Abstract: A boroscope has a first end and a second end, and the first end of the boroscope has an optical fiber and light source. A working head is attached to the first end of the boroscope. The working head has an electrical motor, and a tool is attached to and is arranged to be driven by the electrical motor. The boroscope carries a cable extending from the electrical motor to the second end of the boroscope.

Abstract: This invention relates to an internal combustion engine having a cavity for inspection, comprising: an inspection device mounted within a housing, the housing at least partially located within the cavity to be inspected and having a shutter which is actuable between a closed configuration and an open configuration; and an actuation mechanism for moving the shutter between the closed configuration and the open configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a turbomachine includes a plurality of horoscopes, a device to rotate the rotor of the turbomachine and a processor having reference measurements of the rotor blades and/or reference measurements between the rotor blades and the horoscopes. A boroscope is inserted in a casing aperture upstream of the blades to view the leading edge and a portion of one of the surfaces of each blade as the rotor is rotated. A boroscope is inserted in a casing aperture downstream of the blades to view the trailing edge and a portion of one of the surfaces of each blade as the rotor is rotated. The boroscopes supply the images of each of the blades to the processor. The processor analyzes the images of the blades and uses the reference measurements to determine the position and size of any defect on any of the rotor blades.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a turbomachine includes a plurality of boroscopes, a device to rotate the rotor of the turbomachine and a processor having reference measurements of the rotor blades and/or reference measurements between the rotor blades and the boroscopes. A boroscope is inserted in a casing aperture upstream of the blades to view the leading edge and a portion of one of the surfaces of each blade as the rotor is rotated. A boroscope is inserted in a casing aperture downstream of the blades to view the trailing edge and a portion of one of the surfaces of each blade as the rotor is rotated. The boroscopes supply the images of each of the blades to the processor. The processor analyses the images of the blades and uses the reference measurements to determine the position and size of any defect on any of the rotor blades.

Abstract: A boroscope has a first end and a second end and the first end of the boroscope has an optical fibre, a light source, a lens, a beam expander and a transmissive diffractive optical element. The optical fibre extends from the first end of the boroscope to the second end of the boroscope. A laser optical fibre extends from the lens at the first end of the boroscope to the second end of the boroscope and a laser source is arranged to direct a laser beam into the laser optical fibre. The beam expander is provided between the laser optical fibre and the lens and the lens is provided between the beam expander and the transmissive diffractive optical element. The transmissive diffractive optical element is arranged to produce a laser beam with a predetermined shape and a focal length probe extends from the first end of the boroscope.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a tool in an assembled apparatus. The apparatus includes a support structure, the support structure having a central member and a plurality of support members pivotally mounted on the central member. The support members are movable between a non-deployed position in which the support members extend a minimum distance from the central member and a deployed position in which the support members extend a maximum distance from the central member.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack assembly has a plurality of fuel cells each having a fluid coolant conduit. A coolant feed inlet manifold has a coolant inlet, and the coolant feed inlet manifold is coupled to each fluid coolant conduit for distribution of coolant to each fuel cell. The coolant feed inlet manifold also has a discharge conduit located at one end of the coolant feed inlet manifold. The discharge conduit is configured to discharge excess coolant from the coolant feed inlet manifold. By supplying excess coolant to the coolant feed inlet manifold problems arising due to very low coolant flow rates through the fluid coolant conduits in the fuel cells can be reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A spray nozzle 10 for a laser deposition apparatus comprises an array of nozzle apertures 16 arranged side-by-side, and a powder supply chamber 18 in fluid communication with the nozzle apertures 16. In use the powder supply chamber 18 supplies powder to the nozzle apertures 16 under pressure so as to cause a wide powder stream to be discharged from the array of nozzle apertures 16. When used with a laser deposition apparatus 100, a relatively wide coating of a uniform thickness can be deposited.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack assembly has a plurality of cells each having a fluid coolant conduit. A coolant feed manifold has a first inlet and a second inlet and is coupled to each fluid coolant conduit for distribution of fluid coolant within each cell. A pump is coupled for delivery of fluid coolant to the coolant feed manifold through the first and second inlets. A flow control assembly is configured to periodically modify the relative flow rates of fluid coolant through the first and second inlets so that stagnant regions in the coolant feed manifold are avoided. The flow control assembly may also be adapted to periodically interrupt the flow path between the pump and the manifold such that the fluid coolant is delivered to the manifold intermittently, thereby enabling low water flows below a minimum set point of the pump.

