Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a non-contact method for measuring the surface profile of an object that can include generating a point-type optical signal and projecting it on a rotatable precision optical grating, generating a rotating pattern of light and dark lines onto the object, recording a series of images of the rotating pattern moving across the object with an image receiving device and calculating the surface profile of the object. Other embodiments can include a method to calibrate the system and a non-contact apparatus that generally includes a point-type light source, a rotatably mounted optical grating being configured to project a moving grating image on the object, a processor in communication with the image capturing device and configured to receive image input from the image capturing device and generate a surface profile representation of the object therefrom.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a non-contact method for measuring the surface profile of an object that can include generating a point-type optical signal and projecting it on a rotatable precision optical grating, generating a rotating pattern of light and dark lines onto the object, recording a series of images of the rotating pattern moving across the object with an image receiving device and calculating the surface profile of the object. Other embodiments can include a method to calibrate the system and a non-contact apparatus that generally includes a point-type light source, a rotatably mounted optical grating being configured to project a moving grating image on the object, a processor in communication with the image capturing device and configured to receive image input from the image capturing device and generate a surface profile representation of the object therefrom.

Abstract: A photonic crystal amplifier that employs a photonic crystal gain medium for a telecommunications system. Pump light is coupled into the amplifier at one end of the gain medium and signal light is coupled into and out of the amplifier at an opposite end of the gain medium. The pump light input end includes a wavelength reflector that reflects the signal wavelengths of light, but transmits the pump wavelengths of light. The signal light input/output end includes a pump wavelength reflector that reflects the pump wavelengths back into the gain medium, but is transparent to the signal wavelengths. The diameter of the gain medium is relatively large, but only allows a single mode to propagate at the pump and signal wavelengths.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a non-contact method for measuring the surface profile of an object that can include generating a point-type optical signal and projecting it on a rotatable precision optical grating, generating a rotating pattern of light and dark lines onto the object, recording a series of images of the rotating pattern moving across the object with an image receiving device and calculating the surface profile of the object. Other embodiments can include a method to calibrate the system and a non-contact apparatus that generally includes a point-type light source, a rotatably mounted optical grating being configured to project a moving grating image on the object, a processor in communication with the image capturing device and configured to receive image input from the image capturing device and generate a surface profile representation of the object therefrom.

Abstract: A photonic crystal amplifier that employs a photonic crystal gain medium for a telecommunications system. Pump light is coupled into the amplifier at one end of the gain medium and signal light is coupled into and out of the amplifier at an opposite end of the gain medium. The pump light input end includes a wavelength reflector that reflects the signal wavelengths of light, but transmits the pump wavelengths of light. The signal light input/output end includes a pump wavelength reflector that reflects the pump wavelengths back into the gain medium, but is transparent to the signal wavelengths. The diameter of the gain medium is relatively large, but only allows a single mode to propagate at the pump and signal wavelengths.

Abstract: A combination cutting and welding apparatus for fabricating tailor welded blanks and the like wherein sheets of metal are placed end-to-end in an abutting relationship and welded together along the resulting seam to form a blank for subsequent metal processing. The machine includes two halves which are positioned relative to each other in either a cutting position or a welding position. Each half secures a sheet metal workpiece. At least one of the workpieces is cut so that the workpieces respectively secured by the first and second halves include adjacent edges that mate when the halves are moved from the cutting to the welding position. The workpieces are not unclamped between cutting and welding operations to facilitate the precise mating of the workpiece forward edges. The halves of the apparatus are able to communicate workpieces and finished blanks to each other via crossover conveyor assemblies that allow the workpieces and finished blanks to span a space between the halves.

Abstract: A passive blade vibration monitor sensor for determining an arrival time of a blade of a combustion turbine during operation, the sensor includes an optical lens which receives infrared radiation generated by the blade of the turbine and generates a sensor signal from the received infrared radiation, the sensor signal indicating an arrival time of the blade of the combustion turbine. Target material having an emissivity lower than the emissivity of the blade may be placed on the blade to enhance sensor sensitivity especially in shrouded blade environments.

Abstract: A method for monitoring turbine blade vibrations comprises the step of transmitting a continuous wave of microwave energy toward a rotating row of blades. Each passage of an individual blade tip through the path of the continuous wave produces a signal indicative of the time at which each passage occurs. The signal is then monitored and analyzed to detect blade vibrations. The signal can be based on a standing wave or a reflected wave.