Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) integrated variable frequency drive system having a variable frequency drive and an energy source. The variable frequency drive having a back end inverter, a DC bus electrically connected to the back end inverter, and an active front end electrically connected to the DC bus to facilitate bi-directional power flow to and from a power grid. The energy source being electrically connected to the DC bus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel pulsating medical device comprising: a catheter (1) designed to be inserted into a blood vessel, having a diameter and comprising a rod at its insertion end, termed part A; and an inflatable component (6) housed around part of the catheter (1), termed part B, said inflatable component (6) being designed to be connected to an inflation means (9) connected to the other end of said catheter (1) and termed part C, so that said inflatable component can be inflated/deflated in a pulsed manner, the diameter of part B of said catheter (1) being less than the diameters of parts A and C of said catheter (1), and the diameters of parts A and C of said catheter (1) being approximately equal.

Abstract: An organ support apparatus includes: (a) a fluid circuit defining upstream and downstream legs adapted to be connected to an organ to be supported; (b) a circulation pump connected to the fluid circuit for circulating a process fluid through the fluid circuit and the organ; and (c) a first waveform generator connected to the fluid circuit for impressing a preselected pressure waveform on the process fluid.

Abstract: A vehicle speed limiter is described, for use with, and for example fitted to, a vehicle throttle system (1) comprising a mechanically actuatable throttle member (3), an engine (10) speed controller (7), and a throttle signal unit in data communication with an engine speed controller and operably coupled to the throttle member so as to generate an electronic throttle signal in functional response to the degree of actuation of the throttle member, and to transmit a throttle signal to the engine speed controller whereby the engine speed is controlled.

Abstract: Vibration is monitored in a dual rotor engine. A first total vibration of the engine is measured during operation. Relative phase of the two rotors is then clocked, and a second total vibration of the engine is then measured during operation. First and second total unbalances are then resolved at a common response frequency from the measured total vibrations. First and second rotor unbalances are then resolved for the corresponding rotors from the first and second total unbalances. In a further method, corresponding corrective balance weights may be determined for offsetting the resolved rotor unbalances.

Abstract: A method for repairing a combustor liner for a gas turbine engine combustor, the combustor having a combustion zone formed by inner and outer liners, the method comprising the steps of removing a portion of a combustor liner to form a deficit in the liner; providing a replacement panel having at least one opening and a thermal barrier material applied to the replacement panel adjacent to the opening, and installing the replacement panel in the deficit.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint member includes: a generally concave cup with an outer surface that is bone-implantable, the cup including a first indexing feature; a concave insert disposed inside the cup, the insert comprising a rigid material and including a concave interior defining a nominal surface, the interior including a cantilevered flange defined by an undercut in the insert, the flange defining a wear-resistant first contact surface which protrudes inward relative to the nominal surface, the insert including a second indexing feature. The first and second indexing features engage each other so as to retain the insert in a fixed angular orientation relative to the cup.

Abstract: A method of testing a braking device in a drivetrain of a vehicle which includes at least one tractive element coupled to a traction motor. The method includes: (a) applying the braking device to a tractive element of the vehicle; (b) using an electronic controller, causing the traction motor to apply a predetermined force to the tractive element; and (c) using the controller, monitoring the tractive element for movement while the force is being applied. A dynamic braking or “retarder” function may also be tested. A system for carrying out the method is provided.

Abstract: An ultrahigh pressure pump includes a frame; a crankshaft having a journal; and at least one telescoping pump subassembly having inner and outer ends. The outer end is carried by the frame pivot so as to allow pivotal swinging movement of the pump subassembly, and the inner end is attached to the journal. The piston rod can reciprocate relative to the inner bore substantially free from side loads. The pump subassembly includes: an outer member including a cylinder defining an inner bore; and a inner member having a piston rod and a outer sleeve. The piston rod is received in the inner bore and the cylinder is received in the outer sleeve. First and second restraining elements are disposed at spaced-apart positions along the axis of the pump subassembly and are configured to oppose misalignment forces between the piston rod and the cylinder.

Abstract: A heat exchanger system for a gas turbine engine includes: (a) a fan having at least two stages of rotating fan blades surrounded by a fan casing, the fan operable to produce a flow of pressurized air at a fan exit; (b) at least one heat exchanger having a first flowpath in fluid communication with the fan at a location upstream of the fan exit; and (c) a fluid system coupled to a second flowpath of the at least one heat exchanger. The first and second flowpaths are thermally coupled to each other.

Abstract: A leading edge structure for use in an aerospace vehicle includes a body having a flowpath surface which defines a leading edge adapted to face an air flow during operation, and an opposed inner surface. The body is segmented into a plurality of portions having varying thermal properties and/or mechanical discontinuities, so as to promote stress concentrations in ice attached to the flowpath surface.

Abstract: A recycling system and carrying apparatus to allow individuals to carry recycling containers and the like. The carrying apparatus includes at least one support arm adapted to engage a support such that the carrying apparatus hangs therefrom, and at least one carrying arm operably connected to the at least one support arm. The carrying arm is adapted to secure an item to be carried by the carrying apparatus. The at least one carrying arm is adapted to pivot relative to the at least one support arm.

Abstract: A turbine nozzle includes a row of vanes extending radially between annular outer and inner bands. The outer band includes a pair of radial flanges defining an annular seal groove therebetween. One of the flanges is crenelated to improve nozzle life.

Abstract: A turbine airfoil includes pressure and suction sidewalls extending axially in chord between opposite leading and trailing edges. The sidewalls are spaced transversely apart to define flow channels extending longitudinally and separated chordally by partitions bridging the sidewalls. A perforate partition includes a row of crossover holes extending obliquely therethrough.

Abstract: A stator assembly for a gas turbine engine includes: (a) an outer shroud having a circumferential array of outer slots; (b) an inner shroud having a circumferential array of inner slots; (c) a plurality of airfoil-shaped vanes extending between the inner and outer shrouds, each vane having inner and outer ends which are received in the inner and outer slots; and (d) an annular, resilient retention ring spring which engages the inner ends of the vanes and urges them in a radially inward direction.

Abstract: A turbine nozzle includes a hollow vane mounted between inner and outer bands. The inner band includes a mounting flange between forward and aft lips. An aft pocket is found in the inner band between the flange and aft lip. And, an impingement bore extends through the flange into the windward half of the pocket and is directed aft toward the opposite leeward half of the pocket for co-rotation with purge flow during operation.

Abstract: A load shedding system and method for controlling imbalances in a power system includes a signal generator adapted to generate a signal representative of a local system, and a modifying circuit adapted to adjust set frequencies. The system also includes a processing circuit adapted to process data received from the signal generator and modifying circuit and set load shedding priorities for the local system based on the processed data.

Abstract: A bushing assembly for a turbine vane includes a bushing, housing, and a flexible conductor. The bushing includes a bore for receiving a trunnion of the vane and a first conductor extending from the bushing. The first conductor is adapted to be connected to a heater element disposed on the vane. The housing is positioned over the bushing, and the bushing is rotatable relative to the housing. The housing includes a second conductor extending from the housing for connection to an electrical power source. The flexible conductor is electrically connected between the first conductor and the second conductor, such that an electric current is transmitted from the second conductor to the first conductor to provide an electric current to the heater element.