Abstract: A taper-locking ferrule for use with optical fibers is provided. The taper-locking ferrule has an interior channel. The interior channel is tapered from one end to the other end and has a threaded interior portion. In an embodiment, the threaded interior portion covers approximately half of the interior wall of the channel. A slit may extend along the threaded portion, from the exterior surface of the device to the interior channel, dividing the threaded portion of the interior channel into sections and allowing the interior channel to slightly expand. The threaded portion of the interior channel grasps and secures an optical fiber.

Abstract: Provided are an opto-electric hybrid board and a manufacturing method therefor. The opto-electric hybrid board includes an optical waveguide unit and an electric circuit unit having an optical element mounted thereon, the electric circuit unit being coupled to the optical waveguide unit using coupling pins. The optical waveguide unit includes fitting holes for fitting the coupling pins thereinto, which are formed in a surface of an overcladding layer, located and formed at predetermined locations with respect to one end surface of a core. The electric circuit unit includes fitting through holes for fitting the coupling pins therethrough, located and formed at predetermined locations with respect to the optical element. The optical waveguide unit and the electric circuit unit are coupled to each other in a state in which the coupling pins fit through the fitting through holes and fit into the fitting holes.

Abstract: An optical mover with functions of nanometer fine adjustment and micrometer coarse adjustment is mainly used to align two optical elements for connecting two optical elements, such as connection of two optical fibers, connection of one optical fiber with a photo diode, or connection of one optical fiber and one optical waveguide. In using, one optical element is placed upon the supporting seat for fine position adjustment, and another optical element is fixed on an external retainer for aligning to the former optical element on the supporting seat. A coarse control button is firstly used to coarsely adjust the position of the former optical element to approximately align to the later optical element. Then a fine-adjusting button is used to fine adjust the position therebetween so as to well align the two optical elements to a desire level for further operation, such as connecting the two elements.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable includes a first cable segment; a second cable segment; and a splice enclosure. The first cable segment can have a different configuration than the second cable segment. The splice enclosure is coupled to the strength member and strength component of the first cable segment and the second cable segment. One example splice enclosure includes a first enclosure body having a first threaded connection region and a second enclosure body having a second threaded connection region. Another example splice enclosure includes a tubular enclosure with two end caps. Cable retention members are positioned within the splice enclosure at fixed axial positions.

Abstract: A self-photographing mount device for holding a camera equipped user device at a distance from a user, comprising: a mounting structure having at least two corner mounting elements for mounting a camera equipped user device in parallel to a mounting plane; an extendable shaft having a handle at a proximal end thereof; and a hinge mounted on one of the at least two corner mounting elements to allow pivotal rotation of the extendable shaft from a folded position to an open position; when in the folded position, the extendable shaft is adjacent to the mounting plane and parallel to a diagonal of a back panel of the camera equipped user device; and when in the open position, the extendible shaft forms a wide angle with the mounting plane.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device for a printer includes a movable tray for supporting a print media. The tray is movable between an open position in which media may be moved on to the tray and a closed position in which media is blocked from moving on to the tray. The device also includes a rotatable media drive component for moving print media on to the tray and a movable restraint operatively connected to the tray. The restraint is movable between: a first position, corresponding to the open position of the tray, in which the restraint does not restrain the media drive component; and a second position, corresponding to the closed position of the tray, in which the restraint restrains rotation of the media drive component.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards the design of a marking device for writing or drawing on a given surface. The marking device can be made of any material that leaves a residue or makes legible marks on a surface brought into contact with the device. The marking device of the present disclosure can be used to make precise lines or shapes on any material, including rough surfaces, such as, wood, concrete, drywall, tiles, etc. The marking device can consistently produce thin lines without needing any sharpening. The marking device can be attached to a support frame, which can serves as a handle for grasping and using the marking device. The support frame can further provide a housing to shield the marking device from damage when not in use. In one exemplary embodiment, the marking device is shaped as a razorblade and is configured to fit into any standard utility knife. In such an embodiment, the utility knife serves as the support frame for the marking device.

Abstract: A writing instrument that includes a shaft and an eraser exit device. The eraser exit device includes an eraser protection sleeve that is mobile at least in rotation relative to the shaft so that the eraser can assume a maximum exit configuration and a retraction configuration, and an eraser holder provided with at least a first longitudinal guiding member directly interacting with a first complementary guiding member connected to the shaft so as to prevent any rotation movement between the holder and the shaft, and provided with at least a second guiding member that interacts with a second complementary guiding member connected to the sleeve. The sleeve has a front portion surrounding the rear end of the shaft and a rear portion having an inner guiding portion including the second complementary guiding member.

