Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fast starting and loading a combined cycle power system are described. In one example embodiment, the method includes loading the gas turbine at up to it's maximum rate, and loading the steam turbine at its maximum rate with excess steam bypassed to the condenser while maintaining the temperature of steam supplied to the steam turbine at a substantially constant temperature from initial steam admission into the steam turbine until all steam generated by the heat recovery steam generator is being admitted to the steam turbine while the gas turbine operates at up to maximum load.

Abstract: A self-lubricating bearing for use in low pressure, high frequency, small amplitude applications and methods of operating and constructing the same, the bearing having a self-lubricating liner and a counterface surface in close sliding contact therewith, the counterface surface having a surface finish of less than 20 nm and a hardness of less than in the region of 1000 VPN.

Abstract: A method of swaging a spherical bearing comprising a ball and a bearing housing, the method comprising: providing a ball and a bearing housing to be swaged around the ball; creating a temperature differential between the temperature of the housing and the temperature of the ball, the ball being at a lower temperature than the housing such that the relative size of the ball with respect to the housing decreases; inserting the ball in the housing; swaging the housing around the ball, the ball being cooler than the housing during the swaging process; allowing the ball and housing to return to ambient temperature such that the relative size of the ball with respect to the housing increases.

Abstract: An exhaust gas attemperating device is provided. The exhaust gas attemperating device includes a conduit in fluid communication with a gas turbine. The conduit is configured to receive exhaust gases from the gas turbine and has one or more apertures extending therethrough. The exhaust gas attemperating device further includes one or more atomizing nozzles extending through the apertures of the conduit. The atomizing nozzle is configured to inject a liquid through the aperture into the conduit, such that the liquid evaporates and decreases a temperature and an oxygen concentration of the exhaust gases in the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a specialized truck bed wherein the bed is divided into two areas or deck sections connected by a transverse hinge. The invention is also directed to a winch system for use on a vehicle. The invention is further directed to an improved locking post or post assembly for use with the specialized truck bed of the present invention.

Abstract: A dispenser for a material on a roll, the dispenser having a front section connected to a back section. The front section includes a top wall and a front wall, with the top wall having a cutter such as a slide cutter or a blade, for cutting the material, and a dispenser slot for dispensing the material. The back section includes a bottom wall and a rear wall. The front and back sections are connected where the bottom wall meet the front wall such that the front and back sections can be in an open position or a closed position. A roll is place in the dispenser, in some versions on roll containment mounts.

Abstract: A device for dispensing fertilizer into a fluid flowing in a pipe includes a fertilizer tank and a coupling communicating with the pipe. Optionally, the tank includes a pressure gauge, a sight glass, and a fill port with a fitting that engages a fitting on a cap or a funnel. In an optional embodiment, the tank and coupling communicate through an in-flow tube and an out-flow tube. An in-flow inlet on the tank receives a flow of fluid through the coupling from the pipe. Fluid flowing into the tank forces fertilizer from the tank through an out-flow outlet that communicates with the coupling.

Abstract: A fibre unit coating apparatus includes a chamber into which an uncured resin coated fibre unit is passed. Microspheres mixed with air are fed into the chamber via ducts and apertures. As a result rapid and even application of the microspheres can be achieved, and the system allows controllable application of the microspheres by varying the rate of flow of the air/microsphere mixture. Positive pressure chambers are provided to prevent the microspheres from blocking the inlet and outlet points where the fibre unit enters and leaves the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a specialized truck bed wherein the bed is divided into two areas or deck sections connected by a transverse hinge. The invention is also directed to a winch system for use on a vehicle. The invention is further directed to an improved locking post or post assembly for use with the specialized truck bed of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a specialized truck bed wherein the bed is divided into two areas or deck sections connected by a transverse hinge. The invention is also directed to a winch system for use on a vehicle. The invention is further directed to an improved locking post or post assembly for use with the specialized truck bed of the present invention.

