Abstract: The bearing assembly includes an annular bearing in which the shaft is disposed and a support structure for supporting the bearing. The bearing support is mounted about and radially supports the bearing. The bearing support at least in part defines a squeeze film annulus of the bearing assembly. A plurality of centering elements is associated with the bearing and bearing support and act to center the bearing within the squeeze film annulus. The centering elements are provided at radially spaced locations around the bearing. The centering elements may also be cylinder springs provided at uniformly spaced locations around the bearing. The centering elements may additionally be load cell springs provided at uniformly spaced locations around the bearing. In an alternative embodiment, a singular annular wave spring may be provided in place of the plurality of centering elements.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing includes a bearing member (30) axially defining an inner bearing hole therein, and a spindle shaft (20) rotatably received in the bearing hole with a bearing clearance formed between an inner periphery of the bearing member and an outer periphery of the spindle shaft. Lubricant is filled in the bearing clearance. One of the inner periphery and the outer periphery comprises a bearing surface (10) with channels formed therein. The channels form a plurality of outer communication ends (1316b) at opposite sides of the bearing surface in the axial direction of the bearing member.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing device including a sleeve (1), a shaft (2), and oil (100). With respect to the sleeve (1), a stepped portion (1b) provided at one end and an inner peripheral face (1e) extending linearly in the axial direction and continuously with the stepped portion (1b) are formed by a working method that involves the use of a metal mold. The shaft (2) is inserted so as to be capable of relative rotation with respect to the inner peripheral face (1e) of the sleeve (1). The oil fills the space formed between the inner peripheral face of the sleeve and the outer peripheral face of the shaft. Dynamic pressure generation grooves (9a and 9b), which open in the axial direction at at least one end in the axial direction of the inner peripheral face (1e) and are continuous in the axial direction from one end, are formed in the inner peripheral face.

Abstract: While applying an ultrasonic vibration to a housing 7 and/or a bearing sleeve 8, the outer peripheral surface 8d of the bearing sleeve 8 is press-fitted into the inner peripheral surface 7c of the housing 7 with a predetermined interference, and is welded thereto. During the press-fitting, the region of the inner peripheral surface 7c of the housing 7 coming into contact with the bearing sleeve 8 is melted or softened by the action of the ultrasonic vibration, so that, as compared with a case in which only press-fitting is conducted, the requisite press-fitting force at the time of press-fitting can be substantially reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spindle motor having a fluid dynamic bearing system used particularly for driving the storage disks of hard disk drives, having a baseplate, a stationary bearing bush disposed in an opening in the baseplate, a shaft rotatably supported in an axial bore in the bearing bush by means of the fluid dynamic bearing system, a hub connected to the shaft, and an electromagnetic drive system. In order to increase the stiffness of the motor system, according to the invention the bearing bush is provided with a flange that is fixed in the opening in the baseplate and whose outside diameter is distinctly larger than the outside diameter of the bearing bush. Instead of a flange at the outer diameter of the bearing bush there can be provided a sleeve at the base plate which receives the bearing bush at least partly.

Abstract: An oil scavenge system includes a tangential scavenge scoop and a settling area adjacent thereto which separately communicate with a duct which feeds oil into an oil flow path and back to an oil sump. A shield is mounted over the settling area to at least partially shield the collecting liquid oil from interfacial shear. A multiple of apertures are located through the shield to permit oil flow through the shield and into the duct. The scavenge scoop forms a partition which separates the duct into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion processes upstream air/oil mixture that is captured by the tangential scoop while the second portion receives the oil collected in the settling area.

Abstract: A sealing device for a bearing of the hub of a motor vehicle wheel comprising a stationary race (1) and a rotatable race (2), each defining respective channels (6, 7) for the passage of pressurized air. The sealing device (20) is to be mounted between the rotatable race and the stationary race in order to delimit laterally and hermetically seal an annular space or chamber (14) defined between the bearing races (1, 2) and communicating with the channels (6, 7). The sealing device (20) comprises two sealing units (9) axially facing one another. Each sealing unit (9) comprises an annular reinforcement (10) having an axial cylindrical wall (10a) for mounting to a first bearing race (1) and a radial wall (10b) for reinforcing a flexible gasket (11). The two sealing units (9) are coupled by means of an annular element (21) having a plurality of radial air passages (22).

