Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a borescope plug assembly comprising a plunger, a biasing mechanism and a retainer.

Gas turbine engines typically operate at high rotational speeds and high temperatures for increased performance and efficiency. In many cases, performance of an engine may be tied to proper operation and function of engine components. During operation, components may be damaged, fail or otherwise require maintenance. In addition, control of an engine may be based on the operation of components within an engine. Safety inspections and routine maintenance are often required to ensure safe operation and prevent engine failure. Many gas turbine engines include inspection ports to allow for inspection and/or maintenance of an engine. Conventional methods of sealing these ports are can be expensive and in some cases, may lead to foreign object damage (FOD) due to improper installation during manufacture or maintenance. Moreover, some gas turbine engines may have dozens of ports. In addition, correct operation and installation of port components may be required for safe and efficient operation of an engine. There is a need in the art for port components for gas turbine engines.

According to an aspect of the invention, a method for assembling a plug assembly for plugging one or more ports of a gas turbine engine includes that a first arm is inserted into a sheath through-passage of a sheath. The first arm including a first longitudinal portion and a first projection portion. The method also includes the first projection portion is inserted through a first opening in a passageway portion of the sheath. The method includes a second arm is inserted into the sheath through-passage of the sheath. The second arm including a second longitudinal portion and a second projection portion. The method further includes the second projection portion is inserted through a second opening in the passageway portion of the sheath, a separating mechanism is inserted into the sheath through-passage between the first arm and the second arm, a biasing mechanism is installed, and a top housing is slid over the biasing mechanism such that the biasing mechanism is located in a cavity defined within the top housing. The biasing mechanism being configured to apply a force to the first arm and the second arm when the biasing mechanism is located in the cavity. The method may also include that the top housing is secured together with the sheath.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include a slider seal housing is secured onto a radially outward surface of an inner casing of the gas turbine and a slider seal is inserted into the slider seal housing, the slider seal housing including a slider seal seat configured to fit the slider seal therein. The method may also include that a slider seal cover is secured to the slider seal housing. The slider seal cover being configured to secure the slider seal in the slider seal housing.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the inner casing further includes an inner port. The slider seal housing further includes a slider seal housing through-passage aligned with the inner port. The slider seal further includes a seal through-passage aligned with the inner port. The slider seal cover further includes a cover through-passage aligned with the inner port. The method further includes that an inner end of the sheath is inserted through the cover through-passage, the seal through-passage, and the slider seal housing through-passage. The method further includes that the inner end of the sheath is inserted into the inner port of the inner casing of the gas turbine engine.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that an inner end of the sheath is inserted into an inner port of an inner casing of the gas turbine engine.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the plug assembly is secured to the gas turbine engine.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the plug assembly is secured to an outer casing of the gas turbine engine.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the plug assembly is secured to the gas turbine engine by aligning a housing through-passage within the top housing and a flange through-passage within a flange portion of the sheath with a threaded hole in the outer casing or in a component attached to the outer casing, inserting a fastening mechanism through the housing through-passage and through the flange through-passage, and rotating the fastening mechanism such that a threaded portion of the fastening mechanism interlocks with the threaded hole to secure the plug assembly to the gas turbine engine.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the separating mechanism is a separator body. The separator body includes a lower end, an upper end located opposite the lower end, and a separator body flange located between the lower end and the upper end. The separator body flange dividing the separator body into a lower portion located at or proximate the lower end and an upper portion located at or proximate the upper end.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the lower end is pointed or wedge shaped.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the biasing mechanism is installed by sliding the biasing mechanism onto the upper portion of the separator body.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that a c-seal is placed on the first arm and the second arm.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the separating mechanism is a spring.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the biasing mechanism is a spring.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the separating mechanism is a wedge shaped body. The first longitudinal portion and the second longitudinal portion have a wedge shape.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the separating mechanism is a connector arm connecting the first arm to the second arm.

