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: 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 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: The present invention is concerned with a method of discriminating between, in a surface of a transition metal alloy, transition metals in different oxidation states using surface sensor molecules adapted to associate selectively with one of the transition metals. In particular, the present invention provides a method of identifying degradation in aircraft components such as turbine blades, engine casings and aerofoils. In embodiments, a surface sensor molecule comprising an oxidation state discriminating group, such as an imidazole, and a fluorescein probe is applied in aqueous solution to the surface of a service-run Ni alloy aircraft component. The sensor molecule selectively associates with transition metals in oxidation states greater than zero such that fluorescence imaging can be used to identify areas of degradation.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method of discriminating between, in a surface of a transition metal alloy, transition metals in different oxidation states using surface sensor molecules adapted to associate selectively with one of the transition metals. In particular, the present invention provides a method of identifying degradation in aircraft components such as turbine blades, engine casings and aerofoils. In embodiments, a surface sensor molecule comprising an oxidation state discriminating group, such as an imidazole, and a fluorescein probe is applied in aqueous solution to the surface of a service-run Ni alloy aircraft component. The sensor molecule selectively associates with transition metals in oxidation states greater than zero such that fluorescence imaging can be used to identify areas of degradation.

Abstract: A method for recycling an inert gas evacuated from a material deposition process chamber 10 comprises cooling the evacuated inert gas and recirculating a proportion of the cooled gas to the chamber 10 at a first temperature for use as a cooling gas in the material deposition process 12, and recirculating a proportion of the cooled gas to the chamber 10 at a second temperature for use as a shielding gas in the material deposition process 12, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature. Apparatus 22 for recycling an inert gas is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of consolidating a powder (10) comprises the steps of filling an electrically conductive container (12) with the powder (10). Any air is evacuated out of the filled container (12), which is then sealed. The sealed container (12) is placed in a die (20) and a force is applied to consolidate the powder (10). Simultaneously an electric pulse and an ultrasonic pulse are applied to the container (12) as the powder (10) is consolidated. The electric and ultrasound pulses are applied during consolidation to disrupt the grain boundaries and assist in the fragmentation of any oxides. The container (12) is then removed from the die (20) and from the consolidated powder (10).