Abstract: The thrust bearing housing comprises two opposite annular end members and a cone member extending between the two end members. The cone member is connected to each end member at a circular junction, each circular junction having a medial line which borders a respective end of a virtual conical plane. At least a major portion of the cone member is provided inside the virtual conical plane.

Abstract: A multi channel connector includes a first connector housing and a mating second connector housing. The first connector housing includes a plurality of first termini, each first terminus resting upon a respective bench or within a respective channel. The second connector housing loosely holds a plurality of second termini. In a first embodiment, a biasing member is disposed in the first connector housing and when the first and second housings are mated, the biasing member engages the plurality of second termini to press the second termini onto engagement with respective benches within the first housing to thereby ensure accurate end-to-end alignments between the plurality of first termini and the plurality of second termini. In a second embodiment, chamfers are formed at openings to the respective channels and beveled outer edges are formed at tip ends of the second termini to guide the second termini into respective channels, when the first and second connector housings are mated.

Abstract: An optical component is improved in workability during assembly operation thereof and makes it possible to easily position an optical fiber. A first ferrule is press-fitted into one end of a central hole of a connecting member, and a second ferrule is press-fitted into the other end of the central hole of the connecting member. An optical fiber is inserted through the first and second ferrules. A coating which coats an intermediate portion of the optical fiber of an optical fiber cord is accommodated in a communicating portion of the central hole of the connecting member in a manner such that the coating is brought into abutment with the first and second ferrules.

Abstract: in general, in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a low-loss interface for connecting an integrated circuit such as a monolithic microwave integrated circuit to an energy transmission device such as a waveguide is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the interface comprises a pin seated within an assembly that forms a hermetic sealed, coaxial structure to prevent signal loss at increasing frequencies.

Abstract: A segment of optical fiber is engaged with a fiber groove on a device substrate, which positions the fiber segment for optical coupling with an optical component on the substrate. A fiber retainer maintains the fiber segment in engagement with the groove. The fiber retainer may be secured to the substrate with adhesive means. The adhesive means forms at least one retaining member that at least partially fills at least one recessed region formed on the device substrate or on the fiber retainer. That recessed region is spatially separate from the fiber groove and from an area of the fiber retainer engaged with the fiber.

Abstract: A method of assembling an optical device comprising an optical ferrule (1) is provided, according to which said one optical ferrule (1) is secured to a first substrate (3) so as to form an optical subassembly (13); the method further comprises providing a second substrate (9) comprising a main surface (9a) and at least one groove (9b) extending from said main surface to a predefined depth and securing said optical subassembly (13) to said second substrate (9) in such a way that said at least one optical ferrule (1) is at least partially received into said at least one groove (9b). There is further provided an optical device assembled according to this method.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical connector for connecting a user circuit to an optical backplane, in use the connector being adapted for mounting on a user circuit. The connector comprises an active or passive photonic interface through which optical signals may be transmitted and received between a user circuit and a said optical backplane. The connector further is comprised of a primary aligner for engagement with a corresponding aligner on a backplane to ensure alignment of the optical interface with the backplane, and a support for supporting the aligner and/or the optical interface on the connector. The support is selected to enable relative movement between a user circuit to which the connector is connected in use and the aligner and/or the optical interface. The support is preferably a flexible printed circuit board.

Abstract: A transceiver module is configured for insertion within a cage. The cage has a cage latch that retains the transceiver module in the cage. The transceiver module has a housing configured to receive any one of at least two different release mechanisms. Each of the release mechanisms is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the cage latch is not deflected when the release mechanism is in the first position, and wherein the cage latch is deflected when the release mechanism is in the second position such that the transceiver module can be removed from the cage.

Abstract: An optical module includes a light source, a variable transmittance member disposed on a light path of output light from the light source distant from the light source, and a coupling section for coupling the output light from the light source via the variable transmittance member, wherein coupling efficiency as a ratio between intensity of the light from the light source and intensity of light to be coupled to the coupling section rises in conjunction with a rise in temperature.

Abstract: A communications device may include a connector block. The connector block may include a port. The port may be sized and configured to couple an optical fiber plug. The communications device may include an optical subassembly that may be connected to the connector block. The connector block may include a mount. The mount may be sized and configured to align the connector block and the optical subassembly. The mount may be configured as an EMI shield.

