breath. Motion is to be considered in delivery of a proton dose to the body as the protons are preferentially delivered to the tumor and not to surrounding tissue. Motion thus results in an ambiguity in where the tumor resides relative to the beam path. To partially overcome this concern, protons are preferentially delivered at the same point in each of a series of breathing cycles. Initially a rhythmic pattern of breathing of a subject is determined. The cycle is observed or measured. For example, a proton beam operator can observe when a subject is breathing or is between breaths and can time the delivery of the protons to a given period of each breath. Alternatively, the subject is told to inhale, exhale, and/or hold their breath and the protons are delivered during the commanded time period. Preferably, one or more sensors are used to determine the breathing cycle of the individual. Two examples of a breath monitoring system are provided: (1) a thermal monitoring system and (2) a force monitoring system. Referring again to FIG. 25, an example of the thermal breath monitoring system is provided. In the thermal breath monitoring system, a sensor is placed by the nose and/or mouth of the patient. As the jaw of the patient is optionally constrained, as described supra, the thermal breath monitoring system is preferably placed by the patient's nose exhalation path. To avoid steric interference of the thermal sensor system components with proton therapy, the thermal breath monitoring system is preferably used when treating a tumor not located in the head or neck, such as a when treating a tumor in the torso or limbs. In the thermal monitoring system, a first thermal resistor 2570 is used to monitor the patient's breathing cycle and/or location in the patient's breathing cycle. Preferably, the first thermal resistor 2570 is placed by the patient's nose, such that the patient exhaling through their nose onto the first thermal resistor 2570 warms the first thermal resistor 2570 indicating an exhale. Preferably, a second thermal resistor 2560 operates as an environmental temperature sensor. The second thermal resistor 2560 is preferably placed out of the exhalation path of the patient but in the same local room environment as the first thermal resistor 2570. Generated signal, such as current from the thermal resistors 2570, 2560, is preferably converted to voltage and communicated with the main controller 110 or a sub-controller of the main controller. Preferably, the second thermal resistor 2560 is used to adjust for the environmental temperature fluctuation that is part of a signal of the first thermal resistor 2570, such as by calculating a difference between the values of the thermal resistors 2570, 2560 to yield a more accurate reading of the patient's breathing cycle. Referring again to FIG. 24, an example of the force/pressure breath monitoring system is provided. In the force breath monitoring system, a sensor is placed by the torso. To avoid steric interference of the force sensor system components with proton therapy, the force breath monitoring system is preferably used when treating a tumor located in the head, neck or limbs. In the force monitoring system, a belt or strap 2450 is placed around an area of the patient's torso that expands and contracts with each breath cycle of the patient. The belt 2450 is preferably tight about the patient's chest and is flexible. A force meter 2452 is attached to the belt and senses the patients breathing pattern. The forces applied to the force meter 2452 correlate with periods of the breathing cycle. The signals from the force meter 2452 are preferably communicated with the main controller 110 or a sub-controller of the main controller. In yet another embodiment, a method and/or apparatus is used for delivering charged particles in a negative ion beam path of an injector in an irradiation device as a charged particle beam accelerated in a synchrotron, where the irradiation device includes any combination and/or permutation of elements described herein. Although the invention has been described herein with reference to certain preferred embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other applications may be substituted for those set forth herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention should only be limited by the Claims included below.
044709480	claims	1. The method of suppressing malfunction in the operation of a nuclear-reactor power apparatus, while in a water-solid condition; the said apparatus having a primary-coolant system, steam generator means supplied with the primary coolant, and having means conducting a secondary coolant in heat-exchange relationship with said primary coolant, a pressurizer connected to said primary-coolant system and a power-actuable relief valve for relieving excessive pressure in said primary coolant; the said method comprising, determining the primary-coolant mass input to said primary coolant, determining the heat input to said primary coolant, and responsive either, to mass input tending to increase the pressure in said primary coolant above undesired limits, or to heat input tending to increase the pressure in said primary coolant above undesired limits, actuating said relief valve to relieve the pressure in said primary coolant. 2. The method of suppressing malfunction in the operation of a nuclear-reactor power apparatus, while in water-solid condition; the said apparatus having a primary-coolant system, steam generator means supplied with the primary coolant, and having means conducting a secondary coolant in heat-exchange relationship with said primary coolant, a pressurizer connected to said primary-coolant system and a power-actuable relief valve for relieving excessive pressure in said primary coolant; the said method comprising, determining the primary-coolant mass input to said primary coolant, and responsive to mass input tending to increase the pressure in said primary coolant above undesired limits, actuating said relief valve to relieve the pressure in said primary coolant. 3. The method of suppressing malfunction in the operation of a nuclear-reactor power apparatus, while in water solid condition; the said apparatus having a primary-coolant system, steam generator means supplied with the primary coolant, and having means conducting a secondary coolant in heat-exchange relationship with said primary coolant, a pressurizer connected to said primary-coolant system and a power-actuable relief valve for relieving excessive pressure in said primary coolant; the said method comprising, determining the heat input to said primary coolant, and responsive to heat input tending to increase the pressure in said primary coolant above undesired limits, actuating said relief valve to relieve the pressure in said primary coolant. 4. The method of claim 2 including the steps of determining the rate of increase of pressure in the primary coolant, the temperature of the primary coolant, and the level of fluid in the pressurizer, and actuating the power-actuable relief valve responsive to primary-coolant mass input only if said rate of increase of pressure exceeds a predetermined setpoint, said primary-coolant temperature is less than a predetermined setpoint, and said level is greater than a predetermined setpoint. 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the power-actuable relief valve is actuated only if the rate of increase of pressure in the primary coolant exceeds the setpoint at least for a predetermined time interval sufficient to prevent actuation for normal transients. 