Abstract: A method for accessing a network-based computer system utilizing a server system that is coupled to a centralized database and at least one client system. The method includes the steps of entering at a client system a single sign on identification (SSO ID) and a single sign on password (SSO password) assigned to a user, receiving at the server system the user's SSO ID and SSO password, authenticating the SSO ID and SSO password by transmitting the SSO ID and SSO password to the database, displaying on the client system after authenticating the entered SSO ID and SSO password each computer system that the user is permissioned to access, selecting a computer system to be accessed by the user, randomly generating a user password at the server system for accessing the selected computer system, transmitting a user identification (user ID) and the randomly generated user password from the server system to the selected computer system; and accessing the selected computer system by the user.

Abstract: A fixture adapted to precisely position two components to permit multiple machining operations of the components at a single work station. The fixture includes a backbone having a first portion for securing the first component and a second portion for securing the second component. First and second portions each further include an integral lobe and a finger which extend outwardly from the backbone, each terminating in a datum surface, as well as an additional datum surface which collectively form a set of datum locators along both the first and second portions. Each set of datum locators precisely positions the two components at a predetermined distance and orientation from each other.

Abstract: A fixture adapted to precisely position two components to permit multiple machining operations of the components at a single work station. The fixture includes a backbone having a first portion for securing the first component and a second portion for securing the second component. First and second portions each further include an integral lobe and a finger which extend outwardly from the backbone, each terminating in a datum surface, as well as an additional datum surface which collectively form a set of datum locators along both the first and second portions. Each set of datum locators precisely positions the two components at a predetermined distance and orientation from each other.

Abstract: A fixture adapted to precisely position two components to permit multiple machining operations of the components at a single work station. The fixture includes a backbone having a first portion for securing the first component and a second portion for securing the second component. First and second portions each further include an integral lobe and a finger which extend outwardly from the backbone, each terminating in a datum surface, as well as an additional datum surface which collectively form a set of datum locators along both the first and second portions. Each set of datum locators precisely positions the two components at a predetermined distance and orientation from each other.

Abstract: An expert availability system provides an integrated approach to providing users of a computer system with assisted help on a specific subject, problem or project as well as indicating expert availability and queue statistics through a graphical applet. The system further offers flexibility in providing direct human interaction by linking a group of experts through a web site. For a specific subject, the system provides two distinct paths to the user, an Education Path and an Expert Assistance Path. The system further provides the user an opportunity to contact an expert through a direct e-mail link, or to chat on-line with an expert and to obtain phone call assistance at the user's request.

Abstract: A method for accessing a network-based computer system utilizing a server system that is coupled to a centralized database and at least one client system. The method includes the steps of entering at a client system a single sign on identification (SSO ID) and a single sign on password (SSO password) assigned to a user, receiving at the server system the user's SSO ID and SSO password, authenticating the SSO ID and SSO password by transmitting the SSO ID and SSO password to the database, displaying on the client system after authenticating the entered SSO ID and SSO password each computer system that the user is permissioned to access, selecting a computer system to be accessed by the user, randomly generating a user password at the server system for accessing the selected computer system, transmitting a user identification (user ID) and the randomly generated user password from the server system to the selected computer system; and accessing the selected computer system by the user.

Abstract: The system provides an integrated approach to providing users of the computer system with education, information and computer assisted help on a specific subject, problem or a project. The system further offers flexibility in providing direct human interaction by linking a group of experts through a web site. For a specific subject, the system provides two distinct paths to the user, an Education Path and an Expert Assistance Path. The system further provides the user an opportunity to contact an expert through direct e-mail link, or to chat on-line with an expert and to obtain phone call assistance at the user's request.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating a press, such as a forge or trim press, are directed at activating a ram in a press having a lower die and an upper die connected to a ram by heating a workpiece to a first temperature above an impact temperature. The workpiece then is placed on the lower die, monitored during chill down of the workpiece from the first temperature, and the ram actuated based upon the monitoring in a controlled manner to effect an impact of the upper die against the workpiece. The monitoring includes measuring a characteristic parameter of the workpiece and the actuating includes actuating the ram after a predetermined fixed value of the measured parameter is measured. The placing of the workpiece on the lower die is done manually in the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatus for forging and may be applied to trim processes using trim presses. Included are methods and apparatus for forging a gas turbine engine blade forging from a pre-formed workpiece having in serial relationship root, platform, and airfoil sections. A forge press includes a lower die and an upper die and the workpiece has a workpiece contact surface area for contacting a die contact surface area of the upper die during impact of the upper die against the workpiece. A workpiece is heated to a first temperature above an impact temperature, the workpiece is placed on the lower die such that the workpiece contact surface area is in an elevated position above the die contact surface area during chill down, and the ram is actuated to effect impacting of the upper die against the workpiece and contact between the workpiece contact surface area and the die contact surface area during the impacting.

Abstract: Tool extension and stability in milling machines is enhanced by providing a spindle extension having a housing attached to the mill head and an arbor rotatively mounted in a bore formed in the housing. The arbor, which is significantly longer than conventional arbors, is supported by first and second bearing assemblies and includes a substantially cylindrical body portion with an integral shank formed on one end thereof for connecting the arbor to a machine tool spindle. A cutting tool is attached to the other end of the arbor.