Abstract: An extrusion apparatus is provided having an extrusion worm with a threaded exterior passage and rotatably driven by a drive shaft operatively couplable with a drive motor for driving rotation of the drive shaft. A feed in device for feeding in strip form material which is to be extruded is disposed relative to the rotational axis such that the material strips fed in by the feed in device are advanced substantially parallel to the rotational axis during rotation of the drive shaft and the extrusion worm.

Abstract: An electromagnetic vibratory microplate shaker is disclosed of simplified design and improved mixing capability over previously known microplate shaker devices, comprising an electromagnetic drive assembly mounted within a rigid base and operatively connected to a microplate support tray. The support tray is in turn supported from below by a plurality of leaf springs which are tilted approximately 20° from vertical. During operation, an electromagnet is rapidly energized and de-energized causing an armature of the drive assembly to be pulled in and released up to 7,200 times per minute, in turn imparting a reciprocating vibration to the support platform and the microplates held thereon.

Abstract: The invention provides an agitated vessel for producing a suspension of solids in liquid with uniform concentration. The vessel comprises a vertical cylindrical tank having sidewalls and a bottom with inclined surfaces forming an interior for holding a suspension of solids in liquid; means for feeding solids and liquid to the tank; a plurality of stationary baffles disposed in the interior of the tank and vertically extending the length of the tank; a rotating shaft vertically installed at the center of the interior of the vertical cylindrical tank; a single turbine impeller with vertical blades radiating from the rotating shaft, the lower edges of the blades being contoured to match the slope of the inclined surfaces of the bottom and positioned so that the lower edge of the impeller is close to the bottom; and an exit port. The agitated vessel achieves uniform concentration of suspensions at lower power requirements than traditional designs and in a low shear environment.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of a method and apparatus for testing a temperature sensor, an apparatus includes at least one component that affects ambient temperature. The at least one component is positioned on a circuit board so that when a current is applied to the at least one component the temperature of a temperature sensor is affected, where the temperature sensor is attached to a battery in contact with the circuit board. The response of the temperature sensor further includes the capability to be measured by external equipment. In accordance with another embodiment of a method and apparatus for testing a temperature sensor, a method of testing a temperature sensor attached to a battery, the battery being in contact with a circuit board, is as follows. The response to a temperature sensor is measured. Current is applied to the at least one heating component with sufficient proximity of the temperature sensor to affect its temperature.

Abstract: An insulating substrate provided with two types of metallic or alloy circuit patterns for detecting temperature difference between a sample side and a reference side, and also a metallic resistance circuit pattern, is fixed to a heat sink, and the heat sink is temperature controlled. If a temperature difference between the sample and the reference is detected, electrical power supplied to a compensation heater using metallic resistors is adjusted by a differential heat compensation circuit so that the temperature difference is immediately returned to zero, and a difference in supplied power is output as a differential heat flow.

Abstract: An IVR-CT apparatus of the present invention includes a bed including a table top movable in its longitudinal direction, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus including an arm movably placed in the vicinity of the bed, an X-ray CT apparatus including a CT gantry movably placed in the vicinity of the bed, a position memory for storing a plurality of position data sets containing position data of the arm and position data of the CT gantry, a control panel including a plurality of positioning switches for selecting an arbitrary one of the plurality of position data sets, and a controller for controlling the movements of the arm and the movements of the CT gantry in accordance with the selected position data set.

Abstract: A container for retaining articles includes a pliable sack and a closure attached to an opening of the sack. The closure includes a substantially flexible member having a pair of anchors and a substantially rigid member having a pair of pivotal seats. Each of the pivotal seats is adapted to receive a respective one of the anchors of the flexible member. The closure is positionable between a closed position in which the flexible member is substantially proximate to the rigid member and an opened position in which the flexible member is substantially separated from the rigid member. The closure may be configured to have a generally circular shape when in the opened position and a generally crescent shape when in the closed position. The seats may be configured to slidably receive the anchors to minimize complexity in the manufacturing process. Each of the rigid and flexible members preferably has a unitary construction to further reduce manufacturing costs.

Abstract: Stack consisting of a multiplicity of bags which are connected to one another and are made of plastic film, in particular vending machine bags, and also process and apparatus for producing and filling bags of this type The invention concerns a stack consisting of a multiplicity of bags which are connected to one another and are made of plastic film, in particular vending machine bags, and also a process and apparatus for producing and filling bags of this type which, for the purpose of simple production and handling when filling with a product, such as, for example, a loaf of bread or the like, have perforation lines (9, 9′) which run at an angle with respect to the filling opening (6) in order to form corner sections (11) with interconnecting points (12) provided in them, and which, when filling, can be severed cleanly from the bag stack and taken for packaging with a nice-looking exterior.