Abstract: An optical transceiver using an optical waveguide holding member is disclosed. The optical transceiver includes a printed circuit board and the optical waveguide holding member. Photoelectric conversion elements are formed in the printed circuit board. An optical waveguide including core members is formed in the optical waveguide holding member. The optical waveguide optically connects the photoelectric conversion elements to external optical fibers. An element side lens is formed at one end of the core member so as to face a light receiving and emitting section of the photoelectric conversion element. Flanges are formed on the corresponding side walls of the optical waveguide holding member. The fixed centers of the flanges and optical centers of the element side lenses are arrayed on the same straight line.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus includes an optical member that bends and changes the optical path of the incident light; a first lens group, that is driven to retract at least partially inside the image sensing apparatus when a picture is not to be taken and to be projected outside the image sensing apparatus and toward the subject when a picture is to be taken; and a second lens group, as well as a lens barrier for protecting the first lens group when said first lens group is retracted inside the image sensing apparatus. The optical member moves to a position where the optical path of the optical image of the subject, which is incident via the first lens group, is changed to the direction of the second lens group when a picture is to be taken, and moves to a position where it is withdrawn from this area when a picture is not to be taken.

Abstract: A light shielding device of a lens includes a movable barrel; an outer member positioned around the movable barrel; and a light shield ring for preventing ambient light entering the lens through a clearance between the movable barrel and the outer member, the light shield ring having a center opening through which the movable barrel is movably fitted and a self-centering annular portion around the center opening. The self-centering annular portion is in contact with an outer surface of the movable barrel and is bent by, and along, the outer cylindrical surface of the movable barrel. The light shield ring is biased against an annular part of the outer member by a biasing member, so that the light shielding ring is movable in a radial direction when a radial force is applied to the light shielding ring via the movable barrel and the self-centering annular portion.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes an electronic component provided in the lens barrel so that a position of the electronic component in the lens barrel is adjustable; a flexible printed wiring board connected to the electronic component and installed to extend along a surface of an internal component of the lens barrel in a direction to adjust the position of the electronic component; and a low-repulsion layer interposed between the surface of the internal component and a surface of the flexible printed wiring board which faces the surface of the internal component.

Abstract: A light quantity adjusting device includes a substrate having an optical path aperture, a blade located on the substrate to adjust the quantity of light passing through the optical path aperture, and an electromagnetic driver that drivingly opens and closes the blade. The electromagnetic driver includes a rotor shaft, an exciting coil, and a frame that rotatably bears the rotor shaft. The rotor shaft includes a pointed first shaft end and a cylindrical second shaft end. The frame has a conical bearing recess that supports the first shaft end and a cylindrical bearing hole that supports the second shaft end. The electromagnetic driver is located so that the first shaft end of the rotor shaft is closer to the substrate than the second shaft end. An arm is coupled to the first shaft end of the rotor shaft to transmit an opening and closing driving force to the blade.

Abstract: A camera system includes a lens unit and a camera body to which the lens unit is detachably attached. The lens unit has a photographing lens, an imaging device which receives light transmitted through the photographing lens, and a lens-side connecting terminal for electric connection. The camera body has a camera-side connecting terminal which is connectable to the lens-side connecting terminal, and a movable member which is movable between a first position that is close to the camera-side connecting terminal and a second position that is far from the camera-side connecting terminal. The camera-side connecting terminal is shut in the camera body when the movable member is in the first position, and the lens unit can be attached when the movable member is in the second position.

Abstract: An interchangeable lens (1) with a locking device (2, 2?) for system cameras is described, wherein an orientation marking (4) for mounting the locking device (2, 2?) on the camera is provided at the end of the lens housing (3) facing the camera, and the contact surface (6) of the locking device (2, 2?) has a latching depression (8) at a distance from the orientation marking (4) counter to the direction (7) of rotation of the locking operation and the contact surface (6) contains at least two, preferably six, surface areas (10) which are situated next to one another in an isolated fashion at a distance from the latching depression (8) counter to the direction (7) of rotation within an angle segment of from 100° to 160°, preferably 110° to 150°, and can be detected individually by optical means.

Abstract: A data display method of a data display apparatus includes displaying a cursor for scrolling the preview display on an input character display region having an ink character region and a Braille character region while moving the displayed cursor; and previewing the label image on the basis of a cursor position of the cursor. The previewing of the label image previews the label image to display an image of the ink character indicated by the cursor positioned in a predetermined position of the preview region when the cursor is positioned on the ink character notation, and previews the label image to display an image of the Braille characters indicated by the cursor or an image of the Braille character corresponding to a translation of the Braille characters into the ink characters positioned in a predetermined position of the preview region when the cursor is positioned on the Braille character notation.

