Abstract: A folding plant protection cage apparatus for protecting plants from animals includes a set of three hinged side pairs each including a pair of panels comprising a left panel and a right panel each comprising a panel frame and a panel face extending from a top edge to a bottom edge and from an outer edge to an inner edge. A door frame is coupled to the panel face. An access door is hingingly coupled to the door frame. A plurality of inner hinges joins the inner edge of each of the left panel and the right panel. A plurality of outer hinge knuckles couples the outer edge of the panel frame of adjacent side pairs. A lid is hexagonal and selectively engageable with the top edge of each panel frame of set of hinged side pairs.

Abstract: The invention relates to electric robots, and more particularly to a electric robot for pool cleaning, including a base with a water inlet channel, a volute assembly and a motor assembly capable of outputting positive and negative torques; where the volute assembly is rotatably provided above the base and communicates with the water inlet channel; the volute assembly includes a casing and an impeller assembly provided therein; a water outlet is provided on a side of the casing, and an water outlet channel is provided inside the casing to allow water to flow through the impeller assembly; the motor assembly is provided on the base, and connected with the impeller assembly through an output shaft; and an upper end surface of the base is provided with a limit structure for limiting a rotation angle of the volute assembly.

Abstract: A fan blade for a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an airfoil section that has a pressure sidewall and a suction sidewall that meet together at both a leading edge and a trailing edge, and extends radially between a root portion and a tip portion. A tip pocket is defined by collapsible external walls of the tip portion, and has a pocket opening at a radially outer face of the tip portion.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a fan section including a fan rotatable about an engine axis with a plurality of fan blades rotatable about a fan blade axis. A geared architecture is in communication with the fan and driven by a turbine section. The fan rotates at a first speed and the turbine section rotates at a second speed different from the first speed and a fixed area fan nozzle in communication with the fan section.

Abstract: An airfoil assembly for a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an airfoil including an airfoil section extending from a root section. The airfoil section extends between a leading edge and a trailing edge in a chordwise direction and extending between a tip portion and the root section in a radial direction. The airfoil section defines a pressure side and a suction side separated in a circumferential direction. A root mount includes first and second mount members secured to circumferentially opposed sides of the root section. Arcuate circumferential faces of the first and second mount members are dimensioned to pivotably mount the root section to a hub in an installed position. A method of assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer airfoil assembly is disclosed and includes at least one cooling passage for circulating coolant to remove heat from the polymer airfoil portion.

Abstract: A system having a variable diameter impeller device that is operable for reducing an energy consumption of a rotating fluid or gas pump by increasing the impeller diameter as a speed of the rotating fluid or gas pump increases and decreasing the impeller diameter as the speed decreases. An extendable vane arrangement is configured to move along an elongated curved or sloping slot, the movement along the elongated curved or sloping slot is operable for increasing and decreasing a diameter of the impeller device. A spring arrangement having a first end and a second end extends and retracts to dynamically increase or decrease a diameter of the impeller device.

Abstract: A rotor blade of a gas turbine engine includes a pressure side, and a suction side opposite the pressure side and defining a rotor blade profile therebetween, the pressure side and the suction side each extending from a blade root to a blade tip. The rotor blade defines a cross-sectional median line midway between the pressure side and the suction side. The cross-sectional median line extends in a generally radial direction from the blade root to a lean point between the blade root and the blade tip. The cross-sectional median line extends off of radial from the lean point to the blade tip, defining a lean of the rotor blade between the lean point and the blade tip.

Abstract: A cooling assembly includes a cooling chamber disposed inside of a turbine assembly. The cooling chamber directs cooling air inside an airfoil of the turbine assembly. The cooling assembly includes a metered channel fluidly coupled with the cooling chamber. The metered channel directs at least some of the cooling air out of the cooling chamber outside of a rail surface of the airfoil. The metered channel is elongated along and encompasses an axis. The metered channel has an interior surface with a distance between opposing first portions of the interior surface. The distance between the opposing first portions decreases at increasing distances along the axis from the cooling chamber toward the rail surface.