According to an aspect of the invention, a plug assembly for plugging one or more ports of a gas turbine engine includes a sheath that includes an inner end, an outer end located opposite the inner end, a passageway portion located at or proximate the inner end, a sheath through-passage extending from the outer end to a sheath through-passage base proximate the inner end, a first opening in the passageway portion, and a second opening in the passageway portion. The plug assembly also includes a first arm that includes a first longitudinal portion located in the sheath through-passage and a first projection portion projecting through the first opening. The plug assembly further includes a second arm including a second longitudinal portion located in the sheath through-passage and a second projection portion projecting through the second opening. The plug assembly yet further includes a separating mechanism located in the sheath through-passage between the first arm and the second arm. The separating mechanism configured to separate the first arm from the second arm. The plug assembly also includes a biasing mechanism configured to apply a force to the first arm and the second arm. The force is parallel to the first longitudinal portion and the second longitudinal portion. The plug assembly further includes a top housing abutting the outer end of the sheath. The top housing including a cavity formed therein. The biasing mechanism is located in the cavity.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the separating mechanism is a separator body and the separator body includes a lower end, an upper end located opposite the lower end, and a separator body flange located between the lower end and the upper end. The separator body flange dividing the separator body into a lower portion located at or proximate the lower end and an upper portion located at or proximate the upper end.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the lower end is pointed or wedge shaped to help drive the first arm and the second arm apart.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the biasing mechanism is located on the upper portion of the separator body.

The gas turbine engine <NUM> is disclosed herein as a two-spool turbofan that generally incorporates a fan section <NUM>, a compressor section <NUM>, a combustor section <NUM>, and a turbine section <NUM>.

In some embodiments, stator vanes <NUM> in the low pressure compressor <NUM> and stator vanes <NUM> in the high pressure compressor <NUM> may be adjustable during operation of the gas turbine engine <NUM> to support various operating conditions. In other embodiments, the stator vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may be held in a fixed position.

The geared architecture <NUM> may be an epicycle gear train, such as a planetary gear system or other gear system, with a gear reduction ratio of greater than about <NUM>:<NUM>. It should be understood, however, that the above parameters are only exemplary of one embodiment of a geared architecture engine and that the present disclosure is applicable to other gas turbine engines including direct drive turbofans.

Referring now to <FIG>, with continued reference to <FIG>, a graphical representation of a plug assembly <NUM> (see also FIGS. <NUM>-<NUM>) located within a gas turbine engine <NUM> is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The plug assembly <NUM> may be a borescope plug assembly and inspection port assembly. The plug assembly <NUM> are shown within an outer port <NUM> located within an outer casing <NUM> of the gas turbine engine <NUM> and an inner port <NUM> located in an inner casing <NUM> of the gas turbine engine <NUM>. The outer port <NUM> may be a borescope port or an inspection port. In an embodiment, the outer casing <NUM> may be a high pressure turbine case. The outer casing <NUM> may also be a lower pressure turbine case, a diffuser case, a high pressure compressor case, or any other case that requires an in section port in the gas turbine engine <NUM>.

The plug assembly <NUM> extend radially inward toward the engine central longitudinal axis A of the gas turbine engine <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the plug assembly <NUM> may extend from the inner port <NUM> to the outer port <NUM>. The inner casing <NUM> is located radially inward from the outer casing <NUM>. The inner casing <NUM> may be a mid-turbine frame (MTF) vane casing. It is understood that the inner casing <NUM> is not limited to the MTF vane casing and the embodiment described herein are applicable to the inner casing <NUM> being any other casing or component located within the gas turbine engine <NUM> that is radially inward from the outer casing <NUM>. The inner casing <NUM> includes a radially inward surface <NUM> and a radially outward surface <NUM> located opposite the radially inward surface <NUM>. The radially outward surface <NUM> is located radially outward of the radially inward surface <NUM>. The inner port <NUM> extends from the radially inward surface <NUM> to the radially outward surface <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the inner port <NUM> and the outer port <NUM> may be located in the turbine section <NUM> of the gas turbine engine <NUM>. It is understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the inner port <NUM> and the outer port <NUM> being located in the turbine section <NUM> of the gas turbine engine <NUM>, and therefore the inner port <NUM> and the outer port <NUM> may be located in other sections of the gas turbine engine. The turbine section <NUM> is located aft of the combustor section <NUM>. The turbine section <NUM> includes a plurality of vanes <NUM> extending circumferentially around the engine central longitudinal axis A. The inner port <NUM> and the outer port <NUM> may be located interposed circumferentially between two adjacent vanes <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

