Abstract: A fluid pump integrated with a motor, a fluid pump/generator device, a rotor for a fluid pump/generator device, a stator for a fluid pump/generator device and a method for pumping fluid are disclosed. Specifically, a fluid pump includes a motor rotor having a plurality of magnetic vanes that electromagnetically interact with a plurality of magnetic poles of the motor stator such that the rotor functions simultaneously as the impeller for the pump and rotor for the motor, with fluid flowing through channels on the rotor. Pump and motor are tightly integrated into one single device so that the number of parts is reduced, total size is compressed, reliability of the device is improved, and cost efficiency is increased. In addition, the use of magnetic vanes for propelling fluid improves motor efficiency. Further, the fluid flow is used to directly cool the pump/generator device, which reduces energy consumption.

Abstract: A vacuum separation, transport and collection system for immiscible liquids includes a separator (12) for separating two immiscible liquids such as oil and a water-based coolant, and for directing the separated immiscible liquid into a holder (16). A collector (18) is secured through a vacuum line (20) with the holder (16) and a vacuum generator (22) applies a vacuum to the collector (18) and holder (16). A controller (28) controls the vacuum generator (22) to apply a vacuum to the collector (18) and the holder (16) for a predetermined vacuum duty cycle for periodically removing separated immiscible liquid (26) from the holder (16) into the collector (18). Contaminants in the immiscible liquid cannot degrade performance of the system because such contaminants do not contact the vacuum generator (22) or controller (28).

Abstract: A fluid pump integrated with a motor, a fluid pump/generator device, a rotor for a fluid pump/generator device, a stator for a fluid pump/generator device and a method for pumping fluid are disclosed. Specifically, a fluid pump includes a motor rotor having a plurality of magnetic vanes that electromagnetically interact with a plurality of magnetic poles of the motor stator such that the rotor functions simultaneously as the impeller for the pump and rotor for the motor, with fluid flowing through channels on the rotor. Pump and motor are tightly integrated into one single device so that the number of parts is reduced, total size is compressed, reliability of the device is improved, and cost efficiency is increased. In addition, the use of magnetic vanes for propelling fluid improves motor efficiency. Further, the fluid flow is used to directly cool the pump/generator device, which reduces energy consumption.

Abstract: A system for controlling vibration of a dynamic surface includes at least one sensor in communication with the dynamic surface for measuring vibration of the dynamic surface and generating a feedback signal proportional to the measured vibration and at least one piezoelectric actuator in communication with the dynamic surface and in communication with the controller for receiving the output signal. The system also includes at least one mass overlying the at least one piezoelectric actuator, whereby the at least one piezoelectric actuator lies between the mass and the dynamic surface, and a controller in communication with the at least one sensor for receiving the feedback signal, generating an output signal in response to the feedback signal and sending the output signal to the at least one piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric actuator applies a counter force between the dynamic surface and the mass upon receiving the output signal for reducing or controlling vibration of the dynamic surface.

Abstract: A method of controlling vibration of a dynamic surface includes providing at least one piezoelectric actuator in communication with the dynamic surface, and providing a mass over the at least one piezoelectric actuator so that the at least one piezoelectric actuator lies between the mass and the dynamic surface. The method includes sensing vibration of the dynamic surface, and activating the at least one piezoelectric actuator after sensing vibration of the dynamic surface for applying a counter force between the dynamic surface and the mass for reducing or controlling vibration of the dynamic surface.

Abstract: A method of controlling deflection of a dynamic surface having a predetermined shape includes sensing a change in the predetermined shape of the dynamic surface, providing at least one piezoelectric actuator in communication with the dynamic surface for applying a counter force thereto, and activating the at least one piezoelectric actuator for applying the counter force to the dynamic surface for returning the dynamic surface to the predetermined shape.

Abstract: A system for controlling deflection of a dynamic surface includes at least one sensor in communication with the dynamic surface for detecting the presence of a deflecting force on the dynamic surface and generating a feedback signal proportional to the deflecting force. The system includes a controller in communication with the at least one sensor for receiving the feedback signal and generating an output signal in response to the feedback signal. At least one piezoelectric actuator is in communication with the dynamic surface and in communication with the controller for receiving the output signal and applying a counter deflecting force on the dynamic surface for removing the deflection from the dynamic surface. In other preferred embodiments, the piezoelectric actuators maintain the dynamic surface in a preferred shape, such as a curved surface.

Abstract: A method of controlling deflection of a dynamic surface having a predetermined shape includes sensing a change in the predetermined shape of the dynamic surface, providing at least one piezoelectric actuator in communication with the dynamic surface for applying a counter force thereto, and activating the at least one piezoelectric actuator for applying the counter force to the dynamic surface for returning the dynamic surface to the predetermined shape.

Abstract: A method of controlling vibration of a dynamic surface includes providing at least one piezoelectric actuator in communication with the dynamic surface, and providing a mass over the at least one piezoelectric actuator so that the at least one piezoelectric actuator lies between the mass and the dynamic surface. The method includes sensing vibration of the dynamic surface, and activating the at least one piezoelectric actuator after sensing vibration of the dynamic surface for applying a counter force between the dynamic surface and the mass for reducing or controlling vibration of the dynamic surface.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for attaching in a needling apparatus, such as a needle loom, tacker and the like, a plurality of needle boards to a plurality of needle beams in alignment therewith. A plurality of needle boards having upwardly extending attachment members are supported on a plurality of needle board carts which are movable into the needling apparatus to a position underling one of the needle beams for attachment thereto. The carts are supported by the stripper plate as they move through the needle zone. Each of the carts includes a locator member for alignment of the needle board therewith when supported on the cart. The carts and support needle boards are raised for engagement with the needle beam by operation of the stripper plate. The needle beams include a support plate having a plurality of openings for receiving therethrough the attachment members of a corresponding needle board, thereby aligning the needle board at a predetermined position to the needle beam.

