Abstract: An exo-bearing system for a turbomachine is operable to improve aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical limits of rotor blades for fans, compressors, turbines, pumps and the like. The exo-bearing system is positioned between the tips of the blades and a surrounding structural housing. The exo-bearing system eliminates the air gap that is formed in prior art turbomachines and causes the blades to load in compression during operation which increases mechanical operability of the blades.

Abstract: In one example there is disclosed, an apparatus (10) for vacuum cleaning a tank (11). The apparatus (10) includes a main body (12) coupled to a working arm (14) and a plurality of support legs (16) coupled to the main body (12). The main body (12) includes a main conduit (40) extending lengthwise therethrough and a common central actuator (32) fitted about by the main conduit (40). The working arm (14) includes a vacuum conduit (50) in fluid communication with the main conduit (40). The plurality of support legs (16) are operatively coupled to the common central actuator (32) so as to be simultaneously moveable at least between a collapsed condition so as to fit through an opening 18 of the tank 11, and an extended condition in which the plurality of support legs (16) are moved relatively outwardly so as to be telescopically extendable within the tank (11) to engage a side wall (20) of the tank to support the main body (12). Other examples of the apparatus, a system and related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable that includes subunits is provided. Optical fiber cables are used to transmit data over distance. Generally, large distribution cables that carry a multitude of optical fibers from a hub are sub-divided at network nodes into subunits. To furcate the subunits, the respective jackets of the subunits must balance many different characteristics, including flexibility, temperature tolerance, and safety properties.

Abstract: In one example there is disclosed, an apparatus (10) for vacuum cleaning a tank (11). The apparatus (10) includes a main body (12) coupled to a working arm (14) and a plurality of support legs (16) coupled to the main body (12). The main body (12) includes a main conduit (40) extending lengthwise therethrough and a common central actuator (32) fitted about by the main conduit (40). The working arm (14) includes a vacuum conduit (50) in fluid communication with the main conduit (40). The plurality of support legs (16) are operatively coupled to the common central actuator (32) so as to be simultaneously moveable at least between a collapsed condition so as to fit through an opening 18 of the tank 11, and an extended condition in which the plurality of support legs (16) are moved relatively outwardly so as to be telescopically extendable within the tank (11) to engage a side wall (20) of the tank to support the main body (12). Other examples of the apparatus, a system and related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of an optical fiber cable configured for installation in a roadbed are provided. The optical fiber cable includes an optical fiber, a cable jacket surrounding the optical fiber, and an upjacket surrounding the cable jacket. The upjacket does not leach a chemical or chemicals into the roadbed that soften the roadbed. Also provided are embodiments of a method of producing an optical fiber cable configured for installation in a roadbed. Further, embodiments of a method of deploying an optical fiber cable into a roadbed are provided. The method involves the steps of forming a channel in the roadbed, inserting an optical fiber cable into the channel, and closing the channel so as to bury the optical fiber cable in the roadbed.

Abstract: Embodiments of an optical fiber cable configured for installation in a roadbed are provide. The optical fiber cable includes an optical fiber, a cable jacket surrounding the optical fiber, and an upjacket surrounding the cable jacket. The upjacket does not leach a chemical or chemicals into the roadbed that soften the roadbed. Also provided are embodiments of a method of producing an optical fiber cable configured for installation in a roadbed. Further, embodiments of a method of deploying an optical fiber cable into a roadbed are provided. The method involves the steps of forming a channel in the roadbed, inserting an optical fiber cable into the channel, and closing the channel so as to bury the optical fiber cable in the roadbed.

Abstract: In one example there is disclosed, an apparatus (10) for vacuum cleaning a tank (11). The apparatus (10) includes a main body (12) coupled to a working arm (14) and a plurality of support legs (16) coupled to the main body (12). The main body (12) includes a main conduit (40) extending lengthwise therethrough and a common central actuator (32) fitted about by the main conduit (40). The working arm (14) includes a vacuum conduit (50) in fluid communication with the main conduit (40). The plurality of support legs (16) are operatively coupled to the common central actuator (32) so as to be simultaneously moveable at least between a collapsed condition so as to fit through an opening 18 of the tank 11, and an extended condition in which the plurality of support legs (16) are moved relatively outwardly so as to be telescopically extendable within the tank (11) to engage a side wall (20) of the tank to support the main body (12). Other examples of the apparatus, a system and related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Cables have dielectric armor with an armor profile that resembles conventional metal armored cable. The armor can be formed as a single layer, without requiring an outer jacket layer. The dielectric armor provides additional crush and impact resistance for the optical fibers and/or fiber optic assembly therein. The armored cables recover substantially from deformation caused by crush loads. Additionally, the armored fiber optic assemblies can have any suitable flame and/or smoke rating for meeting the requirements of the intended space. The assemblies can additionally be lightweight and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: A flame retardant and/or crush-resistant optical cable is provided. The cable includes a plurality of optical fibers and an inner jacket surrounding the plurality of optical fibers. The inner jacket includes an inner layer and an outer layer. The cable includes an armor layer surrounding the inner jacket. The cable includes an outer jacket surrounding the armor layer. The inner layer of the inner jacket, the outer layer of the inner jacket and/or the outer jacket are formed from one or more different material providing different properties to the cable. For example, the outer jacket may be formed from a flame-retardant, zero-halogen polymer material, the inner layer of the inner jacket may be chemically resistant to inorganic material, and the outer layer of the inner jacket may be chemically resistant to organic material.

