Abstract: Disclosed is a floor structure comprising: an upper surface arranged in parallel to a lower surface; and one or more channels disposed vertically between upper and lower surfaces and longitudinally extending along the upper and lower surfaces, each of the one or more channels having a top and a bottom.

Abstract: Apparatus for placing external corner protectors upon the external corner regions of palletized loads, prior to the wrapping of the palletized loads within wrapping material, comprises four corner protector pickup, transfer, and applicator mechanisms respectively disposed adjacent to the four corner regions of the palletized load, wherein the corner protector pickup, transfer, and applicator mechanisms are movable independently of the external corner protector magazine assemblies. The external corner protector pickup, transfer, and applicator mechanisms are rotatably mounted upon rotatable actuators which are rotatably movable through angular movements comprising 270°, and, in turn, the rotary actuators are mounted upon linearly movable mechanisms which are movable in both X and Y directions.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material having a filling machine with a filling control element. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming a flower pot cover with at least one indented portion to retain the flower pot cover on the flower pot. The apparatus includes a male and female die. The female die has a plurality of fingers movable radially into an opening of the female die. The male die has a recess formed between the lower end and the upper end and adapted to receive the fingers of the female die to form the at least one indented portion of the flower pot cover when the sheet of material is pressed between the female die and the male die.

Abstract: Apparatus for vacuum packing products includes a vacuum packaging machine, an upstream product information acquisition stage arranged to acquire information relating to one or more characteristics of products on a product packing line, and a pack opener arranged to open the mouth of each pack to a controlled extent based on information relating to products being packed acquired at the upstream product information acquistion stage, and to present the pack so that the products are delivered into the open packs which are then delivered into the vacuum packaging machine, or deliver the products into the open packs which are already at least partially entered into the vacuum packaging machine.

Abstract: A heat tunnel for applying heated air to articles enclosed in shrink-wrap film includes at least one air supply unit; a conveyor; and a heat shroud spaced from the conveyor. The air supply unit includes a source of heated air, a fan, a heated air plenum, air ducts, and a return air plenum. Multiple air supply units can be provided along the conveyor to create a heat tunnel of desired length.

Abstract: A method comprises providing a container having a first container portion and a second container portion, placing an inflatable life raft within the container, placing a transmitter mechanism adjacent the container, and automatically detecting whether a tamper condition has occurred. The tamper condition comprises at least one of the following: removal of the life raft from the container; an increase in distance between the first and second container portions; and a change in position of at least a portion of the life raft relative to one of the portions of the container. The transmitter mechanism is adapted and configured to transmit a signal upon the detection of the tamper condition.

Abstract: A gift wrapping package is provided which provides enhanced ornamentation and ease of wrapping of gifts for special events. The gift wrapping package includes a flat base and a dome-like cover which forms a central cavity. The dome-like cover is retractable and expandable. In a retracted condition, gifts can be placed within the central cavity. Thereafter, the cover can be closed by expanding and rotating the cover until the dome-like structure is formed. In a preferred embodiment, the gift wrapping package includes a hook or handle for enabling a person to carry a wrapped gift or to hang the gift wrapped package upon objects such as a Christmas tree.

Abstract: A method for detecting a hopper insertion state for a bag-filling packaging machine using photoelectric sensors 7 provided at an item supply step position. The photoelectric sensors 7 detect deformation of the bag mouth that occurs when the hopper 4 is inserted into the bag mouth, and a decision whether the insertion status of the hopper 4 in the bag mouth is good or bad is made based on the detection result of the photoelectric sensors 7. If the tip end of the descending hopper 4 catches the bag mouth or presses the bag mouth and folds it, the bag face is moved away from the detection part 9 (light passage route) of the sensors 7, so that light from the light-emitting part of the sensors 7 reaches a reflecting mirror 6 and reflected, and the reflected light is detected by the light-receiving part of the sensors 7.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of enclosing material in a netting and supplying a handle for ease of carrying the netted material, comprising clippers, irises, and a handle maker. A novel scissors assembly for severing the netting is disclosed. A conveyor carries the material to a pair of irises. The irises gather the netting around the material, the first clipper closes and severs the netting, and the handle maker forms a loop out of the severed netting. The second clipper attaches the loop back to the netting to form a handle. A scale can be used to weigh the material and a printer can create a label, with the weight or whatever other information is desired, for attachment to the netting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a standardized mechanical interface (SMIF) reticle pod that is configured to provide a controlled environment for supporting a reticle wherein the controlled environment is maintained substantially free of crystal growth causing contaminants. Accordingly, there is provided a layered filter with filter elements capable of filtering particulates and adsorbing gaseous contaminants. The filter has an inwardly facing face generally planar shaped with a surface area that is substantially half or more of the area of the reticle face. The inwardly facing face is placed in close proximity to the reticle patterned surface and has an area that is a significant fraction of the reticle patterned surface area. The SMIF pod is also provided with a purge system configured to inject a very dry gas within the controlled environment to flush the controlled environment of contaminants as well as to regenerate the filter.

