Abstract: A powder feed splitter and a machine using a powder feed splitter, to divide a powder flow into two or more streams in a predictable, adjustable, and reliable manner for use in material processing such as welding. A housing encloses an inlet disk having an inlet regulator preferably a disk, having an inlet tube which may be adjustable radially or laterally with respect to the housing. An adjustment mechanism can selectively move the inlet regulator to adjust the powder flow amongst the several powder outlet ports. Funnel-shaped cavities within the housing may have optional gas inlets to enable the introduction of additional gas to the separated powder flow streams. A one-way fit may be present between the interior powder flow splitter and the exterior casing. Smooth interior surfaces through the device prevent turbulence and buildup of powder.

Abstract: A method for isolating a fault in an aircraft circuit having a lead conductor and a plurality of branch conductors coupled to the lead conductor is disclosed. The method includes coupling a reference line of a device to a ground of the lead conductor, coupling a supply/return line of the device to the lead conductor, supplying an impulse signal to the supply/return line, and receiving a reflected signal that is produced from the impulse signal. The method also includes determining whether a fault exists in the plurality of branch conductors using the reflected signal, coupling the reference line of the device to a ground of the plurality of branch conductors, coupling the supply/return line of the device to one of the plurality of branch conductors, and supplying a signal to the supply/return line.

Abstract: A system and method that efficiently captures, stores, and reports aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul data, and provides uniformity amongst various systems, parts, and components in the amount and type of data that is captured and stored. A first server computer implements a data capture web application that is used to capture and store aerospace product-related repair and overhaul data in a repair and overhaul data storage database that is accessible by a company's workforce. A portion of the captured data is extracted from the repair and overhaul data storage database and is stored in a customer repair and overhaul data supply database. A second server computer implements a customer interface web application that is used to retrieve the data stored in the customer repair and overhaul data supply database.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the flow distribution through a turbine engine fuel manifold and one or more nozzles connected to the manifold. A plurality of individual fluid measurement vessels, at least one for each of the nozzles being tested, collects test fluid pumped through the manifold and the connected nozzles. The level in each of the measurement vessels is periodically sampled during the test. The test fluid flow rate through each of the nozzles is periodically determined based on the periodically sampled levels.

Abstract: A novel and inventive hand held powder-fed laser fusion welding torch providing manual flexibility for laser welding with powder-fed material. The hand held laser includes a body, handle, and nozzle assembly. The nozzle may be shrouded by a cover that is slightly spaced apart from the nozzle. The gap between the two may provide space through which inert gas may flow. Laser light from a remote source shines through the nozzle's central aperture. The nozzle aperture may be circumscribed by powder channel outlets aligned upon a working focal point coincident with the laser beam to treat a workpiece. A proximity sensor may enable selective welding torch operation according to the presence of a workpiece.

Abstract: A rotor and a method of constructing a rotor are disclosed. The rotor includes a hub that is capable of being supported by a shaft that extends along an axis, a plurality of laminations, and a plurality of wire windings supported by the plurality of laminations. The hub includes an inner structure configured to support the hub relative to the shaft, an outer structure that supports the laminations, and an intermediate structure that is coupled to the inner and outer structures and supports the inner and outer structures relative to one another.

Abstract: A ground-based system and method of supplying temperature-controlled air to an aircraft environmental control system during ground support operations that uses a throttle valve to control the flow of compressed air flowing through a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger, which may be mounted in a wheeled cart, removes heat from the compressed air supplied to the air conditioning unit and supplies cooled compressed air at a desired temperature. The temperature of the cooled compressed air is controlled by selectively positioning the throttle valve, which regulates compressed air flow from the compressed air source.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method of having a pair of end caps on a rotor assembly of a multi-pole high-speed generator is provided for use with a turbine engine. The rotor assembly provides improved balancing and/or cooling during generator operation. The rotor assembly includes a plurality of poles and at least one support wedge positioned between each of the poles. The rotor assembly is mounted on a shaft. An annular flange of the end caps restrains the support wedges in the rotor assembly for improved balancing and maintaining concentricity. The end caps may also include a manifold for circulating a cooling medium through the shaft to and from the support wedges to cool the generator.