Abstract: A method for repairing a turbine engine includes determining a measure of a gap between the outer ends of a plurality of airfoils and an outer band is greater than a predetermined amount; and depositing an abradable material on the outer band in situ to reduce the measure of the gap between the outer ends of the plurality of airfoils and the outer band.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an optical adapter for an optical scope. The optical scope includes a tube defining a conduit. The optical adapter is coupled to an end of the tube. The optical adapter defines a proximate end and a distal end. The optical adapter includes a casing defining a longitudinal direction. The casing includes a first wall and a second wall, in which the first wall and the second wall define a first viewing port therebetween. The second wall defines a second viewing port. The optical adapter further includes a hinge coupled to the first wall, a reflecting lens defining a first end separated from a second end in the longitudinal direction, in which the first end is coupled to the hinge, and an actuator coupled to the first wall and to the second end of the reflecting lens. The actuator pivots the reflecting lens about the hinge from a retracted position adjacent to the first wall to an extended position toward the second wall.

Abstract: An inspection system includes one or more imaging devices and one or more processors. The imaging devices generate a first set of images of a work piece at a first position relative to the work piece and a second set of images of the work piece at a second position relative to the work piece. At least some of the images in the first and second sets are acquired using different light settings. The processors analyze the first set of images to generate a first prediction image associated with the first position, and analyze the second set of images to generate a second prediction image associated with the second position. The first and second prediction images include respective candidate regions. The processors merge the first and second prediction images to detect at least one predicted defect in the work piece depicted in at least one of the candidate regions.

Abstract: An inspection system includes an imaging device, visible light source, ultraviolet light source, and at least one processor. The imaging device generates a first image set of a work piece while the ultraviolet light source illuminates the work piece with ultraviolet light to cause fluorescent dye thereon to emit light, and generates a second image set of the work piece while the visible light source illuminates the work piece with visible light. The first and second image sets are generated at the same positions of the imaging device relative to the work piece. The processor maps the second image set to a computer design model of the work piece based on features depicted in the second image set and the positions of the imaging device. The processor determines a defect location on the work piece based on an analysis of the first image set and the computer design model.

Abstract: A system and method for automated laser ablation includes an end effector for performing laser ablation at a location with restricted access. The systems and methods of the present disclosure specifically provide for a miniature laser end effector which may be inserted through a port or bore in order to ablate the surface of an internal component of a complex assembly. In several embodiments of the present subject matter, the end effector is mounted on an automated machine and coupled to a laser system.

Abstract: An inspection system includes one or more processors that obtain a first image of a work piece that has a fluorescent dye thereon in an ultraviolet (UV) light setting and a second image of the work piece in a visible light setting. The first and second images are generated by one or more imaging devices in the same position relative to the work piece. The one or more processors identify a candidate region of the first image based on a light characteristic of one or more pixels, and determine a corresponding candidate region of the second image that is at an analogous location as the candidate region of the first image. The one or more processors analyze both candidate regions to detect a potential defect on a surface of the work piece and a location of the potential defect relative to the surface of the work piece.

Abstract: A method of repairing a component of a gas turbine engine in situ, wherein the component includes a deposit, includes directing a flow of gas, which may be an oxygen-containing gas, to the deposit of the component; and heating the component including the deposit while the component is installed in the gas turbine engine and for a duration sufficient to substantially remove the deposit.

Abstract: A system includes one or more processors configured to automatically identify different distressed portions in repeating segments of a rotating body. At least one of a size and/or a shape of one or more of the distressed portions changes with respect to time. The one or more processors also are configured to determine a pattern of the different distressed portions in the repeating segments of the rotating body during rotation of the rotating body based on identifying the different distressed portions. The one or more processors also are configured to subsequently automatically identify locations of individual segments of the repeating segments in the rotating body using the pattern of the distressed portions that is determined.

Abstract: An inspection system includes one or more imaging devices and one or more processors. The imaging devices generate a first set of images of a work piece at a first position relative to the work piece and a second set of images of the work piece at a second position relative to the work piece. At least some of the images in the first and second sets are acquired using different light settings. The processors analyze the first set of images to generate a first prediction image associated with the first position, and analyze the second set of images to generate a second prediction image associated with the second position. The first and second prediction images include respective candidate regions. The processors merge the first and second prediction images to detect at least one predicted defect in the work piece depicted in at least one of the candidate regions.