Abstract: A method of supporting a tool (106) in an assembled apparatus (10) comprises the steps of (a) inserting a support structure (60) through a first aperture (52,56) in a casing (50,54) of the apparatus (10), a first end (62) of the support structure (60) being outside the casing (50,54) and a second end (64) of the support structure (60) being inside the casing (50,54), (b) securing the first end (60) of the support structure (60) to the casing (50,54), (c) arranging a first portion (78) of the support structure (60) to abut at least one surface within the casing (50,54), (d) inserting a tool (106) through the first aperture (52,54) or a second aperture in the casing (50,54), and (e) securing the tool (106) to a second portion (102) of the support structure (60) within the casing (50,54).

Abstract: A flexible tool comprises stiffening means switchable in use from a first state of relatively low stiffness to a second state of relatively high stiffness, and subsequently switchable from the second state back to the first state.

Abstract: A tool holder. The tool holder is mounted to a platform (9) and comprises a plurality of legs (1) extending from respective positions on the platform (9) for connecting the platform (9) to respective positions on the workpiece. Each leg (1) has a first joint system (8a) at its platform end allowing each leg (1) to pivot relative to the platform (9). Each first joint system (8a) has an actuator arrangement (34) having a first operating mode in which the actuator arrangement (34) is configured to apply a load to move the respective leg (1), and a second operating mode in which the actuator arrangement (34) is configured to allow free movement of the respective leg (1).

Abstract: A multi jointed robot arm includes at least first and second link members connected by a connection arrangement and at least a first control cable. First and second ends of the first control cable engage with first and second engagement point of the first link member and first and second attachment points of the second link member. The assembly further includes a first actuator configured to selectively tension the first and second ends of the first control cable such that the second link member pivots toward a first or second side, wherein the connection arrangement is arranged to pivot at a first pivot point located substantially along a notional line extending between the first and second attachment points, and to pivot at a second pivot point extending between the first and second engagement points.

Abstract: A repair method for repairing a component (6a) of a gas turbine engine (10). The method comprises first and second steps. The first step comprises directing an energy beam toward the component (6a) to ablate a first region (54) of material to form a gap extending through the component (6a) between a repair region (58) a base region (58) of the component, wherein subsequent to the first step the repair region (58) and base region (56) are joined by a connecting portion (60). In the second step, an energy beam is direct toward the component (6a) to ablate the repair region (58) to remove the repair region (58) from the component (6a).

Abstract: An inspection arrangement including an inspection element and a positioning tool for positioning the inspection element, the inspection element being attachable to the positioning tool by an attachment arrangement, and having a fixing element to present the inspection element in use, the fixing element including a plurality of radially extending resilient elements.

Abstract: A boroscope includes a working head having first and second ends. A first optical fibre extends through the boroscope to a position between the first and second ends. A second optical fibre extends through the boroscope to the second end of the working head. A laser optical fibre extends through the boroscope. At least one lens is arranged between the first end and the second end of the working head and a mirror is gimballed to the second end of the working head. The laser optical fibre directs laser light transmitted through the laser optical fibre onto the lens and then onto the mirror. A first LED is arranged at a position between the first end and the second end of the working head and a second LED is arranged at the second end of the working head and an actuator devices adjust the position of the mirror.

Abstract: A boroscope (60) has a first end (62) and a second end (64) and the first end (62) of the boroscope (60) has an optical fibre (66) and light source (68). A working head (70) is attached to the first end (62) of the boroscope (60). The working head (70) has an electrical motor (72) and a tool (74) is attached to and is arranged to be driven by the electrical motor (72) and the boroscope (60) carries a cable (76) extending from the electrical motor (72) to the second end (64) of the boroscope (60).

Abstract: This invention relates to an internal combustion engine having a cavity for inspection, comprising: an inspection device mounted within a housing, the housing at least partially located within the cavity to be inspected and having a shutter which is actuable between a closed configuration and an open configuration; and an actuation mechanism for moving the shutter between the closed configuration and the open configuration.

Abstract: Provided is a method for determining the presence of an alumina layer on a surface of a component. The method includes illuminating a surface of a component with radiation; detecting radiation emitted at a particular wavelength; analyzing the detected radiation; to determine the thickness of the alumina at at least one point on the surface of the component; and comparing the determined thickness of the alumina at the at least one point on the surface of the component with a predetermined thickness of alumina at that point to decide if the thickness of alumina at the at least one point on the surface of the component is satisfactory.

Abstract: A method of inspecting an article includes: applying an organic liquid substance over at least a portion of the article to be inspected so as to form a surface layer thereon, wherein said surface layer is luminescent; irradiating the article with the surface layer thereon; and scanning the article to determine its shape.