Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, and a related method, for the automatic detection of defects in manufactured parts, such as turbine blades and the like. The apparatus includes a video camera, a thresholding module to provide a binary image of a frame of video data, a region growing module to define anomalous regions by associating contiguous picture elements indicative of surface anomalies on the part, and defect analysis modules for determining if a rejectable defect exists, based on a comparison between statistics with respect to the anomalous regions and predetermined rejection criteria. Rejection may be based on region size, region shape, or region position and orientation with respect to neighboring regions. Thus, a region may be rejected if it is nearly collinear with another region, even though neither region may itself be characterized as a rejectable region.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for electrolytically removing material from a workpiece includes a plurality of electrodes which are movable relative to each other through working strokes. In order to coordinate the movement of the electrodes, they are stopped at one or more predetermined intermediate positions during their working strokes. When all of the electrodes have arrived at intermediate positions, the electrodes are simultaneously moved away from their intermediate positions toward their end of stroke positions. In order to accommodate variations in the rate at which material is electrolytically removed from a workpiece, the speed of movement of the electrodes and/or the electrical potential established between the electrodes and the workpiece can be varied. Relatively large diameter rams connected with the electrodes are supplied with fluid from relatively small diameter piston and cylinder type pumps.