Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated engagement of a fitting coupled to a structure. A first member of a first engagement device is moved relative to a base in a first direction substantially parallel to an x-axis such that a tapered end portion of the first member passes through a hole in the fitting and moves towards a channel within a second member of a second engagement device. The tapered end portion of the first member is secured within the channel of the second member to thereby engage the fitting between the first engagement device and the second engagement device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a low maintenance, high reliability on-site electrolytic generator incorporating automatic cell monitoring for contaminant film buildup, as well as automatically removing or cleaning the contaminant film. This method and apparatus preferably does not require human intervention to clean. For high current density cells, cleaning is preferably performed by reversing the polarity of the electrodes and applying a lower current density to the electrodes, preferably by adjusting the salinity or brine concentration of the electrolyte while keeping the voltage constant. Electrolyte flow preferably comprises water and brine flows which are preferably separately monitored and automatically adjusted. For bipolar cells, flow between modules arranged in parallel is preferably approximately equally distributed between modules and between intermediate electrodes within each module.

Abstract: Feeds in a network-based marketplace are described. The system receives a request, over a network, from a user that is associated with feed selection information, and identifies source feeds based on the feed selection information. The source feeds respectively include a first plurality of content elements. The system generates a presentation feed by retrieving a second plurality of content elements from the source feeds. The generating is performed continuously and in real-time. The system segments the presentation feed into pages and generates interfaces that include a first interface based on the pages. The system communicates the first interface, over the network, to the user, responsive to the receiving of the request.

Abstract: A sleeve assembly for a combustion system includes a first duct including a first circumferential surface and a second duct including a second circumferential surface. The first circumferential surface radially overlaps the second circumferential surface such that the first duct and the second duct collectively define a continuous combustion chamber therein. The continuous combustion chamber is configured to receive high temperature gases flowing therethrough. The sleeve assembly further includes a wear insert removably coupled to the first circumferential surface and extending radially therefrom to engage the second circumferential surface.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a position of a blank entering a furnace includes measuring a position of a heated blank exiting the furnace, recording one or more offset values from a nominal value of the heated blank exiting the furnace, calculating a revised position of a subsequent blank entering the furnace as a function of the one or more offset values, and adjusting a position of the subsequent blank entering the furnace as a function of the one or more offset values. The position of the heated blank exiting the furnace can be measured with an electronic vision system, a robot can adjust the position of the subsequent blank, and offset value(s) can be an elapsed furnace operation time, a number of heated blanks that have exited the furnace, and a physical dimension between an actual position of the heated blank and the nominal value of the heated blank.

Abstract: Feeds in a network-based marketplace are described. The system receives a request, over a network, from a user that is associated with feed selection information, and identifies source feeds based on the feed selection information. The source feeds respectively include a first plurality of content elements. The system generates a presentation feed by retrieving a second plurality of content elements from the source feeds. The generating is performed continuously and in real-time. The system segments the presentation feed into pages and generates interfaces that include a first interface based on the pages. The system communicates the first interface, over the network, to the user, responsive to the receiving of the request.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a position of a blank entering a furnace includes measuring a position of a heated blank exiting the furnace, recording one or more offset values from a nominal value of the heated blank exiting the furnace, calculating a revised position of a subsequent blank entering the furnace as a function of the one or more offset values, and adjusting a position of the subsequent blank entering the furnace as a function of the one or more offset values. The position of the heated blank exiting the furnace can be measured with an electronic vision system, a robot can adjust the position of the subsequent blank, and offset value(s) can be an elapsed furnace operation time, a number of heated blanks that have exited the furnace, and a physical dimension between an actual position of the heated blank and the nominal value of the heated blank.

Abstract: A system for repairing a paint defect of a part can have means for identifying the paint defect of the part, a robotic applicator, and a computer module. The robotic applicator can include a dispenser and a pad. The robotic applicator can be configured to position the dispenser and the pad adjacent to the paint defect of the part. The dispenser can be configured to atomize a composition into an atomized composition. The dispenser can be also configured to dispose a predetermined amount of the atomized composition on the paint defect. The pad can be configured to work the predetermined amount of the atomized composition on the paint defect. The computer module can be in communication with the robotic applicator. The computer module can be configured to control functions of the robotic applicator.

Abstract: A modular multiport pod missile includes a plurality of pipe sections securable together to form a conduit for transporting a fluid in a generally horizontal direction of travel, and at least one pod secured between two of the pipe sections forming the conduit. Each pod has a plurality of input ports extending radially outwardly at an angle from a perimeter of the pod. Each of the input ports is configured for connection to a high-pressure line for delivering a high-pressure fluid from a pump to the conduit. The input ports are angled such that, when connected to a high-pressure line, high-pressure fluid flowing through the input ports merges with the fluid in the conduit generally in the same direction of travel as the fluid in the conduit.

