Abstract: Presence subscriptions for messaging services are managed by automatically subscribing contacts to a user's contact lists based one or more rules, subscription states and contact types. In some embodiments, presence subscriptions are managed by: identifying a set of contacts with respect to an identified user; applying subscription rules to the contacts; selecting a subset of contacts based on one or more subscription rules; and automatically establishing presence subscriptions for the subset of contacts.

Abstract: A bearing like surface on a stationary component reduces deflection of an adjacent rotating component. The stationary component is generally parallel to and offset from a rotational component. The rotational component rotates about a central axis. Protrusions located on the stationary component are in contact with the rotational component to prevent deflection of the rotational component while reducing the friction between the rotational and stationary component. The protrusions have a generally flat surface that may be used to affix the protrusions to the stationary component. An arced surface of the protrusions is in contact with the rotating component. The number, size and the shape of the protrusions are determined by the requirements of the application.

Abstract: A bearing like surface on a stationary component reduces deflection of an adjacent rotating component. The stationary component is generally parallel to and offset from a rotational component. The rotational component rotates about a central axis. Protrusions located on the stationary component are in contact with the rotational component to prevent deflection of the rotational component while reducing the friction between the rotational and stationary component. The protrusions have a generally flat surface that may be used to affix the protrusions to the stationary component. An arced surface of the protrusions is in contact with the rotating component. The number, size and the shape of the protrusions are determined by the requirements of the application.

Abstract: On-the-shelf retail inventories are managed by periodically processing point-of-sale data to determine the number of units that have been sold during a specified period, and comparing the number of units that have been sold to a historical value. An alert is issued to a store when the difference between the comparison indicates that certain items are not selling at the expected rate.

Abstract: A catalyst conduit for a catalytic reactor of a turbine combustor, the conduit comprising a tube including an inlet and an outlet, and a wall with an interior surface and an exterior surface. The tube contains a variation in its cross sectional area along at least a portion of its length to change a property of a fluid flowing adjacent the wall of the tube. An oxidation catalyst is deposited on at least a portion of the tube.

Abstract: A catalyst conduit for a catalytic comprises a tube including an inlet and an outlet, an interior surface and an exterior surface, and an insert for modifying fluid flow mounted within the tube. An oxidation catalyst is deposited on at least a portion of the tube.

Abstract: A combustor liner assembly includes an outer shell made of a ceramic composite and an inner heat shell that is supported within the outer shell. The inner heat shield defines a surface that is exposed to combustion gases. The inner heat shield is made of material that is compatible with the ceramic matrix composite and that provides favorable thermal gradient capability for a combustion chamber.

Abstract: A combustor assembly for a turbine engine includes an aft open end that communicates gas flow to a turbine assembly. The combustor assembly includes a liner assembly that terminates at a first fixed vane. A portion of the liner assembly extends an axial distance into the first fixed vane portion. An inner surface of the liner assembly corresponds with inner surfaces of the fixed vane portion to provide a smooth transition from the inner surfaces of the combustor assembly to the turbine assembly.

Abstract: A combustor assembly includes an inner and an outer liner defining a combustion chamber. The inner and outer liner includes a plurality of cooling holes that are spaced a specified distance apart. The cooling holes include a specified inclination angle and circumferential angle. A first group of cooling holes is spaced apart according to a uniform geometric pattern and density. A second group disposed between the first group and some structural feature within the liner assembly is disposed at a non-uniform pattern and a hole density equal to the density of the first group of cooling holes. The non-uniform cooling hole arrangement increases cooling flow effectiveness to accommodate local disturbances and thermal properties.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a combustor module including an annular combustor having a liner assembly that defines an annular combustion chamber having a length, L. The liner assembly includes a radially inner liner, a radially outer liner that circumscribes the inner liner, and a bulkhead, having a height, H1, which extends between the respective forward ends of the inner liner and the outer liner. The combustor has an exit height, H3, at the respective aft ends of the inner liner and the outer liner interior. The annular combustor has a ratio H1/H3 having a value less than or equal to 1.7. The annular combustor may also have a ration L/H3 having a value less than or equal to 6.0.

Abstract: A combustor assembly includes a convergent segment followed by a divergent segment to advantageously improve combustion. The combustor assembly includes a first segment beginning at a forward end that transitions to a second segment past a transition segment in a direction along a combustor axis toward an aft end. The reduction in cross-sectional area within the first segment provides desirable fuel and air mixing properties. The convergent first segment in combination with the divergent second segment decreases residence time of fuel-air mixture within the combustor chamber that decreases production of undesirable emissions from the combustor assembly.

Abstract: A section panel assembly for a bulkhead of a gas turbine combustor includes a section panel defining a rear or cold side and defining a front or hot side. The panel has a circumferential inner edge, a circumferential outer edge and radially extending first and second side edges each extending from the inner edge to the outer edge such that the inner and outer edges subtend a predetermined arc. The panel defines at least one opening extending from the rear side to the front side for receiving cooling air. The rear side includes a central lip extending about a periphery of the opening, and a circumferential rail spaced radially outwardly of and extending about the opening for defining a cavity region including the opening on the rear side of the section panel.

Abstract: A combustor assembly includes an inner and outer liner defining a combustion chamber. The inner and outer liners include a plurality of cooling holes spaced a specified distance apart. The cooling holes include first, second and third groups. The first group of cooling holes is the most densely spaced, followed by the second group and then the third group. The first group of cooling holes begin upstream of a leading edge of a large opening and terminates downstream of the leading edge. The increased density of cooling holes adjacent the large openings provide increased cooling airflow in areas where cooling may be affected by local disturbances in cooling airflow.

Abstract: An article has a metallic substrate having a first emissivity. A thermal barrier coating atop the substrate may have an emissivity that is a substantial fraction of the first emissivity.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine combustor has inboard and outboard walls. A forward bulkhead extends between the walls and cooperates therewith to define a combustor interior volume. In longitudinal section, a first portion of the combustor interior volume converges from fore to aft and a second portion, aft of the first portion converges from fore to aft more gradually than the first portion.

Abstract: A heatshielded article includes a support 18 and at least one heatshield 20 secured adjacent to the support. The heatshield includes a shield portion 28 spaced from the support. The shield portion includes a hot side 30 and an uncoated cold side 32. A projection projects from an origin 36 at the shield portion to a terminus 38 remote from the shield portion. The terminus includes a protective coating 64 along at least a portion of its length.

Abstract: A combustor heat shield panel is secured relative to a combustor shell so as to hold the panel exterior surface spaced apart from and facing the shell interior surface over major area of the panel exterior surface. A gap is formed between the heat shield exterior surface and shell interior surface along at least a major portion of the perimeter of the heat shield.