Abstract: Monolithic acoustically-treated composite structures and methods for fabricating the same are provided. A monolithic acoustically-treated composite structure comprises an internal frame assembly comprising a unitary composite frame structure and at least one acoustic panel assembly. The unitary composite frame structure defines a shape of the monolithic acoustically-treated composite structure to be fabricated. A composite overlay covers the internal frame assembly. The method for fabricating the monolithic acoustically-treated composite structure comprises forming the unitary composite frame structure, including the at least one acoustic panel in the unitary composite frame structure, and covering the internal frame assembly with the composite overlay.

Abstract: Monolithic acoustically-treated composite structures and methods for fabricating the same are provided. A monolithic acoustically-treated composite structure comprises an internal frame assembly comprising a unitary composite frame structure and at least one acoustic panel assembly. The unitary composite frame structure defines a shape of the monolithic acoustically-treated composite structure to be fabricated. A composite overlay covers the internal frame assembly. The method for fabricating the monolithic acoustically-treated composite structure comprises forming the unitary composite frame structure, including the at least one acoustic panel in the unitary composite frame structure, and covering the internal frame assembly with the composite overlay.

Abstract: Monolithic acoustically-treated composite structures and methods for fabricating the same are provided. A monolithic acoustically-treated composite structure comprises an internal frame assembly comprising a unitary composite frame structure and at least one acoustic panel assembly. The unitary composite frame structure defines a shape of the monolithic acoustically-treated composite structure to be fabricated. A composite overlay covers the internal frame assembly. The method for fabricating the monolithic acoustically-treated composite structure comprises forming the unitary composite frame structure, including the at least one acoustic panel in the unitary composite frame structure, and covering the internal frame assembly with the composite overlay.

Abstract: Monolithic acoustically-treated composite structures and methods for fabricating the same are provided. A monolithic acoustically-treated composite structure comprises an internal frame assembly comprising a unitary composite frame structure and at least one acoustic panel assembly. The unitary composite frame structure defines a shape of the monolithic acoustically-treated composite structure to be fabricated. A composite overlay covers the internal frame assembly. The method for fabricating the monolithic acoustically-treated composite structure comprises forming the unitary composite frame structure, including the at least one acoustic panel in the unitary composite frame structure, and covering the internal frame assembly with the composite overlay.

Abstract: A system for the nondestructive evaluation of aircraft comprising a plurality of positional transmitters forming a perimeter around a test airplane and an inspection station within the perimeter. The inspection station includes a moveable cart, a nondestructive testing device coupled the cart, and a computer coupled to the cart and nondestructive testing device. The computer configured to receive aircraft positional data from positional receivers mounted on an aircraft and overlay a model of the aircraft on the received aircraft positional data to determine a coordinate system for the aircraft. The computer is further operable to determine the location of the cart from data received from onboard positional receivers, the location of the cart referenced to the coordinate system for the aircraft.

Abstract: An inspection device for performing nondestructive testing on a test subject includes a manually controlled inspection cart. The inspection device also includes a nondestructive testing platform and a computer coupled to the inspection cart. The computer is operable to control the movement of the nondestructive testing device when the inspection device is within a predetermined distance from the test subject.

Abstract: A hot air sealing arrangement for sealing between an inner surface of an exhaust duct conveying hot combustion products and an outer surface of a heat exchanger disposed within the exhaust duct includes an inner receiver attachable to the outer surface of the heat exchanger, an outer receiver attachable to the inner surface of the exhaust duct, and a seal having an outer bead engageable with the outer receiver for rotary movement therein and an inner bead engageable with the inner receiver for sliding movement therein. The seal further includes a connecting sheet between the outer bead and the inner bead.

Abstract: A hot air sealing arrangement for sealing between an inner surface of an exhaust duct conveying hot combustion products and an outer surface of a heat exchanger disposed within the exhaust duct includes an inner receiver attachable to the outer surface of the heat exchanger, an outer receiver attachable to the inner surface of the exhaust duct, and a seal having an outer bead engageable with the outer receiver for rotary movement therein and an inner bead engageable with the inner receiver for sliding movement therein. The seal further includes a connecting sheet between the outer bead and the inner bead.

Abstract: For regulating engine exhaust and for environmental reasons, aircraft users are restricted from expelling engine fluids from engines onto airport ramps. All such fluid must be collected and subsequently burned or properly disposed of. The present invention installs witness drain valves in the drain lines between seal cavities and environmental collector tank. The witness drain valves have a small reservoir that will retain a known volume of fluid. As fluid passes from a leaking seal to the collector tank, a small sample is captured in the witness drain valve. Once the witness drain valve reservoir is full, the leaking fluid then flows on to a collector tank, which is also provided. During regular engine maintenance, technicians push on a spring loaded drain valve located on the witness drain valve reservoir. If fluid is detected, the seal is beginning to leak, and corrective maintenance may be scheduled while the leak rate is still within operational limits.

