Abstract: A foreign material exclusion device adapted for use in a cavity of a system or construction, for example a tube, pipe, or the like, the device having a body that is adapted to seal a first side of the cavity from a second side of the cavity and prevent passage of debris past the body, the device further including a sensor operatively connected to the body and adapted to measure a property of the environment adjacent at least one surface of the device. Methods for utilizing the device to seal a portion of the cavity and to record, and preferably distribute, the data are also described.

Abstract: A foreign material exclusion device adapted for use in a cavity of a system or construction, for example a tube, pipe, or the like, the device having a body that is adapted to seal a first side of the cavity from a second side of the cavity and prevent passage of debris past the body, the device further including a sensor operatively connected to the body and adapted to measure a property of the environment adjacent at least one surface of the device. Methods for utilizing the device to seal a portion of the cavity and to record, and preferably distribute, the data are also described.

Abstract: A foreign material exclusion device which is adapted to be utilized in tubes, pipes, or the like to prevent entry of debris into a potentially sensitive area of an assembly, such as a turbine assembly utilized in a power plant. In one embodiment, the device is adapted to be connected to a non-moving portion of a rotary milling tool, such as the collet, before a milling operation to prevent milling debris from entering a sensitive portion of a tube or pipe. In a further embodiment each device of the present invention includes a unique identifier or identification element, such as a machine readable bar code or RFID (radio frequency identification) tag to insure all devices utilized for a particular job are accounted for.

Abstract: A device which can be utilized to temporarily seal substantially any opening on a turbine which is being assembled or repaired. The foreign material exclusion device includes a main body, preferably formed from a foamed polymer or rubber. The foreign material exclusion device is substantially elastic or resilient and can be compressed to fit into a desired opening and can be reexpanded to provide a snug fit about an opening. An extraction member is connected to the main body and is preferably utilized to remove the device from a portion of a cavity of a turbine.

Abstract: A device which can be utilized to temporarily seal substantially any opening on a turbine which is being assembled or repaired. The foreign material exclusion device of the present invention advantageously maintains fail-safe integrity of desired portions of a turbine. Protection of the sensitive areas of a turbine prevents possible hazardous malfunctions or explosions of a turbine. The foreign material exclusion device is substantially elastic or resilient and can be compressed to fit into a desired opening and can be reexpanded to provide a snug fit about an opening.

Abstract: A device which can be utilized to temporarily seal substantially any opening on a turbine which is being assembled or repaired. The foreign material exclusion device of the present invention advantageously maintains fail-safe integrity of desired portions of a turbine. Protection of the sensitive areas of a turbine prevents possible hazardous malfunctions or explosions of a turbine. The foreign material exclusion device is substantially elastic or resilient and can be compressed to fit into a desired opening and can be reexpanded to provide a snug fit about an opening.

Abstract: A device which can be utilized to temporarily seal substantially any opening on a turbine which is being assembled or repaired. The foreign material exclusion device of the present invention advantageously maintains fail-safe integrity of desired portions of a turbine. Protection of the sensitive areas of a turbine prevents possible hazardous malfunctions or explosions of a turbine. The foreign material exclusion device is substantially elastic or resilient and can be compressed to fit into a desired opening and can be reexpanded to provide a snug fit about an opening.

Abstract: A clamping tool which can generally be utilized to align and hold tubes to be welded. The clamping tool has a curvilinear body or frame similar to a traditional “C”-shaped clamp which is well known in the art. The tool of the present invention has at least one solid angle clamping element or member which is formed from a single piece of metal. Advantageously, the solid angle clamping element is free of welds and can withstand numerous heating and cooling cycles typically associated with welding.