Abstract: A method and system for evaluating synergies between multiple organizations, such as companies or divisions, is provided. In one embodiment, an input component receives information about the assets of an organization from a user on a user computer. The organizational information that is received may be saved in a database. The organization information may include information about an organization's assets, such as facilities, technical capabilities, intellectual property, etc. A search component searches the database for information about a plurality of organizations based on search parameters specified by the user. A synergy evaluation component evaluates the organization information based on inputs from the user and the results of the search. The evaluation may look for similarities between organizations, gaps in the assets of different organizations, etc. A report may be generated summarizing the potential synergies between the organizations.

Abstract: A plurality of brush seal segments are disposed in a groove of a component fixed against rotation and project into sealing relation with a rotating component. The brush seal segments are each comprised of a pair of plates having a plurality of brush bristles therebetween, the plates and bristles being secured along the outer arcuate face of the segments by a weld bead. The opposite ends of the bristles form the seal with the rotary component. Each brush seal segments is disposed in a groove with generous clearance between a hook on the segment and a flange on the fixed component. A spring between the fixed component and arcuate outer face of the brush seal segment biases the segment in a radial direction. The end of the spring has a pair of tabs spaced axially from one another for reception in a pair of axially spaced recesses to retain the spring against circumferential movement while simultaneously maintaining the integrity of the weld joint without loss of securement of the bristles.

Abstract: A rotor shaft of a steam turbine is provided with a dovetail-shaped groove. A plurality of inserts are received in the groove through an entry slot at a predetermined circumferential location. Each insert has a sealing surface which, when all inserts are disposed in the groove, form a continuous sealing surface about the rotor shaft. Pins are employed to retain the final insert and, hence, all inserts in the groove by connecting the final insert either to the rotor shaft or to adjacent inserts. In this manner, heat generated by the brush seal bristles bearing on proud portions of the rotor sealing surface is substantially uniformly distributed about the inserts prior to any heat transfer to the rotor. To the extent heat is transferred to the rotor, the temperature distribution is substantially uniform whereby bowing of the rotor due to differential circumferential heating by brush seal contact with proud portions of the rotor is avoided.

Abstract: MIG welding apparatus includes a torch body; a machine barrel extending forwardly of the torch body; a contact tip extending forwardly from the machine barrel; and a pair of gas supply tubes extending along and substantially parallel to the contact tip, enabling reduction in the weld prep angle to about three degrees.