Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for gripping a unit load during handling of same, said device comprising an attachment portion for attaching the device to the unit load, a gripping portion (for engaging with a handling means) which is embodied in the form of a container corner, and a set of at least two said gripping devices adapted in a certain way to the unit load or at least to elements of the unit load. The invention also relates to a transport vehicle for the unit load, comprising a towing vehicle and a trailer that are connected to each other via the unit load during transportation thereof, and which have holding devices for the unit load on their facing ends, comprising a set of said gripping devices.

Abstract: A method and device for restraining a cargo pallet disposed on the floor of a truck or other container comprising positioning adjacent the cargo pallet a plastic brace, engaging the plastic brace and the cargo pallet, and securing the plastic brace to the floor with a fastener. The plastic brace may have a monolithic construction and may be formed by injection molding. The plastic brace may comprise a first wall having a first side for engaging the floor defining a hole, and a second side; a second wall having a first side for engaging the cargo pallet, and a second side, the second wall extending at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the first wall; and a gusset interconnecting the second side of the first wall with the second side of the second wall. The plastic brace may further include a raised reinforcement extending from the second side of the first wall and disposed about the hole. The raised reinforcement may have a truncated conical configuration.

Abstract: A cargo bracing device includes a base having two side plates for rotatably attaching a reel drum, one or more toothed discs attached to the reel drum and controlled to rotate relative to the base with a stop, an operating arm having two legs rotatably attached to the reel drum, a catch device attached to the operating arm and engaged with the toothed disc, and an anchoring device may detachably anchor the catch device to the operating arm for limiting the catch device to slide relative to the legs of the operating arm and for preventing the operating arm from being disengaged from the reel drum. The operating arm includes an opening formed in each leg for detachably engaging with the reel drum and for preventing the cargo from being stolen by the unauthorized persons.

Abstract: A self-attaching nut having a central pilot projecting from an end face of the body portion, an annular groove surrounding the pilot and an annular panel support face surrounding the groove, wherein the outer side wall includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced notches, each having an outer wall which extends from the bottom wall of the annular groove to the panel support face and the bottom wall of the groove includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced radial ribs integral with either the outer or inner side walls of the annular groove having a radial end spaced from the opposed side wall and a top face inclined toward the bottom wall of the annular groove providing improved torque resistance and push-off strength. Alternating circumferentially overlapping radial ribs integral with the pilot and the outer groove wall and ribs which extend below the bottom wall of the groove are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nut system (100) comprising a nut (104) provided with a main thread (106) with pitch p1 and arranged along a screwing axis (108) of the nut. According to the invention, it also comprises a threaded device (116) coupled in rotation with the nut, this threaded device comprising a secondary non-screwed thread (122) on the main thread (106) from which it is separated, the secondary thread being arranged along the screwing axis and having a pitch p2 different from p1. Application of the invention with a device for resistance of thrusts generated by an aircraft engine.

Abstract: The present invention is in particular to a plurality of thread portions formed in the second threaded section which forms a wave shape base directrix and spirally surrounds on the shank. Moreover, the upper flanks and the lower flanks extending from said thread portions of said second threaded section also spirally surround as a wave shape base directrix on said shank. Therefore, while in operation, by said thread portions and said upper and lower flanks interlaced and disposed in a waved shape, more portions will increase for cutting; therefore, the cutting efficiency will enhance, the cutting speed will increase, and the torque will reduce. Moreover, the present invention will not loosen or drop out after it is well screwed.

Abstract: The present invention is in particular to a first threaded section and a second threaded section both consisted of a plurality of threads are spirally disposed on the shank and connecting each other. Moreover, said first threaded section is a continuous threaded section, and said second threaded section is a non-continuous threaded section. While in operation, with said first threaded screwing, the user can save more labor in screwing the present invention. Further accompanying with said non-continuous second threaded section, the debris cut from the object can be accumulated inside said second threaded section and connected together. Therefore, the present invention will be well fastened into the object after screwing.

