Abstract: An inspection support apparatus comprises a support bed and a platform base wherein the support bed includes spaced first and second index surfaces adapted to support first and second portions, respectively, of an airfoil in fixed positions relative to the support bed. An adjustment apparatus is coupled to the support bed and the platform base and is adapted to establish a desired fixed positional relationship between the support bed and the platform base in three dimensions.

Abstract: A tool to measure the radial stacking angle of a cylindrical blade comprises a base configured to indicate a radial direction of the hub, a component slidable over the blade and configured to indicate the stacking direction of the cylindrical blade, reference elements to provide a reference scale, a setting element configured to set the position of the component with respect to the base, a marker element configured to indicate the magnitude of the angle between the stacking direction and the radial direction using the reference elements; the angle corresponds to the radial stacking angle.

Abstract: This angle measurement method is a method of measuring an angle of a variable vane of an axial flow fluid machine including a vane main body which is disposed inside of a casing, and an arm which is disposed outside of the casing and rotates integrally with the vane main body, and includes: a jig mounting step of mounting a measurement jig configured to measure an angle of the vane main body on the arm in a fixed posture in a rotation direction of the arm; and a measurement step of measuring a relative angle between a predetermined angle reference surface intersecting the rotation direction of the arm and at least a portion of the measurement jig.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a transducer position guide. The transducer position guide may be attached to a component to be measured, such as an airfoil, and controls a path traversed by the transducer during a measurement process.

Abstract: Automated apparatus for performing maintenance functions on airfoil-shaped bodies having short chord lengths, the apparatus being movable in a spanwise direction along the airfoil-shaped body. In accordance with various embodiments, the apparatus comprises a blade crawler capable of supporting any one of a plurality of end effectors for performing a set of maintenance functions on an airfoil-shaped body, such as a blade component. Included in these functions are multiple options for nondestructive inspection, drilling, grinding, fastening, appliqué application, scarfing, ply mapping, depainting, cleaning, and painting devices that are attached as the end effector for the blade crawler. As a whole, the blade crawler reduces maintenance time, labor hours and human errors when robotic maintenance functions are performed on blade components.

Abstract: Devices for maintaining crawler alignment on complex-shaped blades and for enabling the blade crawler to traverse over trailing edge protrusions. Using ball and socket bearings or air pads in place of alignment wheels, the crawler will be able to track along complex-geometry rotor blades, propellers and other airfoils. Using an oversized-diameter roller, a semi-flexible roller, or a dual-roller follower arrangement, the crawler will be able to traverse over trailing edge protrusions.

Abstract: Various embodiments include alignment apparatuses and associated methods for use on a turbine (e.g., a gas turbine). In various particular embodiments, an apparatus for aligning an unfixed inlet guide vane (IGV) adjacent a fixed IGV in a gas turbine. In some cases the apparatus includes: a first wedge member for interfacing with the fixed IGV; a second wedge member movably coupled with the first wedge member, the second wedge member for interfacing with the unfixed IGV; and an adjustment apparatus coupled to the first wedge member and the second wedge member, the adjustment apparatus for modifying a position of the second wedge member relative to the first wedge member to actuate movement of the unfixed IGV relative to the fixed IGV.

Abstract: Described is a trammel set tool designed to measure the center-to-center location of the bearings mounted on a pitch change link. Because pitch change links have two replaceable “lollypop” rod ends, it may be necessary at some point to replace an entire rod end, not just the bearing. The trammel set tool provides the operator the capability to remove an unserviceable rod end, and reinstall a new rod end to the same settings while taking into consideration.

Abstract: A measuring device is capable of measuring one or more aspects of a compressor blade or a turbine blade of a turbine engine at a plurality of predetermined positions along the blade. The measuring device can be disassembled so that individual elements of the measuring device can be moved into the confined space where a first row of compressor blades or turbine blades of a turbine engine are located. The elements can then be reassembled in this space and attached to a turbine blade so that measurement on the blade can then be acquired.

Abstract: A tool for correcting the twist angle of a turbine blade includes an adaptor configured to engage a tip of the blade, a socket drive configured to engage the adaptor, a first handle connected to a first side of the socket drive, a second handle connected to a second side of the socket drive, and a torque gauge configured to measure a load applied to the blade.

