Abstract: A gestation calendar for use by an expectant mother. A first disk has first indicia corresponding to days of a calendar year. A second disk is pivoted concentrically to the first disk and has second indicia defining successive weeks of a gestation term and associated information. The information includes imagined statements by a fetus representing its development during the time intervals, with corresponding information relating to prenatal health care for the mother. When the first and the second disks are positioned so that an index mark of the second indicia is aligned with a start date of the mother's last period in the first indicia, the development of the fetus at a certain date during pregnancy along with the corresponding prenatal health care information are conveyed by the information associated with that time interval which is aligned with the certain date in the first indicia.

Abstract: A shape-shifting game can. The game can includes upper and lower cylindrical blocks superimposed on each other. Each of the cylindrical blocks are quartered to form a total of eight fan-shaped columns and each of the fan-shaped columns comprise upper and lower fan-shaped surfaces, a circumferential surface and a pair of square surfaces. The lower fan-shaped surfaces of the upper cylindrical block and the upper fan-shaped surfaces of the lower cylindrical block are connected with fan-shaped stickers. Pairs of the upper fan-shaped surfaces of the upper cylindrical block and pairs of the lower fan-shaped surfaces of the lower cylindrical block are connected with hemi-cycle patterned stickers. The square surfaces of the fan-shaped columns are connected with double-block stickers. The circumferential surfaces of the cylindrical blocks are connected with four fan-shaped column stickers and two hemi-cycle column stickers respectively.

Abstract: An image display device includes a base. A proximal panel is connected to the base by a spring-loaded hinge and has an image display area. A distal panel is connected directly or indirectly to the proximal panel via a spring-loaded hinge and also has an image display area. A catch co-operates with the base and the distal panel to release the proximal and distal panels from a storage configuration alongside the base to be moved by action of the spring-loaded hinges to a display configuration.

Abstract: A firearm and an assembly for use in the same are disclosed. The assembly comprises a cylinder having a longitudinal axis. The cylinder defines a plurality of bullet wells and is structured to rotate around the longitudinal axis in response to a shot. The assembly also includes an impact base positioned behind the cylinder to support bullets within the bullet wells. The impact base is rotatable about the longitudinal axis with the cylinder in response to the shot.

Abstract: An improved gun stock construction that substantially reduces both the recoil and the tendency of the gun to move upward or jerk when it is fired. The stock is formed with two sections having a flexible hinge mechanism. This structure creates a moment arm or couple which opposes the tendency of the gun to move upward when it is fired. This invention relates to improvements in a gun construction and more particularly to the improvement in gunstock that permits better control of the gun by the operator.

Abstract: A firearm assembly includes a stock and an action secured to the stock. The action includes a receiver, a barrel, and a recoil lug that is positionable adjacent a bearing seat of the stock. Various fastener assemblies are provided to assemble the action to the stock with the recoil lug firmly seated against the bearing seat, thus providing longitudinal and torsional stability to the firearm assembly. There is further provided a stock having a bedding portion that includes a surface forming a channel in the bedding block. Either the channel or the receiver includes a number of ribs extending therefrom that support the receiver in the bedding channel when the action is secured to the stock. There is also provided a stock having an action mounting insert. A compressible member is provided between the action mounting insert and the stock.

Abstract: A device for the accelerated loading of muzzle loading firearms comprising a hollow cylindrical magazine (10), with a number of vertical through tubes (12) equally spaced around the perimeter. The through tubes (12) are consistent with the bullet (58) size being used. Each through tube (12) contains threads (16) protruding from the top of the magazine (10). This allows penetrable color-coded discs (52) to be placed thereon, and held securely by hollow center nuts (20). The bottom “muzzle mating” tapered ends (24) have cap sealing ribs (28) which hold the powder sealing caps firmly in place. A center tube (56) passes through the magazine (10) expanding in size and extending from the bottom. Creating a barrel holding center handle (38), which houses the compression spring (76) system, which receives the quick detachable T handle (34) and starting rod (42). The device is carried by a sling (64) containing two plunger (68) type dispensers.