Abstract: A protective cap for a threaded valve stem has a protective end, an open end, and a wall between the protective end and the open end. The wall has an internal surface and may have a plurality of ribs located on the internal surface, wherein the ribs have a tapered portion facing the open end for use in guiding the threaded valve stem into the center of the protective cap as it is inserted. The protective cap also has a plurality of projections connected to the internal surface of the wall for engaging the external threads of the valve stem, to prevent easy removal of the cap. The protective end and/or the wall also has a plurality of vent openings.

Abstract: A fastener system for use with a powder actuated tool. The system include a pin, a metallic washer surrounding a portion of the pin at the second end; and a plastic sleeve disposed between the metallic washer and the pin. The plastic sleeve includes a cap portion and an sleeve portion, the cap portion disposed on the top side of the metallic washer coincident with the head of the pin.

Abstract: The embodiment pertains to an improvement upon staples, (FIGS. 1A and 2) of the type used for fastening papers together (FIG. 5; 32) or other material(s) (FIGS. 6; 32), whereby the crown of a conventional staple is impressed with one or more breaking point(s) (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 2; 18, 24), allowing the staple crown to be manually extricated (FIGS. 7 and 8; 28) from the staple prong(s) (FIGS. 7 and 8; 26, 30) and paper or material (FIGS. 7 and 8; 32) with the lift, pull, or push of the staple crown.

Abstract: Rotationally symmetric self-pierce rivet (10) having a rivet head (14) and a rivet shank (12) provided with a centrical recess (16) closed by the rivet head (14), wherein the rivet shank (12) is having an outer contour which generally is following the course of an ellipse (18) externally lined up against the rivet shank the major axis (A) thereof basically extending parallel to the axis of the rivet (10).

Abstract: A method and arrangement is provided for producing an adhesive-bound printed item composed of a plurality of printed products. The printed products are gathered into loose book blocks along a first conveying section of a conveying track for a circulating conveyor while positioned transverse to a conveying direction and inclined counter to the conveying direction. The book blocks are then accelerated in an additional section of the circulating conveyor to obtain a larger divisional spacing between the printed products. The book blocks are transferred from the additional section of the circulating conveyor to clamps of a transporter and pivoted to an upright position where one side edge is approximately parallel to the conveying direction. The book blocks are transferred from the clamps of the transporter into respective circulating conveying clamps of an adhesive binder.

Abstract: A manipulator comprises an operation command unit provided with an attitude adjusting unit and an end effector control unit, a connecting unit having one end connected to the operation command unit, a working unit connected to the other end of the connecting unit and provided with an end effector and a support unit supporting the end effector for motions, and a control unit that transmits an operation command provided by the attitude adjusting unit to the support unit to adjust the attitude of the end effector and transmits an operation command provided by the end effector control unit to the end effector to operate the end effector. The support unit includes a first joint capable of turning about a first axis perpendicular to the center axis of the connecting unit, and a second joint capable of turning about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The end effector can be turned for rolling about an axis substantially parallel to the second axis of the second joint.

Abstract: Modular wafer transport and handling facilities are combined in a variety of ways deliver greater levels of flexibility, utility, efficiency, and functionality in a vacuum semiconductor processing system. Various processing and other modules may be interconnected with tunnel-and-cart transportation systems to extend the distance and versatility of the vacuum environment. Other improvements such as bypass thermal adjusters, buffering aligners, batch processing, multifunction modules, low particle vents, cluster processing cells, and the like are incorporated to expand functionality and improve processing efficiency.

