Abstract: The present invention relates to a thread clamping device including a plurality of movable nut segments around a threaded rod, and spring members flexibly holding the segments against the rod. The thread clamping device has a structure adapted to accommodate substantially planar outer surfaces of the segments engaging planar surfaces of the end housing of the device, leading to a more robust device and improved performance. Such a thread clamping device can advantageously be used as a component of a self-adjusting shrinkage compensation device, a coupler for threaded rods, hold-downs, among other uses. Various embodiments of the thread clamping device include a multi nut configuration, a quick release, and including mechanical or magnetic clip attachments.

Abstract: A screw head that has a centre slot and intrusions positioned in a circular configuration around the center slot of the screw head such that a screw driver bit mates with these intrusions and does not slip out of the screw head centre slot during the screw driving process and does not get released from the screw head due to movement pressure until it is consciously removed from the screw head. This reduces the torque needed to be applied to turn and drive in the screw head.

Abstract: A planar sheet mounting device comprising: a frame unit; at least one retaining unit connected to the frame unit, wherein the at least one retaining device comprises: a first plurality of formed segment pairs, wherein a formed segment pair comprises a first formed segment disposed on a second formed segment, wherein the second formed segment is substantially identical to the first formed segment, wherein the first formed segment is oriented in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the second formed segment, whereby a planar sheet is retained when interposed between the first formed segment the second formed segment; a holder, wherein the first plurality of formed segment pairs are coupled to holder at least one point on each formed segment pair of the first plurality of formed segment pairs, and wherein the first plurality of formed segment pairs are oriented adjacent to each other; an affixant coupled to the holder for removably affixing the first plurality of formed segment pairs and the frame unit

Abstract: A bookbinding apparatus including an adhesive reservoir for storing melted adhesive, a heating member for heating and melting the adhesive stored in the adhesive reservoir, an adhesive coating member for coating a sheet bundle with the adhesive stored in the adhesive reservoir, and an adhesive deterioration detecting device for detecting a state of deterioration of the melted adhesive.

Abstract: A floor member is formed by a seat support platform on a rear side and a footrest area located on a front side of the seat support platform, and a cab box is formed by a front panel, a rear panel, a left front side panel, a left rear side panel, a right side panel, and a top panel. A right reinforcing panel is provided at a right side position of the floor member and rises upwardly of the footrest area. The right side panel of the cab box corresponding to this right reinforcing panel is provided with a notched portion for avoiding interference with the right reinforcing panel. Accordingly, since the strength at the right side position of the floor member can be enhanced by the right reinforcing panel, it is possible to prevent deformation such as torsion and distortion when the floor member is tilted up.

Abstract: A method adapted to transfer a sample container such as a capped sample tube is disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes gripping a sample tube body with a first gripper pair and a cap with a second gripper pair of a gripper apparatus. In another aspect, a seating member may contact the cap to aid in the positioning of the sample container. Apparatus and systems for carrying out the method are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for presenting a product to a manipulator, comprising a transfer location provided with a number of mutually parallel first support elements, each having an elongated horizontal first support edge, and a number of strip-shaped second support elements extending parallel to each other and perpendicular to said first support elements, each having an elongated horizontal second support edge, wherein the first support elements on the one hand and the second support elements on the other hand can move vertically up and down relative to each other. This way spaces can be made between the first support elements and between the second support elements respectively, in which spaces finger means of a manipulator can be inserted for picking up a product. The invention further provides a system and a method for automated loading of a carrier.

Abstract: A pallet or cart which can be coupled to a similar pallet or cart in a side by side relationship is disclosed. The pallet or cart, at its one or right side, has coupling means at the top and bottom, which cooperate with associated coupling means on the top and bottom of the opposite or left side of an adjacent pallet or cart. The coupling means and associated coupling means can be connected to connect the two pallets or carts together to make them capable of being moved together, and even be lifted together by a standard lift truck or fork lift or a standard pallet jack. The coupling means are also releasable so that, when necessary, each pallet or cart may be used as would be a single pallet or cart. The pallet or cart may have one or more foldable shelves therein.

