Abstract: A flow body for an aircraft includes a torsion box with spars and/or ribs and at least two skin portions for enveloping the spars and/or ribs, wherein at least one inner cell is formed in the torsion box. It is provided that a gas tank with a gas tank shell is arranged in the at least one inner cell, and that the gas tank includes fastening elements coupled to retaining elements in the relevant inner cell in order to hold the gas tank such that the gas tank shell is supported at a distance from the spars and/or ribs and the skin portions and is supported in three spatial directions.

Abstract: A polymer filter assembly through which flowable material from a supply is directed for processing before passing to a die assembly through which the flowable material is delivered to form a sheet layer. The polymer filter assembly has a polymer filter frame that supports processing components for the flowable material and a support assembly for the polymer filter frame. The support assembly includes components cooperating between the polymer filter frame and a base upon which the polymer filter frame is supported to allow controlled relative vertical movement between the polymer filter frame and base to thereby permit controlled alignment between the polymer filter frame and at least one of: a) an upstream component that delivers flowable material from the supply; and b) the die assembly.

Abstract: A vane carrier is provided for a compressor or a turbine section of an axial turbo machine, especially one of a gas turbine, steam turbine, compressor, expander, comprises least a first and second functional means. The first functional means is a cylinder made of a material with a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) below 1.3×10?5 [1/K]. The cylinder is provided for carrying a plurality of vanes on its inner side. The second functional means is a support structure made of a material different to and less expensive than the material of said first functional means. The support structure is provided for defining an axial and lateral position of the first functional means within an outer casing of the axial turbo machine.

Abstract: A solar boiler includes a boiler support defining an axis along an inboard-outboard direction. A hanger rod is rotatably mounted to the boiler support. A bracket is rotatably mounted to the hanger rod, and a solar boiler panel is mounted to the bracket. The solar boiler panel defines a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular with the axis of the boiler support. The hanger rod connects between the boiler support and the bracket to support the weight of the solar boiler panel from the boiler support. The hanger rod and bracket are configured and adapted to maintain a substantially constant orientation of the bracket during inboard and outboard movement of the bracket relative to the boiler support.

Abstract: A laser scan unit for an imaging apparatus, including an optical paths having a plurality of optical components for directing and focusing a light beam. A component mounting mechanism is employed having a first member which is substantially fixed and resistant to movement, and a second member having an end portion which flexibly moves in response to forces acting thereon that are generated by changes in temperature due to differences in thermal expansion between the component and the first and second members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure for mounting a temperature sensor on a steam generator, which enables easy and convenient mounting of a temperature sensor on a steam generator. For this, the present invention provides a structure for mounting a temperature sensor on a steam generator in a drum type washing machine including a case which is an exterior of the steam generator, the temperature sensor provided to the case for sensing a temperature of steam generated by a heater, a bracket for fixing the temperature sensor, a fastening portion provided to the case for fastening the bracket to the case with separate fastening members, and a bracket rotation preventive portion provided to the case for preventing the bracket from rotating at the time the temperature sensor is mounted.

Abstract: An engine bracket assembly may include a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion, and a support member. The first mounting portion may fix a first end of the bracket assembly to the engine and the second mounting portion may fix a second end of the bracket assembly to the engine. The support member may support an engine component and may be disposed between and coupled to the first and second mounting portions. The coupling between the first and second mounting portions and the support member may provide relative displacement between the first mounting portion and the support member in a longitudinal direction extending from one of the first and second mounting portions toward the other of the first and second mounting portions during thermal expansion of the bracket assembly.

Abstract: A reaction vessel support device for mounting on a magnetic stirrer hotplate. The modular device comprises a base unit capable of positioning and seating at the reaction hotplate, and an insert formed non-integrally with the base unit comprising a reaction vessel receiving portion capable of seating and locating about a portion of a reaction vessel. At any one time, the base unit is capable of accommodating a plurality of different shaped and sized inserts each insert being configured to seat and support a specific reaction vessel of particular shape and size. The device therefore serves as a magnetic stirrer hotplate adapter.

