Abstract: A storage solution that provides substantial advantages over existing storage solutions. The storage solution can include a latch system, a rack system or a display system, any one or more of which can be included with a utility box.

Abstract: A leaf seal 10 in a rotary machine is located between a higher pressure region 14 and a lower pressure region 16 of the machine. Blow-down forces are greater on the lower pressure side 16 of the leaf seal 10 than on its higher pressure side 14, resulting in greater inward deflection of the leaves 20 on the lower pressure side of the seal than on its higher pressure side, leading in turn to greater wear of the leaves and the contacting rotor surface 44 on the lower pressure side 16 of the seal. To counteract this, the free ends 36 of the leaves 20 can be given a tapered profile 42 to gradually reduce the length of each leaf 20 over its width ‘w’ from its higher pressure side 14 to its lower pressure side 16, so that the leaves 20 are free to deflect under the blow-down forces by the amount of their reduction in length (a maximum of ‘x’), before they contact the rotor surface.

Abstract: A leaf seal 10 in a rotary machine is located between a higher pressure region 14 and a lower pressure region 16 of the machine. Blow-down forces are greater on the lower pressure side 16 of the leaf seal 10 than on its higher pressure side 14, resulting in greater inward deflection of the leaves 20 on the lower pressure side of the seal than on its higher pressure side, leading in turn to greater wear of the leaves and the contacting rotor surface 44 on the lower pressure side 16 of the seal. To counteract this, the free ends 36 of the leaves 20 can be given a tapered profile 42 to gradually reduce the length of each leaf 20 over its width ‘w’ from its higher pressure side 14 to its lower pressure side 16, so that the leaves 20 are free to deflect under the blow-down forces by the amount of their reduction in length (a maximum of ‘x’), before they contact the rotor surface.

Abstract: An industrial gas turbine engine includes in serial flow relationship a first compressor, a second compressor, a combustor, a first turbine, and a second turbine. The first compressor and the second turbine are fixedly joined together by a first shaft, and a turbine rear frame having a hub is disposed downstream of the second turbine for rotatably supporting the first shaft. A balance piston is fixedly joined to the first shaft, and means for channeling a fluid first to the balance piston for balancing thrust force on the first shaft and then to the turbine rear frame for heating the hub are provided. The apparatus is effective for carrying out a method including channeling a fluid first to the balance piston for thrust balancing the first shaft and then channeling the fluid to the tubine rear frame for heating the frame hub.

Abstract: An industrial gas turbine engine includes in serial flow relationship a first compressor, a second compressor, a combustor, a first turbine, and a second turbine. The first compressor and the second turbine are fixedly joined together by a first shaft, and a turbine rear frame having a hub is disposed downstream of the second turbine for rotatably supporting the first shaft. A balance piston is fixedly joined to the first shaft, and means for channeling a fluid first to the balance piston for balancing thrust force on the first shaft and then to the turbine rear frame for heating the hub are provided. The apparatus is effective for carrying out a method including channeling a fluid first to the balance piston for thrust balancing the first shaft and then channeling the fluid to the turbine rear frame for heating the frame hub.