Abstract: A method for applying substantially stoichiometric NiAl to the surface of a superalloy substrate. These coatings are applied to substrates subjected to high temperatures and thermal cycling by providing a powder of the substantially stoichiometric material with the desired minor additions of rare earth elements, Cr or Zr. The coatings are applied by a thermal spray process utilizing hydrogen as a fuel while generating a highly reducing flame. The thermal spray method melts the powder and directs it onto the surface of the turbine component that is to be coated. The powder size is carefully controlled to prevent oxidation of the powder while providing a controlled surface finish. The surface roughness of the bond coat is further mechanically worked to a predetermined surface finish prior to application of the ceramic thermal barrier layer by a PVD method.

Abstract: Improved adhesion of thermal barrier coatings to nonmetallic substrates using a dense layer of ceramic on an underlying nonmetallic substrate that includes at least one oxidizable component. The improved adhesion occurs because the application of the dense ceramic layer forms a diffusion barrier for oxygen. This diffusion barrier prevents the oxidizable component of the substrate from decomposing. The present invention applies ceramic by a process that deposits a relatively thick and dense ceramic layer on the underlying substrate. The formation of the dense layer of ceramic avoids the problem of void formation associated with ceramic formation by most prior art thermal decomposition processes. The formation of voids has been associated with premature spalling of thermal barrier layers and other protective layers applied to substrates.

Abstract: A system and associated method for protecting during a shutdown a turbine having a turbine shaft and a compressor driven by the turbine shaft. The system include a first lubrication system, a second lubrication system, and a control system. The first lubrication system is configured to provide lubrication to the compressor. The second lubrication system is configured to provide lubrication to the turbine. The control system monitors the rotation of the turbine shaft in response to a shutdown request and causes the first and second lubrication systems to provide lubrication to the turbine and compressor until and after the turbine shaft stops rotating. The control system causes the first lubrication system to provide lubrication for a first predetermined period of time after the turbine shaft stops rotating. The control system causes the second lubrication system provides lubrication for a second predetermined period of time after the turbine shaft stops rotating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a diverter and to a method that prevents rainwater from seeping behind siding or under roofing material, yet at the same time does not allow the buildup of debris creating a back up of water or allow the formation of ice dams to create a back up of water. In one form the present invention is installed to a vertical wall at a juncture between the vertical wall and an edge of a sloped roof to prevent water flowing along a roof-wall juncture from seeping behind siding located on the vertical wall and shingles located on the sloped roof. The invention comprises a back wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall in the form of an open sided box. The open side extends outwardly from the vertical wall to serve as an exit, with the top wall having at least one access opening.

Abstract: A cast turbine airfoil to which a squealer tip is added. The turbine airfoil is cast slightly undersize. The squealer tip is comprised of an alloy that is different from the cast alloy of the airfoil, the oxidation resistance and strength of the squealer tip alloy being greater than the strength of the turbine airfoil alloy. The cast turbine alloy having the added squealer tip can utilize a material in the squealer tip that is more difficult to cast than the cast alloy material, yet is more suited for severe environmental conditions and temperature extremes.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling a three-phase pulse-width-modulated alternating-current voltage regulator, in order to reduce inrush current when starting, for example, a large three-phase induction motor. The system and method include a set of four-quadrant switches connected in a converter circuit between the input voltage and the output load. By applying certain switching states in a determined sequence based on sensed values of the input voltage at the three lines, the system and method synthesize a three-phase variable magnitude output voltage from the three-phase input voltage of fixed magnitude.

Abstract: A cooling system for cooling of the squealer tip surface region of a high pressure turbine blade used in a gas turbine engine and a method for making a system for cooling of the squealer tip surface region of a high pressure turbine blade used in a gas turbine engine. The method comprises the steps of channeling apertures in a tip cap to a diameter of about 0.004″ to about 0.020″ to allow passage of cooling fluid from a cooling fluid source; applying a bond coat of about 0.0005″ to about 0.010″ in thickness to the tip cap such that the bond coat partially fills the channels; applying a porous TBC layer of at least about 0.003″ in thickness to the bond coat, such that the porous TBC fills the channels; applying a dense ceramic TBC layer over the porous layer; and, passing cooling fluid from a cooling fluid source through the channel into the porous TBC. The density of the dense TBC layer can be varied as needed to achieve desired cooling objectives.

Abstract: A method is provided for implementing a three-phase pulse-width-modulated alternating current voltage regulator including six four-quadrant switches, wherein each four-quadrant switch includes two two-quadrant switches. Three series branches, each series branch including one four-quadrant switch, and three shunt branches, each shunt branch including one four-quadrant switch, are provided. To obtain a desired converter state, the two-quadrant switches in the series and shunt branches are turned on or off in a predetermined sequence.

Abstract: A coating is described for use on a superalloy substrate comprising a diffusion barrier as an intermediate layer overlying the substrate and underlying a protective coating having a high aluminum content. The diffusion barrier layer is characterized by having low interdiffusivity for elements from the substrate and the coating, a minimal impact on the mechanical properties of the article which is coated, and can be achieved readily using existing coating application techniques or post heat treat processes. The diffusion barrier layer is preferably an oxide ceramic.

Abstract: A ventilated air cooled cutting system for a circular saw that produces a thinner kerf than previously achievable. The air cooled cutting system is comprised of a saw blade having a thin blade cutting portion and a thick hub portion. The blade cutting preferably is ground from a plate, while the hub portion remains substantially the thickness of the starting plate material. The thicker hub portion serves as a heat sink to conduct heat away from the thinner blade cutting portion. Cooling holes are provided in the hub portion to provide convection cooling of the hub portion. The thicker hub portion also provides rigidity or stiffness to the blade so that it is better able to withstand torsional forces experienced during the cutting operation. If additional cooling is required, a spacer collar having a series of axial and radial apertures can be fitted to the hub portion to force cooling air through the hub portion in order to enhance cooling.

