Abstract: In certain circumstances recovery of a fluid flow presented through a heat exchanger into another flow can create problems with respect to drag and loss of thrust. In gas turbine engines heat exchangers are utilized for providing cooling of other flows such as in relation to compressor air taken from the core of the engine and utilized for cabin ventilation and de-icing functions. By providing an outlet valve through an outlet duct in a wall of a housing the exhaust fluid flow from the heat exchanger can be returned to the by-pass flow with reduced drag effects whilst recovering thrust. The valve may take the form of a flap displaceable into the by-pass flow before an exit plan to create a reduction in static pressure drawing fluid flow through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A system and method are configured to provide a videogame to one or more players. The videogame may involve a series of different virtual geographic locations at which players perform activities. A group of players may be associated with each location. The players may include virtual players controlled by artificial intelligence and one or more real world players. Players may progress through the videogame by moving from location to location, performing objectives at the various locations, and interacting with the players at the locations.

Abstract: A centralized social network tool is configured to interface with and integrates into one or more videogames and/or videogame series. The social network tool may be integral to the theme of the games and be pervasive within game play. The social network may drive progression of the story and interaction between characters. According to another aspect of the invention, the members of the social network may include actual members (corresponding to real people) and virtual members (e.g., artificial intelligence controlled bot members). The virtual members may be part of the social network and may interact with real members within and outside of the game as part of the theme of the game.

Abstract: A selective rotation arrangement for a shaft, the arrangement including a housing mountable spaced from the shaft and an engagement member with distal and proximal ends which is selectively movable relative to the housing towards or away from the shaft between an operating position towards the shaft and a rest position clear of the shaft, the engagement member having a gear member at the distal end thereof which is engageable with the shaft in the operating position to permit turning of the shaft by the engagement member, but is disengaged from the shaft in the rest position.

Abstract: A power transmission arrangement comprises a first power transmission member connectable to a first main shaft of an engine. The arrangement also includes a second power transmission member connectable to a second main shaft of the engine and to a third power transmission member. A coupling assembly is provided which has a selectable coupling condition to couple the first power transmission member to the second power transmission member to allow power to be transmitted from the third power transmission member to the first main shaft of the engine via the first power transmission member. The coupling assembly has a decoupling condition to decouple the first power transmission member from the second power transmission member to allow power to be transmitted from the main shaft of the engine to the third power transmission member via the second power transmission member.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine having three shafts connecting respective high, intermediate and low-pressure turbines and compressors is characterised by an intermediate pressure turbine that includes two rotor stages.

Abstract: Turboprop and propfan engines generally incorporate blades which have variable pitch to improve operational efficiency. Variable pitch is achieved through a pitch control mechanism at the root of the blade but such mechanisms may fail resulting in the blades turning to define a flat configuration with low drag and therefore the potential for engine damage through over-speeding. Traditional pitch lock and counter weight control mechanisms have disadvantages. By providing a helical bearing in which the mass and radial movement due to centrifugal radial force are utilised it is possible to generate a counter moment to the normal centrifugal turning moment (CTM) to ensure the blade remains in a configuration with at least some drag to limit engine rotational speed. The continuous helical bearing allows for a range of pitch angular positions to be used around a full 360° turn by providing a feathering counter moment from any of those angular positions.

Abstract: A power transmission arrangement comprises a first power transmission member connectable to a first main shaft of an engine. The arrangement also includes a second power transmission member connectable to a second main shaft of the engine and to a third power transmission member. A coupling assembly is provided which has a selectable coupling condition to couple the first power transmission member to the second power transmission member to allow power to be transmitted from the third power transmission member to the first main shaft of the engine via the first power transmission member. The coupling assembly has a decoupling condition to decouple the first power transmission member from the second power transmission member to allow power to be transmitted from the main shaft of the engine to the third power transmission member via the second power transmission member.

Abstract: In prop fan and contra fan gas turbine engines particularly utilised with regard to pusher configurations towards the aft of an aircraft, there is a significant problem with regard to debris and bird strikes resulting in particulate matter which may damage the engine thrust core. By providing an inlet rotor which fragments and creates a centrifugal aspect to the inlet flow, particulate matter can be directed to a bypass chute normally in the form of an annular section extending into a number of chute exits. In such circumstances, the particulate matter is removed continuously from the inlet flow and the chutes are normally angled to project any particulate matter towards propellers of the engine at robust positions.

Abstract: In certain circumstances recovery of a fluid flow presented through a heat exchanger into another flow can create problems with respect to drag and loss of thrust. In gas turbine engines heat exchangers are utilized for providing cooling of other flows such as in relation to compressor air taken from the core of the engine and utilized for cabin ventilation and de-icing functions. By providing an outlet valve through an outlet duct in a wall of a housing the exhaust fluid flow from the heat exchanger can be returned to the by-pass flow with reduced drag effects whilst recovering thrust. The valve may take the form of a flap displaceable into the by-pass flow before an exit plan to create a reduction in static pressure drawing fluid flow through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A power transmission arrangement comprises a first power transmission member connectable to a first main shaft of an engine. The arrangement also includes a second power transmission member connectable to a second main shaft of the engine and to a third power transmission member. A coupling assembly is provided which has a selectable coupling condition to couple the first power transmission member to the second power transmission member to allow power to be transmitted from the third power transmission member to the first main shaft of the engine via the first power transmission member. The coupling assembly has a decoupling condition to decouple the first power transmission member from the second power transmission member to allow power to be transmitted from the main shaft of the engine to the third power transmission member via the second power transmission member.