Abstract: An inspection system includes one or more processors that obtain a first image of a work piece that has a fluorescent dye thereon in an ultraviolet (UV) light setting and a second image of the work piece in a visible light setting. The first and second images are generated by one or more imaging devices in the same position relative to the work piece. The one or more processors identify a candidate region of the first image based on a light characteristic of one or more pixels, and determine a corresponding candidate region of the second image that is at an analogous location as the candidate region of the first image. The one or more processors analyze both candidate regions to detect a potential defect on a surface of the work piece and a location of the potential defect relative to the surface of the work piece.

Abstract: An inspection system includes an imaging device, visible light source, ultraviolet light source, and at least one processor. The imaging device generates a first image set of a work piece while the ultraviolet light source illuminates the work piece with ultraviolet light to cause fluorescent dye thereon to emit light, and generates a second image set of the work piece while the visible light source illuminates the work piece with visible light. The first and second image sets are generated at the same positions of the imaging device relative to the work piece. The processor maps the second image set to a computer design model of the work piece based on features depicted in the second image set and the positions of the imaging device. The processor determines a defect location on the work piece based on an analysis of the first image set and the computer design model.

Abstract: A system includes one or more processors configured to detect perimeter edges of one or more rotor blades of a turbine assembly as depicted in a series of image frames using boundary analysis performed on the image frames. The one or more processors are configured to identify a set of the image frames as key frames based on positional offsets between the perimeter edges that are detected in the image frames and a reference blade pose such that the key frames are able to be inspected for objects-of-interest without inspecting the image frames that are not the key frames.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided relating to artificial neural networks are provided. The systems and methods obtain a teacher network that includes artificial neural layers configured to automatically identify one or more objects in an image examined by the artificial neural layers, receive a set of task images at the teacher network, examine the set of task images with the teacher network, identify a subset of the artificial neural layers that are utilized during examination of the set of task images with the teacher network, and define a student network based on the set of task images. The student network is configured to automatically identify one or more objects in an image examined by the subset.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for preventing damage to one or more components of the gas turbine engine during a repair procedure. The method includes locating one or more gaps of one or more components of the gas turbine engine in the vicinity of the defect. Further, the method includes filling the one or more gaps with a filler material so as to prevent arcing over the gaps during repair. Thus, the method also includes applying an electrical discharge to the defect.

Abstract: A method for remotely stopping a crack in a component of a gas turbine engine is provided. The method can include inserting an integrated repair interface attached to a cable delivery system within a gas turbine engine; positioning the tip adjacent to a defect defined on a surface on the component; and locally heating the base of the defect. A method is also provided for clamping a crack defined between a first surface and a second surface of a component of a gas turbine engine. The method can include attaching a strap over the crack such that a first end of the strap is attached to the first surface of the component and the second end of the strap is attached to the second surface of the component.

Abstract: A method includes determining object class probabilities of pixels in a first input image by examining the first input image in a forward propagation direction through layers of artificial neurons of an artificial neural network. The object class probabilities indicate likelihoods that the pixels represent different types of objects in the first input image.

Abstract: A system for performing ultrasonic procedures within a turbomachine. The system includes a bladder and a probe assembly. The bladder includes a bladder body for positioning within the turbomachine. Further, the bladder is inflatable to at least partially define an ultrasonic tank within the turbomachine for containing a fluid medium. The probe assembly includes an extension member and ultrasonic transmitter coupled to or positioned within the extension member. The extension member is insertable into the ultrasonic tank for positioning the ultrasonic transmitter within the ultrasonic tank.

Abstract: Methods provided for remotely stopping a crack in a component of a gas turbine engine are provided, along with methods of remotely cleaning a surface area of a component of a gas turbine engine. The method can include inserting an integrated repair interface attached to a cable delivery system within a gas turbine engine; positioning the tip adjacent to a defect within a surface of the component; temporarily attaching the tip adjacent to the defect within the surface on the component; and drilling a hole into the base of the defect. An integrated repair interface is also provided.

Abstract: A system is provided for performing an operation on a component of an engine. The component includes a first side positioned within an interior of the engine. The system includes a first robotic arm defining a first distal end and including a first utility member positioned at the first distal end, the first robotic arm moveable to the interior of the engine to a location operably adjacent to the first side of the component; and a second robotic arm defining a second distal end and including a second utility member positioned at the second distal end, the second robotic arm also moveable to the interior of the engine to facilitate the first and second utility members performing the operation on the component of the engine.

Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine including a component and defining an opening and an interior, the component including a first side and an opposite second side, the second side positioned within the interior of the engine. The engine assembly also includes an inspection tool having a first member including at least one of a receiver or a transmitter and directed at the first side of the component. The inspection tool also includes a second member including the other of the receiver or the transmitter and positioned at least partially within the interior of the engine and directed at the second side of the component to communicate a signal with the first member through the component, the second member being a robotic arm extending through the opening of the engine.