Abstract: A propeller assembly includes propeller blades that self-fold when not in use, which reduces the overall footprint of the propeller assembly and enables efficient storage. During flying conditions, the propeller blades unfold and extend to a flight configuration that enables the generation of lift on the propeller blades and consequently to an attached aerial vehicle. In various embodiments, the transitioning of the propeller blades between a flight and folded configuration may be enabled by torsion springs coupled to each propeller blade. For example, the torsion springs cause each propeller blade to rotate and self-fold when no external forces are applied. Alternatively, during flying conditions, centrifugal forces that arise as the propeller assembly rotates counteract the torsion springs, enabling each propeller blade to achieve an extended flight configuration. Therefore, the propeller blades of the propeller assembly are optimally oriented without the need for human intervention.

Abstract: A system having a variable diameter impeller device that is operable for reducing an energy consumption of a rotating fluid or gas pump by increasing the impeller diameter as a speed of the rotating fluid or gas pump increases and decreasing the impeller diameter as the speed decreases. An extendable vane arrangement is configured to move along an elongated curved or sloping slot, the movement along the elongated curved or sloping slot is operable for increasing and decreasing a diameter of the impeller device. A spring arrangement having a first end and a second end extends and retracts to dynamically increase or decrease a diameter of the impeller device.

Abstract: A motor vehicle system device having a drive assembly, to which a charging device is assigned, has a compressor having at least one compressor runner supported using at least one bearing, the bearing having a stationary first bearing part and a second bearing part that is operatively connected to the compressor runner. An overpressure source is connected to the bearing, using which an overpressure is able to be produced in a bearing gap that is present between the first bearing part and the second bearing part. The overpressure source is the compressor and/or a part of a tandem pump, which besides the overpressure also makes available low air pressure for a user of the motor vehicle system device. The invention also relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle system device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides pumped thermal energy storage systems that can be used to store electrical energy. A pumped thermal energy storage system of the present disclosure can store energy by operating as a heat pump or refrigerator, whereby net work input can be used to transfer heat from the cold side to the hot side. A working fluid of the system is capable of efficient heat exchange with heat storage fluids on a hot side of the system and on a cold side of the system. The system can extract energy by operating as a heat engine transferring heat from the hot side to the cold side, which can result in net work output. Systems of the present disclosure can employ solar heating for improved storage efficiency.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus and system includes a hub, a plurality of blades, and a respective hinge for each blade to pivotally secure each blade to the hub. Each hinge including a lock having a tab and a detent to secure the respective blade in an operating conformation.

Abstract: Method and systems for accumulation are described. In one embodiment, a dispensing station includes a receiving opening, a dispensing opening and a storage area. The dispensing station receives and dispenses a container. A transportable storage system includes multiple partitions disposed on a carrier portion to define multiple carriage sections. The carriage sections are electronically identifiable and selectively hold or eject the container. A bin apparatus for receiving the container includes a movable portion to selectively hold and release the container. A control unit for commanding the bin apparatus to dispense the container to a desired carriage section of the transportable storage system is provided. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: An air moving device includes a housing member, an impeller assembly, and a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly can include one or more angled vanes set an angle with respect to a central axis of the air moving device. The air moving device can output a column of moving air having an oblong and/or rectangular cross-section. A dispersion pattern of the column of moving air upon the floor of an enclosure in which the air moving device is installed can have an oblong and/or rectangular shape. The dimensions of the dispersion pattern may be varied by moving the air moving device toward or away from the floor, and/or by changing the angles of the stator vanes within the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A compressor device for a turbocharger. The compressor device includes a compressor housing and a separate snorkel member which are provided separately and then connected together. The compressor housing has two air passages separated by a partition wall, while the snorkel member similarly has two separate air ducts separated in part by a partition wall. The two components have mating fittings to connect them together.

