Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed. A mechanical linkage for mounting a gas turbine engine to a pylon includes: a bending restraint having a first end and a second end; a first joint at the first end of the bending restraint to connect the first end of the bending restraint to a fan section of the gas turbine engine; and a second joint at the second end of the bending restraint to connect the second end of the bending restraint to the pylon.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an automated precious metal bullion authentication apparatus and system that, without human intervention, develops and disseminates information to enable a user to distinguish between genuine and non-genuine precious metals bullion items. The systems and devices may work together with third-party hardware or software and, with Internet access, may be utilized 24/7, 365 days a year. The system or device enables a user to receive directly at a point of sale, or anywhere in public or private, information regarding whether an item is genuine or not. Information regarding genuineness of an item may be provided to the user before, during, or after a monetary or non-monetary exchange or transaction between individuals or entities. The system or device identifies and authenticates precious metal bullion items automatically through a multiplicity of procedures and renders a conclusion based on data from acquired digital images and other physical measurements.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an automated precious metal bullion authentication apparatus and system that, without human intervention, develops and disseminates information to enable a user to distinguish between genuine and non-genuine precious metals bullion items. The systems and devices may work together with third-party hardware or software and, with Internet access, may be utilized 24/7, 365 days a year. The system or device enables a user to receive directly at a point of sale, or anywhere in public or private, information regarding whether an item is genuine or not. Information regarding genuineness of an item may be provided to the user before, during, or after a monetary or non-monetary exchange or transaction between individuals or entities. The system or device identifies and authenticates precious metal bullion items automatically through a multiplicity of procedures and renders a conclusion based on data from acquired digital images and other physical measurements.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an automated precious metal bullion authentication apparatus and system that, without human intervention, develops and disseminates information to enable a user to distinguish between genuine and non-genuine precious metals bullion items. The systems and devices may work together with third-party hardware or software and, with Internet access, may be utilized 24/7, 365 days a year. The system or device enables a user to receive directly at a point of sale, or anywhere in public or private, information regarding whether an item is genuine or not. Information regarding genuineness of an item may be provided to the user before, during, or after a monetary or non-monetary exchange or transaction between individuals or entities. The system or device identifies and authenticates precious metal bullion items automatically through a multiplicity of procedures and renders a conclusion based on data from acquired digital images and other physical measurements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a bullion arbitrage kiosk portal device that enables a customer to buy and/or sell precious metal bullion. A price for the bullion is dynamically determined based at least in part on a plurality of real-time market quotes, an operational markup, and an inventory determination of bullion at a single or multiple number of kiosk portal device(s). The kiosk portal device is further configured such that bullion purchased by the kiosk portal device may be resold by the same kiosk portal device, thereby integrating the buy/sell of bullion, even by the same customer. The kiosk portal device further enables a customer to exchange bullion for differing configurations and/or amounts of other bullion, as well as other forms of payment, such as cash, credit, or alternative denominations of bullion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a bullion arbitrage kiosk portal device that enables a customer to buy and/or sell precious metal bullion. A price for the bullion is dynamically determined based at least in part on a plurality of real-time market quotes, an operational markup, and an inventory determination of bullion at a single or multiple number of kiosk portal device(s). The kiosk portal device is further configured such that bullion purchased by the kiosk portal device may be resold by the same kiosk portal device, thereby integrating the buy/sell of bullion, even by the same customer. The kiosk portal device further enables a customer to exchange bullion for differing configurations and/or amounts of other bullion, as well as other forms of payment, such as cash, credit, or alternative denominations of bullion.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine combustor includes outer and inner liners joined together at an annular dome. Outer and inner air swirlers and cooperating fuel injectors are mounted in two rows in the combustor dome. The fuel injectors are joined to a common fuel manifold for simultaneously channeling fuel thereto over an operating range from idle to full power for reducing exhaust emissions.

Abstract: A thermal control apparatus is provided for gas turbine engine cases and particularly for thermal control of clearances between turbine rotors and surrounding shrouds. Thermal control of an annular case section or ring is provided by counterflowing two heat transfer fluid flowpaths in heat transfer communication with the section of engine casing. The flowpaths may be in parallel or series such that there is substantially no circumferential gradient in the mass flowrate weighted average temperature of the heat transfer fluid supplied by the two counterflowing fluid flowpaths. One embodiment provides forward and aft rings cooled by three spray tubes in each of two 180.degree. sectors whereby the forward and aft spray tubes flow thermal control air flowing in one circumferential direction and the middle spray tubes flows thermal control air in an opposite circumferential direction.