Abstract: A modular cluster tool is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a system, comprises a wafer transfer station that includes a first vacuum chamber that stores a plurality of semiconductor wafers. The system also includes an equipment front end module interface, and two or more shuttle lock interfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chucking station apparatus for removing a semiconductor workpiece positioned within a chuck, which includes a retainer member and a support member. The chucking station includes an upper assembly and a lower assembly operably connected to the upper assembly by an actuator assembly. The lower assembly has a receiver that receives the chuck and the workpiece residing between the retainer and support members. When the upper and lower assemblies are in the closed position, a separator element of the lower assembly exerts a force upon an outer periphery of the support member to disengage it from the retainer member. In an open position where the upper and lower assemblies are spaced a distance apart, the support member is disconnected from the retainer member to expose the workpiece. A release assembly of the lower assembly elevates the workpiece to present it for removal from the chucking station.

Abstract: A disk processing apparatus having a plurality of processing units, a plurality of feed stackers, and a plurality of discharge stackers. The plurality of processing units subject label sides of disks to printing, or the like. A disk is fed from a first prior-to-being-printed stacker to the processing unit, and a processed disk is discharged to a first processed stacker. A disk is fed from a second prior-to-being-printed stacker to the other processing unit, and a processed disk is discharged to a second processed stacker. When the other processing unit is anomalous, the disk is fed from the second prior-to-being-printed stacker to the processing unit, and a processed disk is discharged to the second processed stacker, thereby performing substitute processing.

Abstract: A substrate transfer apparatus 100 includes a substrate transport means 4 having a transport base 5 and a plurality of retention arms 41a-41e for retaining substrates W, an optical sensor 62 that is used to define a horizontal optical axis L, an elevator means 52 for moving the transport base 5 up and down, and a height detection means 54 for detecting the height of the transport base 5 relative to the optical axis L. In accordance with a light-reception/no-light-reception detection result fed from the optical sensor 62 and the height of the transport base 5, a judgment means 72a of a control section 7 judges whether the postures of the retention arms 41a-41e relative to the horizontal plane are normal. When the judgment means 72a judges that the postures of the retention arms 41a-41e relative to the horizontal plane are abnormal, the control section 7 exercises control to stop the substrate transport means 4.

Abstract: A bin transporter system is used for moving bins or trays from the exit end of a security checkpoint conveyor to the entrance end of the conveyor. The system includes one or more support stands and a roller assembly attached to the stands. The roller assembly includes an elongate bin guide and roller conveyors attached to the inside of the bin guide. The roller assembly is held in a longitudinally inclined orientation, for gravity-actuated movement of the bin along the bin guide, as facilitated by the roller conveyors. Additionally, when bins are placed in the bin guide against the roller conveyors for movement along the bin guide, the bins lie at a laterally tilted orientation, either generally horizontally or generally vertically. This prevents the bins from falling out the front of the roller assembly, in cases where the bin guide has an open front portion.

Abstract: A flat panel display substrate (FPDS) testing system configured such that prior to testing, the FPDS is loaded into a pallet to prevent breakage, and to provide electrical connections to test pads on the FPDS. The system achieves high throughput by testing FPDSs using one or more charged particle beams simultaneously with the following operations: unloading of already-tested substrates, loading of substrates ready for testing, assembly of pallets, and alignment of electrical contactors to a large number of FPDS test pads. The system design eliminates a prior art X-Y stage, and all moving electrical connections to the FPDS during testing, reducing costs and improving reliability. In one embodiment, the FPDS testing system has three subsystems: a process chamber, loadlock assembly, and pallet elevator; in another embodiment, the functions of loadlock and pallet elevator are combined to reduce system footprint.