Abstract: A lipstick tube has an outer-layer spiral tube, a middle-layer involution tube and a lipstick cup arranged on the inner side sequentially sheathed on the inner side of a base, and a longitudinal groove is arranged on the tube wall of the middle-layer involution tube. The lipstick cup has a vertical groove on the cup wall. A first lifting point is arranged directly under the vertical groove, engaged with the longitudinal groove of the middle-layer involution tube and the internal thread of the outer-layer spiral tube; a second lifting point is arranged on the outer surface of a base plate, engaged with the vertical groove, the longitudinal groove and the internal thread. The outer-layer spiral tube allows the first and the second lifting points to move side by side. The internal thread of the upper-section spiral tube only allows the second lifting point to move.

Abstract: An improved nib for writing with ink on media that comprises a tube having a proximal opening, a slanted distal opening, an interior wall and an exterior wall, an exposed writing tip at a distal end of the nib, wherein the tip has a groove extending from the tip along at least a portion of the interior wall, and a slit extending from the tip along a part of the nib, wherein the tip is made of a ceramic material.

Abstract: A taper coupling structure includes a groove, serving as a hollowed part, provided in a rear end surface of a hub. The groove is formed continuously in the circumferential direction and uniformly in the radial direction. In the state in which a taper shaft is fitted in the hub, the groove interferes with the taper shaft in the radial direction. An inner shell part, which is a portion on the inside of the groove in the radial direction, has a low radial rigidity because of the presence of the groove. For this reason, if a force is applied from the hollow portion of a flange part toward the outside in the radial direction, the diameter of the inner shell part is liable to be increased in the radial direction by elastic displacement (deflection).

Abstract: An exercise device including at least one positionable component configured to be positioned by a user. The exercise device includes a frame to which a collar is mounted. The positionable component includes a member that is slidably received within the collar and may be positioned by sliding the member to a selected position. A locking assembly is coupled to the collar and is operable to lock the member in a selected position within the collar, to release the member from the locked position, and when released, to allow the member to slide within the collar. The locking assembly includes a cam pivotably mounted to the collar and a cam follower assembly selectively biased by the cam against a portion of the member disposed inside the collar. The locking assembly also includes a pair of engagement members disposed inside the collar opposite the cam against which the cam biases the member.

Abstract: A connection assembly is provided for interconnecting to a frame. The connection assembly including a generally flat plate. The plate is defined by an inner face, an outer face and a first pair of bolt-receiving bores therethrough. The pair of bolt-receiving bores extend between the inner face and the outer face along bore axes at acute angles to the outer face. A first lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a first axis and a second lip extends from the inner face of the plate along a second axis generally perpendicular to the second axis.

Abstract: A cross street station and interchange for use at the intersection of a local traffic artery with significant pedestrian-oriented improvements and features that runs between but not through two communities and a primary traffic artery that divides two dissimilar communities. It uses a variable bi-level regional mass transit platform for ticketed passengers lowered from the upper level of the cross street station and interchange to the street level and provide a platform level with the regional mass transit vehicle floor and a ramp to the height elevation of the sidewalk to disembark arriving regional mass transit passengers and allow for the boarding of the new mass transit passengers. The cross street station and interchange includes in close proximity to this platform a metropolitan mass transit stop on the primary traffic artery and local community transit services stop on the local traffic artery that can also accommodate paratransit passengers.

Abstract: An impact absorption apparatus includes a force transfer member including a base and a sidewall extending from the base, the base including an opening, a shock absorber disposed within the force transfer member and resting on the base, the shock absorber including a through hole, a plate disposed within the force transfer member and resting on the shock absorber, the plate including a through hole, and a fastener that extends through the base opening, the shock absorber through hole, and the plate through hole, the fastener including an end protruding from the base opening, the fastener end configured to secure the force transfer member to a support surface. The force transfer member is configured so that when an impact force is applied to the force transfer member, the force is transferred from force transfer member to the shock absorber.