Abstract: A motor-generator system with a current control feedback loop for generating electrical energy in stationary, portable, and automotive applications. The generator includes a housing defining an interior space and including a first portion and a second portion; an electric motor assembly positioned within the first portion of the housing, and operationally coupled to a shaft member for selectively rotating the shaft member; an electric generator assembly positioned within the second portion of the housing and operationally coupled to the shaft member for converting mechanical rotation into electrical energy, the electric generator assembly including a current output for supplying electrical current; and a control assembly operationally coupled between the electric generator assembly and the electric motor assembly the control assembly providing a control current to the electric motor assembly for controlling a speed of rotation induced into the shaft member by the electric motor assembly.

Abstract: A thrust bearing and method of assembling a thrust bearing, the bearing comprising: an outer housing having a substantially circular base, wherein a cylindrical side wall and a central post are upstanding from the base; an outer ball seated on and at least partially within the outer housing; and an inner ball mounted on the central post, wherein the outer ball is sandwiched between the inner ball and the outer housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a specialized truck bed wherein the bed is divided into two areas or deck sections connected by a transverse hinge. The invention is also directed to a winch system for use on a vehicle. The invention is further directed to an improved locking post or post assembly for use with the specialized truck bed of the present invention.

Abstract: A folding ramp system to be deployed under power for a truck, truck bed or trailer is disclosed.

Abstract: A rectifier for a 3G, 6G series alternator includes circular configured negative heat sink and an arcuate configured positive heat sink secured to the negative heart sink and separated by an insulator. A plurality of negative and positive diodes is received at each of the respective negative and positive heat sinks. A terminal assembly interconnects negative and positive diodes, and includes extended stator lead connectors that connect to the stator leads of the alternator.

Abstract: The method of cooking a pizza comprising placing a pizza in an oven with at least the central region of the pizza resting upon a pizza supporting device having an upper supporting surface such that the central portion of the pizza is raised above the level of the peripheral region of the pizza during cooking by means of the upper supporting surface. A device 1 for performing the method comprises an upper supporting surface 3 for supporting at least a central region of a pizza such that said central region is raised above the level of the peripheral region of the pizza during cooking.

Abstract: A motor-generator system with a current control feedback loop for generating electrical energy in stationary, portable, and automotive applications. The generator includes a housing defining an interior space and including a first portion and a second portion; an electric motor assembly positioned within the first portion of the housing, and operationally coupled to a shaft member for selectively rotating the shaft member; an electric generator assembly positioned within the second portion of the housing and operationally coupled to the shaft member for converting mechanical rotation into electrical energy, the electric generator assembly including a current output for supplying electrical current; and a control assembly operationally coupled between the electric generator assembly and the electric motor assembly the control assembly providing a control current to the electric motor assembly for controlling a speed of rotation induced into the shaft member by the electric motor assembly.

Abstract: A fibre unit coating apparatus includes a chamber (190) into which an uncured resin coated fibre unit (12) is passed. Microspheres mixed with air are fed into the chamber (190) via ducts (196) and apertures (194a). As a result rapid and even application of the microspheres can be achieved, and the system allows controllable application of the microspheres by varying the rate of flow of the air/microsphere mixture. Positive pressure chambers (72, 74) are provided to prevent the microspheres from blocking the inlet and outlet points where the fibre unit (12) enters and leaves the chamber (190).

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) elastographs of a region in a body are provided. A catheter, in accordance with one embodiment, comprises an elongated member, an acoustic transducer positioned near a distal end of the elongated member, and a Radio Frequency (RF) coil adjacent to the acoustic transducer. To generate an MRI elastograph of a region in a body, the acoustic transducer and the RF coil of the catheter are positioned at the desired region in the body. The acoustic transducer emits acoustic waves in the region of the body, and the RF coil detects RF signals emitted within the region of the body. The detected RF signals are outputted to an MRI receiver to generate the MRI elastograph of the region in the body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a specialized truck bed wherein the bed is divided into two areas or deck sections connected by a transverse hinge. The invention is also directed to a winch system for use on a vehicle. The invention is further directed to an improved locking post or post assembly for use with the specialized truck bed of the present invention.