6. The method of claim 3 including the steps of determining the pressurizer liquid level, the temperature difference between the secondary fluid and primary coolant, the temperature difference between the primary coolant outside of the loop seal and the primary coolant within the pump loop-seal and actuating the power-actuable relief valve responsive to heat input only if (a) said pressurizer liquid level exceeds a predetermined setpoint, (b1) said secondary-fluid temperature exceeds said primary-coolant temperature by a predetermined setpoint magnitude or, (b2) said primary coolant temperature outside of the loop-seal exceeds the pump-loop seal temperature by a predetermined setpoint magnitude, and (c) the primary coolant temperature is less than a setpoint. (a) said rate of change of pressure exceeds a predetermined setpoint; (b) said temperature is less than a predetermined setpoint; and (c) said level exceeds a predetermined setpoint. (a) means, connected to the pressurizer, for determining the level of fluid in said pressurizer, (b1) means, connected to the secondary loop and to the primary loop, for determining the difference in temperature between the fluid in the secondary loop and the coolant, (b2) means, connected to the primary loop out of the region of the pump-loop seal and to the primary loop in the region of the pump-loop seal, for determining the difference in temperature between the coolant out of the region of the pump-loop seal and the coolant in the region of said pump-loop seal, and (c) means, connected to the coolant for determining the temperature of the coolant, the said apparatus also including means, connected to said means (a), (b1), (b2) and (c) and to the power-actuable relief valve for actuating the relief valve during water-solid conditions only if: (d) the primary coolant pump is in operation; (e) the level of coolant in said pressurizer exceeds a predetermined setpoint; (f1) the temperature of the secondary fluid exceeds the temperature of the coolant by a predetermined setpoint magnitude, or (f2) the temperature of the coolant out of the pump-loop seal exceeds the temperature in the coolant within the pump-loop seal by a predetermined setpoint magnitude; and (g) the temperature of the coolant is less than a predetermined setpoint. 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the power-actuable relief valve is actuable if all the conditions (a), (b1) or (b2), and (c) continue throughout a predetermined time interval after the coolant pump is started and is not actuable after said interval, said interval being sufficient to enable the said apparatus to stabilize. 8. A nuclear-reactor power apparatus including a nuclear reactor, at least one steam-generator, a primary loop passing through said reactor in heat exchange relationship therewith and through said steam generator, a pressurizer connected to said primary loop, pump means connected to said primary loop for transmitting reactor coolant through said loop, a secondary loop in said steam-generator means in heat-exchange relationship with said primary loop, means for controlling the supply of coolant to said primary loop, a power-actuable relief valve for relieving the pressure of the coolant in said primary loop, and means, actuable only when said apparatus is in or near a water-solid condition, responsive to a predetermined rate of increase in pressure in said primary loop by reason of increase in the coolant supplied to said primary loop for actuating said power-actuable relief valve. 9. The apparatus of claim 8 including timing means for preventing the actuation of the power-actuable relief valve unless the increase in the coolant supplied to the primary loop has persisted for at least a predetermined interval of time. 10. A nuclear-reactor power apparatus including a nuclear reactor, at least one steam-generator, a primary loop passing through said reactor in heat exchange relationship therewith and through said steam generator, a pressurizer connected to said primary loop, pump means connected to said primary loop for transmitting reactor coolant through said loop, a secondary loop in said steam-generator in heat-exchange relationship with said primary loop, means for controlling the supply of coolant to said primary loop, a power-actuable relief valve for relieving the pressure of the coolant in said primary loop, and means, actuable only when said apparatus is in or near a water-solid condition, responsive to a predetermined increase in pressure in said primary loop by reason of supply of heat to said primary loop for actuating said power-actuable relief valve. 11. The apparatus of claim 10 including means responsive to the pump means for actuating the power-actuable relief valve if the increase in heat supplied to the primary loop persists throughout a predetermined time interval after the pump is started and is not actuable thereafter, said interval being sufficient to afford the apparatus time to stabilize. 12. The apparatus of claim 8 including means, connected to the coolant, for determining the rate of change of pressure in said coolant, means, connected to the coolant, for determining the temperature of said coolant, and means, connected to the pressurizer, for determining the level of liquid in said pressurizer, the said apparatus also including means, connected to the pressure-rate determining means, the temperature determining means, the level determining means, and the power-actuable relief valve, for actuating said relief valve during water solid conditions only if 13. The apparatus of claim 12 including timing means interposed between the rate-of-change of the pressure determining means and the power-actuable relief valve for preventing actuation of said relief valve unless the rate-of-change of pressure exceeding the setpoint persists at at least a predetermined interval of time to prevent operation during normal transients. 14. The apparatus of claim 10 including 15. The apparatus of claim 14 including timing means interposed between the cooling pump and the relief-valve-actuating means permitting actuation of said relief valve on the persistence of conditions (d), (e), (f) or (f2), and (g) only if said pump has continued in operation throughout a predetermined time interval after starting during water-solid conditions. 16. A nuclear-reactor power apparatus including a nuclear reactor at least one steam-generator, a primary loop passing through said reactor in heat exchange relationship therewith and through said steam generator, a pressurizer connected to said primary loop, pump means connected to said primary loop for transmitting reactor coolant through said loop, a secondary loop in said steam-generator in heat-exchange relationship with said primary loop, means for supplying coolant to said primary loop, a power-actuable relief valve for relieving the pressure of the coolant in said primary loop, means, actuable only when said apparatus is in or near a water-solid condition, responsive to a predetermined increase in pressure in said primary loop by reason of increase in the coolant supplied to said primary loop, for actuating said power-actuable relief valve and means, actuable only when the apparatus is in water-solid condition, responsive to a predetermined increase in the heat to said primary loop, for actuating said power-actuable relief valve.
041522052	claims	1. In a nuclear reactor fuel element, a spacer comprising a grid formed of edgewise disposed sheetmetal webs of material having minimal neutron absorption, and resilient contact elements of different material applied to said grid and extending in axial direction of the mesh of said grid, the mesh of said grid being defined by mesh walls formed with rectangular openings extending in longitudinal direction of the fuel element, the resilient contact elements comprising respective resilient strips having means for snapping said strips self lockingly into said openings, said strips having a wave-shaped part thereof extending from one to the other side of said mesh walls and respective parts that are not wave-shaped connected to opposite ends of said wave-shaped part thereof and contacting respective webs of said grid. 2. Spacer according to claim 1 wherein the fuel element is for a water-cooled nuclear reactor. 3. Spacer according to claim 1 wherein said material having minimal neutron absorption is formed of zirconium alloy. 4. Spacer according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said parts that are not wave-shaped is bent about the edge of the respective web. 5. Spacer according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said parts that are not wave-shaped is suspended from the edge of the respective web. 6. Spacer according to claim 1 wherein said parts that are not wave-shaped and contact the respective webs of said grid are formed with rigid contact projections.