Abstract: A separator placed in a mist collection system prior to a final air cleaning stage, and is configured to remove a substantial portion of the mist from the air. The separator includes stationary vanes in a cylindrical housing to establish a cyclonic flow therethrough, an annular flow restriction collar to establish a liquid collection area at the downstream end of the housing, a drain for discharge of the liquid from the collection area, and a flow interrupter to direct the swirling liquid into the drain.

Abstract: A ventilator includes a frame, a filtering layer, and a bonding member. The frame defines a receiving space and at least one through hole communicating with the receiving space. The filtering layer is positioned in the receiving space of the frame. The bonding member is disposed between the frame and the filtering layer, and is heat fusible to bind the filtering layer to the frame.

Abstract: In a header having a movably mounted knife and a guard for shielding the moving and rotating components operating the knife, the guard preferably comprising two interconnected parts of which the first part is mounted on the header so as not to move with the knife and the second part is coupled for movement with the knife. In this way, the area shielded by the guard automatically expands and contracts with movement of the knife.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chain lock comprising two lock parts (1) which can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the lock in order to open and close said lock. Each lock part (1) comprises a journal (5) which is arranged on one end thereof and a pocket (6) which is arranged on the other end thereof. The journal (5) of one lock part (1) fits respectively, into the pocket (6) of the other lock part (1). The journals (5) and the pockets (6) are both similar in height (H) to the inner width of the lock and each journal (5) comprises several retaining frames (7,8), whereby the several retaining grooves (13, 14) thereof are associated with the pocket (6) of the other lock part (1) in order to achieve economical power and voltage distribution in the journals (5) and pockets (6).

Abstract: An axisymmetric nozzle for a gas turbine engine has divergent flaps and seals disposed about a central longitudinal axis thereof. The divergent flaps and seals each have an inner surface defining cooling air inlet holes at an upstream portion, cooling air exit holes at a downstream portion, and cooling air channels disposed within the divergent flap and seal, and communicating at a first end with the inlet holes and at a second end with the exit holes for conducting cooling air therethrough. Some of the exit holes of the divergent flap are disposed along lateral edge regions thereof. The divergent seals are interposed between adjacent divergent flaps, and each include lateral edge regions extending laterally beyond the exit holes. The lateral edge regions of each divergent seal have an outer surface overlying at least a portion of the exit holes of an adjacent divergent flap.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is adapted to protect an exhaust aftertreatment system by preventing the system from becoming clogged and/or damaged during periods of light engine load. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention protects the exhaust aftertreatment system by increasing the load on the engine during periods of light engine load and/or low exhaust temperature.

Abstract: An exhaust control system for a power source is disclosed. The exhaust system has an air induction system, an exhaust system, and a recirculation system. The recirculation system is configured to direct at least a portion of an exhaust flow from the exhaust system to the air induction system. The exhaust control system also has a sensor configured to detect the presence of sulfur, and a controller in communication with the sensor. The controller is configured to modify operation of the recirculation system in response to the detected presence of sulfur.

Abstract: A turbocharged engine (301) with a turbine (305) having an outlet (306) and a compressor (307) having an inlet (308). An exhaust gas treatment module (317) is disposed in fluid communication with the outlet (306) of the turbine (305) and the inlet (308) of the compressor (307). The exhaust gas treatment module (317) may be advantageously mounted on the base engine (301), and disposed between an exhaust aftertreatment system (316) having an outlet to atmosphere, and the turbine outlet (306). A method of operating the turbocharged engine (301) includes the steps of collecting exhaust gas, passing the exhaust gas though the turbine (305), and deciding whether to command exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). When EGR is not commanded, an EGR valve (311) is closed, and exhaust gas is passed from the turbine (305) through an exhaust aftertreatment module (316) and a muffler 133.

