Abstract: An embodiment of a tool assembly includes a robotic assembly, a tool mount, and a non-axisymmetric deep rolling tool. The robotic assembly includes a plurality of linear arms connected in series between a base end and a working end. Adjacent ones of the plurality of arms are connected via a corresponding plurality of multi-axis joints such that the working end is articulated by movement of one or more of the plurality of arms relative to one or more of the plurality of multi-axis joints. The tool mount is connected to one of the linear arms or one of the multi-axis joints at the working end of the robotic assembly. The non-axisymmetric deep rolling tool is connected to the tool mount, and includes a spring-loaded shaft assembly disposed along a first axis. A hub has an upper hub portion adjacent to the distal end of the spring-loaded shaft assembly aligned with the first axis, and a lower hub portion extending along a second axis, forming a nonzero angle relative to the first axis.

Abstract: A sleeve may be configured to secure an airfoil cluster for polishing. The sleeve may include a mock airfoil and a bypass flow path between the mock airfoil and an end wall of the sleeve. The sleeve may be positioned in an annular ring of sleeves in a polishing apparatus. The polishing apparatus may comprise an annular flow path for an abrasive fluid. The abrasive fluid may be flowed through the annular ring of sleeves in order to polish the airfoil cluster.

Abstract: A sleeve may be configured to secure an airfoil cluster for polishing. The sleeve may include a mock airfoil and a bypass flow path between the mock airfoil and an end wall of the sleeve. The sleeve may be positioned in an annular ring of sleeves in a polishing apparatus. The polishing apparatus may comprise an annular flow path for an abrasive fluid. The abrasive fluid may be flowed through the annular ring of sleeves in order to polish the airfoil cluster.

Abstract: A method is provided for inspecting a plurality of parts with an electronic measurement device and a processing system. The method includes a step of creating surface geometry maps of the parts utilizing the electronic measurement device, where each part was manufactured utilizing the manufacturing device. Geometric part models of the parts are generated from the surface geometry maps. The part models can subsequently be analyzed to determine whether a manufacturing device that manufactured the plurality of parts manufactures parts that comply with a part design specification.

Abstract: A method is provided for inspecting a plurality of parts with an electronic measurement device and a processing system. The method includes a step of creating surface geometry maps of the parts utilizing the electronic measurement device, where each part was manufactured utilizing the manufacturing device. Geometric part models of the parts are generated from the surface geometry maps. The part models can subsequently be analyzed to determine whether a manufacturing device that manufactured the plurality of parts manufactures parts that comply with a part design specification.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for inspecting a plurality of target features arrayed in spaced arrangement on a surface of a target object, such as but not limited to inspection of the location of cooling air holes in the surface of a turbine blade or vane.

Abstract: A shadow masking device for use in the semiconductor industry includes self-aligning mechanical components that permit shadow masks to be exchanged while maintaining precise alignment with the target substrate. The misregistration between any two of the various layers in the formed structure can be kept to less than 40 microns.

Abstract: A device for use in the semiconductor industry includes a robotic arm whose end effector includes at least two prongs designed to hold a substrate carrier. A pushing member located between the prongs can move independently of the prongs and is configured to exert force against the substrate carrier while the prongs are retracted from the substrate carrier, after the substrate carrier has been brought to its intended position. In this manner, the position of the substrate carrier is maintained at its intended position as the prongs are retracted. Each of the prongs may include a claw or gripping member for grasping the substrate carrier.

Abstract: A component inspection system comprises a sensor apparatus and a template having a component side and an opposing inspection side. The inspection side includes a plurality of inspection bosses projecting therefrom, each of the plurality of inspection bosses having a first coupling and a sensor aperture. Each aperture is disposed axially through each respective boss to the component side of the template. The sensor apparatus includes a receptacle for retaining a sensor. The receptacle has a second coupling configured to individually engage with each of the plurality of first couplings for removably securing the sensor apparatus to a respective at least one of the plurality of inspection bosses.

Abstract: A shadow masking device for use in the semiconductor industry includes self-aligning mechanical components that permit shadow masks to be exchanged while maintaining precise alignment with the target substrate. The misregistration between any two of the various layers in the formed structure can be kept to less than 40 microns.