Abstract: For regulating engine exhaust and for environmental reasons, aircraft users are restricted from expelling engine fluids from engines onto airport ramps. All such fluid must be collected and subsequently burned or properly disposed of. The present invention installs witness drain valves in the drain lines between seal cavities and environmental collector tank. The witness drain valves have a small reservoir that will retain a known volume of fluid. As fluid passes from a leaking seal to the collector tank, a small sample is captured in the witness drain valve. Once the witness drain valve reservoir is full, the leaking fluid then flows on to a collector tank, which is also provided. During regular engine maintenance, technicians push on a spring loaded drain valve located on the witness drain valve reservoir. If fluid is detected, the seal is beginning to leak, and corrective maintenance may be scheduled while the leak rate is still within operational limits.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine compressor module subassembly construction and associated assembly method and tooling includes a threaded inner bore on the first stage compressor adapted to receive a tubular tool that slips axially between the compressor bores and the engine central shaft. Securement of the accessible tooling to the module's stationary structure permits assembly and handling of the module independently of the engine shaft.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine compressor module subassembly construction and associated assembly method and tooling includes a threaded inner bore on the first stage compressor adapted to receive a tubular tool that slips axially between the compressor bores and the engine central shaft. Securement of the accessible tooling to the module's stationary structure permits assembly and handling of the module independently of the engine shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the leak testing of one or more filters, which requires minimum space, and which comprises a housing adapted to sealably mount the filters, means for introducing DOP particles within the housing and immediately upstream of each of the filters, and a funnel-shaped member mounted in the housing upstream of each filter and downstream of the point at which the DOP is introduced. The member may be selectively positioned to assume an operative position transverse to the airstream wherein it acts to condense and mix the airstream and DOP and then disperse the mixture over the full frontal area of the adjacent filter, or a non-operative position wherein the member is substantially withdrawn from the airstream. Means are also mounted downstream of each filter for monitoring the airstream to detect DOP particles, and thereby permit a determination as to whether any of the particles are leaking through or around the filter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the leak testing of one or more filters, and comprising a housing adapted to sealably mount the filters, means for introducing DOP particles within the housing and immediately upstream of each of the filters, and means for imparting a like electrical charge to the particles such that the particles repel each other and rapidly disperse within the airstream so as to be substantially uniformly dispersed upon reaching the face of each filter. A collecting surface may be disposed downstream of the filters for detecting any of the charged particles to thereby permit a determination as to whether the filters are leaking. Alternatively, a collapsible panel system may be positioned immediately downstream of the filter to condense and impart turbulence to the airstream to thereby permit a sample to be withdrawn for analysis from a point closely adjacent the filter.

Abstract: A sliding plate air flow control valve adapted for use in a high efficiency air filter system of the type used in clean rooms and the like. The sliding plate valve is preferably positioned on the downstream side of each filter, and includes a highly viscous, non-evaporating fluid positioned between the plates to thereby prevent the air from flowing laterally between the plates, whereby the volume of air flow may be accurately controlled over the full area of the clean room as well as the full area of each filter.

Abstract: A high efficiency air filter system of the type used in clean rooms and the like, and having a sliding plate valve associated with each filter. The sliding plate valve is positioned on the downstream side of each filter, and includes a highly viscous, non-evaporating fluid positioned between the plates to thereby prevent the air from flowing laterally between the plates, whereby the volume of air flow may be accurately controlled over the full area of the clean room as well as the full area of each filter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the leak testing of one or more filters, which requires minimum space, and which comprises a housing adapted to sealably mount the filters .[.means.]. .Iadd.apparatus .Iaddend.for introducing DOP particles within the housing and immediately upstream of each of the filters, and a funnel-shaped member mounted in the housing upstream of each filter and downstream of the point at which the DOP is introduced. The member may be selectively positioned to assume an operative position transverse to the airstream wherein it acts to condense and mix the airstream and DOP and then disperse the mixture over the full frontal area of the adjacent filter, or a non-operative position wherein the member is substantially withdrawn from the airstream. .[.Means.]. .Iadd.Apparatus .Iaddend.are also mounted downstream of each filter for monitoring the airstream to detect DOP particles, and thereby permit a determination as to whether any of the particles are leaking through or around the filter.