Abstract: A modular device is used to inspect a confined space in a machine. The entire inspection coverage area and corresponding status are mapped so that the inspection location and associated data are graphically visualized. An accelerometer mounted on the device serves as a tilt sensor and also provides data about a collision of the device with the space being inspected or defects therein. The accelerometer data in combination with an odometry system determines the axial position of the device. A gyroscope mounted on the device is used to determine the device heading. The locational information is used to generate an inspection map that provides inspection history, logged data and a reference that are useful in scheduling the next inspection. The output of the gyroscopes can be used to provide haptic feedback to the device operator to maintain proper device orientation.

Abstract: A measuring assembly for use in a gas turbine engine includes an indicia portion that extends radially inwardly from an inner surface of a ring seal structure to a location radially inwardly from tips of blades mounted on a rotor. The indicia portion of the measuring assembly comprises a section that is abraded by the blades during rotational movement of the rotor to provide a visual indication of a distance between the tips of the blades and the inner surface.

Abstract: This invention provides a device for capacitively measuring the distance to an object, which comprises an electrode that will couple capacitively with the object, a shield that surrounds the electrode and is electrically isolated from the electrode by means of insulation, and a layer of insulation that surrounds the shield, wherein the insulation between the electrode and the shield, and the insulation that surrounds the shield, are formed by deposition.This invention further provides a method for measuring the distance to a solid object, which comprises forming an electrode that will capacitively couple with the object, depositing a layer of insulation over at least part of the electrode so that the insulation surrounds the electrode, depositing a layer of metal over the insulation to form a shield, and depositing a second layer of insulation over the shield.

Abstract: An electric motor brush alignment tool for aligning brushes to 180.degree. orientation from each other, for motors having brush holding brackets which include hollow channels. The brushes are positioned at inner ends of the hollow channels. The tool includes pin members connected to jaws that can be translated relative to one another; to the jaws are connected to a base. The base provides guidance and support from the jaws which allow translation of the pin members into the brush holding brackets. The jaws are then secured to the base which presents the pins in 180.degree. rigid alignment to in turn provide alignment of the brush holding brackets.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring ripple spring deflection to determine stator wedge tightness in an electric generator without removing the rotor includes a low profile carriage insertable in the gap between the rotor and stator. A probe is aligned longitudinally and laterally with holes in the stator wedges with the aid of a miniature television camera on the carriage and extended through an aligned hole to contact the ripple spring. The probe is connected through a cable to the core of a linear variable differential transformer mounted on the carriage which provides an accurate measurement of probe extension. The probe is extended and retracted by an arrangement of cables and springs providing a lost motion coupling which accommodates for seating of the probe against a ripple spring at less than full extension.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring the tightness of generator stator slot wedges and ripple springs with the rotor still in place. A wedge block having a hydraulic cylinder disposed therein is installed within the upper of a pair of parallel grooves in the stator slot. The hydraulic cylinder is activated to press down on a load plate, which in turn contacts a slot wedge within the other pair of parallel grooves. This is turn compresses the ripple spring between the slot wedge and the stator windings. A load cell measures the force required to compress the ripple spring, while four linear variable differential transformers measure the amount of displacement of the slot wedge. These two measurements are then used to derive a measurement for the tightness of the slot wedge and the ripple spring.

Abstract: An apparatus for use as an alignment and centering tool for providing a fixed spatial alignment between a rotor and a stator, including a base member and at least one finger member fixedly secured to the base member and extending generally therefrom. The finger member is adapted to be positioned between the rotor and the stator that are to be aligned and centered. A first releasable coupling is provided for operatively connecting the rotor and the finger member to hold the tool and the rotor in a selectively releasable, fixed spatial relationship. A second releasable coupling is also provided for operatively connecting the stator and the finger member to hold the tool and the stator in a selectively releasable, fixed spatial relationship. An alternative user-adjustable embodiment is also provided.