Abstract: Compressor stators (22) for gas turbine engines (10) are disclosed. An exemplary compressor stator (22) comprises a circumferential array of stator vanes (28) and a shroud (24, 26) for supporting the stator vanes (28). The shroud (24, 26) has a circumferentially extending inner endwall (30, 32) exposed to an annular gas path (20) of the compressor (14). The endwall (30, 32) has a circumferentially uniform axial cross-sectional profile (42). The axial cross-sectional profile (42) comprises at least one deviation (48, 50) from a nominal axial cross-sectional profile (44) defining an overall shape of the annular gas path (20). The at least one deviation comprises a concave deviation (48) and a convex deviation (50).

Abstract: A compressor for a gas turbine engine having a bleed air recirculation system includes a plurality of bleed holes extending through the shroud at a first axial location thereon substantially adjacent the blade tips. The bleed holes have a closed outer perimeter along their complete length. An annular bleed cavity surrounds the shroud and is in communication with outlet openings of the bleed holes. The bleed holes provide communication between said main gas flow passage and the bleed cavity. The bleed cavity includes exit passages having outlets disposed in said shroud at a second axial location which is upstream of both the first axial location and the leading edge of the blades of the rotor. Bleed air is passively bled from the main gas flow passage via the bleed holes, recirculated through the bleed cavity and re-injected back into the main gas flow passage at the second axial location.

Abstract: A compressor for a gas turbine engine with variable inlet guide vanes each defining an airfoil portion twisted such that at each location of the airfoil portion along the pivot axis, an angle is defined between a respective chord extending between the leading and trailing edges and a same reference plane containing the pivot axis and extending radially with respect to the compressor. The angle, which is measured along a direction of rotation of the rotor, varies from a minimum value near the hub side wall to a maximum value near the shroud side wall. A method of reducing vortex whistle in a radial inlet of a compressor is also provided.

Abstract: An airfoil for a rotor blade or a stator vane of a gas turbine engine having a tip extension extending one or both of the suction and pressure side surfaces adjacent the tip. The tip extension defines a thickness at the tip larger than the true thickness of the airfoil. The tip extension includes a side transitional surface substantially defined along a curve extending tangentially from the corresponding side surface. The tip extension defines a gradual increase in the thickness over a portion of the airfoil having a radial dimension corresponding to at least 2 times the true thickness.

Abstract: A compressor shroud has a continuous slot defined in a gaspath side surface thereof for communicating through the body of the shroud. Spaced-apart structural bridges span a rear portion of the slot in the shroud to maintain structural rigidity of the shroud. The method of forming the continuous slot is also described.

Abstract: A compressor shroud has a continuous slot defined in a gaspath side surface thereof for communicating through the body of the shroud. Spaced-apart structural bridges span a rear portion of the slot in the shroud to maintain structural rigidity of the shroud. The method of forming the continuous slot is also described.

Abstract: A centrifugal compressor includes an impeller and a diffuser. The impeller has an inner integral hub with vanes thereon, is adapted to rotate within an outer shroud about a central longitudinal axis, and has a defined hub-to-shroud distribution of fluid exit angles. The diffuser, downstream from the impeller, comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced discrete passages at least partially defining fluid paths through the diffuser, and angled such that adjacent discrete passages intersect each other to form an annular semi-vaneless diffuser inlet space. The discrete passages downstream of the semi-vaneless space each have an inlet therefrom and an outlet with a greater cross-sectional area than the inlet. The intersection of the annular semi-vaneless space and each discrete passage defines a leading edge thereof.

Abstract: In a method of providing a video simulation on a computer, parameter selection options (S1-S7) and possible parameter values (I1-I6; F1-F9) are displayed, and are selectable by the user. The outcome of the simulation is determined according to the combination of parameters selected by the user, user interaction during a simulation video clip, and additionally according to a random or pseudo-random determination. An outcome video clip (V) corresponding to the outcome is selected and displayed.

Abstract: In a method of providing a video simulation on a computer, parameter selection options (S1-S7) and possible parameter values (I1-I6; F1-F9) are displayed, and are selectable by the user. The outcome of the simulation is determined according to the combination of parameters selected by the user, user interaction during a simulation video clip, and additionally according to a random or pseudo-random determination. An outcome video clip (V) corresponding to the outcome is selected and displayed.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of reflecting glass comprises implantation of ions of selected metal elements under selected conditions of temperature, energy and dosage in a glass substrate to obtain a product which has characteristics of light reflection and transmission rendering it suitable for advantageous use in the fields of vehicles and building construction.

Abstract: In a pile driver the sharp force loading on a pile at the moment of impact by a ram is absorbed by a pile driver cushion. The cushion includes a pad formed from a flexible strip of compressed knitted mesh wound in a flat spiral and further constructed to maintain its integrity during use and handling.

Abstract: In a pile driver the sharp force loading on a pile at the moment of impact by a ram is absorbed by a pile driver cushion. The cushion includes a pad formed from a flexible strip of compressed knitted wire mesh wound in a flat spiral and further constructed to maintain its integrity during use and handling.

Abstract: A method of depositing a metal on a surface of a substrate is disclosed. The method comprises selectively treating the surface with a photopolymerizable composition, comprising an addition polymer containing a plurality of units of the formulae ##STR1## WHERE R and R.sub.1 are each a member taken from the group consisting of ##STR2## and pyrrolidone, R.sub.3 is an alkyl group of 1 to 18 carbons, R.sub.2 is a member selected from the group consisting of H and CH.sub.3 and x is a positive integer of 10 to 1000, to form a polymerized coating thereof on the surface to delineate an exposed surface pattern conforming to a desired metal pattern. The exposed surface pattern is capable of retaining a noble metal ion thereon. The treated surface is then exposed to a noble metal ion to selectively deposit the metal ion on the exposed pattern.