Abstract: A first plate includes an opening configured to be placed over a blade of a first rotor. A second plate includes an opening configured to be placed over a blade of a second rotor. Each plate includes a first pin configured to contact a leading edge of a blade located on one side of the blade in the opening and a second pin configured to contact a leading edge of a blade located on an opposite side of the blade in the opening, and a third pin configured to contact a leading edge of the blade in the opening. An indicator line is marked on the first plate and a pair of boundary lines marked on the second plate are spaced apart a distance indicative of an acceptable range for blade clocking between the first and second rotors when the indicator line is located between the boundary lines.

Abstract: A main rotor blade calibration gauge is disclosed to include a graduation plate with an angle scale, a calibration plate pivoted to one end of the graduation plate, and chuck plates coupled to the calibration plate for securing the calibration plate to the main rotor blade of the remote-controlled toy helicopter to be adjusted for allowing the angle of the main rotor blade to be calibrated subject to the indication of a pointer at the calibration plate relative to the angle scale at the graduation plate.

Abstract: A main rotor blade calibration gauge is disclosed to include a graduation plate with an angle scale, a calibration plate pivoted to one end of the graduation plate, and chuck plates coupled to the calibration plate for securing the calibration plate to the main rotor blade of the remote-controlled toy helicopter to be adjusted for allowing the angle of the main rotor blade to be calibrated subject to the indication of a pointer at the calibration plate relative to the angle scale at the graduation plate.

Abstract: A device for measuring a vane surface contour of a propeller includes a shaft extending through a hub of the propeller and rotatable about a vertical axis. A measuring rod is movable in a direction parallel to the vertical axis to abut a measuring end thereof against a surface of one of a plurality of vanes on the hub. The measuring end moves in the direction parallel to the vertical axis in response to a surface contour of the surface when the shaft rotates. The measuring rod is movable in a radial direction perpendicular to the vertical axis such that the measuring end of the measuring rod is movable between an innermost radial position and an outermost radial position of the surface. The measuring end is pivotable relative to the vertical axis about a movable portion thereof to adjust an angle between the measuring rod and the vertical axis.

Abstract: Electronic devices are provided to measure the angle between two arbitrary surfaces, using the local direction of gravity as an absolute direction reference. One case is an electronic device to measure the angle between the keel of a rowing shell and the oarlock pin.

Abstract: A measuring tool for a blade cuff mounted on a rotor blade assembly includes a cam follower assembly which simulates a longitudinal profile of an ideal blade cuff within a contour plane. A cam lock locks the gauge at a desired longitudinal position along a central axis to measure a radial plane defined around the blade cuff as the blade cuff profile fixture is rotated relative the base and cam follower assembly. A master block is removably mounted to the blade cuff fixture to simulate an ideal blade cuff such that the gauge may be zeroed thereon. Once zeroed, and after removal of the master block, the cam follower assembly provides a continuous zero position for the gauge such that any deviations from the ideal profile anywhere on the blade cuff is indicated on the gauge.

Abstract: A device for measuring a vane surface contour of a propeller includes a shaft extending through a hub of the propeller and rotatable about a vertical axis. A measuring rod is movable in a direction parallel to the vertical axis to abut a measuring end thereof against a surface of one of a plurality of vanes on the hub. The measuring end moves in the direction parallel to the vertical axis in response to a surface contour of the surface when the shaft rotates. The measuring rod is movable in a radial direction perpendicular to the vertical axis such that the measuring end of the measuring rod is movable between an innermost radial position and an outermost radial position of the surface. The measuring end is pivotable relative to the vertical axis about a movable portion thereof to adjust an angle between the measuring rod and the vertical axis.

Abstract: A measuring tool for a blade cuff mounted on a rotor blade assembly includes a cam follower assembly which simulates a longitudinal profile of an ideal blade cuff within a contour plane. A cam lock locks the gauge at a desired longitudinal position along a central axis to measure a radial plane defined around the blade cuff as the blade cuff profile fixture is rotated relative the base and cam follower assembly. A master block is removably mounted to the blade cuff fixture to simulate an ideal blade cuff such that the gauge may be zeroed thereon. Once zeroed, and after removal of the master block, the cam follower assembly provides a continuous zero position for the gauge such that any deviations from the ideal profile anywhere on the blade cuff is indicated on the gauge.

