Abstract: A set of tools for removing a half turn of a coil from a slot of a dynamoelectric machine. The set of tools includes a coil cutting tool for cutting the coil, an upending tool that grips the coil at an end of the coil where the coil was cut and hydraulically or pneumatically lifts the end of the coil at least partially out of the slot, and an extraction tool that hydraulically or pneumatically grips the upended portion of the coil and pulls the coil from the slot hydraulically or pneumatically a segment at a time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which quickly clamps onto the copper strand bundle in the slot of a dynamoelectric machine and rips out the coil from the slot one axial position at a time. As the copper bundle is ripped from the slot the tooling moves along the slot from one end to the other.

Abstract: A repair fixture for supporting large cylindrical objects such as a generator rotor, to facilitate field maintenance operations. The fixture has two spaced Vee-blocks that are supported by and moved within vertical channels formed within peripheral stanchions. Clevises are rotatably connected at one end to both lateral sides of the Vee-block and at the other end to a hydraulic piston that is employed to raise and lower the Vee-blocks in unison to accommodate various maintenance requirements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing the endplate of an electric generator to relieve the restraining force on a plurality of key blocks that restrain the endplate in compression. The method includes simultaneously applying independent compressive loads at each of the key block locations to the endplate to relieve pressures on the key blocks and removing the key blocks so the endplate can be removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which quickly clamps onto the copper strand bundle in the slot of a dynamoelectric machine and rips out the coil from the slot one axial position at a time. As the copper bundle is ripped from the slot the tooling moves along the slot from one end to the other.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for the horizontal stacking of laminations 10 and donuts to form a stator core. A stator generator frame 2 has multiple keybars 6 that run the axial length of the frame. The laminations 10 have grooves 12 there-in that engage the keybars to provide a secure fit of the laminations to the generator frame. By extending two or more of the keybars 6, these extensions 7 may be used as rails on which the laminations may be horizontally inserted into the stator frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which quickly clamps onto the copper strand bundle in the slot of a dynamoelectric machine and rips out the coil from the slot one axial position at a time. As the copper bundle is ripped from the slot the tooling moves along the slot from one end to the other.

Abstract: A repair fixture for supporting large cylindrical objects such as a generator rotor, to facilitate field maintenance operations. The fixture has two spaced Vee-blocks that are supported by and moved within vertical channels formed within peripheral stanchions. Clevises are rotatably connected at one end to both lateral sides of the Vee-block and at the other end to a hydraulic piston that is employed to raise and lower the Vee-blocks in unison to accommodate various maintenance requirements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing the endplate of an electric generator to relieve the restraining force on a plurality of key blocks that restrain the endplate in compression. The method includes simultaneously applying independent compressive loads at each of the key block locations to the endplate to relieve pressures on the key blocks and removing the key blocks so the endplate can be removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus of horizontally stacking a stator core. A central rail structure 34 that runs down approximately the center axis of the stator frame 2, and attached to the central rail structure are adjustable supports 40 that hold the central rail structure within the stator frame. A dolly 36 is positioned on top of the central rail structure 34. The dolly 36 has multiple finger supports 38 disposed on its top and the finger supports match corresponding grooves in stator core laminations 10. Lamination are placed onto the dolly, gaps in the lamination engage the finger supports on the upper inner diameter of the lamination. This allows for the lamination to be horizontally moved into place within the stator frame.

Abstract: A mount is for installing a probe, such as for example, a search coil, in a variety of locations and orientations within an electrical generator, without requiring the rotor of the generator to be removed. The mount includes a block having a longitudinal hole and a plurality of transverse slots intersecting the hole. A plurality of wedges are disposed within the slots. A wedge pin inserted into the longitudinal hole engages the wedges forcing the wedges outward in order to secure the mount and search coil thereon in the desired position within the generator, such as for example, in the air gap between the rotor and stator. A fastening mechanism further secures the mount in place.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an insulating boot 20 for ends of through-bolts 12 in electric generators that comprises a shaped insulating boot. The boot has an inner surface and an outer surface and an opening, where the inner surface is substantially free of protrusions. The inner surface of the shaped boot 20 is within 0.01 to 0.5 inches (0.025–1.3 cm) larger than the shape of the end of a through-bolt 12 to which the shaped boot will be applied. The shaped insulating boot has a breakdown voltage of at least 10 kV, and more particularly at least 30 kV, and the shaped boot is placed over the end of a through-bolt of an electric generator.