Abstract: When working a linear guide rail having one or more raceway grooves 2 on the side surfaces thereof, using rotary dies each including on the circumferential portion thereof a projection-shaped working portion matched in shape to the raceway groove 2, the raceway grooves 2 are rolled onto a rail blank work W. Since the raceway grooves 2 can be rolled with high accuracy by a single working step, the working time of the raceway grooves as well as the working cost thereof can be reduced.

Abstract: An air spindle is provided which allows high-speed operation without reducing the bearing stiffness in the air spindle by reducing the heat generation at bearing portions. By increasing the number of nozzles for the radial bearing or increasing the axial distance between the nozzles, the ratio of the supply air flow rate Q to the bearing stiffness H is set at 2-10 to release heat generation at the bearing portions to outside by the gas.

Abstract: A conductive ceramic bearing ball made of composite ceramic and having a mixed microstructure of a silicon nitride phase and a titanium nitride phase. The content ratio of the silicon nitride phase to the titanium nitride phase is such that the conductive ceramic bearing ball has an average coefficient of linear expansion within a temperature range of 20° C.-100° C. of from 2×10−6/K to 5×10−6/K.

Abstract: A device for measuring and adjusting pre-loading on bearings, measuring and adjusting both the mounting and operating loads, wherein elements for applying a preloading and return elements are positioned to constitute a single actuator organ, comprising two ring elements for distributing the preloading, whereof at least one is destined to act against the outer race of a bearing and containing interposed between them a kinematic chain imparting thereon a thrust determined by the action of two or more piezoelectric or magnetostrictive element for applying the preloading and return elements; to the actuator organ being associated an annular loading cell connected in an external feedback control system for measuring and adjusting the preloading.

Abstract: A universal panel mount system is provided for mounting any one of a plurality of differently configured fiber optic adapters in a singularly configured common opening in a panel. A universal receptacle housing is mounted in the opening in the panel. A set of differently configured fiber optic adapters each is mountable in the universal receptacle housing. Each adapter includes coupling means for mating with one of a plurality of differently configured fiber optic connectors.

Abstract: For optical waveguides which may be laid with some freedom, for the transmission of optical signals, a detachable optical plug connector constructed to be of dual gender (comprising two identical plug housings) is proposed, whereof ends of the optical waveguides fixed in fiber end sleeves are held by pressure springs at a constant minimum clearance, with possible axial displacements of the optical waveguides being compensated by correspondingly constructed channels within the plug housing.

Abstract: A heat sink for a transceiver optoelectronic module including dual direct heat paths and structure which encloses a number of chips having a central web which electrically isolates transmitter and receiver chips from each other. A retainer for an optical coupler having a port into which epoxy is poured. An overmolded base for an optoelectronic module having epoxy flow controller members built thereon. Assembly methods for an optoelectronic module including gap setting and variation of a TAB bonding process.

Abstract: A plurality of digital signals having total data rates of n bit/s or less are input to a digital recording device recording digital signals having a data rate of n bit/s. The digital signals are subjected to format-conversion for the digital recording device to be recorded therein. Furthermore, signals having a data rate of n/i1 bit/s or less are subjected to format-conversion to be recorded i1 times in the digital recording device. In the case where the data rate of the digital signals to be input is n/j bit/s, the digital signals are subjected to format-conversion so that the amount of data capable of being recorded per unit time is decreased by i/j; thus, the digital signals are recorded for a long period of time under the condition that the data recording time is prolonged j times.

Abstract: A method and processor for processing photosensitive media. The processor includes a narrow processing channel for holding a processing solution, at least one delivery opening for delivering the processing solution to the narrow processing channel, an outlet for allowing processing solution to be withdrawn from the narrow processing channel, and a recirculation system for delivering and circulating a predetermined batch amount of the processing solution through the narrow processing channel from the outlet to the at least one narrow delivery opening for processing a predetermined amount of photosensitive media passing through the narrow processing solution. The batch amount of processing solution only when media is provided in the processing channel. The processor also included an emptying system for removing the processing solution from the narrow processing channel and the recirculation system when the photosensitive media is not being processed through the narrow processing channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing system and method for processing photographic material. The processing system and method of the invention is adapted to recover water from humid air for reuse in the processor, as well as convert a liquid waste processing solution into a dry waste for disposal. In the system and method of the present invention, heated air is circulated through the processor and comes into contact with a cold surface to condense the heated air. The water resulting from this contacting of the heated air with the cold surface can be collected and recycled back to the processor for reuse in the processor. Further, waste solution can be absorbed by a matting material appropriately placed in the processor which evaporates the waste solution to a solid waste for subsequent disposal.

