Abstract: An example diffuser assembly includes a diffuser case, an annular ring, and a retaining tab that is mounted to the annular ring and has an end that engages an inner wall of the diffuser case. The engagement between the second end and the inner wall locks the retaining tab and limits movement of the annular ring along a central longitudinal axis of the diffuser case. Another example diffuser assembly includes a diffuser case, an annular ring, and a snap ring. The snap ring is situated in an annular groove of an inner wall of the diffuser case, and restricts movement of the annular ring along a central longitudinal axis of the diffuser case. A retaining tab is affixed to either the annular ring or the diffuser case, and has an end retaining the annular ring in the annular groove.

Abstract: An example diffuser assembly includes a diffuser case, an annular ring, and a retaining tab that is mounted to the annular ring and has an end that engages an inner wall of the diffuser case. The engagement between the second end and the inner wall locks the retaining tab and limits movement of the annular ring along a central longitudinal axis of the diffuser case. Another example diffuser assembly includes a diffuser case, an annular ring, and a snap ring. The snap ring is situated in an annular groove of an inner wall of the diffuser case, and restricts movement of the annular ring along a central longitudinal axis of the diffuser case. A retaining tab is affixed to either the annular ring or the diffuser case, and has an end retaining the annular ring in the annular groove.

Abstract: Convective cooling of gas turbine engine airfoil platforms is enhanced by grooving the interface of the platforms with corresponding platform-to-platform seals, thereby accelerating cooling airflow over the platform surfaces.

Abstract: A turbine outer air seal includes, in a radially inner major surface thereof, at least one circumferential groove accommodating a plurality of holes which supply air for film cooling the radially inner surface of the air seal.

Abstract: Convective cooling of gas turbine engine airfoil platforms is enhanced by grooving the interface of the platforms with corresponding platform-to-platform seals, thereby accelerating cooling airflow over the platform surfaces.

Abstract: A turbine outer air seal includes, in a radially inner major surface thereof, at least one circumferential groove accommodating a plurality of holes which supply air for film cooling the radially inner surface of the air seal.

Abstract: A composite core for an investment casting process, the core including both a ceramic portion and a refractory metal portion, with the refractory metal portion being so disposed as to perform the function of a plurality of such refractory metal elements. In particular, a refractory metal element attached to a trailing edge of a ceramic element extends beyond the plane of a tip end of the ceramic element so as to replace the refractory metal element otherwise extending from the ceramic tip edge. The refractory metal element also extends beyond the space to be occupied by the wax casting, both in the direction of the tip end and the trailing edge such that improved placement and securing of the core is facilitated during the casting process. A further embodiment uses a single refractory metal element that extends into both the airfoil portion and an orthogonal extending platform portion thereof.

Abstract: A composite core for an investment casting process, the core including both a ceramic portion and a refractory metal portion, with the refractory metal portion being so disposed as to perform the function of a plurality of such refractory metal elements. In particular, a refractory metal element attached to a trailing edge of a ceramic element extends beyond the plane of a tip end of the ceramic element so as to replace the refractory metal element otherwise extending from the ceramic tip edge. The refractory metal element also extends beyond the space to be occupied by the wax casting, both in the direction of the tip end and the trailing edge such that improved placement and securing of the core is facilitated during the casting process. A further embodiment uses a single refractory metal element that extends into both the airfoil portion and an orthogonal extending platform portion thereof.

Abstract: A shroud for a rotor assembly disposed within a case is provided. The shroud includes suspension apparatus, a control ring, and a blade outer air seal. The suspension apparatus is disposed between the control ring and the case. The control ring includes a body and a first attachment mechanism. The blade outer air seal includes a second attachment mechanism. The first and second attachment mechanisms cooperate to secure the blade outer air seal to the control ring.

Abstract: A tape cassette or the like employs a resettable counter that disables the playing of the cassette after a limited number of playings consistent with home use. The small number of playings is supported by a machine resetting procedure that automatically records the usage and resets the casette by translating information on a label on the cassette into a sequence of moves that unlocks the resetting mechanism that otherwise is otherwise locked against unauthorized parties. The label also includes a machine readable description of the program. Cassettes with the same program material have different reset codes on their labels to limit the resetting of some cassettes to particular machines thus lessening the economic incentive of obtaining or constructing unauthorized resetting equipment.