042004926	description	DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now more particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a partially cutaway sectional view of a nuclear fuel assembly 10. This fuel assembly consists of a tubular flow channel 11 of generally square cross section provided at its upper end with lifting bale 12 and at its lower end with a nose piece (not shown due to the lower portion of assembly 10 being omitted). The upper end of channel 11 is open at 13 and the lower end of the nose piece is provided with coolant flow openings. An array of fuel elements or rods 14 is enclosed in channel 11 and supported therein by means of upper end plate 15 and a lower end plate (not shown due to the lower portion being omitted). The liquid coolant ordinarily enters through the openings in the lower end of the nose piece, passes upwardly around fuel elements 14, and discharges at upper outlet 13 in a partially vaporized condition for boiling reactors or in an unvaporized condition for pressurized reactors at an elevated temperature. The nuclear fuel elements or rods 14 are sealed at their ends by means of end plugs 18 welded to the cladding 17, which may include studs 19 to facilitate the mounting of the fuel rod in the assembly. A void space or plenum 20 is provided at one end of the element to permit longitudinal expansion of the fuel material and accumulation of gases released from the fuel material. A nuclear fuel material retainer means 24 in the form of a helical member is positioned within space 20 to provide restraint against the axial movement of the pellet column, especially during handling and transportation of the fuel element. The fuel element is designed to provide an excellent thermal contact between the cladding and the fuel material, a minimum of parasitic neutron absorption, and resistance to bowing and vibration which is occasionally caused by flow of the coolant at high velocity. A nuclear fuel element or rod 14 is shown in a partial section in FIG. 1 constructed according to the teachings of this invention. The fuel element includes a core or central cylindrical portion of nuclear fuel material 16, here shown as a plurality of fuel pellets of fissionable and/or fertile material positioned within a structural cladding or container 17. In some cases, the fuel pellets may be of various shapes, such as cylindrical pellets or spheres, and in other cases, different fuel forms such as particulate fuel may be used. The physical form of the fuel is immaterial to this invention. Various nuclear fuel materials may be used, including uranium compounds, plutonium compounds, thorium compounds and mixtures thereof. A preferred fuel is uranium dioxide or a mixture comprising uranium dioxide and plutonium dioxide. Referring now to FIG. 2, the nuclear fuel material 16 forming the central core of the fuel element 14 is surrounded by a cladding 17 hereinafter in this description also referred to as a composite cladding. The composite cladding container encloses the core so as to leave a gap 23 between the core and the cladding container during use in a nuclear reactor. The composite cladding is comprised of a zirconium alloy tube 21 which in a preferred embodiment of this invention is made of Zircaloy-2. The alloy tube has bonded on the inside surface thereof a metal barrier 22 so that the metal barrier forms a shield between the alloy tube 21 and the nuclear fuel material held in the cladding. The metal barrier forms about 1 to about 30 percent of the thickness of the cladding and is comprised of a low neutron absorption material, namely, moderate purity zirconium (such as sponge zirconium). The metal barrier 22 protects the alloy tube portion of the cladding from contact and reaction with gases and fission products and prevents the occurrence of localized stress and strain. The content of the metal barrier of moderate purity zirconium is important and serves to impart special properties to the metal barrier. Generally, there is at least about 1000 parts per million (ppm) by weight and less than about 5000 ppm impurities in the material of the metal barrier and preferably less than about 4200 ppm. Of these oxygen is kept within the range of about 200 to about 1200 ppm. All other impurities are within the normal range for commercial, reactor grade sponge zirconium and are listed as follows: aluminum--75 ppm or less; boron--0.4 ppm or less; cadmium--0.4 ppm or less; carbon--270 ppm or less; chromium--200 ppm or less; cobalt--20 ppm or less; copper--50 ppm or less; hafnium--100 ppm or less; hydrogen--25 ppm or less; iron--1500 ppm or less; magnesium--20 ppm or less; manganese--50 ppm or less; molybdenum--50 ppm or less; nickel--70 ppm or less; niobium--100 ppm or less; nitrogen--80 ppm or less; silicon--120 ppm or less; tin--50 ppm or less; tungsten--100 ppm or less; titanium--50 ppm or less; and uranium--3.5 ppm or less. The composite cladding of the nuclear fuel element of this invention has the metal barrier bonded to the substrate in a strong bond. Metallographic examination shows that there is sufficient cross diffusion between the materials of the substrate and the metal barrier to form a bond, but no cross diffusion to any extent away from the area of the bond. It has been discovered that sponge zirconium metal forming the metal barrier in the composite cladding is highly resistant to radiation hardening, and this enables the metal barrier after prolonged irradiation to maintain desirable structural properties such as yield strength and hardness at levels considerably lower than those of conventional zirconium alloys. In effect, the metal barrier does not harden as much as conventional zirconium alloys when subjected to irradiation, and this together with its initially low yield strength enables the metal barrier to deform plastically and relieve pellet-induced stresses in the fuel element during power transients. Pellet induced stresses in the fuel element can be brought about, for example, by swelling of the pellets of nuclear fuel at reactor operating temperatures (300.degree. to 350.degree. C.) so that the pellet comes into contact with the cladding. It has further been discovered that a metal barrier of sponge zirconium of the order preferably about 5 to 15 percent of the thickness of the cladding and a particularly preferred thickness of 10 percent of the cladding bonded to the alloy tube of a zirconium alloy provides stress reduction and a barrier effect sufficient to prevent failures in the composite cladding. Among the zirconium alloys serving as suitable alloy tubes are Zircaloy-2 and Zircaloy-4. Zircaloy-2 has on a weight basis about 1.5 percent tin; 0.12 percent iron; 0.09 percent chromium and 0.005 percent nickel and is extensively employed in water-cooled reactors. Zircaloy-4 has less nickel than Zircaloy-2 but contains slightly more iron than Zircaloy-2. The composite cladding used in the nuclear fuel elements of this invention can be fabricated by any of the following methods. In one method, a hollow collar of the sponge zirconium selected to be the metal barrier is inserted into a hollow billet of the zirconium alloy selected to be the alloy tube and then the assembly is