Abstract: A system and method of extracting the rotational energy of water waves and converting this energy into the rotating torque of a drive axle. This system and method incorporates the use of a wave amplification channel using an array of one way valves surrounding a wave energy collection mechanism (WECM). The WECM is a conveyor, using hinged, curved paddled wave wheels attached to a pinion and rack system causing the waves to drive the conveyor. The WECM is supported by two movable connected walls. These walls are either structure-mounted or ship-mounted with a permanent anchoring system. Two possible ways of automating the conveyer to accommodate variations in wave period are also given.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for drawing off fluid of a centrifugation device, particularly for separating at least one fluid, with a disk (10) with channels (12, 12?). It is characterized by adjustable vanes. This allows to change the property of the disk and thus treat liquids with different properties without disassembling the separator. Therefore there is no dead time during working time and an easy adjustment of the disk.

Abstract: A waste-watermill for generating electrical energy from a flow of waste water running through an underground waste-water conduit. The flow of waste water defines a free surface and a flow direction inside the waste water conduit. The waste-watermill comprises 1) a water wheel for being driven by the flow of waste water in an undershot configuration, 2) an axle for defining an rotational axis for the water wheel, where the flow of waste water passes below and transverse to the rotational axis in the undershot configuration, 3) a wheel support for rotationally supporting the water wheel in the undershot configuration and in a stationary position relative to the underground waste-water conduit, and 4) an electric generator operatively connected with the water wheel and the axle for being driven by the water wheel to produce electrical energy.

Abstract: A water turbine includes a base and an axle extending upwardly relative to the base. A body is provided having an axle receiving bore positioned along a longitudinal rotational axis. The axle is positioned in the axle receiving bore, such that the body rotates about the longitudinal rotational axis. A weight bearing roller assembly is positioned between a lower end of the body and the base to facilitate the body rotating relative to the base. Vanes extend radially from the body, such that flowing water striking the vanes imparts a rotational force to the body.

Abstract: A multistage centrifugal turbomachine comprising a rotor assembly comprising a shaft carrying a first and a second impeller, and a stator comprising a passage for a fluid flowing from an outlet side of the first impeller to an inlet side of the second impeller, the passage comprising a diffuser downstream the outlet side of the first impeller), a return channel upstream the inlet side of the second impeller, a bend connecting the diffuser and the return channel, and a plurality of stator blades being provided in the return channel, wherein a portion of the return channel is delimited by the first impeller, the plurality of stator blades extending at least partially in the portion of the return channel.

Abstract: Device for generating hydroelectric energy making use of the current of a river (11), estuary or similar, and this device comprises a paddlewheel (2) that can freely turn in two directions around a shaft X-X?, and comprises at least one electricity generator set (4) whose drive shaft (8a) is coupled to the shaft (3) of the paddlewheel, whereby the device (1) is further provided with means to keep the paddlewheel (2) in place against the current, characterized in that the paddlewheel (2) is self-floating.

Abstract: An installation for generating electrical energy from hydropower includes a drive arrangement that revolves around two deflection units distanced to one another and that can be driven in a revolving direction, with a load section running along a gradient. The drive arrangement includes a plurality of gravitational pressure transmission units that are arranged one after the other in the revolving direction, are distanced to one another and, in each case, include an onflow element. The installation also includes a generator for generating electrical energy from the revolving drive arrangement. The gravitational pressure transmission units include guide elements, and the installation includes at least one guide rail along the load section, in which guide rail guide elements of the gravitational pressure transmission units are displaceable so that the gravitational pressure transmission units, at least in the region of the load section, are guided between the two deflection units.

Abstract: An onflow element for an installation for generating electrical energy from hydropower. The onflow element includes an onflow wall with an onflow side as well as a free immersion edge delimiting the onflow wall, wherein the onflow wall has a bending seen in a cross sectional plane transverse to the free immersion edge. The bending is designed in a manner such that the onflow wall is designed arched towards an onflow direction directed to the onflow side.

Abstract: A kind of filamentous turbine comprises a shell body and a rotor, the shell body is provided with a nozzle, the nozzle is used to eject gas into the shell body, the rotor which is arranged in the shell body comprises a rotor shaft, two fixing disks and a filamentous structure, the two fixing disks are mounted to the rotor shaft, the filamentous structure is mounted between the two fixing disk. The filamentous structure for this kind of filamentous turbine replaces the thin and circular disk of the traditional Tesla turbine, and the filamentous structure provides good integral rigidity and is not easy to deform, so that the rotor can be made larger in diameter, and the filamentous structure facilitates to reduce the machine noise.

