Abstract: An insertion tool for inspection includes a tube with a flexible section having at least two joints for articulating the flexible section into different shapes, the flexible section selectively configurable between an unrigidized state and at least a first rigid state having a first non-linear shape. The tool includes an end effector coupled to the tube with a sensor head to direct a beam toward a target area to perform a profilometry operation. The tool includes a waveguide extending through the tube, to transmit the beam from an electromagnetic source to the end effector and transmit electromagnetic signals from the end effector to a profilometry detecting device, and an end effector actuator to move the beam at the target. The end effector is axially spaced from an insertion axis of the tool when the flexible section is in the first rigid state to obtain off-axis profilometry measurements at the target.

Abstract: An insertion tool is provided. The tool includes a flexible section comprising a plurality of rigidizable links, an end effector actuator, and an end effector coupled to the flexible section. A flexible is shaft inserted through the flexible section, wherein torque is transferred from the end effector actuator to the distal end via the flexible shaft to cause a rotation of the end effector. A tool may include a tool-less disconnect interface between the end effector and the flexible shaft.

Abstract: An insertion tool is provided. The tool includes a flexible section a rigidization actuator configured to actuate the flexible section between a rigidized state and a relaxed state, wherein in the rigidized state, a fluid path is formed within the flexible section, an end effector coupled to the flexible section, and an end effector actuator comprising at least one pneumatic turbine configured to transform fluid force of a fluid from the fluid path into torque to drive a rotation of the end effector.

Abstract: An insertion tool is provided. The tool includes an insertion portion, a telescoping link, a joint actuation assembly, and an extension actuator. The telescoping link having a base part and an extension part, the extension part being configured to slide longitudinally relative to the base part from a retracted state to an extended state. The joint actuation assembly is configured to change an angle between the base part of the telescoping link and the insertion portion via a joint. The extension actuator is configured to actuate the extension part of the telescoping link from the retracted state to the extended state.

Abstract: A system for compensating for a relative motion between a probe and an apparatus. The system includes a probe assembly, a sensor, and a computer. The probe assembly includes an actuator pack positioned exterior to the apparatus and a probe insertable into the apparatus. The probe includes a first end coupled to the actuator pack, a second end, and an elongated body extending therebetween. The sensor senses data indicative of a relative motion between the apparatus and the probe assembly. The computer is operably coupled with the sensor and the probe assembly to move the probe of the probe assembly in response to the sensor sensing the data indicative of the relative motion between the apparatus and the probe assembly.

Abstract: A maintenance tool for gas turbine engine includes a rail system having a plurality of rail segments insertable through one or more inspection holes of the gas turbine engine for assembly within a core air flowpath of the gas turbine engine. The maintenance tool additionally includes a maintenance head movable along the plurality of rail segments of the rail system for performing maintenance operations within the core air flowpath.

Abstract: A tool for performing inspection and/or maintenance operations on an engine defines a longitudinal direction and a tangential direction. The tool includes a base extending along the longitudinal direction and including a body, a first extension member extending from the body in the tangential direction at a first location, and a second extension member extending from the body in the tangential direction at a second location. The second location is spaced from the first location along the longitudinal direction. The tool also includes a pivot member rotatably coupled to the base and moveable between an insertion position in which the pivot member is oriented generally along the longitudinal direction and a deployed position in which the pivot member is oriented away from the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A cable tensioning system including: a body defining a balance point; a cable receiving area having gripping elements configured to grip and bias a cable relative to the cable tensioning system; and a sensor configured to sense changes to a balance of the body about the balance point, wherein the cable tensioning system is configured to maintain the cable within a preset range of tensions.

Abstract: An extension tool has a proximal end and a distal end and comprises a plurality of sequentially arranged links moveable relative to one another and a support member defining the distal end and including a first wheel disposed at the distal end and a second wheel spaced apart from the first wheel. Additionally, or alternatively, an extension tool may comprise a plurality of windows defined in the plurality of sequentially arranged links. The windows are defined periodically along the plurality of sequentially arranged links such that a periodicity of the widows corresponds to a periodicity of a plurality of features of the component.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an optical adapter for an optical scope. The optical scope includes a tube defining a conduit. The optical adapter is coupled to an end of the tube. The optical adapter defines a proximate end and a distal end. The optical adapter includes a casing defining a longitudinal direction. The casing includes a first wall and a second wall, in which the first wall and the second wall define a first viewing port therebetween. The second wall defines a second viewing port. The optical adapter further includes a hinge coupled to the first wall, a reflecting lens defining a first end separated from a second end in the longitudinal direction, in which the first end is coupled to the hinge, and an actuator coupled to the first wall and to the second end of the reflecting lens. The actuator pivots the reflecting lens about the hinge from a retracted position adjacent to the first wall to an extended position toward the second wall.