Abstract: A method of forming a roadway is provided comprising providing a reclaimer-stabilizer machine, providing in-situ soil materials, forming a base layer using the reclaimer-stabilizer machine, forming a wear layer over the base layer, and wherein the wear layer comprises a polyurethane composition in addition to the in-situ materials. In some embodiments the roadway is comprised of a single layer comprising a polyurethane material. In other embodiments a method of forming a roadway comprising cured asphalt composite is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a movable breakwater that can do with a small amount of compressed air supplied to raise the buoyant steel pipe. The buoyant steel pipe 6 includes a buoyancy tank 6d in which gas is filled, an air chamber 6e provided above the buoyancy tank 6d, a penetration pipe 19 that penetrates through the buoyancy tank 6d and feeds compressed air supplied from a pressure accumulator tank 13 to the air chamber 6e, and an open chamber 6f, whose top side is open, provided above the air chamber 6e and in the buoyant steel pipe 6 at the upper end portion thereof.

Abstract: A floating oil containment boom is comprised of boom sections connected end to end. Each boom section is of a tubular member or pipe section. The pipe or tubular member is buoyant, either closed at its ends and/or filled with foam or other buoyant material. Plates extend above and below the tubular member or pipe section for each section of boom. A specially configured connecter joins each boom section to the other, the connecter extending above and below the pipe or tubular member. An elastomeric block forms an interface between connectors on each boom section while simultaneously sealing the area between boom sections to flow of oil.

Abstract: A method for installing an accessory onto a pipeline to be laid on the seabed, includes launching the pipeline from a first position of a tower in which the tower is at an angle ? with respect to the vertical; stopping the launch of the pipeline, and hanging off the launched pipeline in a hang off module; positioning an accessory in a tower firing line; attaching the accessory to the launched pipeline in the hang off module and to at least one A&R cable; suspending the accessory and the launched pipeline from an A&R system; disengaging the hang off module from the launched pipeline; pivoting the pipeline launch tower to an accessory launch position in which the tower is at an angle ? that differs substantially from angle ?, such that a pipeline launch trajectory is created which is large enough to launch the accessory and the launched pipeline with the A&R system.

Abstract: Access and connection for a buried pipeline, wherein a hole is dug to a buried pipeline, a riser pipe is disposed within the hole, and one or more powered tools are lowered into the hole and activated such that work is performed on the pipeline without the need for anyone to be lowered into the hole. Because no one needs to be physically present down in the hole at the pipeline, the hole, and thus the surface disturbance can be much smaller than conventional pipeline work methods.

Abstract: A clamp connector emergency release tool designed for subsea operations, when normal release of a subsea clamp connector (14) is not possible, is shown and described. The tool is adapted to be handled and operated remotely by a work class ROV tool. The tool includes a clamp connector (14) adapter housing (7) arranged to engage with and connect to the clamp connector (14) body, a rotatable hole saw (11) mounted on the housing (7), a rotary motor (1) in driving connection with the hole saw (11) and a piston (3) and cylinder assembly (4,5). The piston (3) and cylinder assembly (4,5) enables advancing the rotatable hole saw (11) into the clamp connector (14) body around its jack screw, in order to separate the jack screw together with a threaded portion of said clam connector (14) in order to separate the jack screw from the clamp connector (14) body.

Abstract: A jack-up rig for offshore operations comprises a hull. In addition, the rig comprises a support leg moveably coupled to the hull. The support leg has a central axis, an upper end, and a lower end opposite the upper end. Further, the support leg is adapted to be axially raised and lowered relative to the hull. The rig also comprises a ballast tank movably coupled to the support leg. The ballast tank is adapted to be axially raised and lowered relative to the support leg and the hull.

Abstract: A multicomponent composition for filling and/or grouting cracks, flaws, and cavities in structures or earth and stone formations, including: i) water; ii) cement; iii) an aqueous plastic dispersion; and iv) at least one monomer, which can be radically polymerized, or a polyisocyanate. A material is thus obtained as a sealant having both a swelling capacity and expandability.

Abstract: An ash transport system and method is provided that includes a transport line, four hoppers, and an airlock or hopper valve attached to each hopper. The ash transport system transports an ash mass from the airlock or hopper valve to the transport line if pressure in the transport line falls below a predefined pressure threshold assigned to the respective airlock or hopper valve. After a predefined period of time elapses, the ash transport system transports the ash mass from the airlock or hopper valve to the transport line if the pressure in the transport line falls below different respective predefined pressure thresholds. The airlocks and hopper valves simultaneously transport the ash masses to the transport line if, prior to the predefined period of time elapsing, the pressure in the transport line falls below each of the respective predefined pressure thresholds.

