Abstract: An airfoil is provided for a gas turbine engine. The airfoil may comprise a main body comprising a leading edge having a leading edge outer surface, a trailing edge having a trailing edge outer surface, a suction side having a suction side outer surface and a pressure side having a pressure side outer surface. The main body may further comprise at least one interior cooling passage and a plurality of cooling holes extending from the cooling passage to at least one of the leading edge outer surface, the trailing edge outer surface, the suction side outer surface and the pressure side outer surface. Preferably, at least one of the cooling holes includes a proximal metering section having a first dimension extending transverse to an axis extending in a flow direction of a cooling fluid passing through the one cooling hole, a flared section and an exit opening having a second dimension transverse to the axis which is larger than the first dimension.

Abstract: A gas turbine power plant in which a mixture of steam and compressed air, the mixture being primarily steam, is used to cool the rotating blades and stationary vanes in the turbine section. The air is bled from the compressor. The flow rate of steam that is mixed into the compressed air is adjusted so to maintain the pressure drop experienced by the compressed air as it flows to the turbine within a predetermined range. Consequently, the steam and air mixture has the same volumetric flow rate as if compressed air alone were being used. Thus, any sudden decrease in steam flow rate will automatically result in an offsetting increase in the flow of compressed air due to the decrease in the line pressure in the common line through which the air and steam flow to the turbine. Consequently, no control, isolation or check valves are utilized in the compressed air piping.

Abstract: A choke assembly (10) is attachable to the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel (G) to produce a tightened shot pattern when the shotgun is fired. A shotgun shell includes shot (S) and a wading (W). The wading is spun through the barrel by discharge gases created when the shell is fired, and this spinning motion tends to increase the size of the shot pattern. The choke comprises an elongate hollow tube (12) having an inner end (14) receivable in the muzzle end (M) of the barrel. An inner diameter (D1) of the tube corresponds to that of the barrel at its muzzle end. An outer end (24) of the tube extends beyond the muzzle. The inner diameter of the tube decreases from the inner to the outer end of the tube to effect a choke. The outer end of the tube also has a plurality of longitudinally extending slots (28) formed therein, these being spaced circumferentially about the tube. Discharge gases propelling the wading through the barrel tends to force the wading radially outwardly through the slots.

Abstract: A mechanically built cover for an underground pit which accommodates one or more hunters, and gives maximum freedom of movement and firearm safety. It is preferably used by duck and goose hunters. The cover is built for instant opening, allowing time for the hunters to get their birds within shooting range. This cover will cut down on injured birds which leave the area to die. A designed safety feature of this pit cover is that one man can pull the cord which opens the cover instantly allowing other hunters in the pit to have complete control of their firearms. The pit cover may be camouflaged with whatever is in the hunting area such as corn stalks or any other natural foliages.