Abstract: A template for assessing damaged areas on an object, such as a fan blade or other item, includes a set of marks indicating the maximum areas of damage allowed on the periphery of the object. A guide enables the template to be aligned in proper position against the object for accurate visual inspection of the damaged areas. For example, one or more blend guides are included to allow the inspector to mark a blend area around the damage to enable maintenance personnel to smooth sharp, jagged edges of the damaged areas, thereby relieving stress points and improving the aerodynamic efficiency of a blade in an engine. The template can include a magnifying portion that allows the user to see more detail on the object. Linear and/or curved measurement scales can also be included on the template.

Abstract: A surface curvature measuring apparatus includes a platform and a magnetically attractable curvature-measuring module. The platform has a rotary mechanism to mount and to rotate a sample object. The magnetically attractable curvature-measuring module includes a fixed guiding member, a movable measuring member and a magnetically attractable slide track. The movable measuring member includes a magnetic slide to attract the magnetically attractable slide track, and a measuring rod to be in contact with an undersurface of the sample object. The magnetic slide attracts the magnetically attractable slide track but the movable measuring member disposed between the fixed guiding member and the magnetically attractable slide track is capable of moving upwardly or downwardly. When the sample object rotates, a downward stress exerted by the sample object presses on the measuring rod such that the movable measuring member is moved downwardly to appear positions of the undersurface, and subsequently stopped.

Abstract: Electronic devices are provided to measure the angle between two arbitrary surfaces, using the local direction of gravity as an absolute direction reference. One case is an electronic device to measure the angle between the keel of a rowing shell and the oarlock pin.

Abstract: A template for assessing damaged areas on a blade includes a set of marks indicating the maximum areas of damage allowed on an edge, as well as the tip of a blade. A guide enables the template to be aligned in proper position against the blade for accurate visual inspection of the damaged areas. One or more blend guides are included to allow the inspector to mark a blend area around the damage to enable maintenance personnel to smooth sharp, jagged edges of the damaged areas, thereby relieving stress points on the blade and improving the aerodynamic efficiency of the blade. The template is fabricated with transparent material that allows the blade to be viewed when the template is overlayed on the blade. A mechanism such as a clip, a sleeve, or magnetic attraction can be included on the template to retain the template on the blade during inspection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method involves the use of a gauge to measure the pitch and rake of a blade on a propeller. The gauge has a rotational sensor that determines relative rotation of a measurer. The measurer includes a pitch sensor and a rake sensor. The rotational sensor communicates with a display, which provides an output representative of pitch or rake of the blade based on signals received from the rotational sensor.

Abstract: The model airplane control surface position measurement system and method uses an adjustable ruler scale attached to a support stand in combination with a laser device attached to the trailing edge of a control surface of the model airplane. The laser device may be adjusted to orient the light beam axis to be approximately perpendicular to the control surface hinge axis. The ruler scale may be positioned behind the control surface at a distance from the hinge axis using a positioning rod. The support stand is adjusted to orient the positioning rod perpendicular to the ruler scale at a zero angle deflection mark. The ruler scale is also adjusted such that the laser device light beam is incident at the zero angle deflection mark. The model airplane control surface may then be deflected by the control mechanism and the deflection angle observed on the ruler scale at the point of incidence of the laser device light beam.

Abstract: An apparatus and method involves the use of a gauge to measure the pitch and rake of a blade on a propeller. The gauge has a rotational sensor that determines relative rotation of a measurer. The measurer includes a pitch sensor and a rake sensor. The rotational sensor communicates with a display, which provides an output representative of pitch or rake of the blade based on signals received from the rotational sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the trailing edge thickness of an airfoil in a turbine includes a plurality of tools; each tool having a main body portion and a forward end; an opening along a side edge and in proximity to a forward edge of the forward end, the opening including a slot of predetermined width adapted to engage the trailing edge of the airfoil; wherein each of the tools has a different predetermined slot width.

Abstract: An airfoil blade measuring apparatus includes an airfoil blade engagement system and a measuring system. The airfoil blade engagement system rotates the mounted airfoil blade to a position to be measured, and elevates the airfoil blade to permit the entire airfoil blade to be easily measured. The measuring system includes a blade engagement tool which positions the airfoil blade, a limit switch, two alignment slides, and a measuring slide including a plurality of laser displacement sensors, which are positioned via a computer controlled motor.