Abstract: An automated static film processor that will allow for the running of additional processing cycles of X-ray film while a previous cycle is running, comprising a housing having a pair of chemical storage reservoirs and multiple reaction chambers. The advantage of this apparatus is that a secondary operator may start processing X-ray film immediately without having to wait for completion of a previous cycle. The reaction chambers are configured so that tubing, connectors, and valves will allow chemicals to flow into and out of each reaction chamber from a single set of developer and fixer storage reservoirs. Each reaction chamber is provided with water and drain valves, and overflow protection. Each reaction chamber includes a lid that prevents light damage while X-ray film is being processed. A drying device that forces warm air into each reaction chamber is disclosed.

Abstract: In a printer, a body cover is reclosably attached to a printer body (10). A fixed blade (14) and a movable blade (42) are attached to the printer body (10) and the body cover (20), respectively. The movable blade (42) is superposed on the fixed blade (14) when moved toward the fixed blade. Thus, a paper jam can quickly be cleared. Moreover, paper can be cut well.

Abstract: A charging contact plate is used for preventing a primary charge roller of a cartridge used in a printer from shifting in a longitudinal direction and for charging the primary charge roller. The charging contact plate includes a main plate, a semicircle plate and a contact portion. The main plate has an end fastened on the cartridge and connected with a power supply within the printer. The semicircle plate has an end disposed at another end of the main plate. And, the contact portion has an end disposed at another end of the semicircle plate and has another end contacting with the primary charge roller.

Abstract: A semi-enclosed applicator is provided for distributing a substance onto a target surface. The applicator has a first side, a second side, and an internal cavity between the first and second sides. The applicator further includes at least one opening, such that the internal cavity is externally accessible. The applicator further comprises: (a) a substantially non-absorbent material on one of the first and second sides; (b) a substantially absorbent material on the other of the first and second sides; and (c) a substantially fluid-impervious barrier layer within the internal cavity adjacent the nonabsorbent layer. A semi-enclosed applicator is also provided for distributing a substance onto a target surface. This applicator has a first side, a second side, and an internal cavity between the first and second sides.

Abstract: A mascara container has an elongated bottle with a continuous sidewall defining a product reservoir. The bottle has a threaded neck with an apertured wiper mounted thereon, providing access to the product reservoir. A cap is removably threaded onto the neck of the bottle, and a rod extends from the cap through the apertured wiper when the cap is secured on the bottle. The rod has a distal end positioned generally centrally with respect to the continuous sidewall, and a brush is mounted at the distal end of the rod. The brush has a first portion extending outwardly toward the continuous sidewall, and a second portion extending downwardly along the continuous side wall, at least said second portion of the brush having bristles deployed for sweeping product from the continuous sidewall of the elongated bottle as the threaded cap is removed from and replaced on the threaded neck of the bottle.

Abstract: A cell system has one or multiple burstable enclosures or closed cells which contain an active composition, such as a fluid or solid (including powdered) product, preferably a liquid product, which is released therefrom when the enclosures or closed cells are ruptured. Each enclosure or cell is provided with a flow control which controls the direction and flow of the composition outwardly of the enclosure or cell when the enclosure or cell is ruptured. The flow control is formed by a film covering one side of an enclosure or cell with the film having a cut-out portion forming a flow control window. The composition can be a face cleaning lotion or cream, a disinfectant, a household cleaning composition, a perfume, a polish or a medicament.

Abstract: A direction changing device for a stroller handle includes two control elements each slidably connected to first elongated holes of one of the lateral tubes of the handle, locking elements slidably connected to second elongated holes of the lateral tubes, moving elements received in the tubes and connected to both the control elements and the locking elements, springs each connected to both a pin and a corresponding one of the locking elements for biasing the same downwards, and front and rear positioning members formed on the front portions and the rear portions of the main frame of the stroller respectively. The tubes are pivoted to the frame from lower ends and connected to a handle part from upper ends. The locking elements can engage the positioning members to lock the handle in position.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously shaping and extruding a longitudinally extending curb of moldable material. The device provides a self-contained and self-powered platform for modular curb forming inserts of multiple disciplines including auger extrusion and vibratory slip form. Moldable material is supplied to a feed hopper for the modular auger/slip form inserts that creates and dispenses a shaped curb bed. Leveling sensors and guides compensate for irregular surface gradients maintaining the orientation of the formed curb shape.