Removal of at least a portion or an entirety of the plug assembly <NUM> from the outer port <NUM> and the inner port <NUM> may allow inspection into the outer port <NUM> and inner port <NUM>. As such, the plug assembly <NUM> provides access to the gas turbine engine <NUM> radially inward of the outer port <NUM> and/or the inner port <NUM> for mechanical diagnostics or other diagnostic reasons.

Referring now to <FIG>, with continued reference to <FIG>, a cross-sectional view of a plug assembly <NUM> is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The plug assembly <NUM> may be configured to secure an outer casing <NUM> in place, a slider seal housing <NUM> in place, a slider seal <NUM> in place, a slider seal cover <NUM> in place, or any other component of the gas turbine engine <NUM> in place. Further it is understood that while the plug assembly <NUM> has been described herein as securing the slider seal cover <NUM> in place, the plug assembly <NUM> may secure any component of the gas turbine engine <NUM> in place.

The plug assembly <NUM> of <FIG> may include the slider seal housing <NUM>, the slider seal <NUM>, the slider seal cover <NUM>, a sheath <NUM>, a first arm 150a, a second arm 150b, a separator body <NUM>, a c-seal <NUM>, a top housing <NUM>, one or more fastening mechanism <NUM>, and a biasing mechanism <NUM>.

The slider seal housing <NUM> abuts the radially outward surface <NUM> of the inner casing <NUM>. The slider seal housing <NUM> may be secured to the radially outward surface <NUM> of the inner casing <NUM>. The slider seal housing <NUM> may be secured to the radially outward surface <NUM> of the inner casing <NUM> via a weld or any other attachment method know to one of skill in the art. The slider seal housing <NUM> includes a slider seal seat <NUM> configured to fit the slider seal <NUM> therein. The slider seal <NUM> is configured to fit within the slider seal seat <NUM>. The slider seal <NUM> is secured within the slider seal seat <NUM> by a slider seal cover <NUM>. The slider seal cover <NUM> is secured to the slider seal housing <NUM>. The slider seal cover <NUM> may be secured to the slider seal housing <NUM> via a weld or any other attachment method know to one of skill in the art. The slider seal cover <NUM> is configured to maintain or entrap the slider seal <NUM> within the slider seal housing <NUM> such that the slider seal <NUM> is free to slide between the slider seal cover <NUM> and slider seal housing <NUM> and is not fixed in place. The slider seal cover <NUM> may be configured to allow the slider seal <NUM> to move freely relative to the slider seal cover <NUM> and the slider seal housing <NUM>.

The slider seal housing <NUM> may be circular in shape with a slider seal housing through-passage <NUM>. The slider seal <NUM> may be circular in shape with a seal through-passage <NUM>. The slider seal cover <NUM> may be circular in shape with a cover through-passage <NUM>. The sheath <NUM> is configured to pass through the slider seal housing through-passage <NUM>, the seal through-passage <NUM>, and the cover through passage <NUM> to plug the inner port <NUM>.

The sheath <NUM> includes an inner end <NUM> and outer end <NUM> located radially outward from the inner end <NUM> when the plug assembly <NUM> is installed in the gas turbine engine <NUM>. The inner end <NUM> of the sheath <NUM> is configured to plug the inner port <NUM> and the outer end <NUM> of the sheath <NUM> abuts the top housing <NUM>. The sheath <NUM> includes a passageway portion <NUM> and a flange portion <NUM>. The passageway portion <NUM> is located at or proximate the inner end <NUM> and the flange portion <NUM> is located at or proximate the outer end <NUM>. A sheath through-passage <NUM> extends through the sheath <NUM> from the outer end <NUM> to a sheath through-passage base <NUM> proximate the inner end <NUM>. The sheath through-passage <NUM> is a blind hole as it does not pass completely through the inner end <NUM>.

