Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and replenishing an inventory of goods includes a first inventory area and a first movable structure having a first optical code associated with the first distinct inventory area. The first movable structure is placed in a replenishment signaling area after a supply of goods in the inventory area is depleted. Boundary optical codes are disposed near a boundary of the replenishment signaling area. A camera generates periodic images of the replenishment signaling area and the boundary optical codes. A computer processor detects the boundary optical codes in the images and determines a boundary line of the replenishment signaling area based thereon. The processor determines a spatial relationship between the first optical code and the boundary line in the images and generates a replenishment notification based on the spatial relationship. The replenishment notification indicates that the supply of the first type of goods needs to be replenished.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and replenishing an inventory of goods includes a first inventory area and a first movable structure having a first optical code associated with the first distinct inventory area. The first movable structure is placed in a replenishment signaling area after a supply of goods in the inventory area has been depleted. Boundary optical codes are disposed near a boundary of the replenishment signaling area. A camera generates periodic images of the replenishment signaling area and the boundary optical codes. A computer processor detects the boundary optical codes in the images and determines a boundary line of the replenishment signaling area based thereon. The processor determines a spatial relationship between the first optical code and the boundary line in the images and generates a replenishment notification based on the spatial relationship. The replenishment notification indicates that the supply of the first type of goods needs to be replenished.

Abstract: A low pressure turbine shroud assembly includes a backsheet with enhanced blade containment capabilities that is sized to be retrofitted into a conventional low pressure turbine assembly. The backsheet has first and second mounting rails at axially opposite ends thereof and a blade containment sheet shield disposed therebetween. The rails and the containment shield are of a uniformly increased thickness as compared with a conventional backsheet rail and containment shield design. The assembly also includes a modified mounting hook for mounting the improved backsheet to a case extending around the shroud. The mounting hook is of reduced thickness as compared with a conventional mounting hook for a conventional backsheet proportional to the increase in thickness of the backsheet. The assembly also can include a rub strip disposed between a radially inner surface of the backsheet and a turbine blade.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite airfoil, particularly useful as a wide chord fan blade having a high degree of twist in a large high bypass ratio turbofan engine. The composite airfoil of the present invention has a reinforced region of its airfoil that extends a portion of its span from its tip and a portion of its chord from its trailing edge. The region is covered by thin metallic sheathing bonded to trailing edge surfaces of the blade in a manner to reinforce that portion of the composite blade.

Abstract: A compressor stator includes an axial centerline axis and has a unitary annular outer case and a plurality of circumferentially spaced outer hooks extending radially inwardly therefrom. A circumferentially segmented inner case is disposed radially inwardly within the outer case and includes a plurality of arcuate inner case segments, each including an arcuate shroud and at least one inner hook extending radially outwardly therefrom, with respective ones of the outer and inner hooks being axially slidably joined to each other for radially supporting an inner surface of the shroud at a common radius.

Abstract: A containment system for wide chord turbofan fan blades, the system having a containment housing which forms a nesting area to accommodate broken blades and blade parts. Connected to the containment housing and constituting a part of the nesting area are structural rings which are positioned so that centrifugal forces will direct the larger blade fragments to impact upon the structural rings causing the large blade fragments to break into smaller fragments which are then easily housed in the nesting area, thus reducing the required area of the nesting area and minimizing the weight of the containment system.

Abstract: An improved blade retainer for locking radially projecting blades on a rotor includes an elastic spacer sized to be inserted into a radial space between the blade tang and the bottom of the rotor slot in a generally undeformed state without deformation of the tang or slot. The spacer is provided with a first arcuate surface which abuts the tang and a second arcuate surface which, in one embodiment, abuts the bottom of the rotor slot when the spacer is deformed, thereby exerting an outwardly directed load on the tang. The spacer is fixed against axial movement relative to the blades by means of a forward end lug which is in confronting and overlapping relationship with an end face on the blade tang when the spacer is deformed. Blocker means are insertable between the spacer and the bottom of the slot to retain the spacer in a deformed state and thereby bias the blade radially outwardly.

Abstract: An apparatus for the removal of meat from Crustacean members having tubular shells, particularly crab legs. The apparatus comprises a shell slitting device including an eccentric rotary cutter and a stationary cutter. The stationary cutter includes an elongated guide member which is introduced into an open end of the tubular shell between the meat and the shell. Also described is a conveying apparatus and a device for opening the slit shells for the removal of the meat.

Abstract: A blade locking device, for locking radially projecting blades on a rotor includes a pair of retaining pins having enlarged forward and aft end portions or lugs. The retaining pins are inserted into a radial space between the blade tang and the bottom of the rotor slot. Spacer means maintain the retaining pins circumferentially spaced apart and further maintain the end lugs in confronting and overlapping relationship with forward and aft abutment surfaces on the sides of the rotor and with forward and aft end faces on each end of the blade tang. The spacer means are fixed against axial movement relative to said retaining members. Resilient biasing means can be provided to bias the rotor blade radially outward.