Abstract: A series of upright boiler tubes periodically exposed to the abrasive action of a stream of blowing fluid cleaning medium. Vertically spaced shields mounted on the boiler tubes for protection from the fluid cleaning medium. A split ring casting located between the protective shields to maintain the boiler tubes in an aligned and fixed spaced relationship. The split ring casting is sized to overlap adjacent portions of the protective shields thereby covering any gaps exposing the boiler tubes to the action of the fluid cleaning medium.

Abstract: A self-adjusting assembly and method are disclosed. In the disclosed embodiments, a support assembly for supporting a device comprises a pair of support members for supporting the device. One of the members is adapted to help support the device from a ground, and another of the members is adapted to provide lateral support for the device and to permit free longitudinal movement of the device as it expands or contracts due to temperature variations.

Abstract: The invention related to a device for supporting a miniaturized, especially electronic or optical component, including a first and a second part, the second part is affixed to the first part on one side at a fixing point, in a cantilevered manner, and supports the component. The projection of the support area of the component onto the first part lies between the fixing point and a predetermined point of reference on the first part. The position of the support area of the component on the second part is chosen in relation to the fixing point between the first and second part and the respective material for the first and second parts is chosen with a specific temperature-dependent expansion coefficient &agr;1 and &agr;2, in such a way that the influence of the temperature-dependent expansion of the first and second part on the position of the support area of the component is at least partially offset in relation to the point of reference.

Abstract: A support structure includes at least one shaped component which is produced from a shape memory alloy and which, in a first operating state of the support structure, results in an increase in the strength of the support structure and, in a second operating state, results in a reduction in the thermal conductivity of the support structure. The first strut structure is surrounded by a second strut structure, which has a higher mechanical strength in comparison with the first strut structure, and the first strut structure is connected securely, at least at one of its ends, to the second strut structure. In addition, the first strut structure is connected to a holding device, and the second strut structure is releasably connected to the holding device by the at least one shaped component.

Abstract: A self leveling support for a machine includes a top plate, a base, a first supporting structure, and a second supporting structure. The top plate has a surface resting substantially along a first plane before thermal expansion. The first supporting structure is connected between the top plate and the base. The second supporting structure is connected between the top plate and the base. The surface of the top plate will be in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane during thermal expansion of the machine, the first supporting structure, and the second supporting structure.

Abstract: A support structure includes at least one shaped component which is produced from a shape memory alloy and which, in a first operating state of the support structure, results in an increase in the strength of the support structure and, in a second operating state, results in a reduction in the thermal conductivity of the support structure. The first strut structure is surrounded by a second strut structure, which has a higher mechanical strength in comparison with the first strut structure, and the first strut structure is connected securely, at least at one of its ends, to the second strut structure. In addition, the first strut structure is connected to a holding device, and the second strut structure is releasably connected to the holding device by the at least one shaped component.

Abstract: A high throughput drilling system for printed circuit board hole formation. Two spindles are disposed at each spindle station, doubling the number of holes produced in a given time period. Each spindle in connected to an overhead linear drive by a mini slide. A first set of the spindles, one for each spindle station, is driven by a first X axis linear drive. A second set is driven by a second X axis linear drive. The work piece table is elongated to support work pieces for all stations, and is supported by a set of bearing guides, with outrigger bearings coupled to the table by flexure mounts that relieve stress due to differential temperature expansion rates between the work piece table and the base table. High speed spindles are employed to obtain higher productivity, with larger holes routed by router tools, eliminating the need for stocking large drill sizes on the system tool changer.

Abstract: A mounting system for removably mounting a sensor array adjacent the wire of a papermaking machine. The mounting system comprises an elongate base member formed with a tongue or groove with a corresponding interlocking groove or tongue formed on the sensor array adapted to be slidably received and retained by the elongate base member. The tongue and groove are dimensioned to permit relative movement of the sensor array with respect to the base member. An inflatable bladder is housed between the elongate base member and the sensor array and the bladder is adapted to be inflated to move the tongue and groove into a locked position to fix the position of the sensor array with respect to the elongate base member. This arrangement allows for easy and efficient removal of the sensor array when the bladder is unpressurized while providing reliable clamping when the bladder is inflated.

Abstract: Improved vacuum actuated display ornaments which adhere to surfaces by self-suction are improved by a wall thickness at the center of mass thicker than their peripheral wall thickness.