Abstract: A weapon mount for mounting a night vision device to the receiver rail of a weapon. A self-adjusting cam operated connection device is present at one end region of the mount for attaching to the receiver rail, while the night vision device is connected at the other end region of the mount with a knob operated mounting screw. The knob and mounting screw are a one piece design and the mounting screw is captivated by an E-clip. The cam operated connection device may be adjusted to accommodate different size receiver rails by the provision of compressible means, such as Belleville washers.

Abstract: A device for mechanically impaling a worm on a hook includes a housing enclosing a passageway that terminates in a bait receiving aperture and a hook receiving aperture. Application of suction within the passageway impels a worm at the bait receiving aperture toward and onto a hook located in the passageway at the hook receiving aperture.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder that allows horizontal striking of fish either while trolling or still-fishing. The fishing rod holder consists of a rod holder support arm assembly, a rotating unit, a base unit and an optional mounting adapter. The rod holder may be mounted for horizontal striking on the top surface of a gunnel wall on a boat or other substantially flat horizontal surface. Alternatively, the mounting adapter may be used to mount the rod holder to a boat handle rail. The rod holder support arms are slidably engaged in the support arm assembly and allow for customized vertical orientation of the rod's tip with respect to the reel. In addition, the horizontal orientation of the rod may be customized to accommodate fishing technique and fishing conditions.

Abstract: A hook spinning fishing bait comprising a pliable flat material, artificial or fresh, of an inverted tear-drop design having a vertical cut centered in the top portion of the inverted tear-drop design and one half the length of the inverted tear-drop design with two small holes one above the other in the bottom portion of the inverted tear-drop design for use as bait that can be attached directly to a fish hook forming a propeller like shape that spins the fish hook with the bait material when pulled through the water on a fishing line that is not permanently attached and is removable from the fish hook producing a bait of simple design that is interchangeable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circle hook having a protrusion on the shank extending down from the eye at a location that helps to prevent the bait on the hook from sliding up the shank and into the gap between the tip and shank. The protrusion preferably extends inward in relation to the curved portion of the hook to prevent harm to the fish, and is located at or near the point where the tip points toward the shank portion to keep the bait away from the gap and substantially control the location of the bait on the hook.

Abstract: A bee and wasp trap is provided, comprising a threaded cylindrical base unit with handles, a bait, a curved funnel shaped insert having internal lugs containing holes and configured to thread into the base unit, and a lid having tabs with pins, such that rotation of the lid engages the pins within the lug holes, and such that removal of the lid turns the trap on. The bee and wasp trap has particular utility in connection with efficient abatement of bees, yellow jackets, and other stinging insects around the exterior of residential homes and other outdoor locations.

Abstract: Below ground kits for controlling arthropods such as termites, ants, and roaches. A first embodiment fills a chamber with a food and places it adjacent to an arthropod population such as termites, so that live termites can then enter the entrance/exit of the tube to reach the food. Once termites are inside the tube, a non-edible foraging matrix, such as a disc of loose soil, sand, rocks, shale, and gravel that is treated with a slow acting and non-repellant toxicant, is placed between the food in the chamber and the termite entrance/exit. Termites are forced to pass through and disperse the slow-acting and non-repellent toxicant through their tunnels and living space in order to kill termites over time.

Abstract: A spray shield assembly for providing an expandable spray shield connectable to a variety of sprayer types. The spray shield assembly includes a shield member having an accordion section to permit expanding a length of the shield member. The spray shield assembly includes a plurality of interchangeable lids, each lid being designed for attachment to a particular type of sprayer including a garden hose type sprayer and a bottle type sprayer.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing liquid fertilizer from manure. The apparatus includes at least one tank filled with water, a cage having a perforated pipe arranged closed to a bottom floor of the cage and a pump connected to the pipe for delivery of pressured air through the perforations of the pipe. In use, the cage is loaded with fresh manure and then submerged in the tank of water. The pressured air agitates and aerates the manure and thereby causing aerobic decomposition of the manure. Nutrients in the manure are thereby extracted from the manure and mixed with the water to form a liquid fertilizer. A fertigation arrangement can be arranged to deliver the liquid fertilizer from the tank directly to plants.