Abstract: A hand-held tool protection device includes a handle sized and configured to be grasped by an operator. A neck portion extends outwardly from the handle in a direction of a elongated axis of the handle. A swivel assembly is connected to the neck portion. The swivel assembly includes a body having a top, a bottom and a sidewall. The body is connected to the neck portion at the sidewall of the body. An opening extends through the body and intersects the top and the bottom of the body. A pivotable rod member is slidably and pivotably received in the opening extending through the body to provide a pivot axis. A tool element holding assembly is connected to the pivotable rod member such that the tool element holding assembly pivots therewith about the pivot axis. The tool element holding assembly includes a support assembly configured for receiving a tool such that the tool may be rotated about a tool rotation axis.

Abstract: A cutting insert with a first flat and major cutting edges in order in an intersection region of a first side surface and an upper surface, and a second flat and major cutting edges in order in an intersection region of a second side surface and upper surface. The first and second side surfaces include respective first and second chamfered side surfaces, respective first and second corner side surfaces, and respective first and second major side surfaces in order. The intersection region of the second side surface and upper surface includes a first intersection region of the second chamfered side surface and upper surface, and a second intersection region of the second corner side surface and upper surface. The second flat cutting edge is located from the first intersection region to the second intersection region, and has a lowermost portion in the first intersection region in a side view.

Abstract: A CNG cylinder mounting device for a vehicle according to the present invention has parts different from the typical CNG cylinder mounting device: the gas cylinder supporting frame has a feature of a steel plate shaped into two gas cylinder placement frame units. Each unit uses a belt to fasten the upper cylinder, locks the gas cylinder to the cylinder placement frame unit, and has four cylinder placement frame supporting sleeves underneath. The cylinder placement frame supporting sleeves are placed on the bed supporting bracket whereas the bed support is placed on the bored bed floor and has four bracket supporting sleeves under the floor inside the through holes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a latch device for securing and/or guiding at least one cargo item on a cargo deck, wherein the latch device comprises: a sliding guide carriage extending longitudinally; a bearing in which the sliding guide carriage is movably supported in such a way that the sliding guide carriage is pivotable out of a restraining position into an inoperative position; at least one releasing device which is attached to the latch device by way of at least one articulation in such a way that the releasing device can be brought out of a blocking position into a releasing position, wherein in the blocking position the releasing device acts on the sliding guide carriage in such a manner that said carriage is locked in the restraining position, wherein the releasing device has at least one releasing device ramp section which is designed and arranged in such a manner that a cargo item approaching longitudinally pivots the releasing device out of the blocking position into the releasing position

Abstract: A cargo deck includes a floor engageable with a load. The floor is formed from extruded aluminum in tubular panels extending transversely along the floor. Side rails are disposed on opposed sides of the deck. A plurality of longitudinally-extending support members support the floor, and are coupled to the floor via a plurality of support brackets extending angularly from the floor to the support members.

Abstract: A strap corner protector multifunctional installation tool may include a plate having a front side, a rear side, a top end and a bottom end. The plate may be bent into a J-shape with a curved section ending in front of the front side of the plate. At least two upper posts may be attached to the top end of the plate. At least one lower post may be attached to the bottom end of the plate. At least two back posts may be attached to the rear side of the plate. A threaded protrusion may be attached to the bottom end of the plate. A pole may be connected to the strap corner protector multifunctional installation tool. Various accessories for securing cargo may be installed and positioned through the use of the strap corner protector multifunctional installation tool.

Abstract: There is provided a unitary, strike drop-in anchor where the individual parts are permanently held together to avoid misplacing any such individual part. The anchor comprises an anchor body with a central bore, the first end of the bore being threaded and having a constant internal cross-section for the length of the threaded portion. The exterior of the anchor body, and the central bore, having a decreasing bore towards the second end of the anchor body beyond the threaded portion, a threaded bolt with an internal central bore and a preferably polygonal drive head, and external threads extending from the drive head to the second end, has a strike tool extending through the central bore from the second end and extending beyond the drive head.

Abstract: A self-drilling bolt and nut assembly includes a nut which has a window to permit visual inspection of the fastener thread upon engagement with the nut. The nut also includes a protective cap or receives a protective cap so that upon threadably engaging the fastener with the nut, the drill tip of the fastener is automatically received in the cap. The nut also has at one end a plurality of projections to enhance the locking engagement. The self-drilling bolt may have an integral washer and employ a clamping plate engageable against the washer.