Abstract: Portable traffic message signs configured for use on or near roadways, highways, sidewalks, and/or other travel routes. The portable traffic message sign may be configured to provide instructions, warnings, alerts, and/or other information for travelers. In some embodiments, the portable traffic message sign may be configured to be adaptive in response to sensed weather, traffic, and/or other conditions. For example, the portable traffic message sign may have a controller determining suitable message content to display, the message content reflecting a present traffic and/or weather condition. Moreover, the message sign controller may select, based on a speed of travel of traffic, words, phrases, and/or pages to display the message content such that the message may be perceivable by oncoming travelers. The controller may control height, angle of rotation, and/or other orientation parameters of the message sign toward a point of aim in order that the message may be perceivable by travelers.

Abstract: Cables have dielectric armor with an armor profile that resembles conventional metal armored cable. The armor can be formed as a single layer, without requiring an outer jacket layer. The dielectric armor provides additional crush and impact resistance for the optical fibers and/or fiber optic assembly therein. The armored cables recover substantially from deformation caused by crush loads. Additionally, the armored fiber optic assemblies can have any suitable flame and/or smoke rating for meeting the requirements of the intended space. The assemblies can additionally be lightweight and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: Embodiments of an optical fiber cable configured for installation in a roadbed are provide& The optical fiber cable includes an optical fiber, a cable jacket surrounding the optical fiber, and an upjacket surrounding the cable jacket. The upjacket does not leach a chemical or chemicals into the roadbed that soften the roadbed. Also provided are embodiments of a method of producing an optical fiber cable configured for installation in a roadbed. Further, embodiments of a method of deploying an optical fiber cable into a roadbed are provided. The method involves the steps of forming a channel in the roadbed, inserting an optical fiber cable into the channel, and closing the channel so as to bury the optical fiber cable in the roadbed.

Abstract: A flame retardant and/or crush-resistant optical cable is provided. The cable includes a plurality of optical fibers and an inner jacket surrounding the plurality of optical fibers. The inner jacket includes an inner layer and an outer layer. The cable includes an armor layer surrounding the inner jacket. The cable includes an outer jacket surrounding the armor layer. The inner layer of the inner jacket, the outer layer of the inner jacket and/or the outer jacket are formed from one or more different material providing different properties to the cable. For example, the outer jacket may be formed from a flame-retardant, zero-halogen polymer material, the inner layer of the inner jacket may be chemically resistant to inorganic material, and the outer layer of the inner jacket may be chemically resistant to organic material.

Abstract: Portable traffic message signs configured for use on or near roadways, highways, sidewalks, and/or other travel routes. The portable traffic message sign may be configured to provide instructions, warnings, alerts, and/or other information for travelers. In some embodiments, the portable traffic message sign may be configured to be adaptive in response to sensed weather, traffic, and/or other conditions. For example, the portable traffic message sign may have a controller determining suitable message content to display, the message content reflecting a present traffic and/or weather condition. Moreover, the message sign controller may select, based on a speed of travel of traffic, words, phrases, and/or pages to display the message content such that the message may be perceivable by oncoming travelers. The controller may control height, angle of rotation, and/or other orientation parameters of the message sign toward a point of aim in order that the message may be perceivable by travelers.

Abstract: An optical communication cable bundle is provided. The bundle includes a bundle jacket and a plurality of optical fiber subunits surrounded by the bundle jacket. Each optical fiber subunit includes a subunit jacket defining a subunit passage and a plurality of optical fibers located with the subunit passage. The thickness of the bundle jacket may be less than a thickness of each of the subunit jackets. The tensile strength of the bundle jacket may be less than the tensile strength of the subunit jacket, and the tear strength of the outermost bundle layer may be less than the tear strength of the subunit jacket. The subunit jacket may be formed from a fire resistant material that has an oxygen limiting index that is greater than an oxygen limiting index of the material of the bundle jacket.

Abstract: Cables have dielectric armors with armor profiles that provide additional crush and impact resistance for the optical fibers and/or fiber optic assembly therein, while retaining flexibility to aid during installation. The armored cables recover substantially from deformation caused by crush loads.

Abstract: Cables have armor including a polymer, the armor having an armor profile that resembles conventional metal armored cable. The armor provides additional crush and impact resistance for the optical fibers and/or fiber optic assembly therein. The armored cables recover substantially from deformation caused by crush loads. Additionally, the armored fiber optic assemblies can have any suitable flame and/or smoke rating for meeting the requirements of the intended space.

Abstract: Cables have armor including a polymer, the armor having an armor profile that resembles conventional metal armored cable. The armor provides additional crush and impact resistance for the optical fibers and/or fiber optic assembly therein. The armored cables recover substantially from deformation caused by crush loads. Additionally, the armored fiber optic assemblies can have any suitable flame and/or smoke rating for meeting the requirements of the intended space.

Abstract: An armored fiber optic cable includes fiber optic assembly, including at least one optical fiber, and dielectric armor in the form of an extruded polymeric tube surrounding the fiber optic assembly. The dielectric armor has at least one layer formed from a rigid material having a Shore D hardness of about 65 or greater. Further, the dielectric armor has an armor profile such that the dielectric armor has an undulating surface along its length.

Abstract: A conduit travelling apparatus is capable of crawling through a conduit for performing certain operation by a stepwise sequence of alternating sequences of expanding and contracting the length of the body while bracing each end alternately. The apparatus provides a self aligning element for correcting rotation of such apparatus due to powered operations it may perform, or any natural tendency to twist as it progresses. The self aligning element includes steering elements overseen by a control system which helps return the travelling apparatus to a preferred alignment during its forward or rearward travel.