Abstract: A transportable apparatus may include a bin having a first end, a second end, and a wall connecting the first end and the second end; a frame configured to support the bin in a transport position; and a base configured to support the bin in a working position. At least a portion of the wall may have a non-circular curved cross-section having a major dimension and a minor dimension. A method may include providing a transportable apparatus, moving a bin of the transportable apparatus from a transport position to a working position, and providing material within the bin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting clamp comprising a frame, a first clamping part, rotatably connected to the frame and provided with a first gripping surface, a second clamping part, coupled and/or connected to the frame, provided with a second gripping surface, and arranged with respect to the first clamping part so as to clamp an object between the second gripping surface and the first gripping surface, an operating arm, connected to the first clamping part in order to rotate said first clamping part under the effect of an operating force, a lifting eye, connected to the operating arm, in which the lifting eye is pivotably coupled to the operating arm by means of an arm in order to exert the operating force on the operating arm under the effect of a hoisting force on the lifting eye which is at an angle of 90-180 degrees with respect to the direction of the operating force.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine blade containment arrangement comprises a casing, a first layer of cellular material arranged within the casing, a septum layer within the first layer of cellular material, a second layer of cellular material within the septum layer, a strong and ductile layer within the second layer of cellular material and a layer of abradable material within the strong and ductile layer.

Abstract: A cylindrical wind-turbine has an intake opening set in a known direction of oncoming wind (such as towards the direction of an expected oncoming train). A central plunger acts as a valve to regulate airflow, and may seal the intake opening. Exit valves are situated near the rear of the device and/or at the rear in embodiments of the disclosed technology. The intake opening and exit valves may be opened or closed depending on readings from wind and water sensors. Generally speaking, when there is sufficient wind and low threat of water, the openings and valves are open, collecting wind energy. When there is a lack of wind or presence of water, the openings and valves are sealed to protect the interior components of the device from the elements and unnecessary wear and tear, prolonging the life of the device.

Abstract: The nozzle (10) is suitable for expanding a saturated flow (D) and comprises a converging portion (2), a throat (3), a tube (4), and a mixer element (5) downstream from said throat (3) and suitable for mixing the vapor and liquid phases of the saturated flow.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a structure defining a circumferential passage in fluid communication with an internal passage in at least one strut radially extending into the engine, circumferential passage also in fluid communication with a plurality or nozzles or jets to provide a wash manifold integrated with the engine casing structure. One or more nozzles are provided in the manifold for directing a washing fluid injected into the duct.

Abstract: An axial flow gas turbine (20) includes a rotor (13) and a stator, and a hot gas path through which hot gas passes. The rotor (13) includes a rotor shaft (15) with axial slots for receiving a plurality of blades (B1-B3) arranged in a series of blade rows, with rotor heat shields (R1, R2) interposed between adjacent blade rows. The rotor shaft (15) is configured to axially conduct a main flow of cooling air along the rotor heat shields (R1, R2) and the lower parts of the blades (B1-B3), and the rotor shaft (15) supplies the interior of the blades (B1-B3) with cooling air (18). Stable and predictable cooling air parameters at any blade row inlet are secured by providing air-tight cooling channels (21), which extend axially through the rotor shaft (15) separate from the main flow of cooling air (17), and supply the blades (B1-B3) with cooling air (18).

Abstract: In an axial flow gas turbine (30), a reduction in cooling air mass flow and leakage in combination with an improved cooling and effective thermal protection of critical parts within the turbine stages of the turbine is achieved by providing, within a turbine stage (TS), devices (43-48) to direct cooling air that has already been used to cool, especially the airfoils of the vanes (31) of the turbine stage (TS), into a first cavity (41) located between the outer blade platforms (34) and the opposed stator heat shields (36) for protecting the stator heat shields (36) against the hot gas and for cooling the outer blade platforms (34).

Abstract: In an axial flow gas turbine efficient cooling and a long life-time can be achieved by providing the outer blade platforms (45)with a plurality of outer teeth (46a-c) running parallel to each other in the circumferential direction and being arranged one after the other in the direction of the hot gas flow. The teeth (46a-c) are divided into first and second teeth (46a; 46b-c), the second teeth (46b-c) being located downstream of the first teeth (46a), the first teeth (46a) are opposite to a downstream projection (33) of the adjacent vanes (21) of the turbine stage (TS), and the second teeth (46b-c) are opposite to the respective stator heat shields (27).

