Abstract: Methods and apparatus for welding a component to fill a groove therein. The method entails simultaneously projecting an electric arc and at least first and second laser beams into the groove. The electric arc melts and deposits a filler material in the groove while the first and second laser beams are projected onto opposite first and second walls, respectively, of the groove. The axis of each of the first and second laser beams is oriented at an acute angle relative to the respective wall thereof.

Abstract: Various embodiments include approaches for monitoring turbomachine components. In various particular embodiments, a system for monitoring a component within a turbomachine includes: a borescope probe sized to pass through an opening in the turbomachine, the borescope probe for detecting a symbolic data array on the component within the turbomachine; and at least one computing device operably coupled to the borescope probe, the at least one computing device configured to: obtain image data about the symbolic data array from the borescope probe; evaluate the image data to determine whether the image data is compatible with a symbolic data array analysis program; and analyze the image data using the symbolic data array analysis program in response to determining the image data is compatible with the symbolic data array analysis program.

Abstract: A double-sided tribrid welding technique and apparatus for root pass welding of narrow groove welds. The welding technique utilizes three welding devices. A welding apparatus on a backside of the weld joint may strike an arc on the backside of the weld joint; a welding apparatus on a narrow groove side of the weld may strike an arc within the narrow groove weld joint, while the remaining welding apparatus is a laser that can help establish a keyhole as a common pool of molten metal at the root without burning through the root. Once the arcs are struck substantially simultaneously and the laser is energized, the welding heads move simultaneously, the arc welders assisting in maintaining pre-heat temperature, while minimizing distortion and cracking. Adjusting arc weld parameters provides deformation on completion of the root pass so as to compensate for distortion due to metal shrinkage in subsequent passes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for welding a component to fill a groove therein. The method entails simultaneously projecting an electric arc and at least first and second laser beams into the groove. The electric arc melts and deposits a filler material in the groove while the first and second laser beams are projected onto opposite first and second walls, respectively, of the groove. The axis of each of the first and second laser beams is oriented at an acute angle relative to the respective wall thereof.

Abstract: A method of repairing a turbine component having an array of partitions is provided and includes machining one or more partitions of the array to remove trailing edge sections thereof, fabricating one or more replacement inserts, respectively locating the one or more replacement inserts in the one or more machined partitions and substantially simultaneously brazing the one or more replacement inserts to the one or more machined partitions.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include filters and methods for imparting structural support to a pleated filter material. According to an example embodiment, the method includes forming a filter structure from one or more sections of pleated filter media, wherein the filter structure comprises one or more filter pleats. The method also includes extruding a banding material to form one or more radial support regions in at least circumferential contact with at least one of an inner or an outer surface of the filter structure, and maintaining spacing between the one or more filter pleats of the filter structure with the one or more radial support regions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article is provided. The method includes applying a coating onto a fabric layer, wherein the coating absorbs solar energy and converts solar energy into electrical energy. Moreover, the method includes applying a membrane onto the fabric layer. An insulation layer is applied onto the membrane. Further, a heat conductive coating is applied onto at least one of the membrane and the insulation layer.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include filters and methods for imparting structural support to a pleated filter material. According to an example embodiment, the method includes forming a filter structure from one or more sections of pleated filter media, wherein the filter structure comprises one or more filter pleats. The method also includes extruding a banding material to form one or more radial support regions in at least circumferential contact with at least one of an inner or an outer surface of the filter structure, and maintaining spacing between the one or more filter pleats of the filter structure with the one or more radial support regions.