Abstract: An in-ground sand receptacle contains sand used to repair divots in a golf course. The receptacle includes a plurality of walls defining an enclosure adapted for residing below a ground surface of the golf course. The enclosure has an open top for receiving sand therein. A lid removably covers the open top of the enclosure. Indicia is applied to the lid for indicating a distance between the receptacle and a predetermined point on the golf course.

Abstract: A plant packaging method providing a tubular sleeve having excess material therein and attaching the sleeve to a potted plant via a bonding material.

Abstract: A cylindrical plant container having a dual sidewall and a bottom wall is provided. The inner sidewall is constructed of woven polypropylene fabric and the outer sidewall is constructed of wire, such as chicken wire. The inner sidewall extends above the outer sidewall and is folded over the top of the outer sidewall and is fastened thereto. The inner sidewall also extends below the outer sidewall and is folded over the bottom of the outer sidewall and is fastened thereto. The bottom wall is removably connected to the combined inner and outer sidewall. The bottom wall is of a non-woven polypropylene material. The present invention is designed to be used in a plant nursery. The woven polypropylene permits air to penetrate through the sidewall permitting air pruning of the roots proximal the sidewall. This forces the roots to grow in both a horizontal and downward fashion resulting in a denser plant root system with no spiraling or circling of roots within the cylindrical plant container.

Abstract: Extendable flower pot (10) for holding a plant comprises bottom pot (30) and extendable upper barrel (20). Upper barrel (20) is adapted to nest inside bottom pot (30). A plant is potted in flower pot (10) in a nested position. When the plant needs more room for its roots, upper barrel (20) is pulled to an extended position, increasing the depth and volume of pot (10). Additional soil is then added. Rim (22) aids gripping of upper barrel (20) and keeps water and soil out of the gap between bottom pot (30) and upper barrel (20) when flower pot (10) is in the nested position. Upper annular protrusion (21′) and bottom annular protrusion (31′) cooperate to stop upper barrel (20) from accidentally being pulled out of bottom pot (30).

Abstract: A power operating system for opening and closing a vehicle liftgate has a pair of drive units supported on the vehicle roof and connected to the liftgate for opening and closing the liftgate. Each drive unit includes a bracket that is secured to the vehicle body for supporting several parts including a reversible electric motor, a gear unit and a housing having a forward linear track and a contiguous rearward curved track. The electric motor drives a segmented drive linkage disposed in the housing via the gear unit. The segmented drive linkage includes an elongated arcuate link that is guided by the rearward curved track, a linear rack link that is guided by the forward linear track, and an intermediate link that has an outer end that is pivotally attached to an inner end of the arcuate link and an inner end that is pivotally attached to a midpoint of the linear rack link.

Abstract: An entryway system includes an elongated threshold assembly and a pair of plastic jamb boots attached to the ends of the threshold assembly. The jamb boots have flat level upper surfaces and a pair of jambs having square-cut bottoms are secured to the jamb boots and extend upwardly from the threshold assembly. A head jamb completes a door frame. The jamb boots are formed with integral drains that receive water from within the threshold cap channel of the threshold assembly and direct it away from the entryway. The plastic jamb boots prevent rotting and eliminate the need to mill the bottoms of jambs with haunches configured to fit the threshold assembly. Stops are provided in one embodiment at the bottoms of the weather strip kurfs to position the bottom ends of weather strips above the sill of the threshold to prevent weather strip wicking and consequent leakage in wind-blown rains.