Abstract: A charging device for charging a shaft furnace, including a rotary distributor and a variable drive for rotating the rotary distributor about an essentially vertical axis of rotation, where the rotary distributor includes a plurality of guiding members which form sliding channels for charge material, and where the rotary distributor comprises a junction slide from which each guiding member issues and which is arranged such that a flow of charge material slides via one specific guiding member in function of the velocity and/or the sense of rotation of the rotary distributor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle (211) for moving separate pieces of luggage between a luggage depot and an aeroplane, which vehicle comprises a wheeled frame (214), which wheeled frame (214) is provided with conveying means comprising a number of conveying elements disposed above and/or beside one another for conveying separate pieces of luggage between ends of the respective conveying elements with respect to the frame, which vehicle further comprises a bridging conveyor (217) system for conveying pieces of luggage between the respective conveying elements and an aeroplane, wherein the bridging conveyor (217) system comprises a first bridging conveyor as well as a guide system for extending the first bridging conveyor from the vehicle to the aeroplane by means of said guide system, said first bridging conveyor being built up of a number of conveying units which are pivotable relative to each other in at least two perpendicular directions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a warehouse loader that has two extendable platform sections. One of those sections is hinged to a deck that extends to a driving deck where the operator can stand when moving the loader. The other section is hinged to the first section and can be aligned with the first section to create a platform that extends outwardly from the deck and can be accessed by the operator directly from the deck. The illustrated sections are between 12 and 36 inches wide, can support 300 pounds of weight, and weigh less than 40 pounds. The second section may be 1-3 inches narrower than the first section, and arranged so that it folds against one side of the first section. A spring-loaded latch can be arranged to selectively hold the first section in an upright position, with the second section folded against it. A manually-operable positioning hook can be used to selectively engage receptacles in the platform sections, making it easier to fold or unfold the sections.

Abstract: The fork-lift truck comprises a body (11) with one or more directional rear wheels and a mast (12) with a slide (13) sliding and hearing front forks for gripping and supporting the load. According to the invention, the truck comprises an intermediate frame (14), bearing the front wheels (21; 22) and oscillating with respect to the body (11) around a transversal axis (X-X) parallel to the axis (Y-Y) of the front wheels, as well as operating-cylinder means (30) interposed between said frame and said body. Said mast (12) is dismountably fastened to said intermediate frame (14), so as to be made to oscillate integrally with the frame itself around said transversal axis (X-X) by means of said operating-cylinder means (30) to swing forwards and rearwards, with both idle (21) and driving (22) front wheels, whereas it can be easily disassembled and assembled with respect to the intermediate frame (14).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatic folding fork device for forklift trucks. The folding fork device is operated so that forks are rotated upwards and folded by the rotation of a hydraulic motor when a driver driving in a forklift truck easily manipulates a lever or switch, thus allowing the forklift truck to move safely, with the forks in a folded state. Further, this invention is constructed so that external threaded parts, having threads formed in opposite directions, are provided on both sides of the outer circumferential surface of a shaft, and coupling pipes having internal threaded parts corresponding to the external threaded parts are provided, thus allowing an interval between the forks mounted to the coupling pipes to be adjusted, according to the rotating direction of the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A work positioning device has a base and first and second support arms pivotally supported on the base. Each support arm has a primary supporting surface, upon which the object is arranged to be supported, and which is pivotal between an upright position in which the primary supporting surface extends generally upward and a lateral position in which the primary supporting surface extends generally laterally. First and second actuators are coupled between the base and the first and second support arms respectively to displace the first and second support arms between their upright and lateral positions. The arms are located on the base relative to one another such that the primary supporting surfaces confront one another so as to be arranged to clamp the object therebetween when both the first and second support arms are in the upright position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conformal gripping device. In an embodiment of the present invention a conformal gripper device may be disclosed comprising a frame that includes an array of movable pins. The device may also include a roller locking and unlocking system within the frame. The system may comprise a pair of locking rollers for each row of gripper pins to facilitate locking and unlocking the array of gripper pins on a column-by-column basis. The system may also include a striker element that may force the locking rollers to roll along an angled roll surface to facilitate unlocking of the array of pins on a column-by-column basis. The system may further include an electromagnetic actuator or solenoid and permanent magnets to facilitate movement of the striker element and the locking rollers.