Abstract: A method for producing apertures in hot section components of gas turbine engines made from ceramic matrix composites that have at least one oxidizable component. The method involves forming the apertures using a laser beam controlled by parameters that ablate the ceramic matrix composite in the path of the beam, while simultaneously heating the matrix material, SiC or SiN, to a sufficient temperature to oxidize it to form a silica. Sufficient heat is supplied by the beam to melt the silica to cause it to flow. The melted silica is quickly solidified as recast silica along the walls of the newly created aperture before it has an opportunity to flow and form undesirable geometries. The wall of the aperture is formed of recast silica that is a smooth surface and that forms an oxidation barrier to inhibit any further oxidation of the underlying composite as it is exposed to the high temperatures and oxidative, corrosive atmosphere of an operating gas turbine.

Abstract: A flexible tool that fits over the pressure or concave side of a metallic airfoil that includes a lightweight material component for a gas turbine engine during the fabrication of the airfoil. The metallic fan airfoil includes pockets or cavities that have been machined into the airfoil in order to reduce the weight of the airfoil. The tool is a flexible body manufactured from sheets of composite material and includes an integral elastomeric seal. The tool is placed over the airfoil and forms a seal against the pressure side of the airfoil so that lightweight resin can be injected into the pockets and retained in position during curing. The flexible tool is formed by laying up thin sheets of composite material that includes fiber over a metallic master tool after partially cured elastomeric material is placed inside a marking corresponding to the airfoil perimeter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cold plate for cooling electronic components comprising a base having a top surface onto which at least one electronic component is to be placed; a cooling well formed in the top of the base and open at the top; a feed channel formed in the base for carrying fluid into the cooling well; a drain channel formed in the base for carrying cooling fluid away from the cooling well; cooling well inlets and outlets formed in the cooling well and in communication with the feed channel and drain channels, respectively. The feed and drain channels are sufficiently large relative to the size and flow characteristics of the well and cooling well inlets and outlets such that when the cooling fluid flows through the device, the pressure drop across the feed channel is substantially less than the pressure drop across the well.

Abstract: A multichannel system for synchronizing independently driven filter wheels. The system is comprised of a means for controlling operation of the system by providing appropriate instructions. A clock provides timing signals to assure that instructions are executed at the correct time. A device having a programmable memory with the ability to receive and transmit signals is in communication with the clock and the control means. This programmable memory device, in response to a signal from the control means executes a preselected program and transmits a signal in response to an instruction receive from the control means. Two assemblies, each comprised of a programmable motor controller, a motor driver and a motor are attached to an encoder and a filter wheel having a plurality of filters. The assemblies are connected to a power source.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a furnace comprising a panel and filter assembly. At least two z-shaped brackets and two flanges are used to retain a filter directly behind the front panel of the furnace. This allows for easy removal and installation of filters in the furnace. It further allows for the use of commercially available disposable filters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for a self orienting floating apparatus which utilizes an external magnetic field to maintain a constant orientation, and specifically relates to a plain form hydrometer, a floating thermometer, and a thermohydrometer that continuously display a graduated scale in an operator pre-determined direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic game caller comprising a means for receiving a power source in conductive connection with a digital recording circuit; the digital recording circuit in conductive connection with at least one digital vocalization storage medium; the digital vocalization storage medium in conductive connection with a user programmable microcircuit, wherein the programmable microcircuit is encoded with instructions for a predetermined sequence of playback and a predetermined pitch, tempo and volume, the programmable microcircuit in conductive connection with a digital playback circuit; the digital playback circuit in conductive connection with at least one digital playback altering circuit; the digital playback altering circuits in conductive connection with a first amplifier in conductive connection with a first speaker; a transmitter in conductive connection with the digital playback circuit; a remote receiver in conductive connection with a second amplifier in conductive connect

Abstract: A tightly adherent anti-stick coating applied over coated turbine components of gas turbine engines. The tightly adherent coating is an oxide of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Pt, W, group 4b and group 5b metals of the periodic table and Si, Ge and Sn of group 4a. The oxide is applied directly over existing environmental coatings, and thermal barrier coatings. It can also be applied directly to substrate material and to areas that are not within the combustion exhaust gases, such as platform portions and shank portions of airfoils including turbine blades. The oxide is conveniently applied to a uniform thickness of no greater than about 10 microns, and prevents the build-up of corrosion products and other products of combustion from the gases, thereby increasing the life expectancy of the component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved wood post protective sleeve that provides protection against conditions that promote post deterioration, allows for rapid dissipation of trapped exhaust air within the sleeve upon insertion of the post into the sleeve, and provides increased resistance to uplifting or downpressing displacing forces placed upon the post. In one form, the improved post protective sleeve comprises a body and at least one extending displacement resistant projection. The body comprises an internal surface and an external surface with an open end opposed to a bottom wall. The open end slidably receives a ground insert portion of a post. The bottom wall retains the ground insert portion of the post. At least one displacement resistant projection extends from the external surface, and a retainer secures the ground insert portion of the post to the body, preventing the ground insert portion of the post from uplifting out of and separating from the body.

Abstract: An article having a layer of metal thermally sprayed over a substrate with a roughened interface at the surface of the substrate applied by a thermal spray process, such as the HVOF process. The interface has a predetermined cleanliness level so that after a diffusion heat treatment, the applied layer has an extended life in severe gas turbine service due to improved adhesion of the layer to the substrate. When the article is used for high temperature applications such as turbine shrouds and encounters significant levels of stress, the strength of the interface can be a factor in the life of the coating.