Abstract: A system automatically cuts recording media into non-standard sizes and shapes. The system includes a support for supporting recording media, a feeder mechanism for transporting recording media onto the support, a cutting head having at least one cutting member, and a controller for actuating reciprocation of the cutting member so that the reciprocating cutting member cooperates with the support to pierce the recording media. The cutting head and feeder mechanism are controlled so that the cutting head is moved to positions for cutting the recording media as the recording media is advanced on the support.

Abstract: In a printer for printing a rolled printing paper, a front panel is attached to a frame that houses a print unit and a paper holder unit. When the front panel is opened, the print unit and the paper holder unit project on the front side of the frame in association with the action of the front panel.

Abstract: An improved method of edge-to-edge printing on media in a printer having a printhead disposed above an ink trough, the ink trough has a plurality of sections formed by a plurality of trough support ribs within the ink trough, comprises indexing a leading edge of media to a first position over a first trough section, selectively operating printhead jets which are positioned above the media to inhibit ink contamination of exposed support ribs, indexing the media leading edge to one of a second position within the first trough section or a position within a second trough section.

Abstract: An applicator comprises an applicator tip fixed to a housing. Contained within the housing is a flowable hydrophobic composition of a metal silicon complex. The hydrophobic composition is applied to a surface by rubbing the applicator tip across the surface.

Abstract: A toothbrush has a toothbrush head, a toothbrush bar and a toothpaste container. The toothpaste container is a gas-filled container, and a gas nipple is provided at the bottom of the toothpaste container. A pipe channel is provided in the toothbrush bar, the toothpaste container is communicated with the toothbrush head through the pipe channel via a valve. The toothbrush bar is hinged to the toothpaste container by a spherical hinged joint formed by the end of the toothbrush bar. The spherical hinged joint controls the valve to discharge toothpaste in the toothpaste container into the pipe channel and the toothbrush head. The invention is convenient especially for children, the elder, the blind and the disabled.

Abstract: A coupler system which changes the relationship of two or more rotating shade tubes is disclosed. The invention enables the installer to compensate for the height of the hembar by rotating the tube forward or backward any desired number of degrees. The coupler includes a cam which is adjusted by opposing set screws. The cam may be rotated by about 15 degrees in each direction. Adjusting the cam adjusts the second tube without adjusting the first tube (e.g., the drive or motor end tube). The adjustment device is configured to rotate the cam which, in turn, rotates the second tube to align a second hem bar hanging from the second tube with a first hem bar hanging from the first tube. The adjustments may be accomplished with minimal or no removal or adjustment of the other shades, and with minimal friction on the aligned shade.

Abstract: A roadway safety warning device, preferably in the form of a continuous, integrated, prefabricated, plastic, raised rumble strip (IPPRRS), preferably pigmented to serve as edge lines as well as a continuous shoulder rumble strip (CSRS), for roadways, including but not limited to highways, county roads, and streets. It is preferably provided as a strip which has a series of first areas and second areas, the first areas having a first height, the second areas having a second height, and the second height being different than the first height. The first and second areas extend substantially across the width of the strip. The first and second areas alternate substantially along the length of the strip. The strip is made of an abrasion-resistant material and bonded to the pavement. The devise warns the driver of the vehicle riding on it.

Abstract: The present invention involves an apparatus, namely a reef, used to transform ocean wave energy into preferred surfing waves. The reef is comprised of a hull having a substantially flat top surface with a vertically convex shape that preferably creates about a seventy degree tangential bow angle with the ocean surface. The bottom portion is tri-hull shaped and includes two side hulls and a center hull. The preferred embodiment is connected to a master vessel by control arms. The control arms can control the depth of the reef in water, thus controlling the wave characteristics. The control arms can also provide a ducting means for ballast pumps on the master vessel. In an alternative embodiment, the reef can be self-supporting in water. A single reef or a multiple reef configuration can be placed near shore to help prevent beach erosion by wave action, and or cause beach sand to accumulate. Several reefs can be connected for longer-lasting waves.

