Abstract: A seal assembly is provided for a rotary machine wherein the rotary machine comprises a rotor and a casing. The rotor comprises a generally longitudinally-extending axis wherein the casing is generally coaxially aligned with the axis. The casing circumferentially surrounds and is radially spaced apart from the rotor wherein the casing comprises an inner circumferential channel generally coaxially aligned with the rotor. The seal assembly comprises a plurality of seal segments disposable in a circumferential array in the channel so as to be movable between radially inward and radially outward positions. In addition, the seal assembly comprises a plurality of displacement apparatuses comprising at least one fluid inlet and configured for urging apart the seal segments upon introduction of a fluid medium in the fluid inlet. Each of the seal segments comprises an end having at least one of the displacement apparatuses circumferentially disposed thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for forming a high integrity imager device having a passivation layer disposed over a photosensor array, a passivation layer with an adhesion topography on its surface, and a scintillator layer disposed over the passivation layer such that the scintillator layer is coupled to the adhesion topography.

Abstract: A brush seal segment includes a plurality of bristles disposed between a pair of backing plates. The bristles are welded to one another adjacent their proximal ends and to the edges of the backing plates remote from the bristle tips. An end plate is welded to the end faces of the backing plates at each of the opposite ends of the segment. Each end plate terminates at approximately one-half the length of the bristles along the end face to prevent the bristles from bending circumferentially and axially during handling while maintaining substantially uniform flexibility of the bristles throughout the entire length of the segment.

Abstract: The adjoining edges of bucket covers are sealed one to the other. A brush seal projecting from a stationary shroud overlies the bucket covers. A joint at which the adjacent covers sealingly engage each other precludes radial outflow of high pressure fluid into bristles of the brush seal, preventing radial and axial deflection of the bristles and consequent failure of the bristles. The joints between the covers may comprise lap or tongue-and-groove joints.

Abstract: The positions of brush seal segments are positively adjusted relative to a housing carrying the brush seal segments and the opposing sealing component by employing members formed of thermally responsive material. The members are heated by heating elements receiving controlled power. By increasing or decreasing the power provided to the heating elements, the members are expanded or contracted to move the brush seal segments toward or away from the opposing sealing component.

Abstract: One method empirically determines a stiffness value for each of two or more different subsets of the bristles of a brush seal, then calculates a variation in stiffness, and then identifies the brush seal as defective if the calculated variation in stiffness exceeds a predetermined stiffness variation criteria. One apparatus includes a load transducer having a contact head sized to contact less than twenty percent of the bristles, a displacement transducer which measures the displacement of the free ends of the contacted bristles, and a clamp for securing the brush seal and presenting the bristles for contact.

Abstract: A generator rotor includes a rotor body having defined pole regions with pole faces and parallel sides adjacent the pole faces. A winding module is fitted over the parallel sides of the rotor body, and a pair of spindles are secured to respective ends of the rotor body. The spindles secure opposite sides of the winding module to the rotor body. The spindles preferably include a notch that is shaped to receive one side, respectively, of the winding module. With this construction, flat windings can be used for the winding module, eliminating the need for a curved module to fit over the spindle.

Abstract: A brush seal for reducing leakage of a fluid across a pressure drop in a machine. The brush seal includes a bristle holder attachable to the machine and filament-yarn bristles secured to the bristle holder. In one example the bristles are filaments of an aramid filament yarn, and the machine is a hydrogen-cooled electric generator.

Abstract: A rotary motion limiting arrangement includes a stationary component, a rotating component rotatable in opposite directions relative thereto, a pair of stops movably mounted on the stationary component for establishing a first set of opposite limits to rotational movement of the rotating component, and a link fastened to the stops such that, as one stop is moved between extended and retracted positions across and outside of a path of revolution of a lug on the rotating component the other stop is moved oppositely between retracted and extended positions. A braking mechanism is positioned, upon electrical energization, to halt rotation of the rotating component. Switches situated adjacent to the link and rotating component are electrically connected to the braking mechanism for establishing a second set of opposite limits to rotational movement of the rotating component within the limits of the first set.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a bearing assembly consisting of a rotatable shaft and a stator coaxially aligned. The stator has at least one circumferential protrusion that contains respective segments that extend radially from the stator. Each of the respective segments contains at least one capture cavity and has a main cavity disposed between each of the respective segments so as to house a thermal shunt. A plurality of roller bearings are also disposed radially between the rotatable shaft and the stator. In addition, at least one viscoseal is disposed on the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A locomotive diagnostic system. A first sensor outputs a measurement of a first state variable (such as vibration) of a first locomotive component, such as a blower fan bearing set, and a second sensor outputs a measurement of a second state variable (such as rotational speed) of a second locomotive component, such as a blower fan shaft. The first state variable is indicative of the operation of the first component and is dependent on the second state variable. Data represents, for each of a number of different values of the second state variable, first, second, and third ranges of values of the first state variable which indicate, respectively, normal, worn, and failed operation of the first component. A mechanism, such as a digital computer, determines if the measurement of the first state variable is within the first, second, or third range of values of the first state variable for the measurement of the second state variable.