Abstract: A method for preparing aerogel particles and a coated component are provided. The coated component includes a substrate and a coating. The coating includes aerogel particles sprayed from a hot gas jet or plasma jet. The method includes the step of feeding one or a plurality of gel particles into a hot gas jet or plasma j et. The one or a plurality of gel particles are sufficiently small to permit supercritical drying during the time the particles are in the jet. The method further includes the step of exposing the one or a plurality of gel particles to the temperatures and pressures of the hot gas jet or plasma jet to create the aerogel particles outside of a jet emitter and/or without a sealed pressure vessel.

Abstract: A method for preparing aerogel particles and a coated component are provided. The coated component includes a substrate and a coating. The coating includes aerogel particles sprayed from a hot gas jet or plasma jet. The method includes the step of feeding one or a plurality of gel particles into a hot gas jet or plasma j et. The one or a plurality of gel particles are sufficiently small to permit supercritical drying during the time the particles are in the jet. The method further includes the step of exposing the one or a plurality of gel particles to the temperatures and pressures of the hot gas jet or plasma jet to create the aerogel particles outside of a jet emitter and/or without a sealed pressure vessel.

Abstract: A valve body in a passage of a housing connected to a through hole in a sealed machine casing can allow an inspection apparatus into an interior of the casing when open, and prevents fluid flow through the passage when closed. Seals can engage the inspection apparatus to prevent fluid flow through the passage during inspection or inspection apparatus movement. A guide conduit in the casing can include branches and can guide the inspection apparatus to multiple inspection sites. Guide marks can identify the branches to assist with navigation within the casing.

Abstract: A method for marking an article is disclosed which includes providing an article including a substrate, the substrate including a surface and a surface material, and forming a design on the surface of the substrate by applying a marking material to the surface wherein applying the marking material includes an additive manufacturing technique. Another method for marking an article further includes the surface having a first surface and second surface, the second surface defining a depression relative to the first surface, and forming a design on the surface of the substrate by applying a marking material to the second surface, the marking material forming a marking surface which is substantially flush with the first surface. The marked article formed by the methods includes a microstructure derived from the additive manufacturing technique.

Abstract: Rotor blade assemblies and wind turbines are provided. A rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having exterior surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge and a trailing edge each extending between a tip and a root, the rotor blade defining a span and a chord, the exterior surfaces defining an interior of the rotor blade. The rotor blade assembly further includes a loading assembly, the loading assembly including a weight disposed within the interior and movable generally along the span of the rotor blade, the weight connected to a rotor blade component such that movement of the weight towards the tip causes application of a force to the rotor blade component by the weight. Centrifugal force due to rotation of the rotor blade biases the weight towards the tip.

Abstract: A method for marking an article is disclosed which includes providing an article including a substrate, the substrate including a surface and a surface material, and forming a design on the surface of the substrate by applying a marking material to the surface wherein applying the marking material includes an additive manufacturing technique. Another method for marking an article further includes the surface having a first surface and second surface, the second surface defining a depression relative to the first surface, and forming a design on the surface of the substrate by applying a marking material to the second surface, the marking material forming a marking surface which is substantially flush with the first surface. The marked article formed by the methods includes a microstructure derived from the additive manufacturing technique.

Abstract: Rotor blade assemblies and wind turbines are provided. A rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having exterior surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge and a trailing edge each extending between a tip and a root, the rotor blade defining a span and a chord, the exterior surfaces defining an interior of the rotor blade. The rotor blade assembly further includes a loading assembly, the loading assembly including a weight disposed within the interior and movable generally along the span of the rotor blade, the weight connected to a rotor blade component such that movement of the weight towards the tip causes application of a force to the rotor blade component by the weight. Centrifugal force due to rotation of the rotor blade biases the weight towards the tip.

Abstract: A valve body in a passage of a housing connected to a through hole in a sealed machine casing can allow an inspection apparatus into an interior of the casing when open, and prevents fluid flow through the passage when closed. Seals can engage the inspection apparatus to prevent fluid flow through the passage during inspection or inspection apparatus movement. A guide conduit in the casing can include branches and can guide the inspection apparatus to multiple inspection sites. Guide marks can identify the branches to assist with navigation within the casing.