Abstract: A combustion control apparatus is configured for a direct-injection spark-ignition internal combustion engine. The combustion control apparatus selects an extremely retarded combustion mode while the internal combustion engine is in a predetermined operating state. In the extremely retarded combustion mode, the combustion control apparatus sets ignition timing to be after compression top dead center, and sets fuel injection timing to be before the ignition timing and after compression top dead center. The combustion control apparatus inhibits the extremely retarded combustion mode while an exhaust purifier of the internal combustion engine is in a predetermined cold state.

Abstract: A power source is provided for use with selective catalytic reduction systems for exhaust-gas purification. The power source has a first cylinder group fluidly connected to a first air-intake passage and a first exhaust passage, wherein the first air-intake passage is configured to provide air at a first set of characteristics. The power source also has a second cylinder group fluidly connected to a second air-intake passage and a second exhaust passage, wherein the second air-intake passage is configured to provide air at a second set of characteristics different from the first set of characteristics. An ammonia-producing catalyst may be disposed within the first exhaust passage and configured to convert at least a portion of a fluid in the first exhaust passage into ammonia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust system for an internal combustion engine, in particular in a motor vehicle, having an SCR module containing at least one SCR catalyst element in an SCR housing connected to an exhaust line and having a PF module containing at least one particulate filter element in a PF housing connected to the exhaust line upstream from the SCR housing.

Abstract: In a method of operating a particle filter in an exhaust system of a motor vehicle internal combustion engine, wherein the particle filter is reconditioned, in intervals, by a soot-burn-off procedure, the amount of noncombustible ashes also collected in the particle filter is reduced by heating the particle filter and supplying to the particle filter, together with the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine, a reducing agent which reacts with the ash deposits so as to chemically convert the ash deposits such that at least non-metallic ash components are decomposed and carried out of the particle filter by the exhaust gas.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a vehicle includes a muffler including end walls and a side wall connected to the end walls enclosing an interior space of the muffler. A first pipe is disposed within the interior space of the muffler and extends from one end of the muffler at which exhaust gas enters the muffler. A catalyst is located in the first pipe and at least one additional pipe is disposed within the interior space such that a longitudinal axis of the at least one additional pipe is spaced from a longitudinal axis of the first pipe in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first pipe. The first pipe includes a plurality of holes disposed in a sidewall thereof at an upstream side of the catalyst in a direction in which exhaust gas passes through the muffler. The holes in the first pipe are arranged such that some of the exhaust gas passes through the catalyst and the remainder of the exhaust gas passes through the plurality of holes so as to bypass the catalyst.

Abstract: A compact reversing flow catalytic converter with protection from overheating includes a valve unit which directs exhaust gases through a container filled with catalytic material to permit a bypass of catalytic material when a temperature of the material exceeds a predetermined threshold. The container defines a U-shaped gas passage that communicates with two ports at the top of the container. The valve unit is mounted to the top of the container and includes an intake and an exhaust cavity. The valve unit includes a valve disk having two openings therethrough. The valve disk rotates around perpendicular central axis between a first, a second and third positions. When overheating of the catalytic material is predicted, a controller relinquishes control of the valve disk and a center return mechanism rotates the valve disk to a third position, in which each of the openings communicates with both ports so that the exhaust gas flow bypasses catalytic material.