subjected to explosive bonding of the collar to the billet. The composite is extruded at an elevated temperature of about 1000.degree. to about 1400.degree. F. (about 538.degree. to about 750.degree. C.) using conventional tube shell extrusion techniques. The extruded composite is then subjected to a process involving conventional tube reduction until the desired size of cladding is achieved. In another method, a hollow collar of the sponge zirconium selected to be the metal barrier is inserted into a hollow billet of the zirconium alloy selected to be the alloy tube and then the assembly is subjected to a heating step [such as 1400.degree. F. (750.degree. C.) for about 8 hours] to give diffusion bonding between the collar and the billet. The composite is then extruded using conventional tube shell extrusion techniques and the extruded composite is subjected to a process involving conventional tube reduction until the desired size of cladding is achieved. In still another method, a hollow collar of the sponge zirconium selected to be the metal barrier is inserted into a hollow billet of the zirconium alloy selected to be the alloy tube and the assembly is extruded using conventional tube shell extrusion techniques. Then the extruded composite is subjected to a process involving conventional tube reduction until the desired size of cladding is achieved. The foregoing processes of fabricating the composite cladding of this invention give economies over other processes used in fabricating cladding such as electroplating or vapor deposition. The invention includes a method of producing a nuclear fuel element comprising making a composite cladding container comprised of a metal barrier of sponge zirconium bonded to the inside surface of a zirconium alloy tube, which container is open at one end, filling the composite cladding container with a core of nuclear fuel material leaving a gap between the core and the container and leaving a cavity at the open end, inserting a nuclear fuel material retaining means into the cavity, applying an enclosure to the open end of the container leaving the cavity in communication with the nuclear fuel, and then bonding the end of the clad container to said enclosure to form a tight seal therebetween. The present invention offers several advantages promoting a long operating life for a nuclear fuel element, including the reduction of chemical interaction of the cladding, the minimization of localized stress on the zirconium alloy tube portion of the cladding, the minimization of stress corrosion and strain corrosion on the zirconium alloy tube portion of the cladding, and the reduction of the probability of a splitting failure occurring in the zirconium alloy tube. The invention further prevents expansion (or swelling) of the nuclear fuel into direct contact with the zirconium alloy tube, and this prevents the occurrence of localized stress on the zirconium alloy tube, initiation or acceleration of stress corrosion of the alloy tube and bonding of the nuclear fuel to the alloy tube. An important property of the composite cladding of this invention is that the foregoing improvements are achieved with no substantial additional neutron penalty. Such a cladding is readily accepted in nuclear reactors since the cladding would have no eutectic formation during a loss-of-coolant accident or an accident involving the dropping of a nuclear control rod. Further, the composite cladding has a very small heat transfer penalty in that there is no thermal barrier to transfer of heat such as results in the situation where a separate foil or liner is inserted in a fuel element. Also, the composite cladding of this invention is inspectable by conventional nondestructive testing methods during various stages of fabrication and operation. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications and changes may be made in the invention described herein. It is accordingly the intention that the invention be construed in the broadest manner within the spirit and scope as set forth in the accompanying claims.
053533194	summary	The present invention relates generally to nuclear reactors, and, more specifically, to a removable feedwater sparger in a boiling water reactor (BWR). BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In a typical boiling water nuclear reactor, a nuclear reactor core is submerged in water in an annular reactor pressure vessel for heating the water to generate steam which is used to power a steam turbine-generator for producing electrical power for example. In order to replace the water lost by the production of steam, one or more feedwater spargers are provided inside the pressure vessel and supplied with feedwater through feedwater nozzles extending through the pressure vessel to maintain a nominal level of water therein. The water within the reactor pressure vessel is typically circulated therein by pumps for cooling the reactor core. In alternate designs, pumps are not used for water circulation, but natural circulation is used instead in one type of reactor called a simplified boiling water reactor (SBWR). However, to achieve a suitable driving head for recirculation flow, the vessel includes a relatively high chimney positioned above the reactor core and radially inwardly from the inner surface of the vessel to form an annular downcomer therebetween. The chimney includes suitable vertical partitions therein for maximizing the upward buoyancy effects of the heated steam and water mixture from the core, with relatively cool water flowing downwardly through the downcomer since it has a higher density. The feedwater is introduced into the vessel at the top of the downcomer and is relatively cold water which joins the downcomer flow in the natural recirculation within the pressure vessel. The feedwater sparger may be in the form of a full 360.degree. ring disposed at the top of the downcomer or may be in the form of a plurality of arcuate feedwater spargers which collectively form the ring. In either embodiment, the spargers occupy the space at the top of the downcomer and thusly reduce access to the relatively narrow downcomer annulus, which is undesirable during a maintenance outage of the reactor. During such an outage, access is required in the region between the chimney and the vessel for inspection and/or maintenance thereof as well as for access to the various nozzles located in the downcomer region below the spargers. Accordingly, a removable feedwater sparger is desired for providing access to the downcomer during a maintenance outage of the reactor. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A removable feedwater sparger assembly includes a sparger having an inlet pipe disposed in flow communication with the outlet end of a supply pipe. A tubular coupling includes an annular band fixedly joined to the sparger inlet pipe and a plurality of fingers extending from the band which are removably joined to a retention flange extending from the supply pipe for maintaining the sparger inlet pipe in flow communication with the supply pipe. The fingers are elastically deflectable for allowing engagement of the sparger inlet pipe with the supply pipe and for disengagement therewith.