Abstract: The encapsulation (1) of a gas-insulated switchgear assembly is supported at both ends (7, 9) on a foundation (11). To this end, mounting device (12) are provided at the first end (7) and are anchored in the foundation (11) such that they cannot move. At the second end (9), the mounting device (13) are designed such that they can move with respect to the foundation (11), in the longitudinal direction of the encapsulation (1). This avoids mechanical stresses in the assembly. A force absorbing member is also provided at the first end (7), which transmits horizontal forces from the encapsulation (1) to the foundation (11), and thus relieves the load on the mounting device (12, 13).

Abstract: A system and method for isolating the compressive and tensive forces created in a section of flexible tubing whose length expands and contracts in response to the fluid it conveys, while constraining the expansion of the tubing to a substantially horizontal plane. The tubing section having a pair of ends and a center portion therebetween. The system having a support structure and a pair of clamping members. The support structure having a pair of side constrainment portions for constraining the expansion of the tubing. The clamping members for anchoring the ends of the tubing section within the support structure thereby fixing their positions relative to each other and the support structure. When the tubing expands, the ends remain in their fixed position and the center portion of the tubing is forced to snake between the side constrainment portions.

Abstract: A retainer shield for a split ring retains boiler tubes aligned therein and dissipates heat from a front weld thereon. The retainer shield is preferably made from about 50% chromium and about 50% nickel and is welded to one end of the split ring to assist in holding the two halves of the split ring together. The retainer shield draws heat therefrom and dissipates it to prevent oxidation of the welds holding the two halves of the split ring together.

Abstract: The adjustment of machines (10) during the installation of the same at the location they are to be used is costly in terms of time and manpower, because a precise positioning of the machine is a precondition for a permanent fault-free operation. A reliably and precisely reproducible adjustment of the machine (10) is attained in that the load forces exerted on the machine feet (11) are measured and, by adjusting the machine feet (11), adapted to predefined nominal load forces (40). These calibration load forces are determined in advance, especially empirically, by using exact measurement methods. The values constitute reproducible values for the adjustment of the machine.

Abstract: An essential oil diffuser having a compact foldable tripod support is provided to facilitate carrying the diffuser in luggage such as briefcases or handbags. The essential oil diffuser will heat oil to the proper temperature without risk of overheating or burning the oil through combustion. In order to achieve a compact package having a short vertical dimension, the oil bowl must be placed close to the candle flame and so the diffuser includes a double bowl assembly supported by three folding legs. The double bowl assembly has an upper bowl member and a lower plate member separated by a uniform air gap. The lower plate member has a large radial flange extending beyond the perimeter of the upper bowl member, thereby containing spills. The lower flange of the lower plate member also serves as a heat sink, thereby diffusing and dissipating excess heat from the candle by convection and radiation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a stress-free support which includes two parts 1 and 2 having different linear thermal expansion coefficients. One part can, for example, be a mirror support made of Zerodur and the second part can be an aluminum support structure. A compensating stress-free support with flexure joints (121 to 126, 211 to 213, 214 to 216) increases the stiffness with respect to tilting. The stress-free support has a low weight and a low structural elevation. The entire arrangement is planar.

Abstract: A single furnace loading cycle technique and a ventable sintering box therefor are disclosed for the sintering of products, such as, ceramic substrates. The sintering box includes a closeable cover which is held open by collapsible or deformable or sensitive spacers in a first furnace temperature range. The sensitive spacers collapse or deform in a higher temperature range to seal closed the box and the substrates therein. Thus, volatile agents within the substrates are permitted to escape in the first temperature range but are prevented from escaping in the higher temperature range.Provision also is made using additional sensitive spacers for applying a weight upon the substrates when in the higher temperature range due to the collapse or deformation of the sensitive spacers.

Abstract: A unitary flexible information presentation board having self-suction is disclosed. The board comprises a unitary flexible sheet having an exterior convex surface, an interior concave surface and a beveled periphery. Each surface is uniquely tapered to allow the interior concave surface, when placed against a substrate, to form a vacuum seal against said substrate, upon application of pressure from the exterior convex surface and thereby adhere to the substrate by self-suction action, without the need for an extraneous suction cup member. It thereby resembles an oversized suction plate upon which information can be prominently displayed. The board can be removed, attached and reattached to substrates without damaging these substrates. The board can be lifted off the attached substrate by lifting of the beveled periphery of the board. Lifting of the periphery of the board releases the vacuum seal formed.

