1. A steerable multi-linked device comprising:
a first multi-linked mechanism;
a second multi-linked mechanism and
a plurality of steering cables connected to the second multi-linked mechanism;
wherein the second multi-linked mechanism concentrically surrounds the first multi-linked mechanism,
wherein the second multi-linked mechanism comprises a plurality of links, wherein at least one of the plurality of links comprises a reinforcing member that surrounds at least a portion of the link, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcing member extends from a first end of the link toward a joint positioned between the link and an adjacent link wherein the reinforcing member has a wall thickness that limits a range of motion of the joint,
wherein the reinforcing member is configured to reduce stress on the at least one of the plurality of links of the second multi-linked mechanism when tension is applied to the plurality of steering cables.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing member is connected to a surface of the at least one of the plurality of links.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing member is formed integral with the at least one of the plurality of links.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing member is a circumferentially reinforcing member.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing member comprises a metal collar.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing member is comprised of at least one of:
a polymer thermoplastic material;
a metal;
a fiber; or
a mesh.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein:
the plurality of links of the second multi-linked mechanism defines a first plurality of grooves,
the first multi-linked mechanism comprises a second plurality of links that define a second plurality of grooves,
the first plurality of grooves and the second plurality of grooves cooperate to define at least one working port along a length of the steerable multi-linked device.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the second multi-linked mechanism is configured to alternate between a limp mode and a rigid mode.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.
1. A system for reducing combustion dynamics in a combustor, comprising:
a. an end cap that extends radially across at least a portion of the combustor, wherein the end cap comprises an upstream surface axially separated from a downstream surface;
b. a plurality of tube bundles that extends from the upstream surface through the downstream surface of the end cap, wherein each tube bundle provides fluid communication through the end cap;
c. a first divider inside a first tube bundle, wherein the first divider defines a first diluent passage that extends axially through the downstream surface; and
d. a diluent supply in fluid communication with the first divider, wherein the diluent supply provides diluent flow to the first diluent passage in the first divider.
2. The system as in claim 1, further comprising a second divider between at least one pair of adjacent tube bundles, wherein the second divider defines a second diluent passage that extends axially through the downstream surface.
3. The system as in claim 1, further comprising a second divider inside a second tube bundle, wherein the second divider defines a second diluent passage that extends axially through the downstream surface.
4. The system as in claim 1, wherein the first diluent passage terminates at a plurality of diluent ports that provide fluid communication for the diluent flow through the downstream surface of the end cap.
5. The system as in claim 1, wherein the first diluent passage terminates at a plurality of diluent distributors that extend downstream from the downstream surface.
6. The system as in claim 5, further comprising a thermal barrier coating on the plurality of diluent distributors.
7. The system as in claim 1, further comprising a fuel supply in fluid communication with each tube bundle, wherein the fuel supply is substantially concentric with the diluent supply.
8. A system for reducing combustion dynamics in a combustor, comprising:
a. an end cap that extends radially across at least a portion of the combustor, wherein the end cap comprises an upstream surface axially separated from a downstream surface;
b. a plurality of tube bundles that extends from the upstream surface through the downstream surface of the end cap, wherein each tube bundle provides fluid communication through the end cap;
c. a first diluent passage inside a first tube bundle, wherein the first diluent passage extends axially through at least a portion of the end cap and through the downstream surface; and
d. a diluent supply in fluid communication with the first diluent passage, wherein the diluent supply provides diluent flow to the diluent passage.
9. The system as in claim 8, further comprising a second diluent passage between at least one pair of adjacent tube bundles, wherein the second diluent passage extends axially through the downstream surface.
10. The system as in claim 8, further comprising a second diluent passage inside a second tube bundle, wherein the second diluent passage extends axially through the downstream surface.
11. The system as in claim 8, wherein the first diluent passage terminates at a plurality of diluent ports that provide fluid communication for the diluent flow through the downstream surface of the end cap.
12. The system as in claim 8, wherein the first diluent passage terminates at a plurality of diluent distributors that extend downstream from the downstream surface.
13. The system as in claim 12, further comprising a thermal barrier coating on the plurality of diluent distributors.
14. The system as in claim 8, further comprising a fuel supply in fluid communication with each tube bundle, wherein the fuel supply is substantially concentric with the diluent supply.
15. The system as in claim 8, wherein the diluent provides at least one of water, steam, a fuel additive, an inert gas, or a non-flammable gas to the diluent passage.
16. A method for reducing combustion dynamics in a combustor, comprising:
a. flowing a fuel through a plurality of tube bundles that extend axially through an end cap that extends radially across at least a portion of the combustor;
b. flowing a diluent through a first diluent passage inside a first tube bundle into a combustion chamber downstream from the end cap, wherein the first diluent passage extends axially through at least a portion of the end cap; and
c. forming a diluent barrier in the combustion chamber between the first tube bundle and at least one other adjacent tube bundle.
17. The method as in claim 16, further comprising forming the diluent barrier around the first tube bundle.
18. The method as in claim 16, further comprising forming the diluent barrier between each pair of adjacent tube bundles.
19. The method as in claim 16, further comprising injecting the diluent into the combustion chamber downstream from the end cap.
20. The method as in claim 16, further comprising flowing the fuel concentrically with the diluent through at least a portion of the combustor.