Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to an interface between an exhaust cylinder and an exhaust diffuser in a turbine engine. The interface allows relative radial movement of the exhaust diffuser and the exhaust cylinder. According to aspects of the invention, the diffuser and the cylinder are operatively connected about their peripheries by a plurality of connecting members, which can be tie rods. Each connecting member can be pivotally connected at a first end to a joint bolt affixed to the exhaust cylinder and at a second end to an exhaust diffuser. Thus, the connecting members can join the cylinder and the diffuser in the axial direction, while allowing for the differential thermal expansion of the two components. Relative circumferential movement between the cylinder and the diffuser can be reduced by positioning neighboring connecting members at opposing angles in relation to one another.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to an interface between an exhaust cylinder and an exhaust diffuser in a turbine engine. The interface allows relative radial movement of the exhaust diffuser and the exhaust cylinder. According to aspects of the invention, the diffuser and the cylinder are operatively connected about their peripheries by a plurality of connecting members, which can be tie rods. Each connecting member can be pivotally connected at a first end to a joint bolt affixed to the exhaust cylinder and at a second end to an exhaust diffuser. Thus, the connecting members can join the cylinder and the diffuser in the axial direction, while allowing for the differential thermal expansion of the two components. Relative circumferential movement between the cylinder and the diffuser can be reduced by positioning neighboring connecting members at opposing angles in relation to one another.

Abstract: An improved generator rotor (30) and a method of repairing an existing generator rotor (12) are disclosed. Methods consistent with the present invention provide techniques for repairing existing stress-damaged rotors (12) to remove stress-induced cracks (29), without requiring new retaining rings (16), to significantly extend the useful life of a generator without the cost and complexity of conventional repair techniques. Improved generator rotors (30) consistent with the present invention provide a tooth-top design that is more resistant to stress-induced cracking than conventional designs, resulting in new generators with longer useful lives.

Abstract: An oil lift pocket for a bearing surface having a plurality of channels in communication with a supply port. The plurality of channels may be formed in a substantially bow shaped configuration. Each channel may extend from a supply port and terminate at an end and away from the supply port. The oil lift pocket greatly reduces friction in slow turning operations and reduces babbitt delamination, dead zones, and nonuniform support and lift as well.

Abstract: An improved generator rotor (30) and a method of repairing an existing generator rotor (12) are disclosed. Methods consistent with the present invention provide techniques for repairing existing stress-damaged rotors (12) to remove stress-induced cracks (29), without requiring new retaining rings (16), to significantly extend the useful life of a generator without the cost and complexity of conventional repair techniques. Improved generator rotors (30) consistent with the present invention provide a tooth-top design that is more resistant to stress-induced cracking than conventional designs, resulting in new generators with longer useful lives.

Abstract: An improved generator rotor (30) and a method of repairing an existing generator rotor (12) are disclosed. Methods consistent with the present invention provide techniques for repairing existing stress-damaged rotors (12) to remove stress-induced cracks (29), without requiring new retaining rings (16), to significantly extend the useful life of a generator without the cost and complexity of conventional repair techniques. Improved generator rotors (30) consistent with the present invention provide a tooth-top design that is more resistant to stress-induced cracking than conventional designs, resulting in new generators with longer useful lives.

Abstract: An improved generator rotor (30) and a method of repairing an existing generator rotor (12) are disclosed. Methods consistent with the present invention provide techniques for repairing existing stress-damaged rotors (12) to remove stress-induced cracks (29), without requiring new retaining rings (16), to significantly extend the useful life of a generator without the cost and complexity of conventional repair techniques. Improved generator rotors (30) consistent with the present invention provide a tooth-top design that is more resistant to stress-induced cracking than conventional designs, resulting in new generators with longer useful lives.

Abstract: An axial zone block (20) and methods of using the same are provided. The axial zone block (20) preferably is adapted to be positioned to overlie a rotor shaft (18) of a generator rotor (10) and to underlie portions of a plurality of end windings (15) and portions of at least one coil pole cross-over connector (17) of the generator rotor (10) to assist in forming low pressure axial zones in the rotor (10).

Abstract: An axial zone block (20) and methods of using the same are provided. The axial zone block (20) preferably is adapted to be positioned to overlie a rotor shaft (18) of a generator rotor (10) and to underlie portions of a plurality of end windings (15) and portions of at least one coil pole cross-over connector (17) of the generator rotor (10) to assist in forming low pressure axial zones in the rotor (10).

Abstract: An electronic virtual organ console is provided to be used in lieu of an actual organ console as a component of a church or theater organ. The present invention provides an interface between an electronic (MIDI) keyboard and the components of the organ that produce the sounds, or voices, of the organ. These components may be either those of a pipe organ or an electronic organ. The virtual console is operated been command inputs into a touch-sensitive screen monitor.

Abstract: A computer-controlled portable testing device and process are provided for administering a test to a user. The testing device includes an information storage medium for storing information such as test questions and the user's answers to the test questions. The test questions may include screening questions directed to the character of the user as part of a licensing issuing process and the user's answers will include answers to the screening questions. A display on the device displays information such as the test questions from the information storage medium to the user. A touch screen on the device enables the user to input selected predetermined input information by touching entry pads displayed on the display. A microprocessor is provided to control the transfer of information between the information storage medium, the display and the touch screen. An internal power source supplies power for the device. Pursuant to the computer executed process, a test item is displayed on the display.

Abstract: A computer-controlled testing and licensing system is provided for administering a test to a plurality of users on individual, portable, microprocessor-controlled user testing devices. A license is issued to each user passing the test. Each testing device is microprocessor-controlled and includes an information storage medium such as a RAM card for storing information such as test questions and the user's answers thereto. A display on the device displays output information such as test questions from the information storage medium to the user. User entry pads are displayed at predetermined locations on the display for use in permitting the user to input predetermined information to the information storage medium. A touch screen cooperates with the display to enable the user to input selected predetermined input information such as the test answers by touching the screen at a selected user entry pad while such entry pad is displayed on the display.