Abstract: In an axial flow gas turbine (30), a substantial reduction of the consumption of cooling air can be achieved by providing, within a turbine stage (TS), structure (39-44) to reuse the cooling air that has already been used to cool, especially the airfoils of, the vanes (33) of the turbine stage (TS), for cooling the stator heat shields (38) of that turbine stage (TS) downstream of the vanes (33).

Abstract: A method for assembling a rotary machine includes providing a first rotatable element. The method also includes coupling a second rotatable element to the first rotatable element. The first rotatable element and the second rotatable element at least partially define a cavity therein and at least one conduit extending substantially axially therebetween. Further, the method includes coupling a purge device including at least one radial channel defined therein and extending to the first rotatable element and to the second rotatable element such that the at least one radial channel is coupled in flow communication with the cavity and with the at least one axial conduit.

Abstract: A compressor includes a first stage of stator vanes having a first position and a second stage of stator vanes downstream from the first stage of stator vanes having a second position. A first actuator is engaged with the first stage of stator vanes, and a second actuator is engaged with the second stage of stator vanes. A method for operating a compressor includes adjusting a first position of a first plurality of stator vanes and adjusting a second position of a second plurality of stator vanes separately from the first position of the first plurality of stator vanes.

Abstract: A mechanism modulates a fluid flow in a diffuser flow path of a compressor diffuser, including: a shroud disposed on the diffuser flow path and having a cam and a driving wheel fixed base; a diffuser vane having a diffuser guide vane disposed in the diffuser flow path and a diffuser vane shaft fixedly disposed on the diffuser vane that penetrates from the diffuser flow path through the shroud; a driving ring sleeved on the cam and having a moving bar; a sliding block having one end connected with one end the diffuser vane shaft that penetrates through the shroud, and the other end sleeved on a sliding groove formed on the moving bar; a driving wheel disposed in the driving wheel fixed base and having a driving shaft connected to an actuator outside of the compressor; and a driving cable connected to the driving wheel and the driving ring.

Abstract: An axial flow gas turbine (35) has a rotor with alternating rows of air-cooled blades (40) and rotor heat shields, and a stator with alternating rows of air-cooled vanes (41) and stator heat shields (47) mounted on inner rings (46A reduction in cooling air mass flow and an improved cooling and effective thermal protection of critical parts within the turbine stages of the turbine is achieved by adapting the stator heat shields (47) and outer vane platforms (38) within a turbine stage (TS) to one another such that air (37) leaking through the joints between the outer vane platforms (38) and the adjacent stator heat shields (47) into the hot gas path (42) is directed onto the blade crown (32) of the blades (40).

Abstract: A compressor blade and process for inhibiting rub encounters between a blade tip of the blade and an interior surface of a case that surrounds the rotating hardware within a compressor section of a turbomachine. The compressor blade includes a cap that defines the blade tip at a radially outermost end of the blade, and a plurality of flexible elements extending from a surface of the cap that defines the blade tip. The flexible elements extend from the surface in a span-wise direction of the blade, and are operable to become rigid due to centrifugal stiffening at compressor operating speeds and, optionally, cut a groove the interior surface of the case.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure seal (7) of a turbomachine stator, said seal (7) comprising a first abradable surface opposite a rotor portion of the turbomachine and a second surface in contact with an inner shroud (3) of the stator, said seal (7) comprising a plurality of component units (10), each component unit (10) having, on its first abradable surface, a circumferential step (9) creating an obstacle in the circumferential direction of the inner shroud (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a low pressure turbine (1) of a turbomachine comprising a nozzle (62) belonging to an upstream stage (20B) and a nozzle (162) belonging to a downstream stage (20C), the nozzle (62) forming segments (62a) having an external structure (66) comprising: a tab (76) bearing radially on a hook (79) fixed to the case, a tab (85) bearing radially on a reaming (87) in the case, the tabs (76, 85) delimiting an annular upstream cooling air circulation cavity (91), a contact surface (84) extending in the downstream direction from the tab (85) and lined with an abradable element (86) on the inside, the contact surface comprising a downstream end (92) bearing axially on the nozzle (162) and bearing radially on a stop (93) of the case, the contact surfaces (84) delimiting an annular downstream cooling air circulation cavity (94) communicating with cavity (91).