Abstract: The gauge has a first template-like cavity and a first straight edge bordering the first cavity. The first template-like cavity is adapted to enclose an end of an oar blade, and the straight edge is usable for steadying a pitch meter against the oar blade for measuring a pitch angle on the oar blade. In another aspect of the invention the gauge has first and second template-like symmetrical cavities separated from each other by a pendulum member that is movable from side to side to selectively define a template-like trapezoidal shape inside either cavities for selectively gauging a competition-type oar blade on a starboard or on a port side of a racing shell.

Abstract: A pitch gauge for measuring the pitch of a propeller blade which comprises an engaging portion for insertion into a propeller hub, a scale provided on the engaging portion to measure the depth that the engaging portion is inserted into the propeller hub, and a contacting portion for contacting a blade on the propeller hub which prevents further insertion of the engaging portion when the contacting portion contacts the blade. By inserting the pitch gauge into the propeller hub at two different positions a predetermined rotational angle apart, two axial reference points can be obtained. From the axial reference points and the predetermined rotational distance, the pitch of a propeller blade can be computed.

Abstract: A device for measuring three-dimensional coordinate position of a blade to validate the position on an impeller having a main guide track with a mounting collar on one end with a secondary guide track securably received on the main guide track. The secondary guide track has an arm member that includes a vertically extending rod. The lower end of the rod is used to contact the coordinate points to be measured on the face of the blade. The X, Y, and Z coordinate measurements of each point along the face of the blade is read from scale indicia located along the main guide track, the secondary guide track and the rod extending down from the secondary guide track.

Abstract: A combination tool includes a retractable knife and a pitch gage which provides pitch measurements directly in terms of inches of vertical rise per foot of horizontal distance. The tool can also be provided with indicia to permit vertical and horizontal alignment of shingles, as well as uniform overlapping of boards, and a liquid level device. The tool has a casing with a storage compartment for holding extra knife blades or different types of knife blades. A method is disclosed which permits the tool to be used for obtaining uniform shingle overhang, horizontal and vertical alignment of the shingles, and uniform overlap of siding boards.

Abstract: A gage for determining alignment of a turbine rotor blade in an assembly position on a turbine rotor. The gage includes a precision base for positioning on the rotor surface adjacent a blade to establish a tangent line perpendicular to a rotor radial line through the center of a slot in which a blade is disposed. A standard extends from the base and carries a first contact for positioning against a low portion of the blade and a second measuring contact for positioning against an upper portion of the blade. The measuring contact provides an indication of blade misalignment.

Abstract: A component inspection apparatus includes a component holder mounted on a compound slide structure. Two arrays of gauging elements are provided on a mutually perpendicularly movable slide. These arrays can be adjusted on the slide and each array includes a plurality of separate gauge elements movable by contact with the work and at least one linear transducer connected to each gauge element. In use, the slides are moved to a plurality of predetermined positions in a sequence. The displacements of the probe elements at each position are noted and compared with displacements obtained when the same sequence of positions is followed while a master componet is in the holder.

Abstract: A propeller checking device comprising a mounting means adapted to be mounted on an axis coincident with or parallel to the axis of a propeller to be checked and which has a plurality of pins mounted on mountable to the plate to be movable with respect thereto to contact, in use, a propeller to thereby give a representation of a parameter of the propeller.

Abstract: A pitch and angle measuring instrument including three basic elements; a base, a main dial and an elongated pointer. The base includes a bottom portion which is designed to rest on a pipe or other item for which the angle or pitch is desired to be measured. An upper portion extends upward from the lower portion and has a first calibrated scale thereon. The main dial member is rotatedly affixed to the base and extends upward therefrom. A second calibrated scale is located on the main dial member. The elongated pointer is also rotatively connected to the base about the same pivot point as the main dial member. The pointer includes a level indicator. The first and second calibrated scales are arcuate having the same center point. However, the radius of the arc formed by the second scale is greater than the radius of the arc formed by the first scale. The pointer includes means to indicate a reading on both of the scales when the level indicator is at a level position.

Abstract: A seam welding apparatus is provided which automatically senses and adjusts the position of a welding torch in triaxial X, Y and Z directions and controls the position so as to maintain a predetermined position of the torch with respect to an irregularly shaped workpiece such as elliptical shapes. The apparatus also provides for continuously sensing and adjusting the surface speed of the workpiece so as to maintain a predetermined constant speed. A slope/speed sensor is also provided for sensing surface speed and slope of the workpiece. A method of continuously sensing triaxial position and surface speed of the workpiece adjacent the torch and adjusting the position of the torch and speed of the workpiece so as to maintain a desired position and speed is also provided.