Abstract: An actuation pressure control system effects actuation of adjustable seal segments between stationary and rotating turbomachinery members. At least one actuator is coupled with each of the adjustable seal segments and controls a position of the seal segments, respectively. A pressure system is disposed within the turbomachinery that measures or estimates ambient pressure representing an actuator back pressure acting against the actuator. A pressure regulator via a controller pressurizes the actuator to a level sufficient for a desired seal operation and controls actuator pressure based on the actuator back pressure.

Abstract: A compliant seal assembly for a rotating machine is provided. The seal assembly includes a static member, a movable member and a biasing member. The static member is rigidly fixed to the machine at its fore and aft ends. The movable portion has a first sealing surface configured to seal against a rotating member and a rear surface, which may be exposed to a fluid pressure to urge the first sealing surface toward a sealing position with the rotating member. The static and the movable members further include sealing surfaces at their fore, aft and end faces to seal against leakage of gas between the static and the movable members. The biasing member is configured to support the movable member on the static member and to urge the movable member away from the sealing position so as to reduce force on the rotating member during contact of the rotating member with the first sealing surface of the movable member.

Abstract: A compliant seal assembly for a rotating machine is provided. The seal assembly includes a static member, a movable member and a biasing member. The static member is rigidly fixed to the machine at its fore and aft ends. The movable portion has a first sealing surface configured to seal against a rotating member and a rear surface, which may be exposed to a fluid pressure to urge the first sealing surface toward a sealing position with the rotating member. The static and the movable members further include sealing surfaces at their fore, aft and end faces to seal against leakage of gas between the static and the movable members. The biasing member is configured to support the movable member on the static member and to urge the movable member away from the sealing position so as to reduce force on the rotating member during contact of the rotating member with the first sealing surface of the movable member.

Abstract: A material transportation system includes one or more material transportation vehicles, each having magnetic wheels coupled to a magnetically attractive surface that can include a ceiling, a wall, a floor, and/or a transition region. The material transportation vehicles are adapted to carry material from place to place. Each material transportation vehicle has sensors and motor controls that reduce swing motion of the material transportation vehicle and the material coupled thereto. A collision avoidance and traffic control system prevents collisions between the one or more material transportation vehicles.

Abstract: One or more flexures, each having compliant support structures with folded beams, provide a coupling having three degrees of freedom, two couplings having five degrees of freedom, a motion stage having five degrees of freedom, and a motion stage having one degree of freedom.

Abstract: A motion apparatus having two or five degrees of freedom includes a plurality of arm flexures, a plurality of parallelogram flexures or a plurality of compound parallelogram flexures. The motion apparatus minimizes direct, parasitic, and coupled error motions.

Abstract: An instrument for enabling a precise determination of the force-displacement characteristics of a compliant structure, including both in-plane and out-of-plane structure deflection, is provided by the invention. The instrument includes a fixture that is oriented for constraining an end of the compliant structure with respect to mechanical ground as the force-displacement characteristic is determined. A mechanical probe of the instrument is disposed relative to the fixture to enable pushing of the probe against a free end of the compliant structure. A mechanical stage is provided, including a support for the probe, and being free with respect to mechanical ground to advance the probe relative to the fixture. This enables pushing of the probe against the free end of the compliant structure.

Abstract: A motion apparatus having two or five degrees of freedom includes a plurality of arm flexures, a plurality of parallelogram flexures or a plurality of compound parallelogram flexures. The motion apparatus minimizes direct, parasitic, and coupled error motions.