Abstract: A water pump includes a pump shaft surrounded by a pump housing having a tubular section. A pulley having a cylindrical section and a flange wall is mounted on an end section of the pump shaft. An impeller is mounted on the other end section of the pump shaft. A mechanical seal is coaxially disposed between the tubular section and the pump shaft. A bearing is coaxially disposed between the tubular section of the pump housing and the cylindrical section of the pulley. In this water pump, the pump shaft includes a coaxial small diameter shaft section located at its first part which is located axially between the mechanical seal and the flange wall. The small diameter shaft section has a diameter smaller than a diameter of a second part of the pump shaft on which the mechanical seal is disposed so as to form an annular step portion.

Abstract: A system includes at least one body, a link for suspending the body for movement with gravity from a first elevation position to a second elevation position, and an electrical energy generator coupled with the body through the link to drive the generator to generate electricity upon movement of the body with gravity from the first to the second elevation position. The at least one body has a mass of at least approximately 100 tonnes; the first and the second elevation positions define a distance therebetween of at least approximately 200 meters; and/or the system further includes an operator configured to operate the link to controllably move the at least one body against gravity from the second to the first elevation position to increase a gravitational potential energy of the at least one body, and to maintain the gravitational potential energy of the at least one body.

Abstract: A turbine nozzle attachment assembly includes an outer turbine component (a shroud or a turbine shell) formed with a circumferential groove open in a forward-facing axial direction; a nozzle segment including a vane extending between inner and outer bands, the outer band provided with an upstanding annular hook formed with a hook element extending in an aft-facing axial direction and received in the circumferential groove. The upstanding annular hook and hook element are formed with a circumferentially-oriented slot. An anti-rotation block is located in the circumferentially-oriented slot, and an anti-tipping plate having a circumferential width greater than a corresponding circumferential width of the circumferentially-oriented slot substantially covers a forward face of the anti-rotation block. The anti-rotation block and the anti-tipping plate are fastened directly to the outer turbine component.

Abstract: A waterproof and dustproof fan motor structure includes a base, an annular enclosure, and a stator assembly. The base has a vertically forward extended bearing cup; the annular enclosure internally defines a closed annular space and is externally fitted around the bearing cup; and the stator assembly is disposed in the closed annular space of the enclosure. The waterproof and dustproof fan motor structure can be assembled to a frame and a rotor assembly to complete a fan. With the stator assembly disposed in the closed annular space of the enclosure, the fan motor is protected against damage caused by moisture and dust, and the stator assembly can be easily removed from the closed annular space for necessary maintenance and repair to thereby reduce the bad yield and the manufacturing cost of fan and fan motor.

Abstract: A rotordynamic pump for delivering continuous flow of fluids, such as blood, is provided. In one embodiment, the pump includes a stator housing having an inlet and an outlet. A rotor hub is disposed within the stator housing having a first, mixed-stage impeller and a second, axial-flow stage impellers. One or more stator vanes and extend radially inwardly from the stator housing. In one particular embodiment, the second stage impeller is disposed nearer to the outlet than to the inlet. The stator vanes may include a first set of stator vanes disposed between the first and second stage impellers, and a second set of stator vanes positioned between the second stage impellers and the outlet.

Abstract: To provide an air-conditioning apparatus that is provided with an air-sending device that includes: a housing; a fan that is disposed in the housing; a casing that guides an airflow, the casing arranged adjacent to the back side of the fan; and a stabilizer that stabilizes the circular vortex, the stabilizer arranged adjacent to the front side of the fan. When ?=A/D expressed by an air flow inlet port width A and a fan diameter D is 2 or lower, an outer peripheral blade inflow angle ?=?×? radian is in the range of 0.4???0.3. The air-conditioning apparatus provided with an air-sending device is capable of suppressing noise as well as increasing fan performance even when the inlet port is narrow.