Abstract: Modular wafer transport and handling facilities are combined in a variety of ways deliver greater levels of flexibility, utility, efficiency, and functionality in a vacuum semiconductor processing system. Various processing and other modules may be interconnected with tunnel-and-cart transportation systems to extend the distance and versatility of the vacuum environment. Other improvements such as bypass thermal adjusters, buffering aligners, batch processing, multifunction modules, low particle vents, cluster processing cells, and the like are incorporated to expand functionality and improve processing efficiency.

Abstract: Modular wafer transport and handling facilities are combined in a variety of ways deliver greater levels of flexibility, utility, efficiency, and functionality in a vacuum semiconductor processing system. Various processing and other modules may be interconnected with tunnel-and-cart transportation systems to extend the distance and versatility of the vacuum environment. Other improvements such as bypass thermal adjusters, buffering aligners, batch processing, multifunction modules, low particle vents, cluster processing cells, and the like are incorporated to expand functionality and improve processing efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compressor, which is axially flowed through, for a gas turbine having an axially displaceable rotor. An annular flow channel, which narrows in an axial direction, is formed between a rotationally fixed outer delimiting surface and an inner delimiting surface on the rotor. A stationary ring comprised of guide profiles and at least one ring comprised of moving profiles attached to the rotor are placed inside said annular flow channel. The end of each moving or guide blade is located opposite an axial section of one of both delimiting surfaces while forming a radial gap. The aim of the invention is to provide a non-positive-displacement machine having an axially displaceable rotor whose velocity losses are at least not increased during an axial displacement of the rotor.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting and controlling rotating stall in the diffuser region of a compressor. A pressure transducer is placed in the gas flow path downstream of the impeller, preferably in the compressor discharge passage or the diffuser, to measure the sound or acoustic pressure phenomenon. Next, the signal from the pressure transducer is processed either using analog or digital techniques to determine the presence of rotating stall. Rotating stall is detected by comparing the detected energy amount, which detected energy amount is based on the measured acoustic pressure, with a predetermined threshold amount corresponding to the presence of rotating stall. Finally, an appropriate corrective action is taken to change the operation of the compressor in response to the detection of rotating stall.

Abstract: Described is reinforcement of a fan case in a gas turbine jet engine. In one embodiment, a containment ring and a hear resistance ring are shrink interference fit on the inside diameter of the fan case, the containment ring where the large fan blades turn, and the heat resistance ring where heated air from backfiring heats up the fan case. In one example, the containment ring is made of a sue alloy to provide added strength to the fan case should a fan blade break, containing the fan blade within the fan case. Also, the containment ring may extent forward of at least the leading edge of each fan blade and aft of at least the trailing edge of each fan blade. The heat resistance ring is made of titanium or other suitable material. Additionally, one or more stiffener rings may be shrink interference fit on the outside diameter of the fan case.

Abstract: There is provided a compressor (10) and an associated method for controlling a recirculation flow to control surging in the compressor. The compressor includes a housing (12) and a compressor wheel (16) mounted therein. A recirculation passage (41) receives compressed air from the compressor and recirculates the compressed air to an inlet passage (20) of the housing and, in particular, to leading edges (32) of blades (18) of the compressor wheel. An adjustable flow control device (60) is configured to control the flow of the compressed air through the recirculation passage to control a surge characteristic of the compressor. For example, the flow control device can include one or more valves (V1, V2, V3), each of which can be adjusted by an actuator (64).

Abstract: The invention relates to an inter-turbine casing (40) for a turbofan (2), comprising an outer ring (44), an inner ring (54), and an intermediate ring (52) between the inner ring and the outer ring, the inner (54) and intermediate (52) rings having respective openings (540, 520) for the passage of cooling air. The casing is distinguished in that it comprises at least one sealing device (80), arranged between the outer ring (44) and the intermediate ring (52), with a base (82), provided with at least one orifice (90) for the passage of cooling air, and a peripheral skirt (84) which is able to be compressed and expanded elastically, the base (82) bearing against the outer ring (44) and the peripheral skirt (84) bearing against the intermediate ring (52).