Abstract: A plow blade having a fluid passageway and points of fluid ejection is produced with basic manufacturing processes allowing for efficient production. The blade construction has a multiple component assembly for providing the ability to rebuild a blade and replacing a portion of the blade that may be worn. In another aspect of the invention a process of ejecting a specific fluid at specific points along a plow blade the desirable characteristics are maximized, while the volume of ejected fluid is minimized. This method is adaptable in static plowing and vibratory plowing utilities since lubricating the sides of the blade/chute that come into contact with the ground with fluid has been found to greatly reduce the amount of drag (friction).

Abstract: Cable bolt assemblies including tension cylinders and tension nuts, alone or in combination with cables and roof bearing plates, for use in underground mines to support mine roofs, are disclosed herein, as well as methods of securing roof cables to and within a mine roof for superior and immediate support. The cables have a first end securable within a borehole in a roof, a second end for exposure from the borehole, and a weight bearing nut secured to the second end. The tension cylinder accommodates, yet is not affixed to, the cable, and includes a threaded exterior surface and an interior cable-accommodating channel. The tension nut has a threaded interior surface complementary to the threaded exterior surface of the tension cylinder, and is rotatable about the tension cylinder.

Abstract: A cylindrical cutter is disclosed of the type that includes a milling body rotatable around a geometrical axis having an envelope surface extending rearward from a end, in which surface a plurality of tangentially spaced flutes are formed, which separately includes a plurality of axially spaced-part insert pockets for releasably mounted cutting inserts, the active edges of which are partially overlapping each other, more precisely in imaginary, radially extending overlapping planes.

Abstract: A cutting insert assembly for use in chipforming and material removal wherein the cutting insert assembly is received in a pocket of a cutter body wherein coolant can flow out of a pocket opening contained in the pocket. The cutting insert assembly includes a cutting insert body that presents at least two discrete cutting locations. The cutting insert body contains a coolant entry passage aligned with the pocket opening for coolant to flow through the coolant entry passage. The cutting insert body has a rake surface that contains at least two of the discrete depressions wherein each one of the discrete depressions corresponds to one of the cutting locations. Each one of the discrete depressions extends toward its corresponding cutting location. The assembly includes a diverter that is positioned adjacent to the cutting insert body wherein the diverter has a receiving opening aligned with the coolant entry passage to receive coolant through the coolant entry passage.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for clamping a product to allow drilling and/or cutting of the product by a drilling or cutting assembly, the clamping assembly including control means, activation means, moving means and clamp foot means being operatively connected whereby the control means controls the activation means to control the torque and distance moved on the activation means and moving means such that any movement of the drilling or cutting or clamp assembly relative to each other can be controlled such that the depth of and timing of drilling or cutting and or clamping by the drilling or cutting or clamping assembly can be adjusted accordingly such that if the product being clamped by the clamp foot means is moved during any additional forces that occur during drilling or cutting, then the control means can compensate and ensure the drilling or cutting depth is maintained.

Abstract: A pipe ferrule removal tool apparatus includes a housing that has a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter wall extending between the top and bottom sides. The top side has an opening extending therein and outwardly of the bottom side. A receiving aperture extends into the perimeter wall and intersects the opening. A pipe is extendable into the receiving aperture and a ferrule positioned on the pipe is alignable with the opening. A cutting member is mounted in the opening. The cutting member includes an elongated rod with a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end comprises a bit abutted against the ferrule when the pipe is positioned in the receiving aperture. The top end extends upwardly out of the top side. A drill is engaged with the top end of the rod and turned on to rotate the rod and cut the ferrule.

Abstract: A cutting tool for a power tool. The cutting tool can include a tool body having a first end and a second end and an axis extending therebetween. The second end of the tool body can be engageable with the power tool. A feed screw can be supported in the tool body and can extend outwardly beyond the first end to engage a workpiece. A cutting blade can be removably supported in the tool body for engaging the workpiece.

Abstract: A tool shank and a replaceable cutting insert are provided for a rotary cutting tool assembly. The tool shank has a drive surface including a central portion, a first portion of generally planar shape extending away from the central portion and a second portion of generally planar shape extending away from the central portion in a direction generally transverse to a central axis of the tool shank. The replaceable cutting insert has a driven surface including another central portion, a first portion of generally planar shape extending away from the other central portion and a second portion of generally planar shape extending away from the other central portion in a direction generally transverse to a central axis of the insert. The central portion of the driven surface has a curved surface transitioning between the first portion and the second portion of the driven surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machining apparatus (1) having a frame (2) for the machining of a workpiece (3) that has a tool holder (4) that is mounted such that it can be shifted in a straight line in three axial directions (x, y, z) relative to a workpiece support (5) that is mounted beneath the tool holder (4), the workpiece support (5) being designed such that it can swivel the workpiece (3) about at least one axis (A, B). For improving the applicability of the machining apparatus, this machining apparatus according to the invention is characterized by a workpiece-holding table (6) that is designed such that it bridges the workpiece support (5) and can thus be firmly attached to the frame (2).