Abstract: Elimination of a previous intermediate inter-shaft locating bearing allows smaller core sizes to be achieved and avoids relatively sophisticated design complications in order to provide that bearing. Thus, an inner shaft is supported at one end by a mounting bearing and at its other end by a spaced bearing combination upon a static cradle structure. The spaced bearing combination comprises bearings which can be varied in terms of spacing, stiffness of support upon the cradle and sprung resilience in the bearing races in order to tune shaft vibration to avoid critical frequencies occurring in the normal rotational running range of an engine incorporating the arrangement.

Abstract: A Turbine Engine and Method of Operating a Turbine Engine Disparities between optimum engine thrust for aircraft operation and power necessary to drive an ancillary machine such an electrical power generator can cause problems within a turbine engine. Clearly, it is necessary to continue developing sufficient electrical power for control and other systems within an aircraft despite aircraft thrust requirements. Previously, some compressed air flow has been bypassed in order to maintain compressor stability, but unfortunately such bypass systems within turbine engines can have a thrust recovery regime such that there is excess thrust in comparison with that actually necessary.

Abstract: A blade arrangement for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of blades mounted for rotation on a disc so as to extend radially therefrom and a retention member, the retention member including an attachment portion which is attached to the disc and an abutment portion for resisting forward axial movement of at least one of the blades relative to the disc. The blade arrangement further comprises restraint means spaced from the attachment portion of the retention member, for substantially preventing radially outward movement of the abutment portion of the retention member when a forward axial force is applied by the blade to the abutment portion.

Abstract: A scoring method and system for determining points in a game. Goal-based points are determined as a function of a player achieving a goal set by the player that is not predefined by the game and are used to determine the player's status in the game, such as whether the player advances to a next level. Subjective style points are awarded if the player performs feats of style that are not necessary tasks of the game, depend upon the type of game, and may include sliding, spinning, jumping, blocking an opponent, passing an opponent, and avoiding obstacles. Objective skill points may be combined with subjective style points and goal-based points. Alternatively, one of these three types of points may be modified as a function of one or both of the other two types of points.

Abstract: A scoring method and system for determining points in a game. Goal-based points are determined as a function of a player achieving a goal set by the player that is not predefined by the game and are used to determine the player's status in the game, such as whether the player advances to a next level. Subjective style points are awarded if the player performs feats of style that are not necessary tasks of the game, depend upon the type of game, and may include sliding, spinning, jumping, blocking an opponent, passing an opponent, and avoiding obstacles. Objective skill points may be combined with subjective style points and goal-based points. Alternatively, one of these three types of points may be modified as a function of one or both of the other two types of points.

Abstract: A blade arrangement for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of blades mounted for rotation on a disc so as to extend radially therefrom and a retention member, the retention member including an attachment portion which is attached to the disc and an abutment portion for resisting forward axial movement of at least one of the blades relative to the disc. The blade arrangement further comprises restraint means spaced from the attachment portion of the retention member, for substantially preventing radially outward movement of the abutment portion of the retention member when a forward axial force is applied by the blade to the abutment portion.

Abstract: A scoring method and system for determining points in a game. Goal-based points are determined as a function of a player achieving a goal set by the player that is not predefined by the game and are used to determine the player's status in the game, such as whether the player advances to a next level. Subjective style points are awarded if the player performs feats of style that are not necessary tasks of the game, depend upon the type of game, and may include sliding, spinning, jumping, blocking an opponent, passing an opponent, and avoiding obstacles. Objective skill points may be combined with subjective style points and goal-based points. Alternatively, one of these three types of points may be modified as a function of one or both of the other two types of points.

Abstract: A scoring method and system for determining points in a game. Goal-based points are determined as a function of a player achieving a goal set by the player that is not predefined by the game and are used to determine the player's status in the game, such as whether the player advances to a next level. Subjective style points are awarded if the player performs feats of style that are not necessary tasks of the game, depend upon the type of game, and may include sliding, spinning, jumping, blocking an opponent, passing an opponent, and avoiding obstacles. Objective skill points may be combined with subjective style points and goal-based points. Alternatively, one of these three types of points may be modified as a function of one or both of the other two types of points.

Abstract: A scoring method and system for determining points in a game. Goal-based points are determined as a function of a player achieving a goal set by the player that is not predefined by the game and are used to determine the player's status in the game, such as whether the player advances to a next level. Subjective style points are awarded if the player performs feats of style that are not necessary tasks of the game, depend upon the type of game, and may include sliding, spinning, jumping, blocking an opponent, passing an opponent, and avoiding obstacles. Objective skill points may be combined with subjective style points and goal-based points. Alternatively, one of these three types of points may be modified as a function of one or both of the other two types of points.