	description	The present invention relates a method for determining an uneven surface height and a depression/protrusion of a pattern on a sample or obtaining three-dimensional information, and more specifically to a method suitable for obtaining information of depression/protrusion of a line and space pattern formed on a semiconductor wafer and an apparatus therefor. Charged particle beam apparatuses, such as a scanning electron microscope, are apparatuses suitable for measuring and observing a pattern formed on a semiconductor wafer that is developing toward further microfabrication. Conventionally, there is a stereoscopic observation method as disclosed in JP-A-5-41195 as a method for obtaining three-dimensional information on a sample with a charged particle beam apparatus. The stereoscopic observation method obtains three-dimensional information by taking two oblique stereoscopic images, conducting stereoscopic matching between the two images to find corresponding points, and calculating the heights. And, JP-A-5-175496 discloses a technology that irradiates a beam obliquely onto a pattern on a sample to measure the dimensions of the pattern. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 6,872,943 B2 discloses a method for determining a depression/protrusion of a pattern by irradiating a beam obliquely. In a case where the line and space pattern on a sample is measured for its length with a scanning electron microscope, there is a problem that it is hard to determine the line and the space if the line and the space have almost the equal width, resulting in an error in determination. As means for solving the problem, the stereoscopic observation method of JP-A-5-41195 may be used. But, the stereoscopic observation method of JP-A-5-41195 has a problem that it is hard to obtain an excellent three-dimensional image because of problems in an S/N ratio and resolution of an image obtained with the scanning electron microscope, a sample structure and the like. Specifically, if the S/N ratio and resolution are low, it is difficult to find the corresponding points with which the matching between the two images is established and consequently there may be obtained a blurred image in which the matching is not fully achieved. Besides, the stereoscopic observation method also has a problem that its processing time is long because advanced image processing is required. And, the technology disclosed in JP-A-5-175496 does not refer to the determination of the line and space. U.S. Pat. No. 6,872,943 B2 also has a problem that the respective images do not match if the beam has a different oblique direction because the beam is irradiated obliquely. It is an object of the present invention to determine an uneven surface and a depression/protrusion formed on a sample or to obtain three-dimensional information by a simpler method, and more particularly to provide a method for determining suitable for depression/protrusion determination of a line and space pattern formed on a sample, and an apparatus therefor. The present invention is as follows. First, a charged particle beam is irradiated onto the sample, and the charged particles emitted from the scanned portion are detected at plural focal positions. And, signal amounts or profiles obtained at the plural focal positions are compared, and an uneven surface or a depression/protrusion state of the scanned portion is determined based on an increase or decrease of the signal amounts or a change in shapes of the profiles. By configuring as described above, it becomes easy to determine an uneven surface and a depression/protrusion in the charged particle beam image, and particularly it becomes easy to determine a depression/protrusion state of a pattern such as continuation of similar patterns such as a line and space pattern. And, the determination of an uneven surface or a depression/protrusion on a sample becomes possible without adopting a complex image processing technology. Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a structure overview of a scanning electron microscope apparatus which is an embodiment of the image processor of the invention. This scanning electron microscope incorporates an automatic focusing control function. In FIG. 1, 101 is a sample stage, 102 is a sample to be photographed on the sample stage, 104 is a cathode, 105 is a scanning coil, 106 is an electron lens, 108 is a scanning coil control circuit, and 109 is a lens control circuit. An electron beam 114 is scanned over the sample 102 by the scanning coil 105, and the electrons emitted from the sample 102 are detected by a detector 103. The signal from the detector 103 is amplified by an unshown amplifier. An (amplified) signal S1 from the detector 103 is input to an AD converter 107 and converted to a digital signal S2. The digital signal S2 is input to an image processing processor 110, where image processing and extraction of a characteristic amount are performed, and the results are sent to a control computer 111. The processed image is sent to a display 112 and displayed thereon. Besides, a digital signal waveform (profile) is created from the digital signal. A focus control signal S3 from the control computer 111 is input to the lens control circuit 109 to adjust the exciting current of the lens 106, thereby capable of performing focus control. 113 is input means connected to the control computer 111. In manufacturing a semiconductor device, the electron microscope apparatus is used to measure the line width of the fine pattern drawn on the wafer. Here, when the portion on the wafer that is to be measured for a line width is a line or a space, it becomes difficult to distinguish if the line and the space have almost the same width, and it is necessary to distinguish them from three-dimensional information. And, it is difficult to judge the top and bottom of an uneven surface from the displayed image only. The present invention relates to a charged particle beam apparatus capable of obtaining depression/protrusion information on a line and space sample by a simple method or determining the top and bottom of an uneven surface, so that it can be applied to the scanning electron microscope apparatus of FIG. 1. Of course, it is not limited to them but can also be applied to other charged particle beam apparatuses such as a focused ion beam system and the like. An address signal corresponding to a memory location of the image memory is generated in the control computer 111, converted into analog and then supplied to the scanning coil 105 via a scanning coil control power source (not shown). For example, when an image memory is 512×512 pixels, the address signal in an X direction is a digital signal that takes 0 through 512 repeatedly, and the address signal in a Y direction is a digital signal that takes 0 through 512 repeatedly which is incremented by one when the address signal in the X direction reaches from 0 to 512. It is converted to an analog signal. Since the address of the image memory corresponds to the address of a deflection signal used for scanning with the electron beam, a two-dimensional image of a deflection area of the election beam by the scanning coil 105 is recorded in the image memory. Signals in the image memory can be read out sequentially in chronological order by a read-out address generation circuit (not shown) that is synchronized by a read-out clock. The signal read out in correspondence with the address is subjected to analog conversion to become a brightness modulation signal of the display 112. The image memory is equipped with a function of memorizing images (image data) in a superimposing manner (superimposing one image on another) for the purpose of improving the S/N ratio. For example, images obtained by 8 times of the two-dimensional scanning are superimposed and memorized to form one completed image. In other words, a final image is formed by superimposing images formed in one or more units of X-Y scanning. The number of images for forming one completed image (frame integral number) can be set up arbitrarily, and a proper value is set up in view of conditions such as the secondary electron generation efficiency and the like. An image that is wished to be acquired finally can also be formed by further superimposing plural images, each of which is formed by superimposing plural images. At the time when a desired number of images have been memorized or just after that time, blanking of the first electron beam may be executed so that inputting information into the image memory is interrupted. The sample 102 is placed on the sample stage 101, and the sample 102 can be moved in two directions (X direction and Y direction) in a plane perpendicular to the electron beam. The apparatus of the embodiment according to the present invention is also equipped with a function of forming a line profile based on the detected secondary electrons or reflected electrons. The line profile is formed based on the amount of detected electrons when the first electron beam is scanned one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally or based on brightness information of the sample image, etc., and the obtained line profile is used for, for example, dimensional measurement etc. of a pattern formed on the semiconductor wafer. For the description of FIG. 1, it was described assuming that the control computer was integrated in the scanning electron microscope as one body or had another equivalent form. It should be noted that it is natural that the control computer is not limited to take such forms and that a control processor provided separately from the scanning electron microscope body section may perform such processing as will be described in the following. In that case, there become necessary a transmission medium that transmits detected signals detected by the secondary signal detector 103 to the control processor and transmits signals from the control processor to an electron lens, scanning coil, etc. of the scanning electron microscope as well as an input/output terminal to input/output signals which are transmitted via the transmission medium. Moreover, a program to execute processing described below may be registered on a storage medium, and the program may be executed with a control processor that has image memory and supplies necessary signals to the scanning electron microscope. FIGS. 2A to 2C show profile waveforms in a case where a protrusion part of a line and pattern sample is in focus. 201 is an irradiated electron beam, 202 is a cross section of the protrusion of a line and pattern sample, and 203, 204 and 205 are profile waveforms obtained from an image. FIG. 2A is a case that a bottom surface is in focus, FIG. 2B is a case that the intermediate between an upper surface and the bottom surface is in focus, and FIG. 2C is a case that the upper surface is in focus. When the bottom surface is in focus as shown in FIG. 2A, the profile waveform has a steep skirt on the outside of the peak and a gentle skirt on the inside of the peak as indicated by 203. Meanwhile, in FIG. 2C that the upper surface is in focus, the outer skirt of the peak becomes gentle, and the inner skirt of the peak becomes steep. In FIG. 2B, the shape becomes an intermediate of the above two. FIGS. 3A to 3C show profile waveforms in a case where a depression part of a line and pattern sample is in focus. 301 is an irradiated electron beam, 302 is a cross section of the depression of the line and pattern sample, and 303, 304 and 305 are profile waveforms obtained from an image. FIG. 3A is a case that the bottom surface is in focus, FIG. 3B is a case that the intermediate between the upper surface and the bottom surface is in focus, and FIG. 3C is a case that the upper surface is in focus. When the bottom surface is in focus as shown in FIG. 3A, a profile waveform has a gentle skirt on the outside of the peak and a steep skirt on the inside of the peak as indicated by 303. Meanwhile, in FIG. 3C that the upper surface is in focus, the skirt on the outside of the peak becomes steep, and the skirt on the inside of the peak becomes gentle. FIG. 3B shows a shape between the above two. It indicates a tendency opposite to that of the profile waveform of the protrusion of FIG. 2. The depression/protrusion shown in FIG. 2A to FIG. 3C can also be assumed as an uneven surface. When a focus is on the bottom surface of the uneven surface as shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A, the profile waveform has a peak with a steep skirt on the bottom surface of the uneven surface and a peak with a gentle skirt on the upper surface of the uneven surface. Meanwhile, when a focus is on the upper surface as shown in FIG. 2C and FIG. 3C, the peak has a gentle skirt on the bottom surface of the uneven surface and the peak has a steep skirt on the upper surface of the uneven surface. As shown in FIG. 2A to FIG. 3C, the upper surface and bottom surface of the depression and protrusion or the uneven surface have an opposite change in shape of the profile waveform when the focal position is changed. This characteristic can be used to perform the depression/protrusion determination or the uneven surface determination of a line and space pattern. Then, a shape change portion to be actually measured will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C, FIGS. 8A and 8B, FIGS. 9A and 9B and FIG. 14. In this embodiment, the half-value width is used as the shape change portion to be measured, but it is not exclusive, and any portion other than the half value of the peak may be used if a shape change due to the movement of the focal position can be compared. First, a calculation example of the inside and outside half-value widths of the peak of a profile waveform of a depression/protrusion edge will be described with reference to FIG. 14. 1401 indicates a profile waveform of a protrusion shape. Two peaks 1403 and 1409 appear in correspondence with the protrusion edge. The half-value width on the outside with respect to the peak 1403 is a distance, namely 1407, between the peak position 1403 and a half position 1405 between the peak value 1403 and a minimum value 1402 on the outside of the protrusion. Meanwhile, the half-value width on the inside is a distance, namely 1408, between the peak position 1403 and a half position 1406 between the peak value 1403 and a minimum value 1404 on the inside of the protrusion. Here, the minimum values 1402 and 1408 on the inside and outside are not the minimum value, but the value of a flat portion, for example, a portion having a continued prescribed value, can also be used. FIGS. 4A and 4B show a method for measuring and comparing an outside half-value width and an inside half-value width which are possessed by the peak of a profile waveform of a depression/protrusion edge. FIGS. 4A and 4B show a case of a protrusion. 401 and 403 are the half-value width of outsides, and 402 and 404 are the half-value width of insides. FIG. 4A shows that the bottom surface is in focus, so that the skirt on the outside becomes steep, and 401 becomes small. Conversely, the skirt on the inside becomes gentle, and 402 becomes large. FIG. 4B shows that the upper surface is in focus, so that the skirt on the outside becomes gentle, and 403 becomes large. Conversely, the skirt on the inside becomes steep, and 404 becomes small. The depression has a tendency of the half-value width with respect to the focal position which is opposite to that of the protrusion. FIGS. 5A and 5B show changes in the half-value widths on the inside and outside of a protrusion and a depression. 501 and 504 are changes in the half-value width on the inside, and 502 and 503 are changes in the half-value width on the outside. For the protrusion, when the focal position is raised from the bottom surface to the upper surface, the half-value width (502) on the outside produces the minimum value at (a), and the half-value width (501) on the inside produces the minimum value at (c). For the depression, it is opposite, and the half-value width (504) on the inside first produces the minimum value at (a′), and then the half-value width (503) on the outside produces the minimum value at (c′). Thus, the depression/protrusion determination can be performed depending on which of the half-value widths on the inside and outside produces the minimum value first. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the relationship between the focal position and the focus value (the exciting current) is known from the apparatus, so that control to raise the focal position from the bottom surface to the upper surface can be conducted easily. FIGS. 8A and 8B show a method for measuring and comparing a peak of a profile waveform and an inter-peak distance of a differential waveform. FIGS. 8A and 8B show a case of the protrusion. 801 and 803 are inter-peak distances on the outside, and 802 and 804 are inter-peak distances on the inside. FIG. 8A shows that the bottom surface is in focus, so that the inter-peak distance on the outside is short, and 801 becomes small. Conversely, the inter-peak distance on the inside becomes long, and 802 becomes large. FIG. 8B shows that the upper surface is in focus, so that the inter-peak distance on the outside becomes long, and 803 becomes large. Conversely, the inter-peak distance on the inside becomes short, and 804 becomes small. The depression has a tendency of the inter-peak distance with respect to the focal position which is opposite to that of the protrusion. A relationship between the focal position and the inter-peak distance becomes a graph similar to that of a relationship between the focal position and the half-value width of FIGS. 5A and 5B. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform the depression/protrusion determination by comparing which of the inter-peak distances on the inside and outside has the minimum value first. The shape change portion to be measured can be another portion. Here, a method for comparing a shape change by measuring the height at a prescribed position of a profile waveform will be described. When measurement is performed with the focus between upper and bottom surfaces of a depression/protrusion (corresponding to, for example, a case of measurement using autofocusing described later), the profile shape shown in FIG. 14 can be obtained by measuring a protrusion shape. The shape change can also be determined by measuring a height of the half position 1405 between the peak value 1403 of the profile waveform and the minimum value 1402 on the outside of the protrusion and the half position 1406 between the peak value 1403 and the minimum value 1404 on the inside of the protrusion. When the focal position is on the bottom surface of the protrusion, a height at coordinates determining the 1405 becomes low, while a height at coordinates determining the 1406 becomes high. Conversely, when the focal position is on the upper surface of the protrusion, a height at the coordinates determining the 1405 becomes high, while a height at the coordinates determining the 1406 becomes low. The height of the profile shape can also be called as a signal amount. Besides, the inclination at the half position 1405 between the peak value 1403 of the profile waveform and the minimum value 1402 on the outside of the protrusion and the inclination at the half position 1406 between the peak value 1403 and the minimum value 1404 on the inside of the protrusion can also be subjected to the measurement. When the focal position is on the bottom surface of the protrusion, the inclination at the coordinates determining the 1405 becomes steep, while the inclination at the coordinates determining the 1406 becomes gentle. Conversely, when the focal position is on the upper surface of the protrusion, the inclination at the coordinates determining the 1405 becomes gentle, while the inclination at the coordinates determining the 1406 becomes steep. Here, the inclination of the profile waveform can also be called as a signal change. Besides, the sum of signal amounts from the position 1405 to the peak value 1403 of the profile waveform and the sum of signal amounts from the position 1406 to the peak value 1403 may be subjected to the measurement. When the focal position is on the bottom surface of the protrusion, the sum of signal amounts from the coordinates determining the 1405 to the peak value 1403 becomes small, while the sum of signal amounts from the coordinates determining the 1406 to the peak value 1403 becomes large. Conversely, when the focal position is on the upper surface of the protrusion, the sum of signal amounts from the coordinates determining the 1405 to the peak value 1403 becomes large, while the sum of signal amounts from the coordinates determining the 1406 to the peak value 1403 becomes small. In this embodiment, the position of the portion to which the half-value width is given is used as the shape change portion to be measured, but any position other than the position of the half of the peak can be used if the shape changes can be compared. As the shape change portions to be measured, a plurality of them was described above, but they can be combined to perform the depression/protrusion determination with excellent accuracy. The above embodiment was described on the depression/protrusion determination, and it can also be applied to the determination of an uneven surface. As described above, the upper surface and the bottom surface of an uneven surface have a different change in shape of a profile waveform when the focal position is changed. The shape change is read from, for example, the half-value width, the height (signal amount) at a prescribed position, the inclination, the sum of signal amounts, and the like similar to the depression/protrusion determination, and the top and bottom of the uneven surface can be determined. FIGS. 9A and 9B show a method for measuring and comparing the width of a line portion and the width of a space portion. 901 is a line portion, and 902 is a space portion. 903 and 905 are the widths of line portions, and 904 and 906 are the widths of space portions. For example, a height which determines these two widths is determined at a half of the peak height of a profile waveform. FIG. 9A shows that the focus is on the bottom surface, so that the space portion has a long width, and 904 becomes large. Conversely, the line portion has a short width, and 903 becomes small. FIG. 9B shows that the focus is on the upper surface, so that the space portion becomes short, and 906 becomes small. Conversely, the line portion has a long width, so that 905 becomes large. A relationship between the focal position and the widths of the line and space portions becomes a graph similar to that of the relationships between the focal positions and the half-value widths of FIGS. 5A and 5B. Therefore, the depression/protrusion determination becomes possible by comparing which of the widths of the line and space portions has the minimum value first. By using the respective methods shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, FIGS. 8A and 8B, FIGS. 9A and 9B and FIG. 14, it becomes possible to calculate the focus value of the bottom surface or the upper surface of the in-focus state from the minimum value of the respective measured values, and the focus values of the top and bottom surfaces of the in-focus state can be obtained simultaneously when the depression/protrusion determination or the uneven surface determination is performed. FIG. 10 is a processing flow of a case that the present invention is used to specify the position of a line or a space to measure its length on a line and space image. Measurement conditions of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) are set up in 1001, and a focus value is set up in 1002. An image is photographed in 1003, and a profile waveform equivalent to the depression/protrusion portion is calculated in 1004. To calculate the profile waveform, several lines may be added up. In 1005, the half-value widths on the inside and outside of the peak portion of a profile waveform are measured as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. This processing is performed plural times with the focus value (the focal position) varied in 1006. The minimum values of the half-value widths on the inside and outside and the focal position at that time are calculated in 1007. The depression/protrusion is determined by comparing the focal position having the minimum value in 1008. Sections of 1005 and 1007 are based on the method for depression/protrusion determination. FIG. 10 indicates the method shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, and in a case that it indicates the method shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the peak of a profile waveform and the inter-peak distance of a differential waveform are calculated in 1005 and the minimum value and the focal position are compared in 1007. In a case that it indicates the method shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the width of a line part and the width of a space part are calculated in 1005, and the minimum value and the focal position are compared in 1007. Finally, to detect the position, the coordinates of the protrusion part for the line portion and the coordinates of the depression part for the space portion are output in 1009. Here, if plural depression/protrusion parts are detected, the coordinates closest to the middle may be output. For a portion that plural images are photographed with a focus changed, it is also possible to use an autofocus adjusting portion which is used for ordinary photographing. FIG. 6 shows a processing flow using an image obtained by autofocusing. Use of the image obtained by autofocusing eliminates the necessity of separately obtaining an image with the focus changed, so that the whole processing time can be decreased accordingly. Here, the autofocusing is described with reference to FIG. 15. The exciting current is varied from F1 to Fn to change the focal position, and corresponding images G1 to Gn are obtained. Then, the images G1 to Gn are subjected to an operation of a filter for focus evaluation (differentiation, secondary differentiation, Sobel, Laplacian, etc.), respectively, to form focus evaluation images Gf1 to Gfn, and focus evaluation values FE1 to FEn are calculated. Here, as the focus evaluation value, a sum of all pixel values of the focus evaluation value image, its average, its variance, etc. can be used. The process up to this step is normally executed as autofocusing, and the exciting current value with the focus evaluation values FE1 to FEn at the maximum is assumed as the exciting current in an in-focus state. FIG. 12 is a processing flow to perform the depression/protrusion determination by using an image photographed with a focus value different by ±ΔF for a focus value determined by autofocusing. 