Abstract: A roof stowage system includes a support having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The second end is pivotably coupled, at least indirectly, to the roof. A lift is coupled to the support and operable to selectively cause the support to pivot between a first position and a second position. The support is generally parallel with and adjacent to the roof when in the first position. The first end of the support is generally adjacent to a floor when in the second position.

Abstract: A lock nut system includes a molded nut having a plurality of teeth and a molded keeper having a plurality of keeper teeth engageable with the plurality of teeth to inhibit movement of the keeper relative to the nut when the plurality of teeth engages the plurality of keeper teeth. The keeper has a radially inner side configured to engage a shaft to inhibit rotational movement of the nut relative to the shaft when the plurality of teeth engages the plurality of keeper teeth.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle with a front blade for clearing roads and a rear mounted crane to set and rig a utility pole in remote locations. The front blade is configured with mounts to carry an auger. A cradle on the front blade and on an outrigger of the crane is used to transport a pole. The vehicle is configured to carry all necessary accessories to the site including a pole grapple, a collapsible personnel bucket, and a water supply for cutting and/or compacting the hole. The crane folds to a compact configuration behind the cab of the tracked vehicle and, when extended, can access poles up to 85 feet tall. The crane can be operated by remote control for safe operation near energized lines or when positioned on steep terrain. The crane can be removed from the vehicle in the field for unencumbered use of the tracked vehicle and blade.

Abstract: A trailer apparatus configured to be pulled behind a first vehicle includes a first or larger trailer and a second or smaller trailer. The first or larger trailer is configured to be pulled behind the first vehicle. The second or smaller trailer is configured to fit into the first trailer. The first or larger trailer can be used to haul a smaller vehicle, such as an ATV, snowmobile or other recreational vehicle, and the second trailer can be removed from the first trailer so that it can be towed behind the smaller vehicle as a stand-alone trailer. The second trailer can also be configured to form a ramp for the first trailer to aid in loading the first trailer.

Abstract: A control apparatus for material handling vehicle, the control apparatus having an operator control moveable in a first direction. A first actuator controls a first part of the material handling vehicle and a second actuator controls a second part of material handling vehicle. The control apparatus includes a mechanical link moveable between a first position to connect the operator control to the first actuator and a second position to connect the operator control to the second actuator such that movement of the operator control in the first direction causes selective operation of the first actuator or the second actuator.

Abstract: A combination pipe kicker/indexer for attachment to a pipe launcher is provided. The pipe kicker includes an articulated arm that is operated by a rotating shaft. The arm has a kicker head that rises up from a frame and moves towards a pipe located in the trough of the pipe launcher. Continued rotation of the shaft causes the kicker head to push the pipe out of the trough. Reversing the shaft rotation retracts the kicker arm into its frame. The indexer includes a plate having two eccentric cam openings and a cam rotatably mounted therein. Rotation of the cams causes either end of the indexer plate to rise up from the frame and urge a section of pipe towards the pipe launcher trough.

Abstract: A turbine stage of a gas turbine engine is surrounded by a ring of liner segments. The liner segments can be moved radially in unison towards and away from the tips or fins of blades, by rotation of a connected unison ring, so as to avoid blade fin rub. Alternatively, the segments can be moved in a common direction by bodily movement of the connected unison ring so as to avoid blade fin rub during off axis rotation of the turbine stage.

Abstract: A method for assembling a gas or steam turbine is provided. The method includes providing an insulator and positioning the insulator between a vane support and a vane such that the insulator facilitates preventing hot gas migration into the vane, and such that during operation, hot gas is channeled from a high pressure side of the vane to a low pressure side of the vane. A vane assembly for a turbine rotor assembly is also provided. The vane assembly includes a vane support and an insulator including a projecting portion. The assembly also includes a vane. The insulator is coupled to the vane support such that the projecting portion is between the vane and a nozzle support strut to facilitate hot gas flow from a pressure side of the projecting portion to a suction side of the projecting portion.