Patent ID: 6139303
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
A fixture for disposing a laser blocking material in an airfoil from a source for supplying blocking material under pressure, the airfoil having a first end and a second end spaced spanwise from the first end, the fixture having a passage for the blocking material, which comprises:a sprue plate having a spanwise facing seal surface which faces the first end of the airfoil, the sprue plate having a portion of the passage for receiving blocking material extending through the sprue plate and in flow communication with the rotor blade through the seal surface; and,a member having a surface facing spanwise toward the seal surface of the sprue plate which is spaced spanwise from the sprue plate and which engages the airfoil, the surface of the member being softer than the material of the rotor blade;wherein in the installed (operative) condition the source of pressurized blocking material is in flow communication with the passage and the passage is in flow communication with the airfoil; and wherein in the installed (operative) condition, the sprue plate is urged toward the first end of the airfoil to exert a force on the airfoil and the airfoil is urged against the member both to position the airfoil between the seal surface and the surface of the member, and, to urge the seal surface toward the first end of the airfoil to block the loss of material from the passage between the sprue plate and the first end.