Abstract: A method is provided for inspecting a plurality of parts with an electronic measurement device and a processing system. The method includes a step of creating surface geometry maps of the parts utilizing the electronic measurement device, where each part was manufactured utilizing the manufacturing device. Geometric part models of the parts are generated from the surface geometry maps. The part models can subsequently be analyzed to determine whether a manufacturing device that manufactured the plurality of parts manufactures parts that comply with a part design specification.

Abstract: A component inspection system comprises a sensor apparatus and a template having a component side and an opposing inspection side. The inspection side includes a plurality of inspection bosses projecting therefrom, each of the plurality of inspection bosses having a first coupling and a sensor aperture. Each aperture is disposed axially through each respective boss to the component side of the template. The sensor apparatus includes a receptacle for retaining a sensor. The receptacle has a second coupling configured to individually engage with each of the plurality of first couplings for removably securing the sensor apparatus to a respective at least one of the plurality of inspection bosses.

Abstract: A device for use in the semiconductor industry includes a robotic arm whose end effector includes at least two prongs designed to hold a substrate carrier. A pushing member located between the prongs can move independently of the prongs and is configured to exert force against the substrate carrier while the prongs are retracted from the substrate carrier, after the substrate carrier has been brought to its intended position. In this manner, the position of the substrate carrier is maintained at its intended position as the prongs are retracted. Each of the prongs may include a claw or gripping member for grasping the substrate carrier.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for inspecting a plurality of target features arrayed in spaced arrangement on a surface of a target object, such as but not limited to inspection of the location of cooling air holes in the surface of a turbine blade or vane.

Abstract: A method of machining a rotor disk includes the step of detecting accessible contact areas on a rotor surface and corresponding abrasive disk orientations at contact points within that contact area. The detected accessible area and orientations are then utilized to map a machining path and corresponding abrasive disk movements. Machine tool executable instructions are generated using the mapped machining path and corresponding abrasive disk movement for removing material on a rotor surface between two airfoils.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an integral bladed rotor is disclosed. The method includes calculating a cutting path in an area of a blank between adjacent blade locations to approximate contours of adjacent blades. A cutter is plunged into the area at an initial angle and depth that extends from an outer perimeter to the blank to an inner perimeter of the blank, in one example. The blade roots extend from the inner perimeter, and the blade tips terminate near the outer perimeter. The cutter is plunged into the area at an original angle that, in one example, is different than the initial angle. The cutter is rotated about an axis in a spiral-like fashion as the cutter extends further into the blank, along the cutting path.

Abstract: A rotor blade assembly includes a slot for mounting a rotor blade that extends partially through a rotor disk and a continuous uninterrupted hoop seal that extends about the circumference of the rotor disk. The rotor disk includes an integrally formed seal that includes at least one knife edge disposed concentrically about the rotor disk. The slot receives a root portion of a rotor blade but does not extend through the seal. As the seal remains an uninterrupted full hoop about the circumference of the rotor disk, additional rigidity and strength are realized. The increased rigidity and strength provided by the full hoop structure provides for the reduction in material and physical dimensions without compromising desired performance of the seal.

Abstract: A tool for use in an abrasive machining process has a body extending along a central longitudinal axis from a first end to a tip end. An abrasive material is located on the tip end. The body has a tip end protuberance. An abrasive material is located on the protuberance. A body lateral surface has, over a radial span of at least 20% of a radius of the protuberance, a continuously concave longitudinal profile diverging tipward.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an integral bladed rotor is disclosed. The method includes calculating a cutting path in an area of a blank between adjacent blade locations to approximate contours of adjacent blades. A cutter is plunged into the area at an initial angle and depth that extends from an outer perimeter to the blank to an inner perimeter of the blank, in one example. The blade roots extend from the inner perimeter, and the blade tips terminate near the outer perimeter. The cutter is plunged into the area at an original angle that, in one example, is different than the initial angle. The cutter is rotated about an axis in a spiral-like fashion as the cutter extends further into the blank, along the cutting path.

Abstract: An integrally bladed rotor includes a central hub and a plurality of airfoils or blades. The blades are repaired by rebuilding their surfaces beyond the original shape, such as by adding weld material. The contour of the blade is then returned to the desired shape using superabrasive quills.