Abstract: A pump apparatus for conveying a gas-liquid mixture comprises a first pump (7) for conveying gas with a first pump chamber (28) and a first impeller (33), a second pump (11) for conveying liquid with a second pump chamber (36) and a second impeller (41), and a drive device (2) with a rotary-driveable drive shaft (4) for driving the pumps (7, 1 1), the drive shaft (4) being connected to both impellers (33, 41).

Abstract: There is provided a fan unit including a shutter capable of closing the shutter despite a change in installation direction of the fan unit, an electronic apparatus including such fan unit, a method of opening/closing the fan unit, and the shutter. In the fan unit with the shutter, the shutter is opened and closed in different directions according to the installation direction of the fan unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turbine blade (63, 65) comprising a vane (67, 69) that runs along a blade axis (73, 75) and a platform region (61), which is located at the root of the vane (67, 69) and has a platform (71) that extends transversally to the blade axis (73, 75). The aim of the invention is to configure a delimitation (87) of a flow channel (5) of a gas turbine (1) in the simplest possible manner. To achieve this, the platform (71) is configured by an elastic sheet metal part (77, 79) that rests on the vane (67, 69). Said part leads to a gas turbine (1) comprising a flow conduit (5) that runs along an axis (3) of the gas turbine (1), said conduit having an annular cross-section for a working medium (M) and a second (9, 13) vane stage (7, 9, 11, 13) that is situated downstream of a first (7, 11) vane stage, which runs along the axis (3).

Abstract: A Mixer/Ejector Wind Turbine (“MEWT”) system is disclosed which routinely exceeds the efficiencies of prior wind turbines. In the preferred embodiment, Applicants' MEWT incorporates advanced flow mixing technology, single and multi-stage ejector technology, aircraft and propulsion aerodynamics and noise abatement technologies in a unique manner to fluid-dynamically improve the operational effectiveness and efficiency of wind turbines, so that its operating efficiency routinely exceeds the Betz limit. Applicants' preferred MEWT embodiment comprises: an aerodynamically contoured turbine shroud with an inlet; a ring of stator vanes; a ring of rotating blades (i.e., an impeller) in line with the stator vanes; and a mixer/ejector pump to increase the flow volume through the turbine while rapidly mixing the low energy turbine exit flow with high energy bypass wind flow.

Abstract: A dryer blower for carwash facilities comprising a volute housing for an impeller having an axial intake and a tangential air outlet. The volute housing is characterized by a spiral channel of increasing cross-sectional area as a result of an increasing width and substantially constant radial dimension. The spiral housing terminates in a long, narrow output to create an air knife which effectively strips water from the surfaces of a just washed vehicle. The housing can be asymmetric or symmetric and housings can be arranged in side by side tandem to create additional length in the air outlet.

Abstract: A compressor comprises an impeller (1) provided with a plurality of radial blades (4). The impeller (1) has an inducer diameter defined by the outer diameter of front edges (5) of the blades (4), and an outer diameter defined by the outer diameter of the blade tips (6). Each blade (4) is backswept relative to the direction of rotation of the impeller (1) with an angle of backsweep in the range 45° to 55°. The ratio of the impeller inducer diameter to the impeller outer diameter is in the range 0.59 to 0.63. The ratio of the compressor diffuser outlet diameter to the impeller outer diameter is between 1.4 and 1.55.

Abstract: A turbomachine, includes an annular flow duct, which downstream of at least one stage, is divided into an outer annular bypass duct and an inner annular core-flow duct via a concentrically arranged splitter, wherein the splitter is designed as an intermediate casing with at least one inner volume, through which fluid may be returned between core-flow stages.

