Abstract: A method for repairing a steel alloy article, and an article repaired thereby, is provided and comprises the steps of depositing at least a first weld repair layer on a surface of the article so as to form a heat affected zone in the article beneath the surface. Locally heat treating the first weld repair layer and at least a portion of the heat affected zone adjacent the first weld repair layer at a temperature above the critical A1 temperature of the steel alloy article. Depositing at least one additional weld repair layer on the first weld repair layer without forming additional heat affected zone in the surface of the article. The first weld repair layer and the at least one additional weld repair layer are comprised of a material chosen from the group consisting of nickel chromium—iron alloys, cobalt base alloys, ERNiCr-3, ENiCrFe-3, ERNiCrMo-3, ERNiFeCr-2, ERCoCr-A, ERCoCr-E, CrMo alloys and CrMoV alloys.

Abstract: A platesetter may have an optical imaging head which includes a diffractive modulator having individually controlled ribbons associated with individual pixels imaged onto a printing plate. One method for reducing artifacts transferred to a medium includes the steps of: determining values of intensity versus pulse width variations for each ribbon of the modulator based upon empirical data; weighting the determined values according to a predetermined weighting factor dependent upon physical, optical, chemical and structural characteristics of a printing plate to yield an image on the printing plate having minimum visible artifacts; and applying the weighted values to ribbon drivers of the modulator.

Abstract: A platesetter may have an optical imaging head which includes a diffractive modulator having individually controlled ribbons associated with individual pixels imaged onto a printing plate. One method for reducing artifacts transferred to a medium includes the steps of: determining values of intensity versus pulse width variations for each ribbon of the modulator based upon empirical data; weighting the determined values according to a predetermined weighting factor dependent upon physical, optical, chemical and structural characteristics of a printing plate to yield an image on the printing plate having minimum visible artifacts; and applying the weighted values to ribbon drivers of the modulator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a generator or turbine component using a laser ablation technique. The method includes programming a controller coupled to a laser source for controlling the laser source to perform laser ablation. A laser beam is directed at a generator or turbine component surface for vaporizing surface contaminants and coatings deposited on the generator or turbine component surface without changing material properties of said generator or turbine component. A computer system having a processor and a database is communicatively coupled to the controller. The database is loaded with turbine or generator component data and corresponding laser power related data for ablating surface contaminants and coatings from respective components.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for analyzing an illumination field of a line of laser illumination. The system includes a first movable unit, a second movable unit, and a sensor unit. The first movable unit includes a first opening through which at least a portion of the illumination field may pass. The first movable unit is adapted for movement in a first direction. The sensor unit is adapted to receive illumination and to produce a sensor output signal representative a characteristic of the illumination field. The second movable unit includes a second opening through which at least a portion of the illumination field may pass. The second movable unit is positioned between the first movable unit and the sensor unit and is adapted for movement between at least a first position in which very little or no light from the illumination field may reach the sensor unit, and a second position in which a relatively high amount of light from the illumination field may reach the sensor unit.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for analyzing an illumination field of a line of laser illumination. The system includes a first movable unit, a second movable unit, and a sensor unit. The first movable unit includes a first opening through which at least a portion of the illumination field may pass. The first movable unit is adapted for movement in a first direction. The sensor unit is adapted to receive illumination and to produce a sensor output signal representative a characteristic of the illumination field. The second movable unit includes a second opening through which at least a portion of the illumination field may pass. The second movable unit is positioned between the first movable unit and the sensor unit and is adapted for movement between at least a first position in which very little or no light from the illumination field may reach the sensor unit, and a second position in which a relatively high amount of light from the illumination field may reach the sensor unit.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for analyzing an illumination field of a line of laser illumination. The system includes a first movable unit, a second movable unit, and a sensor unit. The first movable unit includes a first opening through which at least a portion of the illumination field may pass. The first movable unit is adapted for movement in a first direction. The sensor unit is adapted to receive illumination and to produce a sensor output signal representative a characteristic of the illumination field. The second movable unit includes a second opening through which at least a portion of the illumination field may pass. The second movable unit is positioned between the first movable unit and the sensor unit and is adapted for movement between at least a first position in which very little or no light from the illumination field may reach the sensor unit, and a second position in which a relatively high amount of light from the illumination field may reach the sensor unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a generator or turbine component using a laser ablation technique. The method includes programming a controller coupled to a laser source for controlling the laser source to perform laser ablation. A laser beam is directed at a generator or turbine component surface for vaporizing surface contaminants and coatings deposited on the generator or turbine component surface without changing material properties of said generator or turbine component. A computer system having a processor and a database is communicatively coupled to the controller. The database is loaded with turbine or generator component data and corresponding laser power related data for ablating surface contaminants and coatings from respective components.

Abstract: The broach assembly includes alternate spacers and cutters arranged in a sub-assembly having a lead at a leading end and a lag at a trailing end. The cutters have side margins in excess of the margins of the spacers for cutting material from the dovetail slots of the turbine wheel as the broach assembly passes through the slots. The bottom or apices of each spacer is tapered and extends beyond the corresponding surface of the cutter to progressively displace the assembly in a radial outward direction to progressively cut the active dovetail slot surfaces. Shims may be disposed in the bottom of the slot to further displace the broach assembly radially outwardly in multiple passes.

Abstract: The broach assembly includes alternate spacers and cutters arranged in a sub-assembly having a lead at a leading end and a lag at a trailing end. The cutters have side margins in excess of the margins of the spacers for cutting material from the dovetail slots of the turbine wheel as the broach assembly passes through the slots. The bottom or apices of each spacer is tapered and extends beyond the corresponding surface of the cutter to progressively displace the assembly in a radial outward direction to progressively cut the active dovetail slot surfaces. Shims may be disposed in the bottom of the slot to further displace the broach assembly radially outwardly in multiple passes.

Abstract: A hose and cable routing system for routing and flexing a coolant supply hose, a coolant return hose, and an electrical cable to a laser system mounted on a movable optical carriage in an imaging system without introducing mechanical disturbances to the optical carriage. The hose and cable routing system includes a support tray, mounted to the imaging system, for supporting the coolant hoses and electrical cable, and a movable support bracket for supporting and running the coolant hoses and electrical cable from the support tray to the optical carriage. A track is provided to guide the movable support bracket along the imaging system in response to a displacement of the optical carriage. A vibration isolator is mounted between the support bracket and the optical carriage. Other embodiments of the hose and cable routing system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention eliminates artifacts in an image formed using a plurality of imaging sources. Visible seams in the image are eliminated by randomizing the stitch point between the scan lines produced by each imaging source. The randomization may be optimized by additionally applying a method for relocating the random stitch point based on the data content of the scan line, adjacent scan lines, and other criteria. The present invention further compensates for in-scan and cross-scan errors caused by thermally induced errors, spinner synchronization errors, mechanical misalignment, and other factors associated with the use of a plurality of imaging systems. A photodetector system, comprising a mask having a pair of triangular openings, provides measurements of the in-scan and cross-scan errors.

Abstract: A universal head for a drop type case packer, for enabling the packer to handle a range of article sizes and arrays. Lane dividers mounted from the head define parallel lanes, the number, spacing and effective length of which can be set for desired packing conditions. Flags for signaling filling of the lanes are mounted to an adjustable end plate, and can be centered laterally according to lane width and article shape. The flags intercept a light beam between a light emitter and sensor, the alignment of which is maintained regardless of changes in lane number or dimensions.A universal intermediate grid is also provided, having article guide flaps which can be positioned longitudinally to accommodate various arrays and sizes. The flaps are mounted diagonally with respect to transversely positionable bars, and cross bars are obviated.