Abstract: A diaphragm assembly of a centrifugal compressor includes a return channel wall having a generally ring-like shape; a vane assembly having a plurality of vanes formed integrally with at least one ring-shaped track having a rail structure extending therefrom; and a diaphragm wall having a generally ring-like shape and at least one groove extending around a circumference thereof. The vane assembly is fixedly coupled to the return channel, thereby forming a return channel assembly. The return channel assembly is coupled to the diaphragm wall by sliding the rail structure into the at least one groove of the diaphragm wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-axis workpiece manipulator or positioning device (10) having movement along two rectilinear axes (L1 and L2), two pivotable or tilt axes (T1 and T2) and two rotational axes (R1 and R2). The positioning device (10) includes a support base (12), a first member (18) attached to the support base (12) extending axially therefrom and a carriage (24) adjustably connected to the first member (18). The support base (12) is movable in a longitudinal path along a first rectilinear axis (L1) and the carriage is movable along the first member (18) in a vertical path along a second rectilinear axis (L2). A second member (30) is pivotably and rotatably attached to the carriage (24) and extends axially away from the carriage (24). The second member (30) can pivotably move along a first tilt axis (T1) with respect to the carriage (24) and can rotate in a circular path along a first rotational axis (R1).

Abstract: A method to prevent brinelling wear of a slot and pin assembly of an adjustable inlet guide vane mechanism includes: providing a compressor having the adjustable inlet guide vane mechanism including a control ring with a plurality of tapered slots positioned around a circumference of the control ring; providing a plurality of tapered pin/lever arm assemblies each comprising a tapered pin having a tapered body with a first end and a second end; positioning the tapered pin of the tapered pin/lever arm assembly within each of the plurality of tapered slots; positioning a spring over the first end of each of the tapered pins; and securing the tapered pin of each of the tapered pin/lever arm assemblies within each of the tapered slots by coupling a fastening member to the first end of each of the tapered pins.

Abstract: A diaphragm assembly of a centrifugal compressor includes a return channel wall having a generally ring-like shape; a vane assembly having a plurality of vanes formed integrally with at least one ring-shaped track having a rail structure extending therefrom; and a diaphragm wall having a generally ring-like shape and at least one groove extending around a circumference thereof. The vane assembly is fixedly coupled to the return channel, thereby forming a return channel assembly. The return channel assembly is coupled to the diaphragm wall by sliding the rail structure into the at least one groove of the diaphragm wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjustment of inlet guide vanes of a compressor includes a ring having a plurality of slots spaced around a circumference thereof; a plurality of lever arm assemblies each having a pin that includes a body with a first end and a second end and a lever arm extending perpendicularly from the second end of the body of the pin; a plurality of vanes each coupled to an end of one of the plurality of lever arms by a shaft; and a rack and pinion drive mechanism. The pin of each of the lever arm assemblies is configured to be positioned within each of the plurality of slots such that the first end of the pin extends into the slot. The rack and pinion drive mechanism includes a pinion coupled to the shaft of one of the plurality of vanes, thereby creating a drive vane; and a driven rack operationally coupled to the pinion. The drive vane is configured to rotate the ring via the rack and pinion drive mechanism, thereby adjusting an angular position of the plurality of vanes.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a turbine includes an annular diffuser and a collector. The annular diffuser is positioned adjacent to a final stage of the turbine and includes a hub portion surrounding a turbine shaft and an outer cone having a substantially frusto-conical shape that is radially symmetrical about a central longitudinal axis thereof that is tilted relative to the turbine shaft. The collector has an inlet extending from the annular diffuser and an outlet. The collector is configured to include a turn that causes the collector to turn exhaust gases approximately 90° from the longitudinal axis of the turbine shaft. The outer cone of the annular diffuser is tilted in a direction of the turn of the collector.

Abstract: A bearing apparatus for reducing vibrations in a compressor shaft (17) carrying a rotating compressor (10) is provided. The bearing apparatus comprises a first bearing (14) for supporting the shaft (17) and a second bearing (13) spaced outboard from the first bearing (14) for producing a moment on the shaft and additional damping counter to the direction of vibrations.

Abstract: The bearing assembly is intended for application with rotor shafts in turbomachinery. The bearing assembly includes an annular bearing in which the shaft is disposed and a support structure for supporting the bearing. The bearing support is mounted about and radially supports the bearing. The bearing support at least in part defines a squeeze film annulus of the bearing assembly. A plurality of centering elements is associated with the bearing and bearing support and act to center the bearing within the squeeze film annulus. The centering elements are provided at radially spaced locations around the bearing. The centering elements may also be cylinder springs provided at uniformly spaced locations around the bearing. The centering elements may additionally be load cell springs provided at uniformly spaced locations around the bearing. In an alternative embodiment, a singular annular wave spring may be provided in place of the plurality of centering elements.

Abstract: An impeller including a plurality of longitudinally-extending blades, each having a first edge and a second edge, a cover member with an inlet orifice and extending along at least a portion of the first edge of each of the plurality of blades, and a hub member extending adjacently along only a portion of the second edge of each of the blades. The cover member, plurality of blades and hub member are milled from a single, metal-based material of construction to form an integral, uniform structure. A kit for an impeller assembly and a method of manufacturing an impeller are also disclosed.