Abstract: A screw comprising a drive part, a threaded part, and a retaining ring is disclosed herein. Each of the drive part and the threaded part comprises a plurality of interface surfaces that transmit torque from the drive part to the threaded part and prevent the parts from disengaging from one another during use. Each plurality of interface surfaces forms one or more geometric shapes that create additional friction between the drive and threaded parts, and may further include mating pins and holes to prevent the parts from detaching from one another. The retaining ring, which removably connects the screw to a wrench during assembly of the screw with a receptacle, is disposed within a cavity formed when the drive part is assembled with the threaded part.

Abstract: A releasable lock nut assembly for securing a bearing on a threaded hub may include a thrust washer including a disk portion and a peripheral skirt extending axially away from the disk portion, the peripheral skirt having a plurality of openings and a characteristic diameter measured at an axial location of the openings, and a protuberance proximate to at least one of the openings. The assembly may also include a lock ring inserted into the thrust washer, where the lock ring includes a plurality of tangs that extend beyond a lock ring major diameter such that the tangs fit within the openings of the thrust washer. The protuberance may be deformed such that all of the peripheral skirt is within the characteristic diameter, and the protuberance may define an internal envelope of the thrust washer where the internal envelope is larger than the major diameter of the lock ring.

Abstract: A transport system includes a first track that passes above loading ports of the processing devices, and an overhead travelling vehicle that travels along the first track and includes a hoist. A second track is below the first track, passes above the loading ports, and is disposed in parallel or substantially in parallel with the first track. A buffer is provided below the second track at a position higher than the loading ports, and is arranged such that the articles can pass in a vertical direction over the loading ports. The buffer is disposed such that the articles can pass through the height position of the buffer in a vertical direction over the loading ports. A local vehicle travels along the second track and includes a hoist to perform delivery and receipt of the articles between the buffer and the loading ports.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting frac sand and/or proppant for use in standard ISO intermodal containers and for delivering frac sand and/or proppant to well sites. Configured for being inserted into a container and adapted for transporting frac sand and proppant from a quarry or other frac sand supply source to a well site. A plurality of inlet ports disposed atop the roof, with the inlet ports receiving the frac sand from a frac sand supply source into a funnel-hopper, and a plurality of outlet ports for receiving the frac sand and proppant within the funnel-hopper and delivering the frac sand and proppant proximal to the well site. An in situ valve apparatus disposed within the hopper assembly for effectuating industry standard continuous pressurized discharge of stored frac sand material into a discharge pipe for delivery downhole.

Abstract: An adaptable handling system featuring a boundary subsystem and one or more robots. Each robot typically includes a chassis, a container lift mechanism moveable with respect to the robot chassis for transporting at least one container, a drive subsystem for maneuvering the chassis, a boundary sensing subsystem, a container detection subsystem, and a controller. The controller is responsive to the boundary sensing subsystem and the container detection subsystem and is configured to control the drive subsystem to follow a boundary once intercepted until a container is detected and turn until another container is detected. The controller then controls the container lift mechanism to place a transported container proximate the second detected container.

Abstract: A robot arm for transporting semiconductor wafers includes a hand, a lower arm link, and an upper arm link. The hand is connected to the lower arm link via a first joint, and the upper arm link is connected to the lower arm link via a second joint. The lower arm link is capable of being separated at a location between the first joint and the second joint.

Abstract: Disclosed examples relate to loading devices for loading bars for machining in machine tools. A disclosed example loading device is adapted to move a bar from a starting position to an end position and to feed the bar from the end position to the machine tool, comprising a rest portion for supplying the loading device with at least one bar lying on the rest portion in the starting position, and a movable transport for transporting the bar from the starting position to the end position. The transport is adapted to transport the bar downward in a downward movement due to its gravity along a downwardly inclined guiding portion, the bar being supported by a first support portion of the transport.

Abstract: In a transport system, carriers are attached to an endless belt configured to rotate in a circulating manner. At a station, a hand, a driver configured to move the hand in a rotation direction and a vertical direction, a moving distance sensor configured to measure a moving distance of the endless belt, a carrier sensor configured to detect one of the carriers at a position upstream of the hand along the rotation direction, and a signal processor configured to operate the hand are provided. To load an article, when the moving distance from a time point of detection of the carrier by the carrier sensor reaches a first moving distance, the hand is activated at a first acceleration, and to unload an article, when the moving distance from the time point of detection of the carrier by the carrier sensor reaches a second moving distance which is larger than the first moving distance, the hand is activated at a second acceleration which is larger than the first acceleration.

