Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can provide systems, methods, and an apparatus for providing a magnetic seal. According to one embodiment, a system having a magnetic seal can be provided. The system can include a rotary machine having a first component and a second component. A magnetic seal can be mounted to the first component and positioned relative to the second component to provide a gap between the magnetic seal and the second component. The magnetic seal can include a first magnetic element and a compliant material adapted to adjust in response to a force exerted on the magnetic seal by a second magnetic element. The second magnetic element can be mounted to the second component so that the gap between the magnetic seal and the second component can be modified in response to the force exerted by second magnetic element on the magnetic seal.

Abstract: A flexible, intelligent electronic procurement method and system that emulates and learns from the adaptive behavior of a user trying to find a product in an electronic catalog. The invention allows for searching heterogeneous catalogs in virtually any format, and does not require pre-defined hierarchies, nor the pre-loading of vendor catalog contents, nor the scrubbing of vendor data. It does not impose fixed structures on the user, and it does not force the user to think like someone else. Instead, the invention allows the user to choose their own way to navigate a catalog of items, and then by recording successful search scenarios and storing that knowledge in a dynamic collection of search paths, the invention organically evolves. As the collection of search paths can be accessed by other users, the utility of the invention increases over time once implemented in a given environment.

Abstract: The virtual supercomputer is an apparatus, system and method for generating information processing solutions to complex and/or high-demand/high-performance computing problems, without the need for costly, dedicated hardware supercomputers, and in a manner far more efficient than simple grid or multiprocessor network approaches. The virtual supercomputer consists of a reconfigurable virtual hardware processor, an associated operating system, and a set of operations and procedures that allow the architecture of the system to be easily tailored and adapted to specific problems or classes of problems in a way that such tailored solutions will perform on a variety of hardware architectures, while retaining the benefits of a tailored solution that is designed to exploit the specific and often changing information processing features and demands of the problem at hand.

Abstract: A flexible, intelligent electronic procurement method and system that emulates and learns from the adaptive behavior of a user trying to find a product in an electronic catalog. In contrast to existing methods and systems, the invention allows for searching heterogeneous catalogs in virtually any format, and does not require pre-defined hierarchies, nor the pre-loading of vendor catalog contents, nor the scrubbing of vendor data. It does not impose fixed structures on the user, it does not require the user to start ‘from scratch’ when looking for a new item, and it does not force the user to think like someone else. Instead, the invention allows the user to choose his own way to navigate catalogs of items, and then, by remembering successful search scenarios, and storing that knowledge in a dynamic, growing database (or ‘forest’) of collected search paths, or ‘find-trees’, the invention grows and improves, that is, it evolves organically over time.

Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system for treating exhaust flow from an internal combustion engine, and associated method, allows for independent control of exhaust flow through plural exhaust legs of the exhaust aftertreatment system. The independent control of exhaust flow is carried out by adjusting a valve positioned in each the exhaust legs based on a value of a signal generated by a flow measurement device positioned along at least one of the exhaust legs. The valves can be adjusted to force a target flow in a exhaust leg, relative flow among exhaust legs, exhaust temperature in an exhaust leg, exhaust backpressure and/or imbalance within the exhaust legs.

Abstract: A device for reducing secondary airflow in a gas turbine is disclosed. The device includes an inter-stage sealing member located between a plurality of first turbine buckets attached to a first rotor disk, and a plurality of second turbine buckets attached to a second rotor disk. The first rotor disk and the second rotor disk are rotatable about a central axis. The inter-stage sealing member is configured to be attached in a fixed position relative to the first rotor disk and the second rotor disk, and to contact the plurality of first buckets and the plurality of second buckets in a sealing engagement.

Abstract: A monomer and polycarbonate resin are provided, as are methods of making the monomer. The resin may be used to provide a thin film that has a higher dielectric constant and higher glass transition temperature, and similar breakdown strength and similar dissipation factor to films prepared from polycarbonate resins not so modified. The thin films, in turn, may advantageously be used to form, wholly or in part, articles such as capacitors, sensors, batteries, flexible printed circuit boards, keyboard membranes, motor/transformer insulations, cable wrappings, industrial tapes, interior coverage materials, and the like. In particular, a capacitor comprising the polycarbonate resin is also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a coverplate may be configured to axially overlay a plurality of blade retaining slots within a wheel post of a rotor wheel. The coverplate may include a tab for radially securing the coverplate within a complementary groove of the rotor wheel and an aperture configured to align with a corresponding aperture of the turbine wheel to receive a fastener for axially securing the coverplate to the rotor wheel.

Abstract: An article comprises a first layer which includes a substrate and a nucleophilic organic polymer cross-linked on a surface of or within the substrate. The cross-linked nucleophilic polymer comprises functional groups operative to form a covalent bond with a chemical or biological agent. The first layer also includes reactive particles located on a surface of or within the substrate.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed herein for maintaining an inventory of assets located at an insured property covered under an insurance policy based on data received from IP-addressable devices located at the property. The system includes an inventory database for storing inventory information about assets located at an insured property, a communication interface for receiving registration and operational data associated with an IP-addressable device, and a business logic computer. The business logic computer creates a data structure for storing inventory information about assets located at the insured property in the inventory database for each insured property. The business logic computer determines, for the insured property, the inventory information about the insured property's assets based on registration and operational data received from its IP-addressable devices located at the property.

