Abstract: A method of brazing includes placing a non-foam matrix in a gap and applying a molten braze material to the gap such that the molten braze material flows into the gap and through the non-foam matrix by capillary action to fill the gap and cools to form a solid braze in the gap. A brazed article includes at least one component defining a gap, a non-foam matrix in the gap and a solid braze interspersed through the non-foam matrix. The non-foam matrix and the solid braze fill the gap.

Abstract: A method includes heating a brazing material in a braze chamber of a first component to a braze temperature to melt the brazing material. The brazing material flows from the braze chamber, through at least one internal channel of the first component, and into a braze gap between the first component and a second component to braze the first component to the second component. A brazed article includes a first component having a braze chamber and at least one internal channel extending from the braze chamber to an external surface, a second component having at least one braze surface separated from the external surface of the first component by a braze gap, and a braze material in the braze gap. A braze assembly includes a first component, a second component, and a brazing material in the braze chamber.

Abstract: A repair patch for use with a turbine seal includes a shim having a first side and an opposite second side and a cloth seal having a first section and a second section. The cloth seal is coupled to the shim, such that the cloth seal is folded over a radial edge of the shim such that the first section substantially covers the first side and the second section substantially covers the second side. The second section includes an extension section that extends from the second side such that at least a portion of the cloth seal overlaps at least a portion of the turbine seal when coupled thereto.

Abstract: The present application provides a method of repairing a turbine blade. The method may include the steps of removing an existing tip cap from the turbine blade in whole or in part, machining the turbine blade to form a machined groove, positioning an insert in the machined groove, welding the insert to the turbine blade, and brazing the turbine blade.

Abstract: A fixture and method for resistance welding of at least one pad to at least one surface of an article is disclosed. The method includes mounting the article in the fixture, placing the at least one pad on the at least one surface of the article, positioning a first electrode of a resistance welding apparatus to the at least one pad and a second electrode of the resistance welding apparatus to the article, and applying pressure and electric current across the at least one pad and the at least one surface. The fixture includes a first, second and third support element, which, respectively, include a first, second and third contact surface being adapted and disposed to support a first, second and third portion of the article. The first, second and third contact surfaces are each inelastic and electrically insulating. The fixture is arranged and disposed to non-rotatably cradle the article.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring vital sign parameters in a biological entity is disclosed. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one light source for transmitting light through the biological entity and at least one photodetector for receiving light transmitted through the biological entity. At least one light source and at least one photodetector are configured to be positioned proximate the biological entity in a manner that does not significantly impede blood flow through the biological entity. A signal is generated in response to the transmittance or reflectance of light through the biological entity. The signal corresponds to at least one characteristic of the generally unimpeded blood flow through the biological entity. The apparatus also includes a control system configured to analyze the signal to determine vital sign parameters in the biological entity. A method for monitoring vital sign parameters in a biological entity is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for reducing the viscosity of the settled mud or underflow of a raked thickener thereby reducing the torque necessary to move the rake blade through the settled mud. The method includes the step of delivering a viscosity modifier to the settled mud and in front of the rake blade by pumping the viscosity modifier down the rake arm to an area in front of the rake blade. The method also includes an improved rake mechanism that includes a means for delivering viscosity modifier to the settled mud and in front of the rake blade. The present invention also includes a method for increasing the rate of consolidation of flocculated solids in a slurry.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for reducing the viscosity of the settled mud or underflow of a raked thickener thereby reducing the torque necessary to move the rake blade through the settled mud. The method includes the step of delivering a viscosity modifier to the settled mud and in front of the rake blade by pumping the viscosity modifier down the rake arm to an area in front of the rake blade. The method also includes an improved rake mechanism that includes a means for delivering viscosity modifier to the settled mud and in front of the rake blade. The present invention also includes a method for increasing the rate of consolidation of flocculated solids in a slurry.

Abstract: An improved method for separating electrically conductive components of an ore or mineral sand from electrically non-conductive components of the ore or mineral sand is disclosed which includes processing the ore, adding a polymer, such as an anionic polymer, to the processed ore, drying the polymer and ore, and then feeding the ore and polymer through an electrostatic separator. The addition of the anionic polymer to the processed ore increases the efficiency of the electrostatic separation process.

Abstract: Orbital welding apparatus in which wire is fed to the welding zone by wire feed mechanism operable by differential rotation of two one-piece U-shape drive members operable at different speeds, one member carrying a welding electrode and the wire feed mechanism.Both drive members have openings allowing entry of tube to be welded. The apparatus permits orbital welding of very closely spaced tubes without using a wire feed drive motor mounted on the rotatable assembly. Both TIG or MIG arc welding methods may be performed by the invention, or any method involving the feeding of wire into the weld zone.