Abstract: An opening clearance measuring tool that functions as a combination taper gauge and parallel gauge includes a wedge-shaped "taper block", a sliding linear scale predisposed to parallel movement along an upper edge of the taper block, and a digital read-out linear scale measuring and display unit that accurately measures a translational displacement of the sliding scale with respect to the taper block and displays the displacement in millimeters. The angle between the upper and lower edge surfaces of the taper block forms the wedge of the tool and defines the particular slope or "taper" for the gauge. The slope is predetermined to incorporate a linear conversion factor between metric and English units so that the display may be used to indicate clearance measurements expressed in mils. The scale measuring and display unit is fixedly secured to the taper block and, as the linear scale slider is moved past (through) the scale display unit, the translational displacement of the slider is measured and displayed.

Abstract: The tool includes a base having an adjustment wedge, a counter wedge slidable on the inclined surface of the adjustment wedge, a plurality of roller bars in a recess on the upper surface of the counter wedge and a cover member supported by the roller bars. A power screw is used to horizontally displace the adjustment wedge to elevate the counter wedge, cover member and, hence, the load. The plurality of roller bars are confined within a recess to constrain relative movement of the cover member and the counter wedge. To release the cover member for movement, roller bars of reduced diameter at the opposite ends of the wedge are removed to permit the cover member to move relative to the counter wedge. Horizontal adjustment screws cooperate between the cover member and the base to precisely control the movement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for measuring and displaying parallelism, or the lack thereof, of first and second flat surfaces using a video monitor and three displacement transducers. The first surface is in a fixed position while the second surface may be fixed or may be adjustable so as to attain parallelism between the surfaces. A first point is selected on the first surface and a second point is selected on the other surface such that the line between the two points is perpendicular to the first surface. The three displacement transducers are zero calibrated between the two points. Subsequently, the transducers are mounted between the two surfaces in a triangular pattern and their output signals are summed and supplied to the video monitor which has a fixed display indicating theoretical parallelism. The output of the transducers is combined so as to display the actual angular relationship between the two surfaces.

Abstract: A turbine rotor disassembly, handling and reassembly apparatus employs a feedback-controlled electric heating oven to rapidly heat a turbine wheel while the rotor shaft is in the horizontal position. An adapter interfaces the wheel to a handling spool whose outboard end is adjusted to slide on the rotor shaft and to provide a fulcrum for supporting the wheel. A handling trolley includes a soft hydraulic system for supporting the weight of the wheel to avoid damaging the precision machined surfaces of the shrink-fit area while the wheel is being withdrawn. The handling apparatus also provides means for upending, or rotating, the removed wheel through 90 degrees to place its axis vertical for facilitating handling. A sensor system senses a radial motion of the wheel to detect clearance and to establish an appropriate fluid pressure to just balance the weight of the wheel and attached parts. The handling system includes means for rotating the wheel slightly during reassembly to align keyways or the like.

Abstract: A turbine rotor disassembly, handling and reassembly apparatus employs a feedback-controlled electric heating oven to rapidly heat a turbine wheel while the rotor shaft is in the horizontal position. An adapter interfaces the wheel to a handling spool whose outboard end is adjusted to slide on the rotor shaft and to provide a fulcrum for supporting the wheel. A handling trolley includes a soft hydraulic system for supporting the weight of the wheel to avoid damaging the precision machined surfaces of the shrink-fit area while the wheel is being withdrawn. The handling apparatus also provides means for upending, or rotating, the removed wheel through 90 degrees to place its axis vertical for facilitating handling. A sensor system senses a radial motion of the wheel to detect clearance and to establish an appropriate fluid pressure to just balance the weight of the wheel and attached parts. The handling system includes means for rotating the wheel slightly during reassembly to align keyways or the like.

Abstract: A turbine rotor disassembly, handling and reassembly apparatus employs a feedback-controlled electric heating oven to rapidly heat a turbine wheel while the rotor shaft is in the horizontal position. An adapter interfaces the wheel to a handling spool whose outboard end is adjusted to slide on the rotor shaft and to provide a fulcrum for supporting the wheel. A handling trolley includes a soft hydraulic system for supporting the weight of the wheel to avoid damaging the precision machined surfaces of the shrink-fit area while the wheel is being withdrawn. The handling apparatus also provides means for upending. or rotating, the removed wheel through 90 degrees to place its axis vertical for facilitating handling. A sensor system senses a radial motion of the wheel to detect clearance and to establish an appropriate fluid pressure to just balance the weight of the wheel and attached parts. The handling system includes means for rotating the wheel slightly during reassembly to align keyways or the like.

Abstract: A turbine rotor disassembly, handling and reassembly apparatus employs a feedback-controlled electric heating oven to rapidly heat a turbine wheel while the rotor shaft is in the horizontal position. An adapter interfaces the wheel to a handling spool whose outboard end is adjusted to slide on the rotor shaft and to provide a fulcrum for supporting the wheel. A handling trolley includes a soft hydraulic system for supporting the weight of the wheel to avoid damaging the precision machined surfaces of the shrink-fit area while the wheel is being withdrawn. The handling apparatus also provides means for upending, or rotating, the removed wheel through 90 degrees to place its axis vertical for facilitating handling. A sensor system senses a radial motion of the wheel to detect clearance and to establish an appropriate fluid pressure to just balance the weight of the wheel and attached parts. The handling system includes means for rotating the wheel slightly during reassembly to align keyways or the like.

Abstract: A double lift jack employs a first hydraulic jack having a long, high-speed lift to elevate a platant into an operating position and a second hydraulic jack mounted on the platant having a short, low-speed lift. The two jacks and the platant are mounted in a sturdy, open-topped housing. The long-lift jack is employed to rapidly elevate the platant and the short-lift jack into their operating positions. The platant is thereupon affixed to the housing in the extended position using studs which are passed through a lip on the housing as the platant is elevated. A load base is raised and lowered by operation of the short-lift jack. The load base is stabilized by hardened guide rods which pass through guide holes in the platant. The thus-locked platant provides a stable base and precise guidance for positioning of a load mounted on the load base. When the studs are released, and the long-lift jack is retracted, the load base is rapidly cleared from interference with a load.