Abstract: A joint assembly couples a linear actuator to a body. The joint assembly includes a first body having a first surface and a second body having a second surface. The first body is coupled with the second body. The first surface and the second surface have arcuate configurations that are complementary to facilitate rotation of the first body relative to the second body about a first axis, a second axis, orthogonal to the first axis, and a third axis, orthogonal to both the first axis and the second axis. The joint assembly also includes a damper disposed between the first body and the second body and configured to dampen translational motion of the first body toward the second body in response to movement of the linear actuator relative to the body.

Abstract: A method of welding a bearing is provided. The method includes providing an apparatus including at least one welding torch and a processor, positioning a holding fixture proximate the apparatus, securing a bearing in position in the holding fixture, applying a bead of weld to facilitate repairing a damaged surface of the bearing and incrementally rotating the bearing with the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of welding a bearing is provided. The method includes providing an apparatus including at least one welding torch and a processor, positioning a holding fixture proximate the apparatus, securing a bearing in position in the holding fixture, applying a bead of weld to facilitate repairing a damaged surface of the bearing and incrementally rotating the bearing with the apparatus.

Abstract: A stub shaft section adapted to be welded to a re-used end portion of a rotor shaft, the stub shaft section including a hollow cylindrical member having a substantially uniform inner diameter and first chamfered end adapted to form one side of a substantially V-shaped weld groove, and an integral backing ring extending axially beyond the chamfered end, the backing ring having a circumferential recess in a radially outer surface thereof.

Abstract: Bucket tip tenons requiring refurbishment are removed from the bucket tips by grinding. Groups of buckets are clamped on a rotatable table in positions adjacent an induction heating coil and a robotic welding arm, respectively. While one group is preheated, the other group of buckets is in a welding location, enabling the welding head on the robotic arm to sequentially apply weld buildup material to the bucket tips. After applying weld buildup material in multiple passes and sequentially to the bucket tips, the buckets are removed, stress-relieved and the weld buildup material machined to provide refurbished tenons. Upon removal of the buckets from the table, the table is rotated to locate the preheated buckets in welding locations and additional buckets are clamped to the table for preheating.

Abstract: Bucket tip tenons requiring refurbishment are removed from the bucket tips by grinding. Groups of buckets are clamped on a rotatable table in positions adjacent an induction heating coil and a robotic welding arm, respectively. While one group is preheated, the other group of buckets is in a welding location, enabling the welding head on the robotic arm to sequentially apply weld buildup material to the bucket tips. After applying weld buildup material in multiple passes and sequentially to the bucket tips, the buckets are removed, stress-relieved and the weld buildup material machined to provide refurbished tenons. Upon removal of the buckets from the table, the table is rotated to locate the preheated buckets in welding locations and additional buckets are clamped to the table for preheating.