Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a coating material on a surface of a substrate by an ion plasma deposition process using a hollow cathode is disclosed. The cathode may be a substantially cylindrical hollow cathode. A plasma arc is formed on the outer circumference of the cathode to remove coating material from the cathode, which is then deposited on a surface of a substrate. An internal arc drive magnet is contained within the hollow bore of the cathode and cooling is provided to the magnet during operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a coating material on a surface of a substrate by an ion plasma deposition process using a hollow cathode is disclosed. The cathode may be a substantially cylindrical hollow cathode. A plasma arc is formed on the outer circumference of the cathode to remove coating material from the cathode, which is then deposited on a surface of a substrate. An internal arc drive magnet is contained within the hollow bore of the cathode and cooling is provided to the magnet during operation.

Abstract: A system for controlling cathodic arc discharge is provided. The system includes a vacuum chamber forming an anode. The system also includes a power supply connected to the vacuum chamber, wherein the power supply is configured to generate an electric field within the vacuum chamber. The system further includes a cathode disposed within the vacuum chamber. The system also includes at least one permanent magnet configured to actuate in a translational direction inwards and outwards of the cathode, wherein the magnet is further configured to apply a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to a face of the cathode and to the electric field to bum the cathode at a predetermined radius on the face of the cathode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a coating material on a surface of a substrate by an ion plasma deposition process using a hollow cathode is disclosed. The cathode may be a substantially cylindrical hollow cathode. A plasma arc is formed on the outer circumference of the cathode to remove coating material from the cathode, which is then deposited on a surface of a substrate. An internal arc drive magnet is contained within the hollow bore of the cathode and cooling is provided to the magnet during operation.

Abstract: A water-cooled stator bar clip for electrical generators and a method for applying a corrosion-resistant protective coating, preferably Sc, Ti, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, W, Ni, and Al, and their alloys or oxides to existing stator bar end fittings in order to significantly reduce the possibility of leaks through the brazed connections of the copper stator bar end connections. The coatings can be applied locally using various known physical vapor deposition (“PVD”), chemical vapor deposition (“CVD”) or other direct coating techniques known in the art. For example, the coatings can be applied using ion plasma deposition, sputtering or wire arc techniques (all PVD processes) or by using electroplating, high velocity oxygen free (“HVOF”) deposition, DC arc or electroless plating. Preferably, the coatings are applied either to new stator bar clips or to existing clips in the field.

Abstract: A water-cooled stator bar clip for electrical generators and a method for applying a corrosion-resistant protective coating, preferably Sc, Ti, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, W, Ni, and Al, and their alloys or oxides to existing stator bar end fittings in order to significantly reduce the possibility of leaks through the brazed connections of the copper stator bar end connections. The coatings can be applied locally using various known physical vapor deposition (“PVD”), chemical vapor deposition (“CVD”) or other direct coating techniques known in the art. For example, the coatings can be applied using ion plasma deposition, sputtering or wire arc techniques (all PVD processes) or by using electroplating, high velocity oxygen free (“HVOF”) deposition, DC arc or electroless plating. Preferably, the coatings are applied either to new stator bar clips or to existing clips in the field.

Abstract: A water-cooled stator bar clip for electrical generators and a method for applying a corrosion-resistant protective coating, preferably Sc, Ti, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, W, Ni, and Al, and their alloys or oxides to existing stator bar end fittings in order to significantly reduce the possibility of leaks through the brazed connections of the copper stator bar end connections. The coatings can be applied locally using various known physical vapor deposition (“PVD”), chemical vapor deposition (“CVD”) or other direct coating techniques known in the art. For example, the coatings can be applied using ion plasma deposition, sputtering or wire arc techniques (all PVD processes) or by using electroplating, high velocity oxygen free (“HVOF”) deposition, DC arc or electroless plating. Preferably, the coatings are applied either to new stator bar clips or to existing clips in the field using a known pencil coater technique.

Abstract: An apparatus for cathodic arc coating. The apparatus includes: a vacuum chamber which includes: an anode; a power supply; and a cathode target assembly connected to the power supply. The cathode target assembly includes a cathode target having an interference fit stud with a threadless distal end. In the preferred embodiment, the distal end of the threadless cathode target also includes a pre-determined surface texture and a cooling block in contact with the cathode target.