Abstract: A computer software security and billing system is disclosed in which the application program is enciphered in accordance with an algorithm driven by a numeric key. The user's computer is provided with a hardware security module and a removable billing module, both of which carry unique codes. A security program accesses the application program and also writes information about billing into the billing module. The billing module is periodically replaced so the user can be charged based on amount of usage of the software. The security system is also capable of operating to provide data and program security independent of the billing function.

Abstract: A computer software security and billing system is disclosed in which the application program is enciphered in accordance with an algorithm driven by a numeric key. The user's computer is provided with a hardware security module and a removable billing module, both of which carry unique codes. A security program accesses the application program and also writes information about billing into the billing module. The billing module is periodically replaced so the user can be charged based on amount of usage of the software.

Abstract: An arm (18) transfers modules (12), each containing an EPROM or EEPROM, from a feed tray (14) to a conveyor (22). The conveyor (22) has a circuitous series of links, each of which forms a receptacle tray (24) that is adapted to receive one of the modules (12). Each of the receptacle trays (24) have electrodes (42) which are electrically connected to the EPROM or EEPROM. The receptacle trays (24) pass beneath heads (52), each separate head (52) making electrical contact with a separate electrode (42) to process the EPROM or EEPROM. A reading, erasing, or writing process may be accomplished through a particular head or heads (52). As the receptacle trays (24) pass beneath a set of heads (52), the modules (12) are processed in succession. When the receptacle trays (24) complete travel on the conveyor (22), a second are (26) transfers the modules (12) to a collection tray (30).

Abstract: A high security pay television system is provided in which television receivers include a decoder and with periodically changed removable memory modules. The decoder only functions to properly descramble the scrambled broadcase signal when a changeable system-wide code is available in the decoder. The code can either be carried in the memory module, or an internal code unique to the decoder and resident in the decoder can be combined with an external code in the removable memory module, and also unique to that decoder, to generate the common systemwide system code. Program viewership is written on the removable memory module which is returned to a central facility for later subscriber billing.

Abstract: A high security pay television system is provided in which subscribers are provided with a decoder and with periodically changed removable memory modules. The decoder only functions to properly descramble the scrambled broadcast signal when a changeable system-wide code is available in the decoder. The code can either be carried in the memory module, or an internal code unique to the decoder and resident in the decoder can be combined with a external code in the removable memory module, and also unique to that decoder, to generate the common systemwide system code. Program viewership is written on the removable memory module. The removable memory module is provided with a pre-written limit of program viewing authorization so that when the limit is reached, further viewing is not possible.

Abstract: A pay per use system allows the broadcast of television, videotext, and videogame programming all in the same system. The programming is broadcast in scrambled form with a broadcast signal imbedded in the program broadcast. The receiving station decoder has an internal code assigned to it plus is provided with an external code contained in a removable memory module from which it can generate signals to descramble the input program content. Television programming is viewed directly on a television screen while videotext and videogame programming are loaded onto a remote memory unit specifically adapted to interfit and mate to economical home computers specifically intended for videogames. The routing of the program, either to the television or to the remote memory unit is controlled by information in the broadcast code imbedded in the broadcast itself.

Abstract: A high security pay television system is provided in which television receivers include a decoder and with periodically changed removable memory modules. The decoder only functions to properly descramble the scrambled broadcase signal when a changeable system-wide code is available in the decoder. The code can either be carried in the memory module, or an internal code unique to the decoder and resident in the decoder can be combined with an external code in the removable memory module, and also unique to that decoder, to generate the common systemwide system code. Program viewership is written on the removable memory module which is returned to a central facility for later subscriber billing.

Abstract: A computer software security and billing system is disclosed in which the application program is enciphered in accordance with an algorithm driven by a numeric key. The user's computer is provided with a hardware security module and a removable billing module, both of which carry unique codes. A security program accesses the application program and also writes information about billing into the billing module. The billing module is periodically replaced so the user can be charged based on amount of usage of the software.

Abstract: A high security pay television system is provided in which subscribers are provided with a decoder and with periodically changed removable memory modules. The decoder only functions to properly descramble the scrambled broadcast signal when a changeable system-wide code is available in the decoder. The code can either be carried in the memory module, or an internal code unique to the decoder and resident in the decoder can be combined with an external code in the removable memory module, and also unique to that decoder, to generate the common systemwide system code. Program viewership is written on the removable memory module which is returned to a central facility for later subscriber billing.