Abstract: An exemplary dust-proof fan includes a frame, a stator mounted in the frame and a rotor received in the frame. The rotor includes a bracket and multiple blades pivotably mounted to the bracket. The bracket includes an inner ring and an outer ring surrounding the inner ring. Each blade has an inner pole inserted into the inner ring and an outer pole inserted into the outer ring. The blades are spaced from each other to form multiple airflow passages therebetween when the dust-proof fan is in use. The blades are overlapped with each other to close the airflow passages when the dust-proof fan is not in use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid pump, in particular to a liquid pump having a rotor with at last one rotor blade for conveying the fluid, the rotor being variable with respect to its diameter between a first, compressed state and a second expanded state. In order to produce a simple compressibility and expandability of the rotor of the pump, it is provided according to the invention that at least one rotor blade is deformable between a first state which it assumes in the compressed state of the rotor and a second state which it assumes in the expanded state of the rotor by means of a fluid counterpressure during a rotation of the rotor during pump operation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a turbine with a housing mountable in a drill string and having an inlet opening and an outlet opening for a fluid conveyed through the drill string, and with an impeller arranged in the housing and adapted to be impinged upon by the fluid flowing into the housing, wherein the impeller is axially movably mounted and yieldably supported against the afflux direction in such a way that the supporting force of the yielding support increases as the axial movement of the impeller increases. To reduce the dependence of the turbine rotational frequency and turbine performance on the feed rate and to avoid overloading of the generator, the housing includes in the range of movement of the impeller a frontal first housing section of smaller inner diameter as seen in the afflux direction and a rear second housing section of larger inner diameter as seen in the afflux direction.

Abstract: A wind power plant has a turbine with its axis of rotation (1) substantially at right angle to wind direction, and wings (2) protruding from the axis (1) and the wings (2) have their crossways extension essentially in vertical direction. The wings (2) can be in odd as well as even number distributed around the axis of rotation (1), and composed of wing elements (21-24 and 31, 32) of optional length. For formation of the wings (2), the wing elements (21-24) are connected into a torsion link configuration (like a row of pairs of scissors), and thus synchronously movable in relation to each other. To adjust the extension of the wing elements (21-24 and 31, 32) an along the axis of rotation (1) adjustable sleeve means (4) is present, to which the inner end of an inner wing element (21) is connected.

Abstract: A tower type vertical axle windmill includes a tower portion. The tower portion has a plurality of layers and a plurality of wind turbines and a computer is used to open and close the walls of the tower portion. Each of the wind turbines includes a seat portion, an energy output assembly and a rudder assembly. The seat portion can carry other components. A circular platform is disposed on the base portion of the energy output assembly and is supported by bearings to enable it to turn around. A flywheel is disposed on the outmost portion of the blade module and can store the energy extracted from the wind and enhance the balance of the windmill. In addition, an output axle is connected with the circular platform and a generator.

Abstract: The present invention provides control for airflow to a wind turbine that allows a wind turbine to operate cost effectively and efficiently in a wide range of speeds and a variety of ambient conditions. A system has a housing, a wind turbine assembly located within an interior space of the housing, and at least one moveable shutter or deflector. The wind turbine assembly includes a shaft, a plurality of air foils or turbine blades, and a plurality of spars supporting the plurality of air foils or turbine blades rotatably around the shaft. At least one movable shutter or deflector is coupled to the housing and adjustably positioned relative to the open sides of the housing to be able to move between different positions to partially or fully cover each open side depending upon the wind speed of the ambient wind.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing dynamic loading of a gas turbine engine is provided. The gas turbine engine includes a rotor shaft assembly including a rotor shaft, a bearing assembly, a mounting race, and a support frame, the mounting race including a spherical surface. The method includes supporting the rotor shaft on the gas turbine engine support frame with the bearing assembly, the rotor shaft including a yield portion configured to permit bending of the rotor shaft during an imbalance operation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an impeller assembly having a flexible impeller and a method of replacing a removable drive mechanism. The impeller assembly includes an impeller having an outer portion defining a substantially cylindrical shape, at least one flexible blade extending radially outward from the outer portion, and a first bore extending a first axial length. The impeller assembly also includes a tubular insert supported at least partially within the first bore. The tubular insert has a second bore defining a substantially cylindrical shape with a first radial distance from an axis passing through the center of the impeller, and a key portion radially extending from the second bore. The key portion defines a second radial distance from the axis larger than the first radial distance.