Abstract: A heat releasable bracket, for supporting a ceiling panel under normal conditions, and for releasing the ceiling panel when exposed to elevated temperatures caused by a nearby fire or the like, includes a first bracket part which includes a mounting portion for securing the first bracket portion to a support structure such as a beam, column, wall, etc.; a second bracket part which is adapted to be secured to the first bracket part and provide a support for the ceiling panel; and a heat releasable link which normally joins the first and second bracket parts together, but which releases the second bracket part from the first bracket part when exposed to elevated temperatures, which in turn allows the ceiling panel to drop away from the position at which it is normally supported. The heat releasable bracket can form part of an effective and relatively inexpensive ceiling panel support system comprised of at least one heat releasable bracket and at least one other bracket which is not heat releasable.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a support system for thermoplastic pipe which includes two sleeves each securable to one of two pipe ends, each encompassing a portion of the pipe and having a connection member spaced apart from the pipe and interconnected between the sleeves. The system minimizes stress on the pipe and fittings associated with thermal expansion and contraction of the pipe.

Abstract: A first end of a turbine casing is rigidly supported by a support member, while the second end is supported via a bearing case. The inboard end of the bearing case supports the second end of the turbine casing at points in a horizontal plane containing the longitudinal axis of the turbine shaft. The inboard end of the bearing case is supported by at least one inboard support element, while the outboard end of the bearing case is supported by at least one outboard support element. Each of the inboard support element and the outboard support element provides vertical support while permitting movement of the bearing case in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the turbine shaft. The outboard support element has upper and lower camming shim members with mating inclined surfaces.

Abstract: This invention provides an easily removable support clip for a solar receiver panel tube. A key feature of this concept is its easy assembly and disassembly without requiring access to the back side of the panel. Another key feature is the design of the clip can accommodate very severe thermal transients without exceeding the material's capacity to sustain these strains.

Abstract: A pipe restraint having a helical isolator (I.sup.1) coupled to a housing (16) and including a central cylinder (4) coupled to a central rod (2). Connecting rods (34, 36) are located at opposite ends of the restraint to attach the restraint between a pipe and an adjacent structure. Wire energy absorbing rope bights (32) are used to form the isolator I.sup.1. The bights (32) are placed in a state of precompression and have bi-linear spring properties which may be adjusted by adjusting the diameter of the housing (16) and spacer bar ( 30).

Abstract: Each of a plurality of cyclones is suspended from the roof of a vessel by means of tubular extensions of their barrels. These tubular extensions are slotted lengthwise to minimize thermal stresses in the vessel head. Importantly, this hanging scheme provides a direct extension within the load path for the cyclone weight, thus supporting the cyclone in tension stresses rather than high bending stresses.

Abstract: A wire cable isolator and an associated energy absorbing restraint is provided for connecting between a device subject to movement due to dynamic loads and possibly thermal deflection, and an adjacent structure, such as a building or a support member. The isolator has predetermined, symmetrical force-deflection properties. The isolator includes first and second pairs of entrapment members, and a wire cable formed in a spiral. The first pair of entrapment members clamp the wire cable spiral at opposite side of the spiral and the second pair of entrapment members clamp the wire cable spiral at opposite sides of the spiral. The first and second pair of entrapment members are disposed at predetermined positions about an exterior periphery of the spiral.

Abstract: A spring-biased system for suspending a reactor tube in a reactor (e.g. a hydrogen reforming furnace) which allows the tension in each reactor tube to be easily monitored while the reactor is in operation. The suspension system includes high precision springs, the compression of which is adjusted to pre-tension a respective reactor tube so that abnormal expansion of that tube during heat-up will be readily apparent from any change in length (i.e. compression) of the springs.

Abstract: A pipe restraint having a helical isolator (I.sup.1) coupled to a housing (16) and including a central cylinder (4) coupled to a central rod (2). Connecting rods (34, 36) are located at opposite ends of the restraint to attach the restraint between a pipe and an adjacent structure. Wire energy absorbing rope bights (32) are used to form the isolator I.sup.1. The bights (32) are placed in a state of precompression and have bi-linear spring properties which may be adjusted by adjusting the diameter of the housing (16) and spacer bar (30).

