Abstract: Disclosed herein are expandable introducer sheaths and methods of making and using the same. The sheaths minimize trauma to a patient's vasculature by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the sheath to accommodate passage of a delivery system for an implant, then return to a non-expanded state after the passage of the device. The sheath includes a foldable inner member having a detached flap structure at its distal tip that facilitates expansion of the sheath lumen to increased diameters, and an elastomeric distal end that reduces push and retrieval forces therethrough. The sheath can include a hemostasis seal on its proximal end to prevent the leakage of blood out of the sheath and prevent ballooning of outer layer of the sheath.

Abstract: Devices and methods for applying axial force for such uses as running and releasing tools or other articles within a wellbore. An installation system is described that includes a force generator used to generate axial forces. The installation system also releasably secures an article and is capable of releasing the article once it has been emplaced or installed with the force generator.

Abstract: An engine control system for protecting a turbocharger of an internal combustion engine from an overspeed condition occurring as a result of a failure of the turbocharger wastegate device. In one embodiment of the invention, sensors provide signals for engine speed, ambient pressure and boost pressure between the turbocharger and the engine intake. Correction factors are added to the boost pressure and ambient pressure signals, and a turbocharger pressure ratio is calculated from these signals. A reduced fueling table maps turbocharger pressure ratio and engine speed to reduced fueling signal values. An engine control computer utilizes a nominal fueling table that maps engine speed and boost pressure to nominal fueling signal values. The control computer also includes a decision module that selects the lesser of the nominal fueling signal values and the reduced fueling signal values and provides the selected value to the engine fueling system.

Abstract: Isogrid structure (20) forms case (14) surrounding the fan blades. In the zones where blade penetration is anticipated, the ribs (38) of the lattice do not run circumferentially. The skin segments (48) are of different thickness in different zones, but do not differ more than 30% from the thickness of an adjoining segment.

Abstract: Isogrid structure (20) forms case (14) surrounding the fan blades (12) of the turbofan. A ballistic fabric (22) surrounds the case. Containment zones (30, 32, 34) at the forward end have isogrid ribs (38) extending other than circumferentially. In the rear support zone ribs (76) extend circumferentially stiffening the case against collapse.

Abstract: A bearing support structure in which the outer bearing race is in a support ring surrounded by an outer damper ring to form an oil damper space therebetween. At one end of the support ring is a projecting flange to which one end of each of a ring of rods is secured. This ring of rods surrounds the outer damper ring and is secured at the other end of the rods to the remote end of the outer damper ring. The inner end of the damper ring is supported from a mounting flange by a frusto-conical member having holes therethrough for the rods.

Abstract: A bearing support structure in which an oil damping structure is combined with a mechanical centering structure between the oil damper and the bearing and in series with the oil damper to be effective in maintaining the rotor on its axis, the mechanical structure including a series of parallel rods surrounding the bearing and secured at one end to the fixed bearing support structure and at the other end to a ring located between the bearing and the oil damper.