Abstract: Including a disk, a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart airfoils extending radially outwardly from the disk, a plurality of shroud segments being disposed circumferentially between the plurality of airfoils and configured to attach to a corresponding airfoil of the plurality of airfoils and a plurality of wear surfaces, where at least one wear surface of the plurality of wear surfaces is configured and disposed to prevent excessive wear between the adjacent shroud segments. Each shroud segment of the plurality of shroud segments may be attached to a corresponding airfoil by weld connections to permit clearance during translation friction welding of the airfoil to the disk hub are located to avoid high stress areas.

Abstract: Including a disk, a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart airfoils extending radially outwardly from the disk, a plurality of shroud segments being disposed circumferentially between the plurality of airfoils and configured to attach to a corresponding airfoil of the plurality of airfoils and a plurality of wear surfaces, where at least one wear surface of the plurality of wear surfaces is configured and disposed to prevent excessive wear between the adjacent shroud segments. Each shroud segment of the plurality of shroud segments may be attached to a corresponding airfoil by weld connections to permit clearance during translation friction welding of the airfoil to the disk hub are located to avoid high stress areas.

Abstract: A VDSL based broadband data communication network system is provided that utilizes ATM/IP all the way to an end user PC, thereby allowing selectable bit rate delivery to the end users, with a Class of Service (COS) and Quality of Service (QOS) selection. A headend is connected to external Internet service providers and a network central office, and is arranged to receive and send multi-protocol signals to the Internet service provider, and receive and send ATM signals to the central office. This VDSL data architecture is very functional and flexible with the capability of supporting such services as streaming video and audio, voice over IP, digital advertisements, videoconferencing, gaming, business-to-business service, E-commerce, video-on-demand, and interactive TV. The VDSL data network will support very high-speed two-way data services over fiber optics using SONET, Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing, IP, ATM, and other transport systems.

Abstract: An igniter for a combustor of a gas turbine comprises a ground shell electrical conductor which provides the electrical ground path back to the spark source. The spark source connects to the conductor and a ground return path connects to the ground shell. Multiple ignition spark source electrical conductors are used in the single igniter. At least one insulator isolates the spark sources from each other and from the ground shell conductor. An electrical connection, typically a connector that would mate with an ignition source electrical lead having a source conductor, a ground conductor, and insulation to separate these conductors, mates with a spark source to operate the igniter.

Abstract: A control system and method provide thrust droop compensation in a gas turbine engine. A droop compensation signal is generated for increasing turbine exit temperature T.sub.5 based on a predetermined model, and is selectively reduced for limiting the increase in temperature T.sub.5 when the temperature T.sub.5 is above a predetermined threshold temperature for a predetermined time. The reduced droop signal is added as a bias signal into an error signal which effects thrust droop concentration in a variable area exhaust nozzle of the engine.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to bias a control subsystem of a gas turbine engine having a fan and compressor. The method includes the steps of measuring an operating parameter of the engine and differentiating this parameter over time to obtain a derivative thereof. A bias signal is generated in a predetermined bias schedule in response to the parameter derivative, and provided to the control subsystem for biasing the subsystem. The bias signal has a zero value for values of the parameter derivative from zero to a first value thereof at a first time. The bias signal has a maximum value for values of the parameter derivative between second and third values thereof corresponding with second and third times. And, the bias signal returns to a value of zero after a fourth time greater than the third time.