Abstract: A method of applying a thermal barrier coating system to a metal piece having cooling holes angled in a first direction and cooling holes angled in a second direction. The method includes spraying a bond coat on a first surface of the piece at angles with respect to the first and second directions and to a thickness selected in combination with the angles to prevent the bond coat from entirely filling any of the holes. A thermal barrier coating is sprayed on the bond coat at angles with respect to the first and second directions and to a thickness selected in combination with the angles to prevent the thermal barrier coating from entirely filling any of the holes. The method also includes spraying a high pressure fluid jet from a nozzle assembly through each hole generally parallel to the respective cooling hole.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing temporary raised pavement markers (TRPM) from roadway surfaces comprises a platform, and a plurality of cutter blades rotatably disposed beneath the platform for encountering and severing the upstanding vertical reflective portions of the temporary raised pavement markers (TRPM). The cutter blades are driven by a motor mounted upon an upper surface portion of the platform, and a blower is also mounted upon the upper surface portion of the platform. An upstream intake duct, fluidically connected to the intake side of the blower, passes through a rear end portion of the platform so as to be fluidically connected to the underside of the platform, and in this manner, the severed upper reflective portions of the temporary raised pavement markers (TRPM) may be removed from the roadway surface and conveyed to a suitable debris collection bag.

Abstract: A process of removing deposits from through-holes in a component, such as metallic bond coat and ceramic materials from cooling holes in an air-cooled gas turbine engine. The process is particularly effective in removing a TBC material deposited in a cooling hole of a component as a result of depositing a coating of the TBC material on a surface of the component, in which the deposit is removed from the cooling hole without damaging the cooling hole or the TBC coating surrounding the cooling hole on the coated surface of the component. A preferred feature is that the cooling hole, including the entrance to the hole at a surface of the component opposite the coated surface and the coating surrounding the exit of the hole at the coated surface, exhibits improved surface characteristics that increase the discharge coefficient of the cooling hole, as evidenced by an increase in the effective area of the cooling hole.

Abstract: A method of stripping coating from a portion of a coated surface of a component. The method includes fastening a mask sheet to the component over a region adjacent the portion of the coated surface. The mask sheet has a contour generally corresponding to a contour of the surface of the component. A high pressure fluid jet is sprayed from a spray head toward the portion of the coated surface after the mask sheet is fastened to the component to strip the coating from the portion of the surface. After the coating is stripped from the portion of the surface, the mask sheet is removed from the component.

Abstract: A method of stripping coating from a portion of a coated surface of a component. The method includes fastening a mask sheet to the component over a region adjacent the portion of the coated surface. The mask sheet has a contour generally corresponding to a contour of the surface of the component. A high pressure fluid jet is sprayed from a spray head toward the portion of the coated surface after the mask sheet is fastened to the component to strip the coating from the portion of the surface. After the coating is stripped from the portion of the surface, the mask sheet is removed from the component.

Abstract: A method of applying a thermal barrier coating system to a metal piece having cooling holes angled in a first direction and cooling holes angled in a second direction. The method includes spraying a bond coat on a first surface of the piece at angles with respect to the first and second directions and to a thickness selected in combination with the angles to prevent the bond coat from entirely filling any of the holes. A thermal barrier coating is sprayed on the bond coat at angles with respect to the first and second directions and to a thickness selected in combination with the angles to prevent the thermal barrier coating from entirely filling any of the holes. The method also includes spraying a high pressure fluid jet from a nozzle assembly through each hole generally parallel to the respective cooling hole.

Abstract: A method of stripping coating from a portion of a coated surface of a component. The method includes fastening a mask sheet to the component over a region adjacent the portion of the coated surface. The mask sheet has a contour generally corresponding to a contour of the surface of the component. A high pressure fluid jet is sprayed from a spray head toward the portion of the coated surface after the mask sheet is fastened to the component to strip the coating from the portion of the surface. After the coating is stripped from the portion of the surface, the mask sheet is removed from the component.

Abstract: A cooling hole configuration for an air-cooled component, such as a gas turbine engine airfoil. The cooling hole is configured to have cross-sectional variations and a noncircular-shaped diffuser-type opening that significantly improve the cooling film distribution across the external surface of an airfoil, with the result that heat transfer from the surrounding environment to the airfoil is reduced. The cooling hole is configured to have its central axis at an acute angle to the exterior surface of the airfoil, and defines a noncircular-shaped opening at the airfoil surface. The cooling hole generally has a first region adjacent the airfoil surface and a second region interior to the airfoil.

Abstract: A method of forming a shaped hole in a substrate, including substrates protected by coatings, as is the case where an air-cooled component has a thermal barrier coating for protection from a hostile thermal environment, such as the turbine, combustor and augmentor sections of a gas turbine engine. In particular, cooling holes are formed in an air-cooled component after a ceramic layer has been deposited on the surface of the component without damaging or spalling the ceramic layer. Processing steps generally include forming a hole through the ceramic layer and a substrate protected by the ceramic layer, thereby defining an opening at the surface of the ceramic layer. The diameter of the hole is less than the final size required for the cooling hole.

Abstract: An interactive system, comprising a local controller (8) operable to control data flow to and from at least two local handsets (11,22) for generating data. The local controller (8) includes a memory (28) for storing data and a processor. A central controller (1) is connectable to the local controller, and a display (12) is provided for displaying data locally from the central controller and the local controller. The local controller (8) stores data generated by each local handset and selectively transfers stored data to the central controller (1).