Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a coating on one or more parts (21) has: a chamber (22); a part holder (64) for carrying the part(s); a bias voltage source (94) coupled to the part(s) to apply a bias voltage to the part(s); a source (34) of the coating material; a plurality of temperature sensors (76); and a plurality of leads (90) passing outputs of the temperature sensors out from the chamber. A temperature monitoring system (150) has a temperature data processor (300). At least one fiber optic link (223) couples the temperature data processor to the temperature sensors so as to electrically isolate the temperature data processor from the bias voltage.

Abstract: A pressure lock system passes a wire along a wire path from a wire source at a high pressure first region to a destination at a low pressure second region. The pressure lock system includes a pressure lock chamber. A first conduit has an interior positioned to pass the wire along the path and is mounted for rotation. A second conduit has an interior positioned to pass the wire from the pressure lock chamber and is also mounted for rotation. A motor may drive rotation of the first conduit and the second conduit. Pumps may maintain a pressure of the pressure lock chamber lower than a pressure of the first region.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a coating on one or more parts (21) has: a chamber (22); a part holder (64) for carrying the part(s); a bias voltage source (94) coupled to the part(s) to apply a bias voltage to the part(s); a source (34) of the coating material; a plurality of temperature sensors (76); and a plurality of leads (90) passing outputs of the temperature sensors out from the chamber. A temperature monitoring system (150) has a temperature data processor (300). At least one fiber optic link (223) couples the temperature data processor to the temperature sensors so as to electrically isolate the temperature data processor from the bias voltage.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus for depositing a coating on one or more parts (21). The apparatus has: a chamber (22); a part holder (64) for carrying the part(s); a bias voltage source (94) coupled to the part(s) to apply a bias voltage to the part(s); a source (34) of the coating material; a plurality of temperature sensors (76); and a plurality of leads (90) passing outputs of the temperature sensors out from the chamber. A temperature monitoring system (150) has a temperature data processor (300). At least one fiber optic link (223) couples the temperature data processor to the temperature sensors so as to electrically isolate the temperature data processor from the bias voltage.

Abstract: A pressure lock system passes a wire along a wire path from a wire source at a high pressure first region to a destination at a low pressure second region. The pressure lock system includes a pressure lock chamber. A first conduit has an interior positioned to pass the wire along the path and is mounted for rotation. A second conduit has an interior positioned to pass the wire from the pressure lock chamber and is also mounted for rotation. A motor may drive rotation of the first conduit and the second conduit. Pumps may maintain a pressure of the pressure lock chamber lower than a pressure of the first region.

Abstract: A process for adjusting a feed rate in an electron-beam physical vapor deposition apparatus includes the steps of positioning a target at a first height within a chamber of an electron-beam physical vapor deposition apparatus; feeding the target at a rate into a beam of electrons generated by an electron gun of the electron-beam physical vapor deposition apparatus; evaporating the target with the beam of electrons; monitoring the first height by measuring a difference between a first light intensity and a second light intensity of at least one image of the target using an optical sensor disposed proximate to the chamber; determining a change in the first height; and adjusting a target feed rate.

Abstract: A thermal barrier coating for high temperature applications has improved resistance to heat flow. The coating comprises a large number of these (nanometer scale) layers separated by interfaces which are effective in retarding heat flow. The coating material will typically be oxide based ceramics and the coating has particular applications in gas turbine engines.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying ceramic coatings using an electron beam-physical vapor deposition apparatus is described. The apparatus includes means for introducing the anionic constitutent of the ceramic into a coating chamber and means for confining the anionic constituent about the component to be coated during the coating process.

Abstract: A method for applying ceramic coatings using electron beam--physical vapor deposition techniques is described. The method includes the step of introducing the anionic constituent of the ceramic into a coating chamber and confining the anionic constituent about the component to be coated during the coating cycle.