Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to systems and methods for holding target turbomachine compressor pressure ratio constant while varying the shaft speed. In order to characterize a load compressor and validate the compressor design, the speed of the load compressor can be changed while controlling the compressor operating line and holding the inlet guide vanes at a constant angle. Discharge control valves can be dynamically adjusted to maintain the pressure ratio equal to the operating line over a range of speeds.

Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing torque contribution are provided. According to one embodiment, a system may include a controller and a processor communicatively coupled to the controller. The processor may be configured to receive initial and final transition speeds of the drivetrain, receive a torque reference for accelerating the drivetrain, provide the starting device with primary control of the acceleration of the drivetrain according to the torque reference, and determine that the initial transition speed is reached. Based on the determination, the processor may capture initial transitional conditions of the starting device, define a torque trajectory of the starting device based on the initial and final transition speeds of the drivetrain, and transfer the primary control of the acceleration of the drivetrain from the starting device to the gas turbine.

Abstract: A control apparatus for angling guide vanes of a torque converter is provided and includes a modeling unit configured to receive current condition data, to determine a current input power supplied by a starting motor from the current condition data and to output a result of the determination as a control signal and a controller, which is coupled to the modeling unit and thereby receptive of the control signal. The controller is configured to execute a comparison of the current input power with a rating of the starting motor and to angle the guide vanes of the torque converter at an angle in accordance with a result of the comparison.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for controlling an integrated drive train. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method for controlling a gas turbine drive train includes measuring speed associated with the drive train, controlling fuel flow to a gas turbine based at least in part on a speed command and the measured speed, controlling one or more guide vanes associated with a torque converter based at least in part on the speed command and an expected power output of the torque converter, and selectively coordinating respective torque contributions from the torque converter and the gas turbine.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to increase the operational range of a turbine is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes: a turbine coupled to a driveshaft; a drive-train coupled to the driveshaft; a first torque convertor coupled to the drive-train, the first torque convertor being configured to deliver an operational torque to the drive-train; a second torque convertor coupled to the first torque convertor, the second torque convertor being configured to deliver a torque to the first torque convertor; a first motor coupled to the second torque convertor, the first motor being configured to deliver a power input to the second torque convertor; and a control system operably connected to at least one of the first torque convertor and the second torque convertor, the control system configured to monitor and adjust a speed of the drive-train by controlling at least one of the operational torque provided by the first torque converter and the torque provided by the second torque converter.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide a facility for automated gifting. The facility receives from a gifter an identification of a gift recipient, an indication of an occasion, and selection criteria. The facility automatically selects a proposed gift for the indicated occasion based on at least the received selection criteria and, in the absence of further direction from the gifter, sends the gift to the recipient.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for controlling an integrated drive train. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method for controlling a gas turbine drive train includes measuring speed associated with the drive train, controlling fuel flow to a gas turbine based at least in part on a speed command and the measured speed, controlling one or more guide vanes associated with a torque converter based at least in part on the speed command and an expected power output of the torque converter, and selectively coordinating respective torque contributions from the torque converter and the gas turbine.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide a facility for automated gifting. The facility receives from a gifter an identification of a gift recipient, an indication of an occasion, and selection criteria. The facility automatically selects a proposed gift for the indicated occasion based on at least the received selection criteria and, in the absence of further direction from the gifter, sends the gift to the recipient.

Abstract: A slide system for a mobile device including a base portion and a slide portion configured to slide in relation to the base portion, the system including: at least one base magnet provided to the base portion; a plurality of slide magnets provided to the slide portion and configured such that the plurality of slide magnets are aligned to the at least one base magnet at predetermined positions during movement of the slide portion relative to the base portion; and a magnetically active element provided to the slide portion in spatial relation to at least one of the plurality of slide magnets such that magnetic forces between the at least one of the plurality of slide magnets and the at least one base magnet are affected. In particular, the magnetic forces can be altered to provide an altered “feel” to the sliding movement by lowering repulsive forces and increasing attractive forces.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide a facility for automated gifting. The facility receives from a gifter an identification of a gift recipient, an indication of an occasion, and selection criteria. The facility automatically selects a proposed gift for the indicated occasion based on at least the received selection criteria and, in the absence of further direction from the gifter, sends the gift to the recipient.

Abstract: An assembly (200-400) has a portion of a housing (400), a connector (300), and a tray (200). The connector has one or more electrical contacts (302) for connecting to a corresponding electrical component (500). The tray is coupled to a surface (402) of the portion of the housing, wherein the tray slideably engages with the connector and the electrical component (FIGS. 7 and 10), thereby providing electrical contact between the connector and the electrical component.

Abstract: The invention concerns an antenna assembly (102) and a method (600) of operation thereof. In one arrangement, the antenna assembly can include a first antenna element (202) and a second antenna element (204), electrically disconnected from the first antenna element and a switching element (210) to selectively connect the first antenna element and the second antenna element. In another arrangement, the method can include the steps of sliding (604) the switching element to a first position to operate the antenna assembly in a first mode of operation and sliding (606) the switching element to a second position to operate the antenna assembly in a second mode of operation. As an example, in the first mode of operation, the antenna assembly can operate as a one-half wavelength antenna. In the second mode of operation, the antenna assembly can operate as a quarter wavelength antenna.

Abstract: An assembly (200-400) has a portion of a housing (400), a connector (300), and a tray (200). The connector has one or more electrical contacts (302) for connecting to a corresponding electrical component (500). The tray is coupled to a surface (402) of the portion of the housing, wherein the tray slideably engages with the connector and the electrical component (FIGS. 7 and 10), thereby providing electrical contact between the connector and the electrical component.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting an accessory connector (12) on a communication device (10). The communication device can include an opening (14) for providing access to the connector. The apparatus can be a cover (16) attached in a tethered relation to the communication device. A portion of the cover can be flexible so as to allow a user to selectively move the cover between a first position and a second position. In the first position, at the cover can substantially close the opening such that the connector is substantially protected from the infiltration of solid particles and the gross intrusion of liquids. In the second position, the cover can be held away from the connector such that substantially unimpeded access to the connector is permitted. The cover and communication device can have various associated features to ensure that the cover is retained in the first and second positions.

Abstract: A latch mechanism includes a latch member (110) that is assembled into a housing (800) of the device in a direction along a Z axis (906). The latch member has retaining legs (206) that extend though openings (806) in the housing when the latch member is placed in a latch seat (802) of the housing. The openings form guides (808) along which the latch member will move when used. The retaining legs have retaining groves (208) formed in them. A retaining clip (500), which has arms formed into undercut features (502) correspond to the retaining groves of the latch member so that the retaining clip can be slid onto the latch member from an opposite side of the housing which captures the guide between the retaining clip and latch member. The retaining clip is held in place by abutting a component of the device, such as a speaker assembly (812).

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making aqueous aramid dispersion and aramid sheets of improved uniformity by utilizing water with a pH of greater than 10.