Abstract: A method of depositing a coating at a substrate via ion plasma deposition comprises subjecting a cathode and the substrate to a vacuum environment, applying a bias voltage to the substrate, supplying a current to the cathode, operating a cathodic arc from the cathode, and depositing an alloy coating from the cathode at a surface of the substrate. The cathode comprises a nickel-aluminum family alloy. The coating deposited is a nickel-aluminum family alloy. A cathode for an ion plasma deposition process comprises a body fabricated from a first composition, and a plug disposed at the body, the plug being fabricated from a second composition. A nickel-aluminum family cathode having a tapered outer surface comprises a body tapered along a longitudinal axis thereof and a ring having a tapered inner surface at which the tapered outer surface of the body is received.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring electrochemical corrosion potential, and a method for manufacturing a sensor, the sensor comprising a tubular ceramic probe having a closed tip at one end, the probe at least partially filled with a powder comprising metal and metal oxide; a metal support tube having one end receiving an opposite end of the probe, and joined thereto by a braze joint therewith; an electrical conductor extending through the support tube and into the probe, and having an end buried in the powder for electrical contact therewith; and a protective band bridging the probe and tube at the joint for sealing thereof, the protective band consisting essentially of a metallic coating.

Abstract: An apparatus for cathodic arc coating. The apparatus includes: a vacuum chamber which includes an anode; a power supply; and a cathode target assembly connected to the power supply. The cathode target assembly includes a cathode target and a target holder. In the preferred embodiment, a conductive interlayer is located between the cathode target and the target holder, and a cooling block is in contact with the cathode target.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring electrochemical corrosion potential, and a method for manufacturing a sensor, the sensor comprising a tubular ceramic probe having a closed tip at one end, the probe at least partially filled with a powder comprising metal and metal oxide; a metal support tube having one end receiving an opposite end of the probe, and joined thereto by a braze joint therewith; an electrical conductor extending through the support tube and into the probe, and having an end buried in the powder for electrical contact therewith; and a protective band bridging the probe and tube at the joint for sealing thereof, the protective band consisting essentially of a metallic coating.

Abstract: An article of manufacture forms a tool for determining cleaning parameters of an oxide removal process. The article comprises a block of material upon which an oxide can be formed and a simulated defect structure disposed in the block of material. The article is capable of determining oxide removal parameters of an oxide removal process by disposing an oxidized standard in a reactor, conducting an oxide removal process to remove oxide from the standard, and evaluating the standard and simulated defect structure for remaining oxide and other oxide removal parameters.

Abstract: An article of manufacture forms a tool for determining cleaning parameters of an oxide removal process. The article comprises a block of material upon which an oxide can be formed and a simulated defect structure disposed in the block of material. The article is capable of determining oxide removal parameters of an oxide removal process by disposing an oxidized standard in a reactor, conducting an oxide removal process to remove oxide from the standard, and evaluating the standard and simulated defect structure for remaining oxide and other oxide removal parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus for cathodic arc coating. The apparatus includes: a vacuum chamber which includes: an anode; a power supply; and a cathode target assembly connected to the power supply. The cathode target assembly includes a cathode target having an interference fit stud with a threadless distal end. In the preferred embodiment, the distal end of the threadless cathode target also includes a pre-determined surface texture and a cooling block in contact with the cathode target.

Abstract: An apparatus for cathodic arc coating. The apparatus includes: a vacuum chamber which includes an anode; a power supply; and a cathode target assembly connected to the power supply. The cathode target assembly includes a cathode target and a target holder. In the preferred embodiment, a conductive interlayer is located between the cathode target and the target holder, and a cooling block is in contact with the cathode target.

Abstract: An apparatus for cathodic arc coating. The apparatus includes: a vacuum chamber which includes: an anode; a power supply; and a cathode target assembly connected to the power supply. The cathode target assembly includes a cathode target having an interference fit stud with a threadless distal end. In the preferred embodiment, the distal end of the threadless cathode target also includes a pre-determined surface texture and a cooling block in contact with the cathode target.

Abstract: An apparatus for cathodic arc coating is provided. The apparatus includes: a vacuum chamber which includes an anode; a power supply; and a cathode target connected to the power supply. The cathode target has a channeled back surface for improving heat transfer from the cathode target. In the preferred embodiment, the cathode target also includes a conductor segment connecting the cathode target to the power supply of the cathodic arc coating apparatus for conducting the increased current capacity of the cathode target and a cooling block in contact with the cathode target to further improve the heat transfer from the cathode target.

Abstract: An introduction system for introducing an atmosphere into an interior of an autoclave alters an existing atmosphere. The introduction system comprises at least one source of actuating gas; an actuating mechanism, a pressure barrier that separates an interior of the autoclave from ambient exterior atmosphere; and a containment vessel that is located at least partially in the interior of the autoclave. The containment vessel comprises a plurality of walls, at least one of the walls comprising a release wall structure of the containment vessel, a vapor producing material cavity, where the walls define the vapor producing material cavity; and an opening element. The opening element is movable by the opening actuator device. The release wall structure of the containment vessel is rapidly opened by the opening element to effect a rapid release of vapor producing material in the vapor producing material cavity into the interior of the autoclave.