Abstract: A method of manufacturing a turbine blade includes (a) supporting a turbine blade internal core support at opposite ends such that radially inner and outer ends of the turbine blade remain open during casting; (b) casting the blade including the airfoil portion, wherein the radially outer edge of the airfoil portion is inclined relative to horizontal; (c) machining the radially outer edge of the airfoil portion to form a peripheral shoulder about a radially outer opening in the airfoil portion; and (d) seating a tip cap on the peripheral shoulder and fixing the tip cap to the airfoil portion of the blade.

Abstract: A fixture assembly and inspection method by which the internal diameter and/or concentricity of a segmented annular seal can be readily inspected and optionally measured prior to final installation. The fixture assembly has at least two fixture segments supported on a base, by which an annular fixture housing is defined having an outer rim and a groove with a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the annular seal. The fixture assembly further includes a device or apparatus for assessing at least one dimensional characteristic of the annular seal when installed in the groove of the fixture housing and as the assessing device/apparatus travels along the interior circumference of the fixture housing.

Abstract: A borescope assembly is suitable for detecting a condition of a rotating part. The assembly includes a borescope disposed in a borescope housing and including structure that relays an image to an image viewer. A plurality of fiber optic lines are disposed in the borescope housing, and a strobe light source is coupled with the fiber optic lines. An image processor is coupled with the image viewer. With this structure, the condition of a rotating part can be detected without stopping the part.

Abstract: The brush seal support includes a plurality of female threaded apertures for receiving a male threaded pin or set screw directly threaded to the aperture and staked to the stationary component or threaded to a wire insert, in turn threaded to the aperture. The pin or set screws engage at their distal ends the base of the brush seal segment to maintain the brush seal segment in engagement with the hooks of the groove formed in the stationary component. In this manner, the brush seal is accurately located within the groove and the pins or set screws stabilize the brush seal, preventing flutter and thereby enhance the sealing performance.