Abstract: An optical pattern tracer is disclosed, of the circular scanning type. The interception of the pattern by the scan produces electrical outputs which are reduced to numerical values representative of their time of occurrence with reference to the scanning circle. The numbers derived and the nature of the signal generated are then processed to indicate the direction of the pattern, presence or absence of command marks and combined with other reference inputs, such as kerf and direction of tracing used to control a drive mechanism to move the tracer around the pattern.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of thermally isolating a bearing located near the combustion region in a gas turbine. Air is bled from an intermediate stage of the compressor turbine and is arranged to be fed to the central pipe of a coaxial piping arrangement which leads to the bearing housing. The housing for the bearing is arranged to have cooling air passages located therein to allow the air to circulate around and thus isolate the various parts of the bearing from the hot ambient. The air which has thereby acquired heat is subsequently lead back to the coaxial piping arrangement and is fed outwardly through the turbine in the space between the outer pipe and the central pipe.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device which is capable of accurately transferring a rotating movement from a master control to a pivotal vane tip in a gas turbine engine. A series of stationary vanes which are housed inside the casing of a gas turbine are each provided with a trailing rotatable vane tip. The device to which this application is directed is mounted on the casing of the gas turbine in a sealed manner and is connected to the rotatable vane tip. The vane tip is continuously biased in a radially outward direction by the motion transfer device to assure the best possible seal of the vane tip in the turbine. Provision is made to allow the vane tip to have some radial flexibility to prevent binding of the vane tip under thermal cycling stresses.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of moving a set of adjustable trailing vanes in a gas turbine engine of the "split-shaft" type. The vanes are moved by an adjusting ring which is made to completely encircle the casing of the turbine and connect to each vane by means of a rotator assembly. Provision is made to allow for connection of the turbine casing so that the binding or flexing of the adjustor ring assembly during thermal cycling is avoided. A series of pitman arms are pivotally interconnected between the adjustor ring assembly and each vane rotator assembly. The vane rotator assembly is provided to intercouple the adjustor ring assembly to each pivoting vane while at the same time providing some radial flexibility for the vane itself to prevent binding of the blade and actuator during thermal cycling. Provision is also made to bias each pivoting vane in the particular direction in the turbine during the operation of the turbine.

Abstract: Composite turbine blades and vanes have been proposed in the past formed from nickel or cobalt base superalloys and reinforcing fibres such as tungsten, molybdenum, silicon carbide, or graphite. One of the problems has been the spacing of the fibres and arrangement within the form. The present invention provides for such arrangement by means of aligning the fibres on an alloy powder tape or cloth comprising powdered superalloy and an organic binder. Pieces of the tape are then cut in the desired shape and arranged within a mold and subsequently bonded into a consolidated shape.

Abstract: A spout flap for a water kettle is disclosed which is provided in the spout opening to prevent the user from being scalded by hot steam when pouring hot water from the kettle. The flap is hingedly mounted in the top surface of the kettle adjacent the spout and is counterbalanced such that the flap remains closed when the kettle is in its normal carrying and/or pouring position. When the user desires to fill the kettle, the spout flap may be easily swung inwardly by a slight depressing force of a water faucet.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in electric kettles and in particular to the temperature controls for such kettles. The temperature control is adjustable to provide a variation in operating temperature of the heating element of the kettle and thus control the wattage input to the kettle. By this means it is possible to control the rate at which water is boiled or evaporated from the kettle. By setting the temperature control to its highest heat position, full wattage is supplied to the heater element to bring the water in the vessel to a boil and vapourize the contents thereof in the shortest possible time. If the temperature controller is left in the high heat position the kettle will evaporate at an approximate rate of two quarts of water in one hour. If the control is set to the low end of the range the contents will be brought up to a boil condition in the same time as if the thermostat were set on the high heat position, but the same amount of water will be evaporated in 12 to 15 hours.