Abstract: A vibration dampening system includes a vibration dampening element for a turbine nozzle or blade. A body opening extends through the turbine nozzle or blade, e.g., through the airfoil among potentially other parts of the nozzle or blade. A vibration dampening element includes a plurality of stacked damper pins within the body opening. The damper pins include an outer body having an inner opening, a first end surface and an opposing second end surface; and an inner body nested and movable within the inner opening of the outer body. The end surfaces frictionally engage to dampen vibration. The inner body has a first central opening including a first portion configured to engage an elongated body therein and an outer surface configured to frictionally engage a portion of the inner opening of the outer body to dampen vibration.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a vehicle that includes an electric machine as a propulsion source. In one example, a motor stall assessment level is generated based on an amount of time that the motor is stalled and an amount of torque that is generated by the motor. Mitigating actions may be performed if the motor stall assessment level exceeds a threshold level or value.

Abstract: A cable tensioning assembly includes a body. The body defines a tensioner receiver configured to couple to a tensioning vehicle, a plurality of first mounting apertures and a plurality of second mounting apertures. The plurality of first and second mounting apertures cooperatively define a plurality of fastener receptacles. At least one channel with a textured surface is configured to receive a cable. A plurality of fasteners are included. Each fastener includes a first end and a second end that are received by the plurality of fastener receptacles. A friction force is applied to the cable by the fasteners and the channel. The engagement of the cable with the cable tensioning assembly is configured to adjust a tensioning force to the cable in response to movement of the tensioning vehicle. The cable tensioning assembly is configured to divide the cable into an adjustment section and a repair section.

Abstract: A fuel injector assembly includes a fuel cup, a fuel injector, and a bolt. The fuel cup defines a cavity and a cup inlet. The fuel injector includes an injection tip and an upper housing. The injection tip defines a fuel outlet opposite the upper housing. The upper housing defines a fuel inlet and a threaded bore. The fuel inlet is disposed within the cavity and in fluid communication with the cup inlet. The threaded bore is disposed within the fuel cup. The bolt is threadably engaged with the threaded bore. The bolt couples the upper housing to the fuel cup.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure involve methods, devices, and systems for hydrating polymers using multiple mixing chambers. Adjacent mixing chambers may be coupled using an under-over baffle, and each mixing chamber may be generally rectangular with rounded corners.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting polymer includes a rotor having a base with a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The rotor includes an outer annular wall extending from the first side and defining a number of slots, an inner annular wall defining a number of slots and extending from the first side and surrounded by, and spaced apart from, the outer annular wall. The rotor also includes blades extending from the first side and positioned within the inner annular wall. A circular-shaped stator also defines a number of slots. At least a portion of the stator is positioned in a space between the outer annular wall and the inner annular wall of the rotor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing succinate ester from a succinic acid salt present in a fermentation broth. In the first stage of this invention, renewable carbon resources are utilized to produce succinic acid in the form of a succinic acid salt through biological fermentation. The succinic acid salt present in the fermentation broth is subjected to double displacement reaction with a strong acid leading to the release of succinic acid. Succinic acid is recovered by fractional crystallization integrated with an alcohol washing step and subjected to esterification reaction to produce succinate ester which is purified by fractional distillation. The succinate ester thus obtained is converted into 1,4-butanediol, gamma-butyrolactone and tetrahydrofuran through hydrogenation reactions. The succinate ester can also be hydrolyzed to yield highly pure succinic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are inversion systems and methods of diluting w/o lattices including about 10 wt % to 80 wt % of a water soluble polymer. Using the inversion systems and methods described herein, dilution of w/o lattices is carried out in a single step to form dilute lattices having 10,000 ppm or less polymer; the dilute lattices form polymer solutions with no further addition of mixing force or water. The solution viscosities of the polymer solutions obtained using the systems and methods of the invention are at least about 80% of solution viscosity expected in the absence of shear.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting polymer includes a rotor having a base with a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The rotor includes an outer annular wall extending from the first side and defining a number of slots, an inner annular wall defining a number of slots and extending from the first side and surrounded by, and spaced apart from, the outer annular wall. The rotor also includes blades extending from the first side and positioned within the inner annular wall. A circular-shaped stator also defines a number of slots. At least a portion of the stator is positioned in a space between the outer annular wall and the inner annular wall of the rotor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure involve methods, devices, and systems for hydrating polymers using multiple mixing chambers. Adjacent mixing chambers may be coupled using an under-over baffle, and each mixing chamber may be generally rectangular with rounded corners.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are inversion systems and methods of diluting w/o lattices including about 10 wt % to 80 wt % of a water soluble polymer. Using the inversion systems and methods described herein, dilution of w/o lattices is carried out in a single step to form dilute lattices having 10,000 ppm or less polymer; the dilute lattices form polymer solutions with no further addition of mixing force or water. The solution viscosities of the polymer solutions obtained using the systems and methods of the invention are at least about 80% of solution viscosity expected in the absence of shear.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing succinate ester from a succinic acid salt present in a fermentation broth. In the first stage of this invention, renewable carbon resources are utilized to produce succinic acid in the form of a succinic acid salt through biological fermentation. The succinic acid salt present in the fermentation broth is subjected to double displacement reaction with a strong acid leading to the release of succinic acid. Succinic acid is recovered by fractional crystallization integrated with an alcohol washing step and subjected to esterification reaction to produce succinate ester which is purified by fractional distillation. The succinate ester thus obtained is converted into 1,4-butanediol, gamma-butyrolactone and tetrahydrofuran through hydrogenation reactions. The succinate ester can also be hydrolyzed to yield highly pure succinic acid.

Abstract: This invention relates to the operation of a biorefinery for manufacturing either biofuels or renewable chemical feedstock using lignocellulosic biomass as a source of carbon. The present invention provides a cost-effective process for pretreating lignocellulosic biomass in the recovery of fermentable sugars. More specifically, the present invention describes an integrated approach for efficiently recovering and using six-carbon and five-carbon sugars along with value-added oligosaccharides such as xylooligosaccahrides from lignocellulosic biomass so that the cost of manufacturing biofuels and renewable chemical feedstock is substantially lowered.

Abstract: A simple, compact process for cleansing hydrocarbon fuel such as jet fuel is disclosed. This process involves subjecting the fuel to an oxidative desulfurization process in a desulfurization reactor followed by passing the fuel through an adsorption bed. The cleansed desulfurized fuel may then be utilized directly in generation of hydrogen for fuel cell applications.

Abstract: A cardiac lead and stylet assembly for facilitating placement of cardiac leads for use in combination with cardiac rhythm management devices. The assembly includes a cardiac lead having a lumen therethrough and stylet having a core sized to extend through the lumen. The stylet includes a substantially helical coil sized and adapted to contact and threadingly engage an inner wall of the lead at a reduced diameter portion of the lumen. The stylet coil is also adapted to be threadingly disengaged from the lead to facilitate removal of the stylet without dislodging the lead from a desired implantation site in the patient.

Abstract: A transportable booster seat and optional carrying bag are provided. The booster seat has a seat cushion, optional arms on respective sides of the seat cushion, wheels beneath the booster seat in the rear area of the booster seat, and a retractable handle in or adjacent the bottom of the booster seat, extendable in and out of the front area of the booster seat. The carrying bag has at least one storage compartment, a top strap adapted fit over the retractable handle of the booster seat, and optional side straps adapted for securement to the arms of the booster seat.