Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a variable area nozzle having a plurality of flaps. The flaps are actuated by a plurality of actuating mechanisms driven by shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators to vary fan exist nozzle area. The SMA actuator has a deformed shape in its martensitic state and a parent shape in its austenitic state. The SMA actuator is heated to transform from martensitic state to austenitic state generating a force output to actuate the flaps. The variable area nozzle also includes a plurality of return mechanisms deforming the SMA actuator when the SMA actuator is in its martensitic state.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a variable area nozzle having a plurality of flaps. The flaps are actuated by a plurality of actuating mechanisms driven by shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators to vary fan exist nozzle area. The SMA actuator has a deformed shape in its martensitic state and a parent shape in its austenitic state. The SMA actuator is heated to transform from martensitic state to austenitic state generating a force output to actuate the flaps. The variable area nozzle also includes a plurality of return mechanisms deforming the SMA actuator when the SMA actuator is in its martensitic state.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a variable area nozzle having a plurality of flaps. The flaps are actuated by a plurality of actuating mechanisms driven by shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators to vary fan exist nozzle area. The SMA actuator has a deformed shape in its martensitic state and a parent shape in its austenitic state. The SMA actuator is heated to transform from martensitic state to austenitic state generating a force output to actuate the flaps. The variable area nozzle also includes a plurality of return mechanisms deforming the SMA actuator when the SMA actuator is in its martensitic state.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a variable area nozzle having a plurality of flaps. The flaps are actuated by a plurality of actuating mechanisms driven by shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators to vary fan exist nozzle area. The SMA actuator has a deformed shape in its martensitic state and a parent shape in its austenitic state. The SMA actuator is heated to transform from martensitic state to austenitic state generating a force output to actuate the flaps. The variable area nozzle also includes a plurality of return mechanisms deforming the SMA actuator when the SMA actuator is in its martensitic state.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a variable area nozzle having a plurality of flaps. The flaps are actuated by a plurality of actuating mechanisms driven by shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators to vary fan exist nozzle area. The SMA actuator has a deformed shape in its martensitic state and a parent shape in its austenitic state. The SMA actuator is heated to transform from martensitic state to austenitic state generating a force output to actuate the flaps. The variable area nozzle also includes a plurality of return mechanisms deforming the SMA actuator when the SMA actuator is in its martensitic state.

Abstract: An induction motor is provided with a secondary portion 20 comprising an interlaced conductor/back-iron (or ferromagnetic) portion 60 and a purely ferromagnetic back-iron portion 62. The interlaced portion 60 comprises an electrically conductive lattice (or foam) material 61 having pores 63 filled with a ferromagnetic material which results in two interlaced lattices 61,63 which are continuous through a shared volume. The interlaced region 60 provides both good magnetic permeability for passing magnetic flux 30 and good electrical conductivity for flowing induced electrical currents necessary for induction motors. As a result, the effective magnetic gap G1 is minimized while also providing a low-cost induction motor. Alternatively, the lattice 61 may be a ferromagnetic material which is embedded with a conductor.

Abstract: A passenger carrying system for transporting passengers between two floors, comprising a plurality of interconnected steps which move between the floors in a closed pattern that includes sections which spiral down and up between the floors around vertical posts. In the spiral sections the steps form staircases which move along the pattern.

Abstract: A plurality of stairs are interconnected and propelled in a racetrack pattern between two floors of a building. The stairs are guided on rails and provide moving staircase sections for passengers to stand on for transport between the floors. The stairs move flatly in line with each other beneath the floor level in going from one of these staircase sections to the other. The stairs are interconnected and mounted on the rails in such a way that they can rotate relative to each other so that they can turn in going from one staircase section to the other.