Abstract: A sleeve assembly for a combustion system includes a first duct including a first circumferential surface and a second duct including a second circumferential surface. The first circumferential surface radially overlaps the second circumferential surface such that the first duct and the second duct collectively define a continuous combustion chamber therein. The continuous combustion chamber is configured to receive high temperature gases flowing therethrough. The sleeve assembly further includes a wear insert removably coupled to the first circumferential surface and extending radially therefrom to engage the second circumferential surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated handling a structure. A handler system comprises a plurality of towers and a plurality of end effectors coupled to the plurality of towers. Each of the plurality of end effectors is movably coupled to a tower of the plurality of towers. Each of the plurality of end effectors comprises an arm coupled to the tower and a coupling device for use in automated engagement of a corresponding fitting coupled to the structure.

Abstract: Feeds in a network-based marketplace are described. The system receives a request, over a network, from a user that is associated with feed selection information, and identifies source feeds based on the feed selection information. The source feeds respectively include a first plurality of content elements. The system generates a presentation feed by retrieving a second plurality of content elements from the source feeds. The generating is performed continuously and in real-time. The system segments the presentation feed into pages and generates interfaces that include a first interface based on the pages. The system communicates the first interface, over the network, to the user, responsive to the receiving of the request.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated engagement of a fitting coupled to a structure. A first member of a first engagement device is moved relative to a base in a first direction substantially parallel to an x-axis such that a tapered end portion of the first member passes through a hole in the fitting and moves towards a channel within a second member of a second engagement device. The tapered end portion of the first member is secured within the channel of the second member to thereby engage the fitting between the first engagement device and the second engagement device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated handling a structure. A handler system comprises a plurality of towers and a plurality of end effectors coupled to the plurality of towers. Each of the plurality of end effectors is movably coupled to a tower of the plurality of towers. Each of the plurality of end effectors comprises an arm coupled to the tower and a coupling device for use in automated engagement of a corresponding fitting coupled to the structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating feed in a network-based marketplace are described. The system includes a plexus of aggregation interfaces including a first aggregation interface and a second aggregation interface. The first aggregation interface displays content elements and the second aggregation interface is for reconfiguring a presentation feed. The system communicates the first aggregation interface to a client machine responsive to receiving a first selection via a source feed identifier presented in the first content element of the first presentation interface. The system further communicates the second aggregation interface to the client machine responsive to receiving a second selection, via the first aggregation interface, the second selection identifying the second aggregation interface. The system receives a third selection via the second aggregation interface, the third selection causing removal of the first source feed from the plurality of source feeds that comprise the presentation feed.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides for a wear pad system for a turbine combustion system including a transition piece (TP) forward ring, an impingement sleeve substantially surrounding the TP forward ring, and a gap between the TP forward ring and the impingement sleeve, the wear pad system comprising: a wear pad extending through a hole in the impingement sleeve and through the gap to contact the TP forward ring, the wear pad having a radially outer portion and a radially inner portion, the radially outer portion in contact with a radially outer surface of the impingement sleeve and the radially inner portion in contact with a radially outer surface of the TP forward ring.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a low maintenance, high reliability on-site electrolytic generator incorporating automatic cell monitoring for contaminant film buildup, as well as automatically removing or cleaning the contaminant film. This method and apparatus preferably does not require human intervention to clean. For high current density cells, cleaning is preferably performed by reversing the polarity of the electrodes and applying a lower current density to the electrodes, preferably by adjusting the salinity or brine concentration of the electrolyte while keeping the voltage constant. Electrolyte flow preferably comprises water and brine flows which are preferably separately monitored and automatically adjusted. For bipolar cells, flow between modules arranged in parallel is preferably approximately equally distributed between modules and between intermediate electrodes within each module.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a low maintenance, high reliability on-site electrolytic generator incorporating automatic cell monitoring for contaminant film buildup, as well as automatically removing or cleaning the contaminant film. This method and apparatus preferably does not require human intervention to clean. For high current density cells, cleaning is preferably performed by reversing the polarity of the electrodes and applying a lower current density to the electrodes, preferably by adjusting the salinity or brine concentration of the electrolyte while keeping the voltage constant. Electrolyte flow preferably comprises water and brine flows which are preferably separately monitored and automatically adjusted. For bipolar cells, flow between modules arranged in parallel is preferably approximately equally distributed between modules and between intermediate electrodes within each module.

Abstract: A method and a cushion extension for an exercise device are provided. The cushion extension includes a first portion covering a surface of the exercise device, the covered surface configured to contact the user during an exercise, a second portion extending from the first portion in a direction of the exercise, and a third portion and a fourth portion each joined to opposite ends of the first portion and each forming a method of attachment between each and the first portion.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a flat base having a first end and an opposing second end. The base is configured to engage a flat exercise surface. The exercise device further includes a pair of opposing sidewalls extending away from the base and an arcuate upper surface extending between the first end and the second end between the pair of opposing sidewalls. A first angle is defined between the base and the upper surface proximate the first end and a second angle is defined between the base and the upper surface proximate the second end. The exercise device also includes a coccyx cutout in the upper surface proximate at least one of the first end and the second end.