1201 to 1203 are the same processes as those for obtaining an ordinary image, and photographing is performed in 1203 with the focus value of the in-focus state obtained by the autofocusing of 1202. In 1204, photographing is performed with a value having the focus value changed from the in-focus point by +ΔF, and in 1205, photographing is performed with a value having the focus value changed from the in-focus point by −ΔF. In 1206 and 1207, the images photographed in 1203, 1204 and 1205 are determined for the half-value width on the outside of the peak and the half-value width on the inside of a profile waveform according to the methods described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B and FIGS. 8A and 8B. In the next 1208, depression/protrusion determination is performed according to the judged contents shown in FIG. 13, and the position detection is performed in 1209 according to the determined depression/protrusion. Here, the contents of the depression/protrusion determination shown in FIG. 13 will be described. The focus value (AF) determined by autofocusing in 1202 of FIG. 12 is present at a position between (a) to (c) ((a′) to (c′)) of FIG. 3B for the depression/protrusion shapes shown in FIG. 2A to FIG. 3C. In other words, when it is assumed that the focus values of (a) and (c) are a and c (focus values of (a′) and (c′) are a′ and c′), the focus value (AF) determined by autofocusing is present in a range of a≦AF≦c (a′≦AF≦c′). For example, in a case of a<AF<c, when a protrusion shape is photographed with the focus value determined as AF+ΔF, for the image photographed by AF, the half-value width on the outside of the peak of a profile waveform increases and the half-value width on the inside decreases in view of the relationships of FIGS. 5A and 5B. Conversely, when photographing is performed with AF−ΔF, the half-value width on the outside of the peak of the profile waveform decreases, and the half-value width on the inside increases. When a depression shape is photographed with the focus value determined as AF+ΔF, for the image photographed by AF, the half-value width on the outside of the peak of the profile waveform decreases and the half-value width on the inside increases in view of the relationships of FIGS. 5A and 5B. Conversely, when photographing is performed with AF−ΔF, the half-value width on the outside of the peak of the profile waveform increases, and the half-value width on the inside decreases. Thus, the half-value widths on the inside and outside of the peaks of the profile waveforms with AF+ΔF and AF−ΔF are different in tendency to increase/decrease depending on the depression/protrusion shapes. Use of this characteristic makes it possible to perform the depression/protrusion determination. AF=a and AF=c show the same tendency with one of the focus values AF+ΔF and AF−ΔF but also show an opposite tendency with the other focus value, so that it becomes possible to perform the depression/protrusion determination in the same manner as the case of a<AF<c. And, as apparent from the relationship shown in FIG. 13, when the autofocus value is in a<AF<c, the depression/protrusion determination can be performed by comparing the half-value widths on the inside and outside of the peak of the profile waveform by photographing with one of AF+ΔF or AF−ΔF. The relationships of FIG. 13 can also be installed as a template in the apparatus. FIG. 16 is an example showing the obtained depression/protrusion profile superimposed on a photographed image. In this embodiment, the depression/protrusion determination of the line and space is performed by calculating the focus evaluation values of portions corresponding to a line and a space from an image obtained by autofocusing and determining a focal length from the exciting current at the time of the in-focus state to obtain depression/protrusion information of the image from the obtained values. Therefore, the depression/protrusion information can be obtained by a simple method without using complex image processing such as matching processing. And, the obtained depression/protrusion information is used for the position determination, so that a specific error of length measurement points in the line and space image can be reduced. And, this depression/protrusion information can be used for pattern matching. Besides, since necessary information can be collected at the timing of autofocusing, it is not necessary to introduce a new process for obtaining the information of the depressions and protrusions at other timing, and hence this method can contribute to improvement of throughput. In a case where a length of a line or space width is measured, the position specification as shown in FIG. 10 is important, but the focal position also becomes important. The line width or the space width is different depending on the focal positions as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Therefore, when it is desired to measure the upper surface width by determining the focus values of the upper surface and bottom surface of the in-focus state by the method of the present invention, the focus value of the upper surface of the in-focus state is used to photograph an image, and when it is desired to measure the bottom surface width, the focus value of the bottom surface of the in-focus state is used to photograph an image, thereby leading to improvement of length measurement accuracy. The embodiments of the present invention were described above in connection with the line and space image, but the present invention can also be applied to a hole image by using a profile waveform of a hole image in its diameter direction. FIGS. 11A and 11B show relationships between focal positions and profile waveforms of hole images. FIG. 11A is a case that a focus is on the hole bottom surface and FIG. 11B is a case that a focus is on the hole upper surface. Similar to the profile waveforms of the depressions of FIGS. 3A to 3C, the inner skirt becomes steep when a focus is on the bottom surface, and the inner skirt becomes gentle when a focus is on the upper surface. In recent years, it is attempted to evaluate the hole bottom state from the profile waveform, but if the profile waveform is not calculated with the focal position set on the hole bottom surface as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, evaluation based on the waveform lacks in accuracy. Therefore, in a case where the profile waveform is used to evaluate the hole bottom surface, it is necessary to use the method of the present invention to determine the focus value of the hole bottom surface of the in-focus state and to photograph an image with its focus value. It should be further understood by those skilled in the art that although the foregoing description has been made on embodiments of the invention, the invention is not limited thereto and various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.
	abstract	A system for gripping an inner tube and locking/unlocking it into and from an outer tube concentric with the inner tube. The system according to the invention is provided with one or more catching devices which allow both sealed locking/unlocking of the inner tube to the gripper member and of the inner tube in the outer tube, achieving this with only a translational movement of the gripper member over a travel A or a travel B. The system according to the invention advantageously constitutes a system for inserting and extracting a specimen holder tube intended to house a specimen of nuclear materials, such as nuclear fuels, into and from a measurement instrumentation holder tube intended to house measurement sensors and a cooling system.

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