Abstract: An exhaust system includes a first exhaust pipe group, a first catalyst device, and a second exhaust pipe group. A first coupling pipe of the first exhaust pipe group includes spaces in communication with respective first exhaust pipes. A second coupling pipe of the second exhaust pipe group includes spaces in communication with respective second exhaust pipes. The first exhaust pipe group and the second exhaust pipe group are joined such that the respective spaces are opposed to one another, with the first catalyst device interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a work machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system has a source of pressurized fluid and at least one actuator having a first and a second chamber. The hydraulic control system also has a first independent metering valve disposed between the source and the first chamber, and a second independent metering valve disposed between the reservoir and the second chamber. The first and second independent metering valves each have a valve element movable from a flow blocking to a flow passing position to facilitate movement of the at least one actuator. The hydraulic control system further has an accumulator and a third independent metering valve disposed in parallel with the first independent metering valve and between the accumulator and the first chamber. The third independent metering valve is configured to selectively communicate the accumulator with the first chamber to cushion movement of the at least one actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration generator comprising a working piston and to a construction apparatus having a vibration generator, wherein the vibration generator is operated by a pressure fluid and comprises a control device having a control piston, which is supported in a displaceable manner inside the working piston.

Abstract: A working machine includes a hydraulic pump and a travel control valve for each of left and right traveling unit. A tank-side fluid channel of the travel control valve includes an actuator control valve for controlling another actuator. When both travel control valves are operated at the same time and when at least one actuator control valve is operated, a merge control valve is opened to merge hydraulic fluid ejected from the two hydraulic pumps. At the same time, a feed switching valve is opened so that a different hydraulic pump supplies hydraulic fluid to the actuator control valve.

Abstract: An expansion motor that converts energy input from a source of pressurized gas, such as steam, into work on reciprocating pistons. The expansion motor can be driven by compressed gas, exhaust from another motor, or steam produced in a heat transfer device heated by exhaust from an industrial process. By expanding the pressurized gas, the expansion motor can extract energy from gas having a relatively low pressure and flow rate. The expansion motor can include a lubrication system whereby lubricating oil flows through internal bores in a rotating shaft in order to lubricate bearings joining the pistons to the shaft. A power generating method that uses a wind power or tidal power to compress air to drive the expansion motor, and a power generating method that uses heat from incineration of biomass material or municipal solid waste to produce steam in an evaporator coil to drive the expansion motor, are also claimed. Potable water can also be produced by the claimed methods.

Abstract: An arrangement of the invention includes a base block 16, a cylindrical cam 14, as a rotary member, which is rotatably supported on the base block 16, and includes a contact portion on an outer periphery thereof for outputting a rotating force, a drive gear 21, as an oscillatory ring, which includes a contact portion on an inner periphery thereof, and is oscillated on a plane perpendicular to a rotation axis of the cylindrical cam 14 in contact with the contact portion of the cylindrical cam 14, parallel springs 23 through 26, as a position retainer, for retaining the position of the drive gear 21, and three or more shape metal alloy actuators (SMA) wires 35 through 38, as expandable and contractible actuators, with both ends of the each SMA wire being fixed to the base block 16 for contact with the drive gear 21.

Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a master cylinder having a housing, a piston axially movably disposed in the housing, and a piston rod, the piston bounding a pressure chamber filled with a hydraulic fluid, the piston upon actuation of the master cylinder being axially moved by the piston rod to pressurize the hydraulic fluid; an actuating device for moving the piston rod; a slave cylinder; a pressure-medium line connecting the master cylinder and slave cylinder; and at least one damping element arranged between the actuating device and the slave cylinder

Abstract: An intake air pressure P1 and a target control value S1 under the condition that the internal combustion engine is in a steady operating state and the condition that the turbocharger has its supercharging efficiency set to a ratio according to the engine operating state are estimated based on engine parameters, and an intake air pressure P2 and a target control value S2 under the condition that the internal combustion engine is in the steady operating state and the condition without supercharging by the turbocharger are estimated based on the engine parameters. A target control value S0 associated with an actual intake air pressure P0 under the condition that the internal combustion engine is in a transient operating state is calculated by performing interpolation on the target control values S1, S2 based on a relation between the intake air pressures P1, P2 and the actual intake air pressure P0.

Abstract: A wind energy generating and storage system has plurality of direct. compression wind turbine stations. Direct compression is direct rotational motion of a shaft or a rotor coupled to one or more compressors. A storage device is coupled to at least a portion of the wind turbine stations. At least a first compressor is coupled to the storage device to compress or liquefy air. The compressor has a fluid intake opening and a fluid exhaust opening and operates at a pressure of about, 10 to 100 atmospheres at the fluid exhaust opening. Rotation of a turbine drives the compressor. At least one expander is configured to release compressed or liquid air from the storage device. A generator is configured to convert the compressed or liquid air energy into electrical energy.