Abstract: A press roll system employed in connection with a web finishing assembly is provided. The press roll system includes a press roll, which cooperates with a head roll to provide a uniform nip area and pressing load; a support substrate, arranged between the ground and the press roll; at least one backup roller mounted to a first surface of the support substrate along a continuous axis for substantially the length of the press roll, and arranged to provide a uniform load to the press roll and uniform area between the press roll and head roll during operation to impart a uniform caliper to the web; and a retractable force actuator, mounted on a second surface of the support substrate, opposite the surface to which the backup rollers are mounted, to provide an even distribution of loads toward the press roll. A channel is attached to one end of the support substrate for receiving and channeling working fluid away from the rest of the press roll system.

Abstract: An apparatus for tensioning, stretching or pulling a traveling web of material (e.g., single or multiple layers) lateral to the longitudinal or machine direction of the traveling web is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one but usually a pair of clamping devices to be disposed opposite each other on lateral edges of the traveling web upstream of a processing area where the clamping devices include stationary members, where at least one stationary member includes first and second ends and a material-engagement surface, wherein, when in operational position, the first and second ends define a direction of the material-engagement surface that is transverse to the machine direction of the traveling web. A method of stretching or pulling a single layer or multiple layer web of material laterally to the machine direction of the traveling web to remove wrinkles also is disclosed.

Abstract: A finishing assembly which includes an outside treatment roll for treating both sides of an endless web without having to remove, turn inside out and reload the endless web onto the finishing assembly. The outside treatment roll is movable and adapted to contact the endless web within an opening defined between a pair of cantilever beams such that the "minimum loop length" of the endless web is preserved. The finishing assembly includes a movable non-contacting treatment assembly which is adapted to be arranged between the cantilever beams such that the non-contacting treatment assembly may be used with or without the outside treatment roll to facilitate different finishing processes.

Abstract: An improved multiple disk refiner of the type employing a rotatable hub which is mounted for rotation within a housing, and a plurality of spaced refiner rotor disks and additional disks in interleaved relation with each other and defining passages through which a stock suspension to be refined can be passed. Relative rotational movement occurs between the rotor disks and the additional disks. The invention is particularly concerned with an improved rotor structure which is mounted on the hub for rotation therewith, and resilient coupling means which connect the rotor with the rotor disks. The coupling means include a resiliently deformable elastomer which is arranged to deform in a shearing mode thereby permitting increased axial deflection of the rotors and operation at a higher intensity level.

Abstract: Improved thickness tolerance, easier assembling and substantial economies are attained by constructing resiliently flexible refiner disks by affixing refining surface ring plates to the disk margins by structural bonding agent, epoxy being preferred. In making the refining disk assembly, the disk may be formed from fiberglass or fiberglass-epoxy composite or stainless steel and the epoxy adhered assembly cured in a curing zone wherein, if the disk is formed from an uncured fiberglass material, the disk may be cured at the same time as the bonding agent.

Abstract: An apparatus for refining fibrous materials such as stock suspensions for papermaking which includes a housing, an inlet and outlet in said housing for receiving and discharging the treated materials, a shaft rotatable in said housing, a plurality of rotating refiner disks spaced along the shaft and an additional plurality of refiner disks interspersed with the rotor disks and providing therewith refining gaps through which the stock suspension passes. The other refiner disks can be either stationary or counter-rotating with respect to the rotor disks. The two sets of refiner disks are supported by means of axially flexible membranes. The present invention provides refiner disks which have undercut portions in the surfaces adjacent to the flexible annular membranes to increase the axial flexibility of the membranes.

Abstract: A multi-disk refiner utilizing a plurality of spaced rotor disks which rotate in a housing in spaced relation to a plurality of spaced stator disks, the confronting disks having ribs thereon which abrade a stock suspension passing in the space between the rotor and stator disks. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a plurality of flexible rotors which have spokes extending therefrom, the spokes being received in slots in loosely fitting relation so as to permit relative sliding movement between the spokes and the rotor disks while transmitting torque. A resilient bumper is provided on each of the spokes to provide a pivot point within the slot such that axial movement of the rotor disks provides a simple bending load to each spoke thereby defining a soft, linear spring system.

Abstract: A plurality of axially spaced and axially resiliently flexible annular refining disks in a refiner working chamber have stock flow equalizing ports through the disks, and the pressure on opposite sides of the disks is balanced as by pressure balancing vanes associated with the ports. The vanes may be mounted on the disks at the ports or may be carried by rotor structure and aligned with the ports.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing particulate material such as paper making pulp between radially extending relatively rotatable and axially confronting refining surfaces between which the material must pass while being refined during relative rotation of the surfaces. The refining surfaces are mounted on resiliently flexible disks for operating pressure responsive clearance adjustment of the relatively rotating refining surfaces axially relative to one another, for attaining optimum material refining results from the refining surfaces.