Abstract: A flux probe (100) for measuring the rotor flux of an electric generator (10). The probe (100) is affixed to a probe carrier (102) and held within a stator coil slot (62) by affixing the carrier (102) to two opposing grooves (104) formed in sidewalls (81) of the slot (62). One or more stator coils (18) are also disposed in the slot (62) and retained therein by a wedge (74) and corresponding spring (72) that applies an radially outwardly directed force to the coils (18). In one embodiment the probe carrier (102) is affixed to a radially inwardly directed face (82) of the wedge (74).

Abstract: An automated tool for performing an EL CID inspection of the step iron region of a generator stator that can be employed with the rotor in place. The tool has a track that is axially cantilevered at one end and supported magnetically within a stator slot adjacent the region to be monitored. The track has a smoothly rounded contour that approximately conforms to the profile of the stator step region. A carriage carrying a pickup coil is slideably mounted on the track and is driven back and forth along the track over the area to be inspected by a remotely-operated drive system. A video camera is mounted on the track and provides a remote visual indication of the location of the carriage relative to the stator.

Abstract: An automated tool for performing an EL CID inspection of the step iron region of a generator stator that can be employed with the rotor in place. The tool has a track that is axially cantilevered at one end and supported magnetically within a stator slot adjacent the region to be monitored. The track has a smoothly rounded contour that approximately conforms to the profile of the stator step region. A carriage carrying a pickup coil is slideably mounted on the track and is driven back and forth along the track over the area to be inspected by a remotely-operated drive system. A video camera is mounted on the track and provides a remote visual indication of the location of the carriage relative to the stator.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus (40) for in-situ leak testing of the bell seal (30) of a steam turbine (10). The apparatus includes a pair of inflatable bladders (48,52) for defining a sealed volume having the bell seal (30) as its only leakage path. The mass flow rate of pressurized air (70) at various pressures through the bell seal (30) is compared to the known flow rates through a similarly designed bell seal having various degrees of degradation. A camera (60) rotated by motor (62) between the bladders (48,52) provides an indication of the proper positioning of the inspection apparatus (40) and facilitates a visual inspection of the bell seal (30) and retaining nut (42). The inspection apparatus (40) may be inserted into an inlet to the turbine through a disassembled flow control valve without the need for any disassembly of the turbine.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus (40) for remote inspection of the trepan radius area (34) of the inlet sleeve (24) of a steam turbine (10). The apparatus (40) provides a sealed volume (50) between a pair of inflatable bladders (46,48) for the introduction of a liquid couplant for the immersion of ultrasonic transducers (42,44). A laser line generator (62) generates a beam of light visible through camera (60) which impinges upon the inlet bell seal (30) when the apparatus (40) is in a proper inspection position within the inlet sleeve (24). Guide vanes (56) provide centering and generate an insertion force during air assisted insertion of apparatus (40). Transducers (42,44) are indexed axially and circumfretially by the independent rotation of axial drive gear (72) and longitudinal drive gear (70) engaged with a pattern of gear teeth (69) formed as a combination of circumferential spur gear teeth and axial rack gear teeth cut into a single surface of a spline shaft (68).

Abstract: A process is disclosed for repairing leaks in turbine generators that have water cooled stator coils with hollow conductor strands. Such generators have a tendency to leak where the stator coil joins a header. Once a leak is detected the repair is accomplished by following the steps off the invention. First, the header is cut into an outboard section, and into an inboard section that remains attached to the conductor strands. Second, the exposed lead ends of the conductor strands and the attached inboard section are cleaned to remove oxidation. Third, a water-tight braze seal is applied over the lead ends of the conductor strands. And finally, the stator coil and the inboard section are joined to a new outboard section.

Abstract: Camera system for viewing an object located in a region of contamination (e.g., oil, water, particulate matter, or the like). The system is capable of being internally pressurized above ambient pressure, so that the contamination is prevented from entering the camera system to foul the camera. The system includes a housing having an interior and a view port. An electronic sensor is disposed in the housing opposite the port for sensing the object and for generating an electrical output signal that travels along a conductor connected to the sensor. A processor is connected to the conductor for amplifying the output signal. The amplified signal is received by a display monitor which displays an image of the object. The system further includes a quick-disconnect connector which interconnects the housing to a source of pressurized fluid used to pressurize the housing above ambient pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for testing an electrical generator of the type having a rotor (14) and a stator (12) includes or utilizes a movable carriage (22) having testing equipment which is sized to fit between the rotor (14) and stator (12) and is positionable over a selected stator (12) slot so as to be able to axially traverse the selected stator (12) slot, at least one sensor for sensing whether the movable carriage (22) is centered in an optimum position with respect to the selected stator (12) slot; and structure for centering the movable carriage (22) with respect to the optimum position if the sensor indicates the movable carriage (22) is not so centered, whereby accuracy of any testing by the testing equipment is optimized.