Abstract: A wind energy generating and storage system includes at least one direct compression windmill station that with an intercooler. Direct compression is direct rotational motion of a shaft or a rotor coupled to one or more compressors. A storage device coupled to the windmill station. At least a first compressor is coupled to the storage device to compress or liquefy air, or to drive any process to make liquefied air. The compressor has a fluid intake opening and a fluid exhaust opening. The compressor operates at a pressure of about 10 to 100 atmospheres. Rotation of a turbine drives the compressor. At least one expander is provided that releases compressed or liquid air from the storage device. A generator converts the compressed or liquid air energy into electrical energy.

Abstract: A wind energy generating and storage system has an off-shore direct compression windmill station. Direct compression is direct rotational motion of a shaft or a rotor coupled to one or more compressors. A storage device is coupled to the windmill station. At least a first toroidal intersecting vane compressor is coupled to the storage device to compress or liquefy air. The compressor has a fluid intake opening and a fluid exhaust opening. The compressor operates at a pressure of 10 to 100 atmospheres at the fluid exhaust opening. Rotation of a turbine drives the compressor. At least one expander is configured to release compressed or liquid air from the storage device. A generator is configured to convert the compressed or liquid air energy into electrical energy.

Abstract: A wind energy generating and storage system has a plurality of direct compression wind turbine stations. A storage device is coupled to at least a portion of the wind turbine stations. At least a first compressor is coupled to the storage device to compress air. The pressure of compressed air in the storage device is greater than 8 barr. At least one expander is configured to release compressed air from the storage device. A generator is configured to convert compressed air energy into electrical energy.

Abstract: A system for power generation through movement of water having an array of power generating cells hydraulically interconnected where the array is composed of cells in a interchangeable modular arrangement, the cells are positioned to receive kinetic energy from the movement of water, and the cells convert the energy by the movement of water through a turbine that drives a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pumps may be hydraulically isolated from each other and are connected through a hydraulic motor to a generator which may be an AC synchronous induction motor. The power generating cell may also be comprised of a single turbine and hydraulic pump combination that in turn drives a motor.

Abstract: A method to integrate collected solar thermal energy into the feedwater system of a Rankine cycle power plant is disclosed. This novelty uses a closed loop, single phase fluid system to collect both the solar heat and to provide the heat input into the feedwater stream of a regenerative Rankine cycle. One embodiment of this method of integrating solar energy into a regenerative Rankine power plant cycle, such as a coal power plant, allows for automatic balancing of the steam extraction flows and does not change the temperature of the feedwater to the boiler. The concept, depending on the application, allows for the spare turbine capacity normally available in a coal plant to be used to produce incremental capacity and energy that is powered by solar thermal energy. By “piggybacking” on the available components and infrastructure of the host Rankine cycle power plant, considerable cost savings are achieved resulting in lower solar produced electricity costs.

Abstract: An inventive steam power plant comprises at least one steam turbine and a steam generator, whereby a combustion chamber, in the direction of the flow of steam, is mounted after a first turbine stage and before a second turbine stage of the steam turbine, and the flow of steam inside a combustion chamber can be heated by mixing it with a hot gas that can be produced inside said combustion chamber.

Abstract: This Thermoacoustic Thermomagnetic Generator uses the thermal gradient in thermoacoustic waves to periodically raise the temperature of a thermomagnetic material past its Curie point so that it alternates between magnetic and non-magnetic states. In conjunction with a stator, induction windings and magnet, the metal alloy forms a magnetic circuit that is periodically interrupted and re-established by the action of the thermoacoustic waves. The expanding and collapsing magnetic field induces an alternating current in the stator windings. The resultant generator has no moving parts. This Thermoacoustic Thermomagnetic Generator embodies hot and cold heat exchangers, a working fluid contained in a reservoir that is divided into hot and cold zones, a resonant waveguide means and an electrical generating means that are typical of the art of thermoacoustic engine-generators, but the thermal-to-electric conversion means and process are entirely unique.