The top housing <NUM> includes a top end <NUM> and a bottom end <NUM> located opposite the top end <NUM>. The bottom end <NUM> of the top housing <NUM> abuts the inner end <NUM> of the sheath <NUM>. The top housing <NUM> includes a cavity <NUM> extending from the bottom end <NUM> of the top housing <NUM> into the top housing <NUM> to a base <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> is a blind hole as it does not pass completely through the top housing <NUM>.

The cavity <NUM> is configured to align with the sheath through-passage <NUM>. The separator body <NUM> is located within the combined cavity defined by the cavity <NUM> and the sheath through-passage <NUM>. Thus, the separator body <NUM> extends across the cavity <NUM> and the sheath through-passage <NUM>.

The separator body <NUM> includes a lower end <NUM> and an upper end <NUM> located opposite the lower end <NUM>. The upper end <NUM> is located proximate the base <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> in the top housing <NUM>. The lower end <NUM> may be pointed or wedge shaped to help drive the arms <NUM> apart during installation, as discussed further herein. The separator body <NUM> includes a separator body flange <NUM> located between the upper end <NUM> and the lower end <NUM>. The separator body flange <NUM> includes an upper surface <NUM> and a lower surface <NUM> located opposite the upper surface <NUM>.

The separator body flange <NUM> divides or separates the separator body flange <NUM> into an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM>. The upper portion <NUM> is located at or proximate the upper end <NUM> and the lower portion <NUM> is located at or proximate the lower end <NUM>.

The biasing mechanism <NUM> is interposed between the base <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> and the upper surface <NUM> of the separator body flange <NUM>. In an embodiment, the biasing mechanism <NUM> may be a spring. The biasing mechanism <NUM> applies a force against the base <NUM> and the upper surface <NUM> and pushes the upper surface <NUM> and the separator body <NUM> radially inward towards the inner port <NUM>, which applies a radially inward force to the first arm 150a and the second arm 150b, which applies a force to maintain the slider seal cover <NUM> in place in the event welds were to fail between the slider seal cover <NUM> and the slider seal housing <NUM> or between the slider seal housing <NUM> and the inner casing <NUM>. The c-seal <NUM> may be located interposed between the lower surface <NUM> and the first arm 150a and the second arm 150b as illustrated in <FIG>.

The first arm 150a includes a first longitudinal portion 152a and a first projection portion 154a. The first projection portion 154a may be oriented at about a right angle (e.g., <NUM> degrees) to the first longitudinal portion 152a. The first projection portion 154a applies the aforementioned force to the slider seal cover <NUM>.

The second arm 150b includes a second longitudinal portion 152b and a second projection portion 154b. The second projection portion 154b may be oriented at about a right angle (e.g., <NUM> degrees) to the second longitudinal portion 152b. The second projection portion 154b applies the aforementioned force to the slider seal cover <NUM>.

The plug assembly <NUM> of <FIG> uses the separator body <NUM> as a separating mechanism to push the first arm 150a and the second arm 150b apart. The separator body <NUM> may help drive and/or maintain the first projection portion 154a through a first opening <NUM> in a passageway portion <NUM> of the sheath <NUM> and the second projection portion 154b through a second opening <NUM> in the passageway portion <NUM> of the sheath <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> may be oriented about perpendicular with the sheath through-passage <NUM> of the sheath <NUM>.