Abstract: The bearing assembly includes an annular bearing in which the shaft is disposed and a support structure for supporting the bearing. The bearing support is mounted about and radially supports the bearing. The bearing support at least in part defines a squeeze film annulus of the bearing assembly. A plurality of centering elements is associated with the bearing and bearing support and act to center the bearing within the squeeze film annulus. The centering elements are provided at radially spaced locations around the bearing. The centering elements may also be cylinder springs provided at uniformly spaced locations around the bearing. The centering elements may additionally be load cell springs provided at uniformly spaced locations around the bearing. In an alternative embodiment, a singular annular wave spring may be provided in place of the plurality of centering elements.

Abstract: A method to prevent brinelling wear of a slot and pin assembly of an adjustable inlet guide vane mechanism includes: providing a compressor having the adjustable inlet guide vane mechanism including a control ring with a plurality of tapered slots positioned around a circumference of the control ring; providing a plurality of tapered pin/lever arm assemblies each comprising a tapered pin having a tapered body with a first threaded end and a second end, a lever arm extending perpendicularly from the second end of the tapered body of the tapered pin and a vane coupled to an end of the lever arm; positioning the tapered pin of the tapered pin/lever arm assembly within each of the plurality of tapered slots such that the first threaded end of the tapered body of the tapered pin extends through the tapered slot; positioning a washer and spring over the first threaded end of the tapered pin of each of the tapered pin/lever arm assemblies; and securing the tapered pin of each of the tapered pin/lever arm assemblies

Abstract: An exhaust system for a turbine includes an annular diffuser and a collector. The annular diffuser is positioned adjacent to a final stage of the turbine and includes a hub portion surrounding a turbine shaft and an outer cone having a substantially frusto-conical shape that is radially symmetrical about a central longitudinal axis thereof that is tilted relative to the turbine shaft. The collector has an inlet extending from the annular diffuser and an outlet. The collector is configured to include a turn that causes the collector to turn exhaust gases approximately 90° from the longitudinal axis of the turbine shaft. The outer cone of the annular diffuser is tilted in a direction of the turn of the collector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-axis workpiece manipulator or positioning device (10) having movement along two rectilinear axes (L1 and L2), two pivotable or tilt axes (T1 and T2) and two rotational axes (R1 and R2). The positioning device (10) includes a support base (12), a first member (18) attached to the support base (12) extending axially therefrom and a carriage (24) adjustably connected to the first member (18). The support base (12) is movable in a longitudinal path along a first rectilinear axis (L1) and the carriage is movable along the first member (18) in a vertical path along a second rectilinear axis (L2). A second member (30) is pivotably and rotatably attached to the carriage (24) and extends axially away from the carriage (24). The second member (30) can pivotably move along a first tilt axis (T1) with respect to the carriage (24) and can rotate in a circular path along a first rotational axis (R1).

Abstract: A direct acting hydraulic voting trip block defines three separate paths between an inlet and an outlet port. Each path is intersected by a valve cylinder. Valve pistons in each valve cylinder are configured, in the activated position, to block two of thee different paths. As long as at least two of the pistons are in the activated position, communication between the inlet and outlet ports is prevented.

Abstract: A method of brazing stainless steel components to form a complex shape such as an impeller. The method includes the steps of providing the stainless steel components shaped and formed from a selected stainless steel alloy; providing a brazing alloy having a selected composition and compatibility with stainless steel; heating the stainless steel components and brazing alloy for a controlled time to a liquidus temperature to effect brazing; cooling the stainless steel components and brazing alloy to a quench temperature substantially lower than the liquidus temperature of the brazing alloy to provide a tensile strength of greater than about 20 Ksi in the brazing alloy; and quenching the assembly from the quench temperature to a temperature of less than about 400° F. in a given time to provide a brazed assembly free of distortion and cracks with desired mechanical properties in the stainless steel components by virtue of the thermal treatment.

Abstract: A direct acting hydraulic voting trip block defines three separate paths between an inlet and an outlet port. Each path is intersected by a valve cylinder. Valve pistons in each valve cylinder are configured, in the activated position, to block two of thee different paths. As long as at least two of the pistons are in the activated position, communication between the inlet and outlet ports is prevented.

Abstract: A bearing apparatus for reducing vibrations in a compressor shaft (17) carrying a rotating compressor (10) is provided. The bearing apparatus comprises a first bearing (14) for supporting the shaft (17) and a second bearing (13) spaced outboard from the first bearing (14) for producing a moment on the shaft and additional damping counter to the direction of vibrations.

Abstract: An impeller including a plurality of longitudinally-extending blades, each having a first edge and a second edge, a cover member with an inlet orifice and extending along at least a portion of the first edge of each of the plurality of blades, and a hub member extending adjacently along only a portion of the second edge of each of the blades. The cover member, plurality of blades and hub member are milled from a single, metal-based material of construction to form an integral, uniform structure. A kit for an impeller assembly and a method of manufacturing an impeller are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for restricting axial leakage flow through the clearance between a rotating shaft and a seal stator comprises a stepped shaft surface and seal stator having a plurality of damper sections and being interleaved and adjacent.

Abstract: An apparatus for restricting axial leakage flow along a rotating shaft comprises an abradable labyrinth seal and an adjacent damper seal. Normally, the abradable labyrinth is upstream of the damper seal and there is a plurality of labyrinth and damper seal segments adjacent and interleaved along the shaft.