Abstract: A centrifugal fan is provided. The centrifugal fan is configured such that an impeller having a plural blades disposed between a disk-shaped main plate and an annular shroud along a circumferential direction is accommodated in a casing, and that an air suctioned from a suction opening is discharged outward in a radial direction of the impeller by a centrifugal force due to a rotation of the impeller, and thereby discharging the air from the casing. The casing includes an upper plate, a lower plate, and a plural supporting struts interposed between the upper plate and the lower plate, and lateral sides of the casing have only the supporting struts to form a discharge opening.

Abstract: A drainage pump has an impeller, a motor for driving the impeller, and a volute housing the impeller. The volute has an end wall, a side wall, an inlet, and an outlet. The side wall extends from the end wall. The side wall and the end wall cooperatively define a pump chamber. The inner surface of the side wall has at least one interfering surface for mixing of fluid flowing through the volute.

Abstract: A multi-stage radial turbine that is capable of reducing the number of bearings and of improving the conversion efficiency is provided.

Abstract: An exemplary fan module includes a first mounting frame, a first cooling fan mounted on the first mounting frame, a second mounting frame and a second cooling fan mounted on the second mounting frame. One of the first mounting frame and the second mounting frame defines a latching hole. The other one of the first mounting frame and the second mounting frame forms a hook engagable with the latching hole. The first mounting frame and the second mounting frame are rotatably connected to make the first cooling fan and the second cooling fan arranged in parallel or in series.

Abstract: A mechanical seal is disclosed that has first and second sealing faces that are urged into contact to form a seal therebetween. One sealing face is mounted on a rotatable portion of the seal and the second sealing face is mounted on a support assembly. The joint further comprises a joint permitting rotary movement between the support assembly and a stationary portion of the seal to allow adjustment of the potion of the rotatable portion relative to the stationary portion without affecting the alignment of the first and second sealing faces.

Abstract: A propeller system includes a plurality of propeller blades and a pitch lock mechanism operably connected to the plurality of propeller blades. The pitch lock mechanism includes a pitch lock chamber and a pitch lock piston located in the pitch lock chamber biased toward a locked position when there is insufficient pressure in the pitch lock chamber thereby locking the pitch of the plurality of propeller blades. The propeller system includes a pitch unlock mechanism including a pitch unlock housing and a pitch unlock piston disposed in the pitch unlock housing. A fitting extends through the propeller system to the pitch unlock housing and introduction of fluid flow into the pitch unlock housing through the fitting urges the pitch unlock piston into contact with the pitch lock piston to overcome the bias of the pitch lock piston thereby unlocking the pitch of the plurality of propeller blades.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to blades of a wind turbine generator and actuated to change a pitch angle of the blade. A variable displacement hydraulic pump supplies hydraulic oil to the hydraulic cylinder, and a discharge pressure of the pump does not follow a load pressure. When the discharge pressure of the hydraulic pump becomes a set pressure, a pressure control valve is opened to change a discharge amount of the hydraulic pump, and to make the discharge pressure of the hydraulic pump to be a pressure smaller than a cut off pressure. Further, a setting control unit sets the set pressure based on the hydraulic pressure that the hydraulic cylinder requires such that the set pressure becomes a minimum pressure required to change the pitch angle to a predetermined angle by the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A wind turbine variable is controlled by detecting air flow conditions in front of the leading edge of the blade. One or more Laser Doppler Anemometers are mounted on or incorporated into the blade to determine air flow velocity in the region in front of the leading edge of the blade. The measured flow conditions may be used to control the position of a control surface such as a trailing edge flap or the rotor speed. The LDAs may comprise lasers of different frequencies to enable more than one component of flow velocity to be measured.

Abstract: A method for shutdown of a wind turbine having one or more wind turbine blades includes detecting an operational condition of the wind turbine that calls for an expedited or emergency shutdown of the wind turbine by means other than normal pitch control shutdown. Upon detection of the operational condition, one or more air brake flaps configured on each of the turbine blades is deployed by removing power to a fail-safe actuator operatively coupled to each of the air brake flaps. The fail-safe actuator is configured to hold the respective air brake flap at a retracted position relative to a suction side of the turbine blade in a powered state of the fail-safe actuator and to release the air brake flap for automatic deployment to an open position upon loss of power to the fail-safe actuator.