Abstract: A support device for supporting on a stationary framework a mass which is cantilevered-out from a moving element that moves under the effect of thermal expansion or contraction. The device comprises a rigid stand supporting the mass and connected to the stationary framework via two parallel arms of equal length and situated at two different heights, each of the two arms being hinged at one of its ends to a corresponding point on the stand and at its other end to a corresponding point on the stationary framework, the rigid support being placed on the moving elements via a connection that slides horizontally. The device is applicable to supporting collector manifolds in steam generators or boilers.

Abstract: A laminated structural component with superior resistance to flexural vibions is provided comprising two load-bearing layers and a viscoelastic damping layer sandwiched therebetween. Each of the load-bearing layers comprises an outer stiffness sublayer and an inner compliant sublayer, the compliant sublayer being positioned between the outer stiffness sublayer and the viscoelastic damping layer. The compliant sublayers have an extensional elastic modulus which is less than that of the stiffness sublayers, and greater than that of the viscoelastic damping layer. The laminated structural component experiences greater relative in-plane displacements between the load-bearing layers, and preserves transverse static stiffness.

Abstract: An anti-rotation bracket for restraining rotational and axial movement of an oil supply tube in an aircraft gas turbine engine during assembly and disassembly of a flanged connection between segments of the tube. The bracket includes a leg which extends about an adjacent stiffening ring of the turbine frame, a body portion having a substantially U-shaped channel opening to the leg for positioning the bracket around the oil supply tube, and a plurality of elongated holes passing through the body portion for clamping the bracket to the oil supply tube flange by the screws which attach the flanges together. The leg preferably includes spaced walls which receive a portion of the ring therebetween and provide clearance to allow for movement of the tube as a result of thermal expansion.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical instrument comprising a housing and at least one optical assembly enclosed by said housing and mounted on a stage plate. The stage plate is supported on the base plate with the aid of supporting means which guarantees on the one hand a precise fixing of the stage plate compared to the base plate and thus the housing, and on the other hand allows the base plate to distort by whatever attacks without a transfer to the stage plate. There are three supporting structures of different kinds which fix three different points in a special way. Upon the disconnection of the third supporting structure the stage plate can be lifted like a lid around an axis which is the middle axis of the first and second supporting structure.

Abstract: A support system for coupling elements of different temperatures while reducing thermal and dynamic stress. The support system couples a fuel manifold to a combustor in a gas turbine engine and includes first and second elongated brackets connected, respectively, to the combustor and to the fuel manifold. Distal ends of each of the brackets are positioned in overlapping relationship. A slot is formed in one of the overlapping distal ends and an aperture formed in the other aligned generally with the slot. A fastener extends through the aperture and slot compressing the ends against each other with a preselected force such that the ends cannot separate but can exhibit a sliding motion in the slot direction. The compressive force is controlled by a spring member positioned between one end of the fastener and an adjacent surface of one of the first and second brackets. A second disk fits around the stud similar to a large flat washer and the spring member fits around the stud between the two disks.

Abstract: A power generation system comprising a gas turbine, a steam turbine and a generator are mounted on a foundation in substantial axial alignment and connected by a single shaft. A thrust bearing is located on the shaft in one of the gas turbine and steam turbine. Whichever of the gas turbine and steam turbine contains the thrust bearing is flexibly secured to the foundation, and the other of the gas turbine and the steam turbine, as well as the generator, are rigidly secured to the foundation. A pair of rigid tie rods also extend between the steam and gas turbines, parallel to the shaft, to maintain a predetermined axial distance between the turbines, while allowing relative movement in a plane perpendicular to the shaft.

Abstract: Helical isolator (I.sup.1, I.sup.2) in a turnbuckle frame (10) on a central rod (2) with connector rods (34, 36) of opposite handed threads, are for mounting between a pipe and an adjacent structure. The wire energy absorbing rope bights (32) of the isolator I.sup.1, I.sup.2 are placed in parallel planes and in a state of precompression and have bi-linear spring properties which are adjustably provided by the diameter of the structural tube (10) and spacer bars (30) attached to the tube wall (12) as part of the bases (26, 28) of the isolators.