Abstract: A fluid flow machine has a flow path (2) which is confined by at least one wall, on which at least one row of blades (6, 7) is fixedly mounted. At least one fluid offtake opening (9) and at least one fluid supply opening (10), which are connected by at least one fluid return path (11), are arranged in the wall in an area of a blade row (6, 7), with a circumferential extension of the fluid supply opening (10) being less than a distance between two adjacent blades.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Dry Running Flexible Impeller Pump and Method of Manufacture designed to provide a flexible impeller pump capable of being run dry for extended periods of time without damage. The pump's components are comprised of low friction materials limiting the heat of friction created by the impeller in use. The impeller is cast of pre-molding silicone substrate containing a quantity of mold release that will not prevent the deposition of a low friction compound coating on the surface of the impeller in a mold that is treated with a low friction industrial coating. Once the impeller is removed from the mold it is solvent cleaned, vacuum baked at a temperature high enough to drive off residual traces of mold release or compounds used to maintain the silicone substrate in suspension, and then coated with a polymer of Poly Para Xylylene by vacuum deposition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Dry Running Flexible Impeller Pump and Method of Manufacture that is specifically designed to provide a flexible impeller pump that is capable of being run dry for extended periods of time without damaging the impeller. The pump's housing and end plates are coated with a low friction industrial coating to limit the heat of friction created by the flexible impeller while in use. Additionally the flexible impeller is cast from a pre-molding silicone substrate that contains no mold release and is cast in a mold that is treated with a low friction industrial coating and is cast without mold release. Once the flexible impeller is removed from the mold it is cleaned with alcohol, baked in a vacuum at a temperature of at least 100° C., and then coated with a Paralene N coating by vacuum deposition.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a turbine with a housing mountable in a drill string and having an inlet opening and an outlet opening for a fluid conveyed through the drill string, and with an impeller arranged in the housing and adapted to be impinged upon by the fluid flowing into the housing, wherein the impeller is axially movably mounted and yieldably supported against the afflux direction in such a way that the supporting force of the yielding support increases as the axial movement of the impeller increases. To reduce the dependence of the turbine rotational frequency and turbine performance on the feed rate and to avoid overloading of the generator, the housing includes in the range of movement of the impeller a frontal first housing section of smaller inner diameter as seen in the afflux direction and a rear second housing section of larger inner diameter as seen in the afflux direction.

Abstract: Attachment apparatus and method for interlocking attachment of a scraper blade with a drive shaft of a scraped surface heat exchanger includes a blade having dual attachment beams and a central locking member, and at least one pin having dual fingers each for interlocking with a respective attachment beam.

Abstract: A cooling fan is provided that does not place limitations on the installation conditions for the fan, is capable of cooling a backlight unit of a display panel with high efficiency, and produces less noise during operation. Also provided is an image display apparatus equipped with the cooling fan. The cooling fan includes a fan rotator composed of a rotational shaft that is rotationally driven by a driving motor and two vanes that have parallel revolution shafts that rotate together with the rotational shaft, are freely rotatable on the shafts, face one another, and revolve around the rotational shafts and a vane angle control unit that implements control so that each vane has a maximum rotation angle when a revolution angle of the vanes is in a vicinity of a first revolution angle and each vane has a rotation angle of 0° when a revolution angle of the vane is in a vicinity of a second revolution angle that is perpendicular to the first revolution angle.

Abstract: A turbine engine has a first disk and a second disk, each extending radially from an inner aperture to an outer periphery. A coupling, transmits a torque and a longitudinal compressive force between the first and second disks. The coupling has first means for transmitting a majority of the torque and second means, radially outboard of the first means, for transmitting a majority of the force.