Abstract: A nozzle is disclosed for use in a turbine or compressor. In an embodiment, each of a plurality of vanes is supported by an outer shroud including a plurality of outer shroud segments disposed adjacent to adjoining segments in end-to-end relationship. Each segment includes a hole therethrough, dimensioned to receive a vane extension sleeve. This system may be used in conjunction with a modulated cooling system and may allow for improved removal for overhaul.

Abstract: A turbine bucket includes an airfoil portion and a tip shroud at a radially outer end of the airfoil portion. The tip shroud includes a first radially inner tip shroud component formed integrally with the airfoil portion and composed of a first metal material, and a second radially outer structural tip shroud component composed of a second metal material bonded to the first radially inner tip shroud component.

Abstract: An axial retention device for a turbine is disclosed. The axial retention device includes a latch associated with a mating surface of one of a turbine component and a support structure. The latch has an outward bias and includes an axial load surface. The axial retention device further includes a pocket defined in a mating surface of the other of the turbine component and the support structure. The pocket is configured to accept the latch therein and includes a mating axial load surface. Engagement of the latch and the pocket allows the axial load surface and the mating axial load surface to interact, preventing axial movement of the turbine component with respect to the support structure in at least one direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for restricting fluid flow in a turbo-machine is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a first inter-stage sealing member configured to be located between a first rotating airfoil stage and a second rotating airfoil stage attached to a rotor shaft, the first inter-stage sealing member including a segmented structure that includes a plurality of segments forming a circumferential surface, the first inter-stage sealing member including: a first base portion including a securing mechanism configured to at least substantially radially and tangentially secure the inter-stage sealing member to an inter-stage support structure; a first axial retention mechanism; and a first axially extending sealing portion configured to be outwardly radially loaded against at least one of the first rotating airfoil stage and the second rotating airfoil stage.

Abstract: Latex emulsions are disclosed which can be used in the formation of coating compositions that are not water sensitive, have good blush resistance and retortability. In some embodiments, the coating compositions are used to coat substrates such as cans and packaging materials for the storage of food and beverages. Coating compositions can be prepared by mixing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer component and a stabilizer comprising a strong acid, in a carrier to form a monomer emulsion, reacting the monomer emulsion with an initiator to form the latex emulsion, and reacting the latex emulsion with a neutralizer. Methods of coating substrates with the coating compositions, and substrates coated with the coating compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A monomer and polycarbonate resin are provided, as are methods of making the monomer. The resin may be used to provide a thin film that has a higher dielectric constant and higher glass transition temperature, and similar breakdown strength and similar dissipation factor to films prepared from polycarbonate resins not so modified. The thin films, in turn, may advantageously be used to form, wholly or in part, articles such as capacitors, sensors, batteries, flexible printed circuit boards, keyboard membranes, motor/transformer insulations, cable wrappings, industrial tapes, interior coverage materials, and the like. In particular, a capacitor comprising the polycarbonate resin is also provided.

Abstract: A composite turbine blade assembly includes a ceramic blade including an airfoil portion, a shank portion and an attachment portion; and a transition assembly adapted to attach the ceramic blade to a turbine disk or rotor, the transition assembly including first and second transition components clamped together, trapping said ceramic airfoil therebetween. Interior surfaces of the first and second transition portions are formed to mate with the shank portion and the attachment portion of the ceramic blade, and exterior surfaces of said first and second transition components are formed to include an attachment feature enabling the transition assembly to be attached to the turbine rotor or disk.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a novel thiophene-containing polynitrone compound having structure (II) wherein R1 is independently at each occurrence a C1-C20 aliphatic radical, a C3-C20 cycloaliphatic radical, or a C2-C30 aromatic radical; R2 is independently at each occurrence hydrogen, deuterium, a C1-C20 aliphatic radical, a C3-C20 cycloaliphatic radical, or a C2-C30 aromatic radical; and “a” is an integer from 2 to 4.

Abstract: A system for modulating the amount of air supplied through a pressure boundary in a gas turbine is disclosed that includes a passageway located on the pressure boundary. Additionally, a temperature activated valve is mounted within the passageway and is configured to activate at a predetermined temperature threshold. Specifically, the temperature activated valve activates from a closed position to an open position when the local temperature at the temperature activated valve reaches or exceeds the predetermined temperature threshold to allow air to flow through the passageway.

Abstract: An apparatus and method suitable for supporting a cylindrical component. The apparatus includes a pedestal having an upper surface with a semispherical concave shape, and a carriage supported on the upper surface of the pedestal. The carriage has a lower surface and an oppositely-disposed upper surface with elements for contacting and rotatably supporting the cylindrical component. The lower surface of the carriage engages the upper surface of the pedestal and has a semispherical convex shape complementary to the semispherical concave shape of the upper surface of the pedestal. The apparatus further includes a reservoir at and recessed in the upper surface of the pedestal, and a feature for delivering a lubricant to the lubricant reservoir. The lower surface of the carriage and the upper surface of the pedestal define an enclosure around the reservoir.