Abstract: In a method and device for depalletizing stack containers, the stacked containers are supported by at least one support base, and the stacked containers on the support base are frictionally engaged and lifted on two opposite sides thereof.

Abstract: An articulated erection structure is disclosed for use in mobilizing a wind energy extraction device. The wind turbine has blades capable of being disposed in side-by-side, parallel alignment for transportation. The erection structure has a mast that can be configured in a horizontal orientation for transportation with the turbine generator lowered, and reconfigured for power-generating operations in a vertical orientation with the turbine raised. The turbine generator may be mounted with an erection structure to a variety of transportation platforms, such as on a self-propelled vehicle, towed trailer, or transportation pallet. A hybrid system may integrate photovoltaic cells in addition to a wind energy extraction device.

Abstract: A turbofan of an air conditioning system in which a shroud is divided into two portions to form an air passage, in order to allow, when a portion of turbulent air generated at an upper portion of the shroud is reintroduced into a space between a bell mouse and the shroud by a pressure difference, the reintroduced air to be distributed throughout the air passage. The turbofan of the air conditioning system includes a first shroud formed with an air inlet hole, a second shroud formed to be spaced outwards from the first shroud so that an air passage is formed between the first and second shrouds, a hub to rotate through a rotational shaft of a drive motor, and a plurality of blades to guide air introduced through the air inlet hole in the circumferential direction of the hub.

Abstract: A circulation structure for a turbo compressor, in particular for a compressor of a gas turbine, is disclosed. The circulation structure includes at least one annular chamber that can be traversed in a circumferential direction, is concentric with a shaft of the turbo compressor in the region of the free blade ends of a blade ring, and radially borders a main flow channel. Several chambers that can be traversed in an axial direction are situated upstream of the or each annular chamber, when viewed from the main flow direction of the main flow channel.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a first shaft defining an axis of rotation and a second shaft rotatable about the axis of rotation and spaced radially outwardly relative to the first shaft. A speed change mechanism is driven by the second shaft. A fan includes a fan rotor driven by the speed change mechanism such that the fan and the first shaft rotate at a slower speed than the second shaft. At least one inducer stage is positioned aft of the fan and is coupled for rotation with the fan rotor.

Abstract: A piping assembly and a method for connecting an inner shell and an outer shell in a turbine system are disclosed. The piping assembly includes an inner fitting for connection to the inner shell and an outer fitting for connection to the outer shell. The piping assembly further includes an attenuation member extending between the inner fitting and the outer fitting and comprising an attenuation curve. The attenuation curve permits movement of the attenuation member in at least one of a longitudinal direction, a radial direction, or a tangential direction.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a central body support that provides an inner annular wall for a core flow path. The central body support includes a first mount feature. A geared architecture interconnects a spool and a fan rotatable about an axis. A flex support interconnects the geared architecture to the central body support. The flex support includes a second mount feature that cooperates with the first mount feature for transferring torque there between. A method of disassembling a front architecture of a gas turbine engine includes the steps of accessing forward-facing fasteners that secure a central body support to a flex support, wherein the flex support includes a geared architecture supported thereon, removing the fasteners, and decoupling first and second mount features respectively provided on the central body support and the flex support.

Abstract: A variable inlet guide vane assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced inlet guide vanes mounted to pivot to change an angle of the guide vanes relative to an air flow. An actuator actuates the plurality of inlet guide vanes to change the angle, and is positioned radially inward of the inlet guide vanes.

Abstract: A variable-nozzle turbocharger includes a turbine housing and a center housing, and a generally annular nozzle ring and an array of vanes rotatably mounted to the nozzle ring such that the vanes can be pivoted about their axes for regulating exhaust gas flow to the turbine wheel. The vanes extend between the nozzle ring and an opposite wall of the nozzle. An axially floating vane sealing ring is disposed in an annular recess formed in the face of the nozzle ring adjacent proximal ends of the vanes. The vane sealing ring is urged by exhaust gas pressure differential toward the proximal ends of the vanes, and the vanes are thus urged toward the opposite nozzle wall so that distal ends of the vanes are close to or abutting the wall, resulting in a reduction or closing of the gaps at the proximal and distal ends of the vanes.

Abstract: A seal assembly disposed between a rotor and a stator especially of a turbo-machinery is provided with a close clearance gap there between. The clearance gap is bordered by a rotor surface at the side of the rotor and by a stator surface at the side of the stator. The rotor surface or the stator surface or both are provided with openings which open into at least one chamber arranged at the side of the openings turned away from the clearance gap.