Abstract: A system and method of reducing back flow in an air mover having one or more blades is described. A flap is attached to a blade of the air mover such that, when back flow occurs, the flap obscures all or a portion of the space between blades during back flow.

Abstract: A device for effecting heat transfer to rotating equipment, in particular gas turbines, is provided. A gas turbine (10) comprises a first rotating unit (11), i.e. an internal shaft and a second fixed unit (16), i.e. a housing. A third rotating unit (14, 17), i.e. rotor blades and plates connected to the rotor blades are disposed between the first unit (11) and the second unit (16). The first (11) and third (14, 17) units are rotatable around a common axis (12) and with respect to each other. At least one device (21) for improving heat transfer by convection is assigned to the first rotating unit (11), i.e. the internal shaft.

Abstract: A controllable transmission system and a method thereof are provided. The controllable transmission system includes a first rotation device, a coupling device and a control device. The first rotation device includes a transmission shaft, a rotation body and a plurality of blade units connected with the rotation body, wherein each of the blade units includes an adjustable blade having a first and a second contact elements and having an opening corresponding to the adjustable blade. The coupling device is mounted beside the rotation device and includes a coupling unit having a first and a second contact surfaces. The control device is connected with the coupling device for controlling a movement of the coupling device to cause one of the contact surfaces positioned corresponding to a respective one of the first contact element and the second contact element.

Abstract: Attachment apparatus and method for interlocking attachment of a scraper blade with a drive shaft of a scraped surface heat exchanger includes a blade having dual attachment beams and a central locking member, and at least one pin having dual fingers each for interlocking with a respective attachment beam.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating power from a water current in a body of water comprises a longitudinally extending flotation platform for maintaining the apparatus afloat in the body of water and a water turbine operatively carried by the platform for generating power in response to water current in the body of water. The platform is configured to enhance the flow of water current over the turbine blades and, as well, to enable a number of like platforms each with an associated turbine or turbines to be arrayed in a cooperative manner. The water turbine may comprise a turbine rotor with a plurality of relatively narrow, flexible elongated blades arranged in circumferentially spaced rows extending along the rotor. In each row, the blades are distanced from each other in succession by a space.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Dry Running Flexible Impeller Pump and Method of Manufacture that is specifically designed to provide a flexible impeller pump that is capable of being run dry for extended periods of time without damaging the impeller. The pump's housing and end plates are coated with a low friction industrial coating to limit the heat of friction created by the flexible impeller while in use. Additionally the flexible impeller is cast from a pre-molding silicone substrate that contains no mold release and is cast in a mold that is treated with a low friction industrial coating and is cast without mold release. Once the flexible impeller is removed from the mold it is cleaned with alcohol, baked in a vacuum at a temperature of at least 100° C., and then coated with a Paralene N coating by vacuum deposition.

Abstract: A hybrid pump (1) with a housing (2) comprising at least one suction port (10) and at least one pressure port (11). A rotor (5) is eccentrically arranged in the housing chamber (3) which is substantially enclosed in a circular manner. The rotor (5) has a plurality of circumferentially spaced vanes (6) which are radially arranged at least in some segments and are made of a material that is resiliently deformable under centrifugal force. The eccentricity (14) of the rotor (5) in relation to the housing chamber (3) and the elasticity of the rotor vane (6) are such that in a first phase of low rotational speed, the radially distant end areas (7) of each vane (6) touch only some or no circumferential segments (4) of the housing chamber (3) in the course of one rotor (5) rotation, whereas in a second phase of higher rotational speed, the radially distant end areas (7) of all vanes (6) touch the inner wall (4) of the housing chamber (3) essentially during the entire rotor (5) rotation.

Abstract: An attachment apparatus and method for interlocking attachment of a scraper blade with a drive shaft of a scraped surface heat exchanger includes a blade having dual attachment beams and a central locking member, and at least one pin having dual fingers each for interlocking with a respective attachment beam.

Abstract: Devices and methods of use of such devices for pumping fluid and for use in surgical procedures preferably include vacuum-driven pumps for providing irrigation and suction functions to the surgical field. Such pumps may be freestanding, external to or integrated into handpieces of the surgical instruments.