Abstract: Stator vane assembly includes plurality of vanes arranged in circumferential array, radially proximal mounting portion, radially distal mounting portion, and first latching mechanism. Each of plurality of vanes extends radially between radially proximal mounting portion and radially distal mounting portion, with each of plurality of vanes being pivotally mounted between radially proximal mounting portion and radially distal mounting portion. Plurality of vanes is movable between first arrangement allowing gas to flow across vanes, and second arrangement blocking gas flow across vanes. Pivot axis of each of plurality of vanes is offset from the line of aerodynamic center of pressure of vane towards trailing edge of vane, and first latching mechanism holds plurality of vanes in first arrangement. Upon receipt of signal, first latching mechanism releases plurality of vanes so that gas flow through vane assembly causes plurality of vanes to move from first arrangement to second arrangement.

Abstract: A fluid transfer coupling includes a first and second shaft assembly. The first shaft assembly includes a shaft and annular fin attached to shaft, annular fin having one or more internal passages extending therethrough. The or each internal passage connects a center portion of shaft to a radially outwardly facing side of annular fin. The second shaft assembly includes a shaft and annular trough extending radially outwardly of shaft. The first shaft is concentrically accommodated within second shaft with annular fin being accommodated within annular trough. In use, first shaft assembly rotates at a first rotational speed and second shaft assembly rotates at a second rotational speed, with second rotational speed being greater than first rotational speed. The difference between second and first rotational speeds cause a fluid contained within annular trough to be driven radially inwardly through the or each internal passage to center portion of first shaft.

Abstract: A bladed rotor assembly includes a bladed rotor and a rotor housing. The bladed rotor has a plurality of blades arranged in a circumferential array around an axis of rotation, and the rotor housing encircles the bladed rotor and has a radially inwardly facing surface. Each of the blades comprises a first, radially extending, edge, a second opposite, radially extending, edge, and a radially distal edge. The radially distal edge has a first end, a second end, and a center portion, with the first end adjoining the first, radially extending, edge, and the second end adjoining the second, radially extending, edge. A clearance between the radially distal edge and the radially inwardly facing surface is a first clearance at the first end, and decreases to a second clearance across the center portion.

Abstract: A fluid transfer coupling includes a first and second shaft assembly. The first shaft assembly includes a shaft and annular fin attached to shaft, annular fin having one or more internal passages extending therethrough. The or each internal passage connects a centre portion of shaft to a radially outwardly facing side of annular fin. The second shaft assembly includes a shaft and annular trough extending radially outwardly of shaft. The first shaft is concentrically accommodated within second shaft with annular fin being accommodated within annular trough. In use, first shaft assembly rotates at a first rotational speed and second shaft assembly rotates at a second rotational speed, with second rotational speed being greater than first rotational speed. The difference between second and first rotational speeds cause a fluid contained within annular trough to be driven radially inwardly through the or each internal passage to centre portion of first shaft.

Abstract: Stator vane assembly includes plurality of vanes arranged in circumferential array, radially proximal mounting portion, radially distal mounting portion, and first latching mechanism. Each of plurality of vanes extends radially between radially proximal mounting portion and radially distal mounting portion, with each of plurality of vanes being pivotally mounted between radially proximal mounting portion and radially distal mounting portion. Plurality of vanes is movable between first arrangement allowing gas to flow across vanes, and second arrangement blocking gas flow across vanes. Pivot axis of each of plurality of vanes is offset from the line of aerodynamic centre of pressure of vane towards trailing edge of vane, and first latching mechanism holds plurality of vanes in first arrangement. Upon receipt of signal, first latching mechanism releases plurality of vanes so that gas flow through vane assembly causes plurality of vanes to move from first arrangement to second arrangement.

Abstract: A bladed rotor assembly comprises a bladed rotor and a rotor housing. The bladed rotor has a plurality of blades arranged in a circumferential array around an axis of rotation, and the rotor housing encircles the bladed rotor and has a radially inwardly facing surface. Each of the blades comprises a first, radially extending, edge, a second opposite, radially extending, edge, and a radially distal edge. The radially distal edge has a first end, a second end, and a centre portion, with the first end adjoining the first, radially extending, edge, and the second end adjoining the second, radially extending, edge. A clearance between the radially distal edge and the radially inwardly facing surface is a first clearance at the first end, and decreases to a second clearance across the centre portion.