Abstract: A load-bearing, pressurized-fluid column apparatus and method for supporting a load or mine ceiling with respect to a support surface or mine floor includes an elongated, flexible sleeve retains a substantially incompressible liquid. The elongated, flexible sleeve has a collapsed and an expanded configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the sleeve is not filled, and has a first, shorter length. In the expanded configuration, the sleeve is filled with the liquid, and has a second, longer length sized to extend to and between the load and the support surface. A valve allows the liquid to be added and prevents escape of the liquid. A base can seal a lower end of the sleeve, and can be disposed on the support surface. A cap can seal an upper end of the sleeve, and can be capable of abutting the load.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a plurality of movable transparent arcuate sections 12 that can roll on their own designated tracks 14 to enclose or expose a sun room or pool area 18. Thus, the present invention 10 is comprised of a plurality of overlapping transparent arcuate arches or sections 12 positioned on parallel tracks 14. The arches 12 can be selectively moved to any position on the parallel tracks 14. The two distal end arches have removable end closure panels 20. Each of the transparent panel members 22 or arch 12 are positioned within a frame member 16 having a plurality of wheels 36 engaging the spaced apart track members 14. Track members 14 are fixedly positioned to the ground or foundation structures 58 in a spaced-apart parallel configuration. Each side of an arch 12 consists of a plurality of wheels 36 fixedly positioned between spaced apart track elements 14 having hook-like terminations 53 to prevent dislocation of the frame member 16 from the track member 14.

Abstract: A floor system for providing a raised floor above a sub-floor in a work environment is disclosed. The floor system includes a plurality of pedestals, a plurality of panels having side cutouts arranged so that the side cutouts are in alignment when the panels are installed on the pedestals to form an access opening from the combination of the side cutouts, an access cover configured to fit over the access opening, and a track configured to rest upon the pedestals and to provide a passage for utility carriers. A floor system is also disclosed for providing a raised floor above a sub-floor to support a load in a work environment. The floor system includes a plurality of pedestals, a frame including a combination of frame members to provide a substantially open frame work supported on the pedestals so that the load is distributed across the frame, and a plurality of panels configured to be installed on the frame and to be quickly and easily removable.

Abstract: Forms for building and assembling water containment holders such as but not limited to inground spas, pools, manmade ponds and fountains. The forms can have an L-shape with downwardly protruding members for allowing the forms to be placed about a base foundation having receiving openings for the protruding members. Lower walls, seats and backrests can be placed about the forms to assemble the water containment holder. All the components including the base, the forms, the seats, lower walls, and backrests can be modular components that are easily transported and assembled by an individual installer.

Abstract: A deck including a panel, a retainer and a fastener. The panel includes a flange having an aperture therein. The retainer includes an upper leg and a lower leg embracing the flange therebetween, with the lower leg having a fastener receiving opening. The fastener is for attaching the panel to structural framework, with the fastener including a shoulder. The fastener extends through the aperture of the flange and the opening of the lower leg of the retainer. The shoulder extends through the aperture in the flange and abuts against the lower leg of the retainer to secure the retainer. Furthermore, the shoulder is sufficiently tall as to prevent the fastener from tightly clamping the flange. Additionally, the flange embraced between the upper leg and the lower leg of the retainer is adapted to expand between the upper leg and the lower leg. Therefore, thermal expansion of the panel is accommodated.

Abstract: A vehicular resinous window including a transparent portion and an opaque portion incorporated with an outer periphery of the transparent portion. The transparent portion and the opaque portion are molded by multicolor injection molding. The transparent portion and the opaque portion have a boundary portion provided therebetween on a vehicular exterior side, such that the boundary portion has a groove provided in at least a portion thereof.

Abstract: An article support apparatus for use with a raised floor system including a plurality of support pedestals, stringer elements and floor panels, the support apparatus includes an article support member configured to support articles thereon; and a mounting mechanism connectable with the article support member and adapted to mount the article support member to at least one stringer element of a raised floor system. The mounting mechanism further includes at least one fastener for the mounting thereof.