Abstract: Extension tools and methods of inserting extension tools within components are provided. For example, an extension tool has a proximal end and a distal end and comprises a plurality of sequentially arranged links moveable relative to one another and a support member defining the distal end and including a first wheel disposed at the distal end and a second wheel spaced apart from the first wheel. Additionally, or alternatively, an extension tool may comprise a plurality of windows defined in the plurality of sequentially arranged links. The windows are defined periodically along the plurality of sequentially arranged links such that a periodicity of the widows corresponds to a periodicity of a plurality of features of the component.

Abstract: A cable tensioning system including: a body defining a balance point; a cable receiving area having gripping elements configured to grip and bias a cable relative to the cable tensioning system; and a sensor configured to sense changes to a balance of the body about the balance point, wherein the cable tensioning system is configured to maintain the cable within a preset range of tensions

Abstract: A maintenance tool for gas turbine engine includes a rail system having a plurality of rail segments insertable through one or more inspection holes of the gas turbine engine for assembly within a core air flowpath of the gas turbine engine. The maintenance tool additionally includes a maintenance head movable along the plurality of rail segments of the rail system for performing maintenance operations within the core air flowpath.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a gas turbine engine using a maintenance tool includes assembling a plurality of rail segments of a rail system of the maintenance tool within a core air flowpath of the gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine includes a compressor section, a combustion section, and a turbine section together defining at least in part the core air flowpath. The method also includes moving a maintenance head of the maintenance tool along the plurality of rail segments of the rail system to perform maintenance operations within the core air flowpath of the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A tool for performing inspection and/or maintenance operations on an engine defines a longitudinal direction and a tangential direction. The tool includes a base extending along the longitudinal direction and including a body, a first extension member extending from the body in the tangential direction at a first location, and a second extension member extending from the body in the tangential direction at a second location. The second location is spaced from the first location along the longitudinal direction. The tool also includes a pivot member rotatably coupled to the base and moveable between an insertion position in which the pivot member is oriented generally along the longitudinal direction and a deployed position in which the pivot member is oriented away from the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A maintenance tool for gas turbine engine includes a rail system having a plurality of rail segments insertable through one or more inspection holes of the gas turbine engine for assembly within a core air flowpath of the gas turbine engine. The maintenance tool additionally includes a maintenance head movable along the plurality of rail segments of the rail system for performing maintenance operations within the core air flowpath.

Abstract: A system is provided for performing an operation on a component of an engine. The component includes a first side positioned within an interior of the engine. The system includes a first robotic arm defining a first distal end and including a first utility member positioned at the first distal end, the first robotic arm moveable to the interior of the engine to a location operably adjacent to the first side of the component; and a second robotic arm defining a second distal end and including a second utility member positioned at the second distal end, the second robotic arm also moveable to the interior of the engine to facilitate the first and second utility members performing the operation on the component of the engine.

Abstract: A system for performing ultrasonic procedures within a turbomachine. The system includes a bladder and a probe assembly. The bladder includes a bladder body for positioning within the turbomachine. Further, the bladder is inflatable to at least partially define an ultrasonic tank within the turbomachine for containing a fluid medium. The probe assembly includes an extension member and ultrasonic transmitter coupled to or positioned within the extension member. The extension member is insertable into the ultrasonic tank for positioning the ultrasonic transmitter within the ultrasonic tank.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an optical adapter for an optical scope. The optical scope includes a tube defining a conduit. The optical adapter is coupled to an end of the tube. The optical adapter defines a proximate end and a distal end. The optical adapter includes a casing defining a longitudinal direction. The casing includes a first wall and a second wall, in which the first wall and the second wall define a first viewing port therebetween. The second wall defines a second viewing port. The optical adapter further includes a hinge coupled to the first wall, a reflecting lens defining a first end separated from a second end in the longitudinal direction, in which the first end is coupled to the hinge, and an actuator coupled to the first wall and to the second end of the reflecting lens. The actuator pivots the reflecting lens about the hinge from a retracted position adjacent to the first wall to an extended position toward the second wall.

Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine including a component and defining an opening and an interior, the component including a first side and an opposite second side, the second side positioned within the interior of the engine. The engine assembly also includes an inspection tool having a first member including at least one of a receiver or a transmitter and directed at the first side of the component. The inspection tool also includes a second member including the other of the receiver or the transmitter and positioned at least partially within the interior of the engine and directed at the second side of the component to communicate a signal with the first member through the component, the second member being a robotic arm extending through the opening of the engine.