Abstract: Starter arrangement for high power rotating equipment strings with multiple compressors driven by a single turbine or motor includes multiple variable fluid drive torque converters (CSTCs) to start the compressors in a pressurized start. The string can use a single CSTC for each compressor or a single CSTC for more than one compressor with at least two CSTCs for a given string. The starting procedure is sequential. After the turbine or motor is started and brought up to speed, successive CSTCs are operated from zero to lock-up speed sequentially to start each compressor or group of compressors in turn. In order to cool the working fluid of the CSTCs, a single heat exchanger is provided and the working fluid of each CSTC in turn is circulated through the heat exchanger as they are sequentially started.

Abstract: A compressor starting torque converter method and apparatus for high power rotating equipment strings includes a compressor starting torque converter (CSTC) (16) and gearing to make the input and output speed conform to the speed and power requirements of the at least one compressor (4) at the end of the string. The string also includes a prime mover (10), either a motor or gas turbine with a starter motor. The CSTC is driven by a prime mover that has been geared down (via 18) to an appropriate speed for efficient power transfer, followed by a gear increasing unit (20) to allow the output of the CSTC to be increased to conform to the necessary requirements of a high speed compressor. The gearing can be two separate units with their own housings, or incorporated in a single housing with the CSTC. The CSTC may be a CSTC used in pressurized starts high compressor load strings for LNG refrigeration service.

Abstract: A device and method measuring at least one parameter related to the blood of a subject, by emitting light with at least one emitter at least one wavelength within the spectral range of 380 980 nm toward a body part containing at least one wavelength. Spatially resolved reflectance measurements are obtained by capturing light reflected by the body part with at least one reflectance detector. At least one of the absorption coefficient and the reduced scattering coefficient of the blood component of the body part at each of the wavelengths is extracted from the measurements. The temporal derivatives of the at least one of the absorption coefficient and the reduced scattering coefficient is extracted, and at least one blood related parameter is calculated using the temporal derivatives.

Abstract: A control system for a drive apparatus which includes an engine and a hydrodynamic transmission with the latter including a forward hydraulic torque converter, a reverse hydraulic torque converter, and means for selectively filling either of the torque converters with hydraulic fluid to provide operation of the drive apparatus in the desired direction. A pedal or other operator control member is provided which when operated first causes the engine speed to drop to an idling speed, while further movement of the operator control member causes the engine speed to increase and the previously inactive torque converter to fill at a rate corresponding to the movement of the pedal.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic reversing transmission wherein each of the forward and reverse drive trains between the input and output shafts has a starting torque converter with a stationary housing, a rotary turbine wheel and a set of adjustable guide vanes. The draining lines of the torque converters have inlet portions which are connected with the respective housings and are oriented in such a way that the direction of fluid flow therein is identical with or closely approximates the direction of fluid flow between the adjacent blades of the turbine wheel when the respective torque converters are operated within the counterbraking range. Each inlet portion has an aperture which is in permanent communication with the sump. The ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of each turbine wheel is between 1.1 and 1.25, and the ratio of distances between the tips of neighboring blades of the turbine wheel to the outer diameter of the turbine wheel is between 0.06 and 0.09.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic reversing transmission for earth moving vehicles, forklift trucks or locomotives wherein the degree of filling of each torque converter of the forward drive train is controlled simultaneously with the degree of filling of the corresponding torque converter in the reverse drive train by a reversing valve.