Abstract: To enable vehicles such as truck tractors, motor homes and recreational vehicles to receive electrical power and communications when parked, a power and communications assembly is provided. A base is mountable in an exterior surface of the vehicle openings through the base are defined for mounting a respective connection moiety so each mounted moiety can be engaged with a complementary connection moiety when a main cover for the base and the mounted moieties is opened against a bias causing it to be normally closed. The connection moieties mountable in the base openings are selected from a group which includes electrical power connectors, telephone circuit connectors, and connectors for coaxial cables and fiber optic cables. Features of either a base opening or a mounted connection moiety can be engaged by its own secondary cover; the several secondary covers when engaged can be accommodated with a space protected by the main cover when it is closed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of construction of a wall from first, second and end modules each forming part of the wall. The method includes assembly of two modules being first, end or first and end modules having portions forming part of the wall by aligning these modules in a desired alignment and connecting them together with connection means to form a supporting structure for second modules. The connection means has a tie portion generally extending in the direction of the alignment. The tie portion has a portion corresponding with connection portions of a second module and cooperation of the corresponding tie portion, extending between guides formed as part of the tie portion, with the connection portions connects the second module to the supporting structure. In such manner, a portion of a wall may be constructed. Use of mortar of scaffolding and concrete pouring techniques may thus be avoided in construction of a structure.

Abstract: An aircraft engine run-up hangar comprises a building defining a test chamber capable of receiving an aircraft therein, an air inlet structure, and an exhaust structure. The air inlet structure is formed in a front end part of a roof structure corresponding to a front end part of the building, the exhaust structure is connected to a rear end part of the building and defines an exhaust passage extending obliquely upward from the back end of the building, and one or a plurality of current deflecting members are disposed near a lower end of the air inlet structure to deflect air currents flowing through the air inlet structure into the building toward an aircraft housed in the building. A current-straightening structure is incorporated into the air inlet structure. A current-straightening space is defined under the air inlet structure.

Abstract: A resilient floor includes a plurality of parallel spaced rows of sleeper assemblies, or substructure members, supported by pads over a base, with a wear layer of floorboards secured to the rows of substructure members. The substructure members include an elongated lower panel with a pair of spaced rows of pads secured along the bottom surface of the panel, and corresponding rows of nailing strips secured to the top surface of the panel, to which the wear layer is secured. The panel may also include an middle row of designations, such as holes, for locating anchors to anchor the panel to the base, if it is desired to anchor the floor. Compared to other resilient floors the substructure members of this invention simplify and reduce installation and handling time, resulting in reduced labor costs. The structure itself also provides high strength and durability, but with reduced quantity and cost of material.

Abstract: An external wall construction capable of inhibiting water penetration thereinto includes a securing metal fitting installed at an upper side portion and a lower side portion of an external wall panel. The external wall panel is mounted on an underlayment. The external wall panel has a notched recess formed on left and right side portions along the vertical direction. A sealing fixture is arranged between the adjacent left and right external wall panels. The sealing fixture has a base plate portion fixed to the underlayment, a rising plate portion erected at the base plate portion, and a front plate portion arranged at the rising plate portion, wherein a front resilient material is provided at the front face of the front plate portion. The front resilient material and the front plate portion are engaged in the notched recess of the external wall panel.

Abstract: According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus and method for suspending rebar is disclosed. The rebar isolator of the present invention comprises a pointed metal spike or stake with one or more hollow-bodied rebar supports. Each of the hollow-bodied rebar supports has a support arm which supports the horizontally-positioned rebar. In addition, the spike or stake portion of the rebar isolator has a number of crimped zones which prevent the support arms from shifting downward or rotating in place when the concrete is poured over the horizontally-positioned rebar. The number of crimped zones corresponds to the number of hollow-bodied cylindrical rebar isolator supports and one crimped zone is located immediately below each of the support arms.