Abstract: In a power plant which produces electricity by boiling water with heat generated from a nuclear or fossil fuel source, and uses the steam to drive a generator to produce electricity, the spent steam is condensed in the vacuum produced by a column that is disposed beneath the surface of an adjacent sea or other large body of water. The distilled condensate is pumped back to the boiler providing a closed-loop condensing system. The system improves the Carnot efficiency of the plant by exhausting the steam to a lower pressure than previous condensers which operate at near atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A thermal plasma generator may be used in conjunction with at least one thermal to electric converter, such as a solid state thermal to electric energy to electric converter. A micropipe heat pump extracts heat from the at least one thermal to electric energy device, which in turn may convert the heat into electrical power. The power generation system may be disposed within a vehicle, and provide electrical power for propelling the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a means of boosting the voltage output of an alternator utilizing the armature coils of the alternator as part of the boost circuit. This invention can enable refined control strategies for operating a plurality of engine systems during propulsion, idling and braking and is applicable to large systems such as trucks, ships, cranes and locomotives utilizing diesel engines, gas turbine engines, other types of internal combustion engines, fuel cells or combinations of these that require substantial power and low emissions utilizing multiple power plant combinations.

Abstract: In a process for protection of a gas turbine (1) from damage caused by pressure pulsations (P), pressure pulsations (P) occurring during the operation of the gas turbine (1) are measured, from the measured pressure pulsations (P), a pulsation-time signal (PZS) is generated, the pulsation-time signal (PZS) is transformed into a pulsation-frequency signal (PFS), from the pulsation-frequency signal (PFS), a pulsation level (PL) is determined for at least one specified monitoring frequency band (12), the pulsation level (PL) is monitored for the occurrence of at least one specified trigger condition, and, when the at least one trigger condition occurs, a specified protective action (16) is carried out.

Abstract: A turbine burner (1) comprising a secondary feed unit for the supply of a backup mixture and a primary feed unit intended for the supply of a primary mixture comprising lean gas, comprising a primary mixture channel (24). The primary mixture channel (24) has an annular wall (28) having a truncated cone-shaped end portion (30) capable of conveying the primary mixture directly to the combustion zone (6) facing the axial swirler (18), achieving efficient combustion even for primary mixtures comprising gases with a low calorific value.

Abstract: A fuel system (10) for a gas turbine engine (18) having a shaft (30) and requiring fuel to be supplied at a first rate for engine start up, the fuel system (10) including: a main fuel pump (14) for providing fuel to the gas turbine engine (18), the main fuel pump (14) having an output varying with shaft speed, the output being at a windmilling rate when the engine (18) is windmilling, the windmilling rate being less than the first rate; and an auxiliary fuel pump (40) for providing fuel to the gas turbine engine (18) and having an auxiliary output rate greater than or equal to the difference between the first rate and the windmilling rate. A method of operating such a fuel system (10) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for recovering power from hot flue gas of a catalyst regenerator in an FCC unit. The system includes a temperature reduction device, such as a steam generator, and an expander that can be used, for example, to drive an electrical generator. The temperature reduction device has an uncontrolled temperature inlet and a controlled temperature outlet; and a power recovery expander having an expander inlet and an expander outlet. The expander can be driven by at least some flue gas that is directed from a downstream side of the temperature reduction device to the expander inlet. In an embodiment, a bypass conduit is provided to bypass at least some flue gas from an upstream side of the temperature reduction device to the expander inlet. A process is provided for controlling the generating capacity by varying the bypass flow.

Abstract: A method for assembling an expansion joint includes providing a first seal retainer, positioning an annular first seal at least partially within the first seal retainer such that the first seal extends between the first seal retainer first and second ends and substantially fills the first seal retainer cavity, providing a second seal retainer, positioning an annular second seal at least partially within the second seal retainer such that the second seal extends between the second seal retainer first and second ends and substantially fills the second seal retainer cavity, coupling a bellows to the first and second seal retainers, and slidably coupling a unitary annular shroud the first and second seal retainers such that the shroud substantially circumscribes the first and second seal retainers, and such that the bellows is operable in conjunction with the annular shroud and the first and second seal retainers.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprises a compressor section, a combustion section disposed downstream from the compressor section, and a turbine section disposed downstream from the combustion section. The turbine section includes a turbine disk defining a plurality of turbine disk slots for accommodating turbine blades. The plurality of turbine disk slots each include an inlet having a rounded periphery at a bottom portion thereof.