The plug assembly <NUM> further includes one or more fastening mechanism <NUM> configured to secure the top housing <NUM> together with the sheath <NUM>. More specifically, the fastening mechanism <NUM> secures the top housing <NUM> to the flange portion <NUM> of the sheath <NUM>. The one or more fastening mechanisms <NUM> are configured to secure the plug assembly <NUM> to the outer casing <NUM> or to a component <NUM> attached to the outer casing <NUM>. The component <NUM> may be a boss attached to the outer casing <NUM>. The one or more fastening mechanisms <NUM> passes through the top housing <NUM> and the flange portion <NUM> of the sheath <NUM> to secure the plug assembly <NUM> to the outer casing <NUM>. In an embodiment, the fastening mechanism <NUM> may be a bolt. The fastening mechanism <NUM> may have a threaded portion <NUM>. The fastening mechanism <NUM> passes through a housing through-passage <NUM> in the top housing <NUM> and a flange through-passage <NUM> within the flange portion <NUM> to secure within a threaded hole <NUM> located in the outer casing <NUM> or in the component <NUM> attached to the outer casing <NUM>. The threaded portion <NUM> is configured to interlock with the threaded hole <NUM> when the fastening mechanism <NUM> is rotated.

Referring now to <FIG>, with continued reference to <FIG>, an alternate embodiment of a separating mechanism for use in the plug assembly <NUM> is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The outer case <NUM>, the outer port <NUM>, and the component <NUM> have been hidden from view in <FIG> to better illustrate the plug assembly <NUM>. The plug assembly <NUM> of <FIG> uses a spring 160b as a separating mechanism (rather than the separator body <NUM> of <FIG>) to push the first arm 150a and the second arm 150b apart. The spring 160b drives and/or maintains the first projection portion 154a through a first opening <NUM> in a passageway portion <NUM> of the sheath <NUM> and the second projection portion 154b through a second opening <NUM> in the passageway portion <NUM> of the sheath <NUM>.

The spring 160b may be placed between the first arm 150a and the second arm 150b during assembly. The spring 160b may be seated in a first indent 159a located in the first longitudinal portion 152a of the first arm 150a and a second indent 159b located in the second longitudinal portion 152b of the second arm 150b.

Referring now to <FIG>, with continued reference to <FIG>, an alternate embodiment of a separating mechanism for use in the plug assembly <NUM> is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The outer case <NUM> and the outer port <NUM> have been hidden from view in <FIG> to better illustrate the plug assembly <NUM>. The plug assembly <NUM> of <FIG> uses a connecting arm <NUM> as a separating mechanism (rather than the separator body <NUM> of <FIG>) to push the first arm 150a and the second arm 150b apart. The connecting arm <NUM> connects the first arm 150a to the second arm 150b. During installation the first arm 150a to the second arm 150b are pinched together to fit into the sheath through-passage <NUM> and then the first arm 150a to the second arm 150b spring back into place to drive and/or maintain the first projection portion 154a through a first opening <NUM> in a passageway portion <NUM> of the sheath <NUM> and the second projection portion 154b through a second opening <NUM> in the passageway portion <NUM> of the sheath <NUM>. The first arm 150a, the second 150b, and the connecting arm <NUM> have a predetermined rigidity to allow the first arm 150a and the second arm 150b to pinch together and then expand back out again.

Referring now to <FIG>, with continued reference to <FIG>, an alternate embodiment of a separating mechanism for use in the plug assembly <NUM> is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The plug assembly <NUM> of <FIG> uses a wedge shaped body 160c as a separating mechanism (rather than the separator body <NUM> of <FIG>) to push the first arm 150a and the second arm 150b apart.

The wedge shaped body 160c drives and/or maintains the first projection portion 154a through a first opening <NUM> in a passageway portion <NUM> of the sheath <NUM> and the second projection portion 154b through a second opening <NUM> in the passageway portion <NUM> of the sheath <NUM>. The wedge shaped body 160c may be placed between the first arm 150a and the second arm 150b during assembly. A positioning bar <NUM> may be attached to the wedge shaped body 160c to insert the wedge shaped body 160c into place and/or maintain the wedge shaped body 160c in place. In one embodiment, the positioning bar <NUM> may have threads that mate with the sheath <NUM> in order to screw the positioning bar <NUM> into the sheath <NUM> and push and/or maintain the wedge shaped body 160c in place. Alternatively, the positioning bar <NUM> may have no threads. In another embodiment, the positioning bar <NUM> may be held in place by a locking pin.