Abstract: A clip for attachment to the flanges of a structural steel member for purposes of securing sheet material to the member is comprised of a rectangular-shaped clip of lightweight sheet material having opposite sides and opposite ends and enclosing an open center portion. A clip element is formed from a protrusion of the sheet metal material and extends outwardly from the clip and terminates in a free end which is spaced from the clip to create an open space to partially receive a flange of a steel member. The clip element is positioned with respect to the clip so that the clip dwells outwardly of the flange when mounted thereon. The clip element is comprised of a spring-like material so as to be able to frictionally engage the flange. The clip has a plurality of protruding frictional elements thereon to enhance the frictional engagement of the clip to the flange.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming curved structures comprises a plurality of pivotally connected sections, each section having a track portion, and a strap member adapted for slidably engaging the track portion of the sections such that the sections are movable to form a radius of curvature. A method of forming a curved structure comprises providing runners having a plurality of pivotally connected sections, each section having track portions, and each runner further having two strap members slidably engaging each of the track portions. The method also includes oppositely placing the runners in a curved position such that the runners are substantially aligned and attaching studs between the runners.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inserting blister packs (1) into collapsible cardboard boxes (2) has an inserter (40) and a covering tab (58). During a stationary phase of a first conveyor device (15) that supplies the blister packs (1), the inserter (40) and covering tab (58) transfer the blister packs (1) into the collapsible cardboard box (2) supplied by a second conveyor device (11). In order to be able to execute a format change without replacement of the inserter (40) or adaptation of the covering tab (58), the invention proposes driving the inserter (40) and the covering tab (58) by means of servomotors (32 to 34).

Abstract: A method and related machine for wrapping filter-bags (1) in sealed outer envelopes (S) comprises the following steps: feeding single, plane sheets (6) to a station (7) for wrapping each sheet (6) over a corresponding filter bag (1); folding the sheet (6) into a U-shape about a transversal axis (X) of the sheet (6) itself so as to form at least two opposite wings (6a, 6b) between which the filter bag (1) is placed; rolling the longitudinal edges (8a, 8b) of the U-shaped sheet (6) so as to flatten them; and, lastly, joining at least the longitudinal edges (8a, 8b) of the U-shaped sheet (6) to form a sealed outer envelope (S) around the filter bag (1).

Abstract: A container and closure package includes a container having a body with a finish surrounding a fill/dispensing opening, and a closure having a peripheral skirt removably secured to the container finish. The closure has a base wall with a fill opening aligned with the fill/dispensing opening in the container when the closure is secured to the container and a recessed ledge surrounding the fill opening. A seal is provided at the underside of the base wall in sealing engagement with the fill/dispensing opening of the container. A disk has an electrically conductive underlayer that is induction fusion welded to the closure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing excess fluid, and specifically gas, from a flexible container and sealing the container are provided. The apparatus comprises a device for receiving a flexible container including a product and having a first open end and a second sealed end located at an opposite end of the container from the first open end. The device includes an interior designed to receive at least a portion of the flexible container. The interior is defined, at least in part, by a compressible member that is so constructed and arranged so as to progressively squeeze excess gas located in the interior of the flexible container from the second sealed end out the first open end of the flexible container. The device also includes an integral sealing member that seals the first open end of the flexible container after the compressible member squeezes fluid from the interior of the flexible container.

Abstract: An improved can end bagging system comprises four subassemblies: (1) the end gathering and stick assembly apparatus, (2) the bag feeding, opening, and loading apparatus which places a predetermined number of stacked can ends into an open end bag, (3) the vertical positioner apparatus for moving the bagged sticks into a folding device, and (4) the bag folding, closing and transfer apparatus. The loading mechanism includes a servo controlled pusher which is driven with controlled acceleration and deceleration to avoid tipping of the ends making up a stick, to avoid bursting of the bags during filling, and to assure complete and uniform filling of each bag. Sponginess which results primarily from variations in compression of the rims of the ends pressing against each other in the gathering and counting process is avoided.

Abstract: A foreign object detector comprises an inertial sensor mounted for displacement with one of the displaceable rolls in the feed mechanism of a forage harvester. When a foreign object is forced through the rolls, the acceleration of the rolls' displacement exceeds a predetermined threshold and the detector stops the feed mechanism. Preferably, the detector's sensor is a microswitch having an inertially-actuable lever and which is mounted for displacement with the upper feed roll. The detector's circuitry ties into existing metal detector circuitry.