Abstract: A fan frame of a fan includes a main body, a base and at least one connecting element. The main body has at least one mounting portion and at least one auxiliary passage, which are not communicated with each other. A main passage is disposed in the main body, and the auxiliary passage is obliquely communicated with the main passage from the upper part of the main body. The base is disposed in the central portion of the main body. The connecting element is disposed between the main body and the base. A fan including such fan frame is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved design for turbomachinery, such as blowers and compressors, for providing pressurized process gas. The improved design comprises two housing portions that fit together to form an interior cavity in which a preassembled rotating assembly may be installed and balanced. Each housing portion includes an interior compartment designed and shaped to correspond to desired positions of components of the rotating assembly. After the preassembled rotating assembly is seated within the interior compartment of the lower housing portion and balanced, the upper housing portion can be fitted to the lower housing portion to complete the machine housing and encompass and hold the rotating assembly in place without the need to remove or disassemble the rotating assembly. A collector cover can thereafter be attached to the assembled machine housing to enclose an impeller operatively mounted on a rotating shaft of the rotating assembly.

Abstract: A shroud segment of a turbine shroud of a gas turbine engine comprises a platform with front and rear legs. The platform defines a plurality of axially extending holes with individual inlets on an outer surface of the platform for transpiration cooling of the platform of the turbine shroud segment.

Abstract: Here is disclosed an elongate style portable mechanical fan device having an elongate body handle portion including a four blade fan device mounted on the top end of the body portion. The elongate handle portion is designed with a spring loaded grip for mechanical squeeze operation. A twist top scent canister is mounted on center at the top of the four blade fan device. A further embodiment contemplates that scent drops may be added to a mini sponge located in this scent canister or a scent stick may be added in place of the mini sponge, so that the rotating fan blades will disseminate the scent emanating from the scent canister.

Abstract: A support system for at least one water drivable turbine (1) that when in operation is immersed in a column of flowing water, characterized in that the system includes a deck or raft (3) for supporting said at least one turbine when immersed, the deck or raft (3) having an inherent buoyancy which is such as to enable the deck or raft (3) to rise through the column of water upon reduction of the buoyancy, the arrangement being such that the associated turbine or turbines (1) can be raised above the surface of said column in order to access the turbine for maintenance purposes.

Abstract: A blade assembly for a horizontal-axis wind turbine includes a hub, and a plurality of detachable blade units each mounted on a periphery of the hub and each including a plurality of blades detachably connected with each other by a plurality of connecting devices. Thus, the blade assembly comprises a hub and a plurality of detachable blade units so that all parts of the blade assembly are detachable to reduce the whole volume of the blade assembly before assembly, thereby facilitating packaging, storage and transportation of the blade assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an impeller device (10) for centrifugal fans (1), comprising a centre wheel (40), at least one side disc (20, 30) and fan blades (50). The invention is characterised in that the centre wheel (40) and the side disc(s) (20, 30) are equipped with attachment devices (24, 44) for attaching the blades and the centre wheel's (40) attachment device (44) comprises a protrusion (45) extending substantially in the centre wheel's radial direction and arranged to abut against the second side end (54) in the fan blades (50).

Abstract: A turbomachine blade row is provided having a hub that includes a non-axisymmetric end wall modified by a transformation function. The blade row further includes a circumferential row of a plurality of airfoil members radially extending from the non-axisymmetric end wall of the hub and forming a plurality of sectoral passages there between. A radius of the non-axisymmetric end wall is determined by a transformation function including a plurality of geometric parameters defined by a user based on flow conditions. The plurality of geometric parameters provide for modification of the end wall in both an axial and a tangential direction to includes a plurality of concave profiled regions and convex profiled regions.

Abstract: A rotary assembly for a turbomachine fan comprises: a disk rotatable about an axis; a plurality of blades fastened by their roots to said disk and extending radially outwards from said disk; and a plurality of inter-blade platforms, each extending between two adjacent blades and defining the inner profile for the flow section of the fluid passing through the fan. On their facing side faces, these adjacent blades present slides between which said platform can slide, these slides limiting outward radial movement of said platform.