Abstract: A method and associated system are provided for deicing turbine blades of a wind turbine, wherein rotational torque from a rotor hub on which the turbine blades are mounted is transmitted to a generator. The method and system include detecting conditions that are indicative of ice formation on a wind turbine blade. In response to detected icing conditions, generator torque is modulated so as to induce upstream vibrations in the turbine blades to shake loose ice that may have formed on the turbine blades.

Abstract: A gearbox for a wind turbine, comprising a first planetary gear set; and a second planetary gear set having the same transmission ratio as the first planetary gear set; and, a load splitter to split the torque between the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set, wherein the load splitter is adapted to provide slip for absorbing deviations in the rotational position between the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set; and, wherein the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set are coupled in a split load arrangement for transmitting torque from a rotor shaft to a high speed shaft.

Abstract: A wind turbine includes at least one wind turbine blade assembly. The blade assembly includes a blade and a pitch bearing arranged between the blade and a hub of the wind turbine, the blade assembly further including two or more hydraulic pitch cylinders for pitching the blade in relation to the hub. The two or more hydraulic pitch cylinders are arranged to expand in the same angular direction around the rotational axis of the pitch bearing. A method for pitching a blade of a wind turbine includes connecting a first end of the hydraulic pitch cylinders directly or indirectly to the hub; connecting a second end of the hydraulic pitch cylinders directly or indirectly to the blade; and expanding or contracting the hydraulic pitch cylinders in the same angular direction in relation to the rotational axis of the pitch bearing.

Abstract: A method for preventing a possible overspeed of a wind turbine rotor with at least one rotor blade is provided. The method includes detecting a yaw misalignment of the rotor, and imposing a restriction on changes of a pitch angle towards a feathered position of the at least one rotor blade after detecting the yaw misalignment. Further, a wind turbine having a rotor and a control system configured to prevent a possible overspeed of the rotor is provided.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a pressurization system for use in a wind turbine, the wind turbine including at least one rotor blade to capture wind energy and a shaft for transferring the wind energy to a generator is provided. The pressurization system includes at least one pressurizer that is adapted to be powered by the kinetic energy of the shaft and to provide a pressurized fluid to at least one hydrostatic bearing.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for detecting loads transmitted through a blade root of a rotor blade of a wind turbine is disclosed. The system may include a root attachment assembly configured to couple the blade root to a hub of the wind turbine. The root attachment assembly may include a barrel nut mounted within a portion of the blade root and a root bolt extending from the barrel nut. In addition, the system may include a sensor associated with the root attachment assembly. The sensor may be configured to detect loads transmitted through at least one of the barrel nut and the root bolt.

Abstract: A system for detecting loads in a wind turbine is disclosed. In one aspect, the system may generally include a shaft and first and second pillow blocks receiving portions of the shaft. The second pillow block may be spaced axially apart from the first pillow block. Additionally, the system may include at least one sensor configured to indirectly detect loads transmitted through at least one of the first pillow block and the second pillow block.

Abstract: A system for detecting loads in a wind turbine is disclosed. In one aspect, the system may generally include a shaft, first and second pillow blocks receiving portions of the shaft and a bedplate supporting the first and second pillow blocks. The second pillow block may be spaced axially apart from the first pillow block. Additionally, the system may include at least one sensor configured to directly or indirectly detect loads transmitted through the bedplate.

Abstract: An active flow control system for use with a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes at least one blade. The active flow control system includes an air distribution system at least partially defined within said at least one blade. The air distribution system includes at least one aperture defined through the at least one blade. An aperture control system is in operational control communication with the air distribution system. The aperture control system includes an actuator at least partially positioned within the at least one blade and configured to control a flow of air discharged through the at least one aperture.

Abstract: A control system for use with a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes a rotor, a blade coupled to the rotor, a sensor configured to obtain a measurement of the wind turbine, and an active flow control system at least partially defined within the blade. The control system is configured to operate the active flow control system in a first mode, receive a signal from the sensor indicating a load imbalance on the rotor, and change an operation of the active flow control system from the first mode to a second mode based on the signal. The second mode is configured to reduce the load imbalance on the rotor.