Abstract: A method for manufacturing a turbine nozzle assembly using a fixture includes providing a first position of the fixture, positioning at least one datum of the turbine nozzle assembly adjacent at least one datum location point on the fixture when the fixture is in the first position, coupling the turbine nozzle assembly to the fixture when the fixture is in the first position, rotating the fixture from the first position into a second position that facilitates manufacturing the turbine nozzle assembly, and performing a manufacturing process on the turbine nozzle assembly when the fixture is in the second position.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for masking an exterior dovetail surface of a turbine airfoil for use in coating a turbine airfoil, wherein the apparatus comprises a turbine airfoil. The apparatus comprises a plurality of dovetail graphite sponge boot sections. The boot comprises a first interior surface assembled to the turbine airfoil to contact substantially all of an exterior dovetail surface of the turbine airfoil, while leaving exposed an exterior airfoil flowpath surface, a root portion of the exterior dovetail surface and an interior passageway surface. The boot further comprises second interior channel surfaces defining interior boot channels, a first exterior surface, a first aperture in the first exterior surface, the turbine airfoil extending out of the boot through the first exterior surface, a second exterior surface, second apertures in the second exterior surface in fluid communication with the interior cavity, the interior passageway surface, and an exterior environment.

Abstract: A gas distributor suitable for introducing a carrier gas at the top of a coating container used to provide a metallic coating on articles. The gas distributor includes a gas inlet and a gas outlet head in communication with the gas inlet for receiving a flow of gas from the gas inlet. A plurality of gas outlets through which the gas flow exits as a gas stream are spaced along the peripheral surface of the gas outlet head. A plurality of gas deflectors, each proximate to one of the gas outlets, at least initially direct the gas stream exiting the gas outlet in at least a generally centripetal path. This gas distributor can be used in vapor coating apparatus having a coating container, at least one holder for each article to be coated positioned within the coating container and below the gas outlet head of the gas distributor and at least one holder for the source of the metallic coating positioned within the coating container and below the gas outlet head of the gas distributor.