Abstract: A block having a semicircular male lobe and a semicircular female recess on opposing sides thereof. On other opposing sides of the block, there is formed a side edge shape such that when neighboring blocks are placed together, a circuitous water channel is formed between the blocks. The block includes cable channels formed therethrough, with the cable channels opening at the side edges into cable cavities. The cable cavities facilitate access to ends of the cables when the blocks are placed side by side.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for treating base materials, such as ore of a leach pad in a precious metal mining operation. A tilling head of the apparatus includes a cutter having a cutting face for engaging and loosening compacted base materials. The tilling head is extended into the base material down to a tilling depth so that the cutter moves loosened base material up and over the top of the tiller apparatus before depositing it in a pile opposite the cutting face. The loosened base material is deposited a distance from the tilling head that is sufficient to create a void between the tilling head and the pile that extends down to the tilling depth to prevent the loosened base material from being disturbed by the tilling head. The tilling head can be positioned so that the cutting face undercuts the base material to thereby assist the cutter in moving the loosened base material and increase the distance between the tilling head and the pile.

Abstract: A method of forming an in-situ void system including the steps of determining an expansion potential of soil adjacent to a structure and forming an array of voids in an area adjacent to the structure so as to accommodate the expansion potential of the soil. The array of voids is formed by drilling an array of holes beneath the structure or around a perimeter of the structure. The holes are drilled to a depth of the expansion potential. A liquid can be introduced into the voids so as to swell the soil. The top of the array of voids is covered prior to laying the foundation over the array of voids.

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically conveying powder substances in a pipe system, wherein a volume is sucked in with reduced pressure and discharged with increased pressure for being passed further along, characterized in that the apparatus has within the pipe system at least one metering chamber which can be alternately filled and emptied by way of control member for metering the powder substance.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling loosefill and conveying the loosefill from one location to another comprises a container having a bottom and sides, the container being adapted to receive and contain therein a quantify of loosefill, a blower positioned at one end of the container, and conduit which channels air from the blower toward the other end of the container and which redirects the air back toward the one end of the container to thereby convey therewith the loosefill. A vacuum is positioned at the one end of the container which draws the loosefill out of the container. The container may be a trailer of a tractor trailer. A method of conveying loosefill from one location to another comprises providing a container of loosefill, providing an air source at one end of the container, directing air from the air source toward the other end of the container, and redirecting the air back towards the one end of the container to thereby convey therewith the loosefill to the one end of the container.

Abstract: A milling cutter includes a generally cylindrical body whose outer periphery is formed with angularly spaced pockets capable of accepting indexable cutting inserts of various cutting geometrical shapes, such as inserts having octagonal, square or round cutting geometry's and a different seating geometry, such as a generally round seating geometry. This is accomplished by each insert including a generally frustconical transition face extending between the clearance or faceted faces and the rear face of the insert. This transition face provides a transition area between the various cutting geometry's and the generally round seating geometry.

Abstract: A drill guide that is capable of guiding the drilling holes, in particular lockwire holes, transversely through one corner of a nut at an oblique angle to a face thereof and a method for using same. The drill guide comprises at least one guide component having a first and a second side transverse to the first side. The first side has a recess with first and second surfaces for receiving the corner of the nut, the first surface being closer to the second side. Also included is a drill bit guide for guiding a drill bit of a drill that is accessible from the second side and extends towards the first surface of the recess along a longitudinal axis in the direction of the second surface of the recess so that the drill bit is capable of drilling a hole transversely through the corner of the nut at an oblique angle to the face of the nut that the drill bit initially engages.

Abstract: A spindle device equipped with a combined externally pressurized gas-magnetic bearing assembly, and a machining apparatus utilizing the spindle device. The spindle device is capable of accomplishing a high speed rotation with high rotational precision and includes a main shaft (4) rotatably supported by the combined bearing assembly (6 to 9), an electric current detecting device (15 to 18) disposed in a spindle controller (3) for detecting a current supplied to electromagnets of the combined bearing assembly (6 to 9). Also provided is a machining status determining device (19) for determining the machining status in reference to the current detected by the current detecting device (15 to 18). The machining status may be an indication of the extent to which a machining tool is impaired.