Abstract: A mounting peg system is disclosed in an electrical connector adapted for surface mounting on a printed circuit board. The connector includes an elongated insulating housing defining a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction of the connector. At least a pair of mounting pegs are spaced longitudinally of the housing for mounting in a respective pair of mounting holes in the printed circuit board. The mounting peg system includes one of the pair of mounting pegs being configured to be relatively rigid in both the longitudinal and transverse directions of the connector to securely retain the connector on the circuit board. The other of the pair of mounting pegs is configured to be relatively rigid in the transverse direction and relatively compliant in the longitudinal direction to accommodate longitudinal thermal expansion of the housing relative to the circuit board.

Abstract: A mounting device for a heat exchanger or the like elongated member subject to longitudinal expansion and contraction, that freely permits longitudinal movement sufficient to accomodate anticipated expansion and contraction of the member, but that provides positive restriction on movement in every other direction such as is likely to occur during an earthquake. The device moves on rolling, line-contact bearing surfaces, substantially eliminating the danger of binding or freezing of the device.

Abstract: To accommodate differential thermal growth of a component and its support, a pair of temperature responsive mounts are provided. Each mount comprises a rigid, bowed beam having lugs at each end affixed to the component and an intermediate lug affixed to the case. Thermal expansions of the beams and the component load the beams in compression, causing flexures thereof in directions to produce motions of the third lugs that track the thermal growth of the support.

Abstract: A noise muffling assembly, particularly for use with toothed wheel gear units having a partitioned housing (1), within which moving machine elements (2) are positioned, the shafts (3, 4) of which are supported in the housing, whereby only one housing part (6) is, by the attachment bases (7, 7'), attached to a base (8). At least the housing part (6) which is connected by the attachment base (7, 7') to the base (8) supports the shafts (3, 4) and includes, between its shafts (3, 4) and the attachment bases (7, 7'), a plurality of separation points (10, 10') lying at a distance from one another in such a manner that a long sound route (S) results. The separation points (10, 10') each consist of noise muffling elements (11, 12) which are constructed independently of one another, and are joined together by connecting parts (19, 20, 21) and whereby the noise muffling element (12) lying at the greatest distance from the housing (1), has the attachment bases (7, 7').

Abstract: Clearance control is provided by circumferentially segmented cooling manifolds having spray bars located radially outside selected components of the stator casing. Cooling air is directed onto stator components and returns immediately through circuitous paths to improve uniformity of cooling. The spray bars extend through limited circumferential angles to limit distortion due to uneven heating.

Abstract: An insulated pipe construction avoids deterioration of the refractory due to thermal cycling by supporting the refractory material against the force of gravity without restraining movement of the refractory material due to thermal expansion thereof. Excessive hoop stresses in the shell of the conduit due to thermal expansion of the refractory material can be prevented by providing a crushable layer of insulating fiber board inbetween the refractory material and the inner surface of the shell.

Abstract: Reduced thermal overstressing and cracking in the cone of a high efficiency regenerator for fluidized catalytic cracking catalyst is achieved by providing a cylindrical skirt at the base of the cone. The skirt defines an annular space which allows for expansion of the cone during changes in temperature of the regenerator. A catalytic cracking process using the regenerator is also disclosed.

Abstract: In order to compensate for the axial displacements of the rotors of steam turbines occurring in operation by simultaneous displacement of the inner casing (11, 12) and, by this means, to keep the axial clearance between the stator and rotor blading rows constant, the inner casing (11, 12) of a double-casing turbine is supported in its outer casing (9, 10) so that it can be displaced relative to it. Lever pairs (18, 19), each having a two-arm displacement lever (20, 27), which is supported on bearing blocks (21, 28) fixed relative to the outer casing, and an expansion lever (22, 29) interacting with it are used for the displacement. An extension (.DELTA.l), occurring due to the operational heating in a section of length (1) of the inner casing (11, 12), between two bearing trunnions (23, 26) is transmitted by the expansion levers (22, 29) to the displacement lever (20, 27), whose pivoting about the bearing trunnion (26) in the clockwise direction achieves the necessary displacement (.DELTA.x, .DELTA.x2).

Abstract: Improved vacuum actuated display ornaments which adhere to surfaces by self-suction are improved by a wall thickness at the center of mass thicker than their peripheral wall thickness.