Abstract: A flexible member is provided for use with a hand tool having a working implement and a handle. The flexible member includes an elongated member having a first end configured for attachment to the working implement and a second end configured for attachment to the handle. The elongated member defines a plurality of notches. The elongated member is made of a resiliently deformable material. The notches alternately face opposite directions along the length of the elongated member. The first end of the elongated member is configured for threaded or mechanical attachment to the working implement. The second end of the elongated member is configured for threaded or mechanical attachment to the handle.

Abstract: Described is a process for producing segmented polyurethanes having improved processing characteristics in the melt state and an efficient spinning process based thereon to form highly elastic, fine linear density elastane yarn and filament having improved mechanical and thermal properties by using hydroxyalkyl-terminated polysiloxanes in combination with specific crosslinking-capable polyisocyanates in the reaction of long-chain high molecular weight polyhydroxy compounds with organic diisocyanates and low molecular weight diols and also optionally further auxiliary and additive substances in the melt.

Abstract: A detachable ring has a safety collar having an inner thread, an annular lower end and a taper upper end, and a main body having a first end having an end flange and a second end having an annular block and an outer thread. The inner thread of the safety collar engages with the outer thread of the second end of the main body. The annular block blocks the annular lower end of the safety collar. The taper upper end of the safety collar encloses the end flange of the first end of the main body.

Abstract: A combined cycle power system is provided which can convert an open combined cycle gas turbine into a reduced or zero emissions power system. The system includes a compressor which compresses air and combusts the air with a hydrocarbon fuel. The products of combustion and the remaining portions of the air form the exhaust which is expanded through a turbine. The turbine drives the compressor and outputs power. The exhaust exits the turbine and then is routed through a heat recovery steam generator. A bottoming cycle portion of the system includes a gas generator which combusts a hydrocarbon fuel with oxygen. Water is also entered into the gas generator where it is heated and combined with the products of combustion, before entering a bottoming turbine. The water is then separated and routed back to the gas generator after preheating within the heat recovery steam generator.

Abstract: A fuel flow control system for directing fuel within a combustion engine having a plurality of fuel introduction nozzles arranged in a plurality of operationally-distinct groups is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of pumping assemblies each corresponding to one of the nozzle groups. Each pumping assembly includes several fuel motivation elements, each in fluid communication with a fuel supply and a corresponding one of said nozzles. Drive elements, such as variable speed motors, are operatively associated with the pumping assemblies, and direct the motivation elements to transmit fuel to the nozzles. A control assembly independently controls the drive elements, so that fuel flow to each nozzle group is independently controllable. In one embodiment, the motivation elements in each pumping assembly are mechanically linked and operate as discrete groups of elements, thereby delivering uniform fuel flow to each nozzle within a given group of nozzles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas turbine power generating system capable of achieving a high output power and a high power generating efficiency under conditions with a small amount of supplied water and less change in design of a gas turbine. A fine water droplet spraying apparatus (11) is disposed in a suction air chamber (22) on the upstream side of an air compressor (2), and a moisture adding apparatus (7) for adding moisture to high pressure air supplied from the compressor (2) is included. A regenerator (5) for heating the air to which moisture has been added by using gas turbine exhaust gas as a heat source is also provided. With this configuration, there can be obtain an effect of reducing a power for the compressor (2) and an effect of increasing the output power due to addition of moisture to air (20) for combustion. Further, since the amount of fuel used is reduced by adopting a regenerating cycle, the power generating efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A fan containment case assembly 30 of a gas turbine engine 10 includes a hardened fan case liner 42 disposed therein. In the event of a fan blade loss condition, the hardened fan case liner allows for circumferential movement of the fan blade tips 38 around the fan case 48. Thus, the liner reduces the destructive cutting away of the fan case, minimizing damage to the fan case and decreasing torque loading of the fan case from rotor deflections. Alternate embodiments of the fan case liner are described.