Abstract: An uncovered storage facility for stockpiling bulk materials for establishing stockpiles (38) of predetermined geometry. The facility comprises a base (40) having facing retaining walls (42, 44) which are provided by structural berms (46, 48). The berms (46, 48) are for supporting a stacker machine (10) on one side of a stockpile (38) and a reclaimer machine (22) on the other side of the stockpile (38). A high berm (46) supports a stacker machine (10) and a low berm supports a reclaimer (22). The berms (46, 48) provide for more efficient access to a stockpile (38) by a stacker (10) and a reclaimer (22) and a predetermined stockpile geometry which allows increased reclaim efficiency compared to a stockpile of traditional geometry.

Abstract: A bucket fastener for a hydraulic shovel is assembled between an arm of the hydraulic shovel and a dipper bucket. The bucket fastener has a body pivotally mounted with the arm and a vertical link. A fixed hook is formed at a front end of the body. A movable seat is provided in the body and has a movable hook formed thereon. By the fixed hook attaching a first axle, and the movable hook attaching a second axle, the dipper bucket is securely fastened on the fastener.

Abstract: Manipulators for safe, 360 degree rotation along at least two axes and horizontal and vertical translation of large, heavy objects are disclosed. Manipulators of the present invention include a support structure or open framework, a carriage, and an inner framework assembly. In some embodiments of the present invention, the inner framework assembly can be oriented substantially horizontally or substantially vertically. The inner framework assembly engages the work piece through the use of a support member that has one or more extension arms attached to its bottom surface which have one of more part grips at its ends. The extension arms further include a pair of rotating shafts that allow the work piece to rotate 360 degrees preferably along the central axis of the part grips. The inner framework assembly is capable of rotating 360 degrees about the axis of the central shaft.

Abstract: A pump has a housing defining a pump chamber and having a shaft opening. An impeller shaft extends through the shaft opening and is sized to define a gap between the impeller shaft and the shaft opening. An impeller is attached to the shaft inside the pump chamber. The impeller includes a first set of impeller blades for transporting fluid through the pump chamber and a second set of impeller blades for creating a pressure force which pushes fluid away from the shaft opening. The pump with sealless shaft prevents fluid from leaking through the gap, and therefore is particularly suited for use in a tank-type vacuum cleaner capable of collecting both dry material and fluid. The gap is used in such an application to prime the pump, thereby discharging fluid collected in the tank.

Abstract: An expansion turbine for low-temperature applications containing a turbine stage into which a cold gas is admitted. A turbine rotor is mounted on a shaft. Also provided is a roller support for the shaft being lubricated with a minimum amount of oil or grease. The roller support contains a roller bearing located adjacent to the turbine stage. The roller bearing is comprised of an inner bearing ring, rollers, and an outer bearing ring supported on the side of the housing. An insulating bush made of ceramic engineering material is arranged between the inner bearing ring and the shaft. The bush thermally separates the inner bearing ring from the cold shaft.

Abstract: A stator blade assembly for a gas turbine engine has a leading edge portion with a passage communicating between a plenum and an air supply port of the outer shroud and an internal blade cooling channel communicating between passages and apertures adjacent the trailing edge of the blade. The plenum includes an impingement plate disposed a distance from the inner surface of blade platform to define an impingement cooling chamber within the plenum, and the plate includes impingement cooling apertures to direct cooling jets of air at the inner blade platform. An air flow restriction plate covers the inner end of the passage and controls the pressure and quantity of air delivered to the plenum via a compressed air metering aperture.

Abstract: The air moving assembly includes at least one air moving device and a stator, said stator being operable to at least reduce one expansion and/or one contraction for airflow passing through the assembly. The stator is also preferably operable to impart or adjust swirl for airflow passing through the stator. In at least one embodiment, the imparted or adjusted swirl rotates in a direction opposite to that of the rotation of an impeller of the air moving device. As a result, in at least one embodiment, airflow exiting the air assembly has no rotational component. The air moving assembly may include additional air moving devices and/or stators. In at least one embodiment, the air moving assembly includes first and second air moving assemblies coupled to a shared strut assembly.

