Abstract: According to various embodiments, an array of elements forms an artificially-structured material. The artificially-structured material can also include an array of tuning mechanisms included as part of the array of elements that are configured to change material properties of the artificially-structured material on a per-element basis. The tuning mechanisms can change the material properties of the artificially-structured material by changing operational properties of the elements in the array of elements on a per-element basis based on one or a combination of stimuli detected by sensors included in the array of tuning mechanisms, programmable circuit modules included as part of the array of tuning mechanisms, data stored at individual data stores included as part of the array of tuning mechanisms, and communications transmitted through interconnects included as part of the array of elements.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for distributing fluid pressure to several fluidic motors from a common location. At the common location, a source pipe, which acts as the source of fluid pressure, travels past, and couples with, each pipe in a group of receiver pipes in sequence. Pressure in the source pipe is controlled so that the pressure is proper for each receiver pipe with which the source pipe couples. The receiver pipes connect with fluidic motors. Accordingly, a single control apparatus, located near the source pipe, is used and the pressure and flow from the source pipe is time-multiplexed and transmitted to the fluidic motors.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for distributing fluid pressure to several fluidic motors from a common location. At the common location, a source pipe, which acts as the source of fluid pressure, travels past, and couples with, each pipe in a group of receiver pipes in sequence. Pressure in the source pipe is controlled so that the pressure is proper for each receiver pipe with which the source pipe couples. The receiver pipes connect with fluidic motors. Accordingly, a single control apparatus, located near the source pipe, is used and the pressure and flow from the source pipe is time-multiplexed and transmitted to the fluidic motors.

Abstract: A timing valve is responsive to certain hydraulic rotor speed input signals so as to schedule increased temperatures of air to a turbine shroud support in accordance with the thermal time constants of the rotor. Clearance between the rotor and the shroud is thereby minimized during both transient and steady-state operating conditions. Temperatures are incrementally increased by selectively combining air from the compressor fifth and ninth stage bleed manifolds. Under certain operating conditions, the timing valve is pre-empted and air is provided at a predetermined temperature level as a function of rotor speed only.