Abstract: An axial fan with reversible flow direction comprises a rotor (11), which is driven by a variable speed-controlled driving motor (14) and is provided with adjustable rotor blades (13) fitted around a rotational axis. The rotor (11) is preceded by an inlet stator (15) and followed by a downstream stator (16), which are each provided with guide vanes (17, 18). The guide vanes (17, 18) of the inlet stator (15) and the downstream stator (16) are designed so as to be mirror-symmetrical to the radial center plane of the rotor (11) and may be adjusted at an angle to the direction of flow in such a way that—when the flow direction is reversed—the inlet stator (15) takes on the function of a downstream stator and the downstream stator (16) takes on the function of an inlet stator.

Abstract: A gas turbine segmental ring has an increased rigidity to suppress a thermal deformation and enables less cooling air leakage by less number of connecting portions of segment structures. Cooling air (70) from a compressor flows through cooling holes (61) of an impingement plate (60) to enter a cavity (62) and to impinge on a segmental ring (1) for cooling thereof. The cooling air (70) further flows into cooling passages (64) from openings (63) of the cavity (62) for cooling an interior of the segmental ring (1) and is discharged into a gas path from openings of a rear end of the segmental ring (1). Waffle pattern (10) of ribs arranged in a lattice shape is formed on an upper surface of the segmental ring (1) to thereby increase the rigidity. A plurality of slits (6) are formed in flanges (4, 5) extending in the turbine circumferential direction to thereby absorb the deformation and thermal deformation of the segmental ring (1) is suppressed.

Abstract: A turbomachine for moving air includes a shroud 12 disposed about an axis A. The shroud 12 has a pair of opposing faces 14 and 16 defining a gap 18 therebetween. The opposing faces are disposed generally transversely with respect to the axis. A rotor assembly 13 is mounted for rotation about the axis. The rotor assembly has a plurality of blades 22 with tips of the blades being coupled to an annular band 30. At least a portion 32 of the annular band is disposed in the gap 18. Seal structure 36 extends from each opposing face of the shroud and into the gap to reduce swirl and minimize air leakage across the gap.

Abstract: The object is, by simple measures, to ensure a particularly smooth inner surface and maintain particularly high dimensional accuracy of a pump housing of a cooling-water pump for a power plant. For this purpose, the cast-concrete pump housing of the cooling-water pump has, according to the invention, a number of formwork elements made of glass-fiber reinforced plastic.

Abstract: Disclosed is an impeller for a turbomachine. The impeller comprises a hub, full blades equidistantly disposed on the hub in a circumferential direction, and a splitter blade disposed between each adjacent two of the full blades. The splitter blade is shaped in such a way that a spanwise distribution of a pitchwise position of a leading edge of the splitter blade is determined according to a spanwise and pitchwise non-uniformity distribution of fluid velocity of a fluid flowing into the splitter blade, whereby a non-dimensional circumferential position of a leading edge of the splitter blade varies in a spanwise direction.

Abstract: This centrifugal blower fan wheel has extruded-aluminum airfoil blades. The preferred blades have two hollow regions, separated by an angled mid-load support beam, inside the blade. The nose section of the blade (at the leading edge) and the tail section of the blade (at the trailing edge) have open semi-circular grooves which face the adjacent hollow sections and are designed to accept thread cutting or thread forming screws for attachment of the blade to a ring-shroud and back-plate.

Abstract: The subject invention is a method of fabricating a high solidity axial fan assembly to improve fan stall properties to allow the fan assembly to run at slower speeds. The method includes the steps of providing a first plurality of fan blades attached to a first hub, providing a second plurality of fan blades attached to a second hub, interfitting said second plurality of fan blades between said first plurality of fan blades; and interlocking and securing with fasteners the second hub onto the first hub.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a mechanical fastener for attaching a fan blade to a fan blade holder. The fan blade is attached to a fan blade holder by means of a spring clip. The spring clip engages a stud attached to the fan blade holder; the stud extends through an aperture in the fan blade. The invention may contain one or more studs or apertures, and the spring may have an arcuate shape in cross section. Alternatively, the fan is held against the fan blade holder by means of a locking member. The locking member has spring clips attached to it in order to engage a stud extending from the fan blade holder through an aperture in the fan blade. This embodiment may contain one or more studs and locking clips. This embodiment may also contain a cover that slidably engages the locking member.

Abstract: A compressor stator includes an outer casing supporting a row of stator vanes extending radially inwardly therefrom. Each vane includes pressure and suction sides extending axially between leading and trailing edges and radially between a root and a tip. The root and tip are twisted relative to a pitch section disposed therebetween. Each vane tip is radially convex adjacent a leading edge for defining an axially concave outer flowpath in the casing for reducing peak velocity of airflow for enhanced efficiency.