In an embodiment, the first longitudinal portion 152a and the second longitudinal portion 152b may also have a wedge shape, as illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, with continued reference to <FIG>, a flow chart of a method <NUM> of assembling the plug assembly <NUM> for plugging one or more ports <NUM>, <NUM> of a gas turbine engine <NUM> is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The outer case <NUM> and the outer port <NUM> have been hidden from view in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> to better illustrate the plug assembly <NUM>.

It is understood that while the method <NUM> is being illustrated and described largely with the embodiments of <FIG>, the method <NUM> is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in <FIG> and may also be applicable to the embodiments illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

At block <NUM>, the inner end <NUM> of the sheath <NUM> is inserted into an inner port <NUM> of an inner casing <NUM> of the gas turbine engine <NUM>.

The plug assembly <NUM> may be configured to secure the outer casing <NUM> in place, a slider seal housing <NUM> in place, a slider seal <NUM> in place, a slider seal cover <NUM> in place, or any other component of the gas turbine engine <NUM> in place. The method <NUM> may further include that a slider seal housing <NUM> is secured onto a radially outward surface <NUM> of an inner casing <NUM> of the gas turbine <NUM>. The method <NUM> may further include that a slider seal <NUM> is inserted into the slider seal housing <NUM>. The slider seal housing <NUM> include a slider seal seat <NUM> configured to fit the slider seal <NUM> therein. The method <NUM> may further include that a slider seal cover <NUM> is secured to the slider seal housing <NUM>. The slider seal cover <NUM> being configured to secure the slider seal <NUM> in the slider seal housing <NUM>. The method <NUM> may further include that an inner end <NUM> of the sheath <NUM> is inserted through the cover through-passage <NUM>, the seal through-passage <NUM>, and the slider seal housing through-passage <NUM> and then the inner end <NUM> of the sheath <NUM> is inserted into an inner port <NUM> of an inner casing <NUM> of the gas turbine engine <NUM> (See <FIG>).

At block <NUM>, a first arm 150a is inserted into a sheath through-passage <NUM> of a sheath <NUM>. The first arm 150a comprising a first longitudinal portion 152a and a first projection portion 154a. The first projection portion 154a may be oriented at about a right angle to the first longitudinal portion 152a.

At block <NUM>, the first projection portion 154a of the first arm 150a is inserted through the first opening <NUM> prior to block <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, a second arm 150b is inserted into the sheath through-passage <NUM> of the sheath <NUM>. The second arm 150b comprising a second longitudinal portion 152b and a second projection portion 154b. The second projection portion 154b may be oriented at about a right angle to the second longitudinal portion 152b.

At block <NUM>, the second projection portion 154b of the second arm 150b is inserted through the second opening <NUM> prior to block <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, a c-seal <NUM> may be placed on the first arm 150a and the second arm 150b. Block <NUM> may be optional if a c-seal <NUM> is not required.

At block <NUM>, a separating mechanism is inserted into the sheath through-passage <NUM> between the first arm 150a and the second arm 150b. The separating mechanism separates the first arm 150a from the second arm 150b. More specifically, the separating mechanism separates the first longitudinal portion 152a from the second longitudinal portion 152b.

In an embodiment, the separating mechanism may be a separator body <NUM>. The separator body <NUM> may include a lower end <NUM>, an upper end <NUM> located opposite the lower end <NUM>, a separator body flange <NUM> dividing the separator body <NUM> into a lower portion <NUM> located at or proximate the lower end <NUM>, and an upper portion <NUM> located at or proximate the upper end <NUM>. The lower end <NUM> may be pointed or wedge shaped to help drive the first arm 150a and the second arm 150b apart in block <NUM>. In an embodiment, the separating mechanism is a wedge shaped body 160c and the first longitudinal portion 152a and the second longitudinal portion 152b have a wedge shape.

At block <NUM>, a biasing mechanism <NUM> is installed. In an embodiment, the biasing mechanism <NUM> may be a spring. The biasing mechanism <NUM> may be slid onto the upper portion <NUM> of the separator body <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, a top housing <NUM> is slid over the biasing mechanism <NUM> such that the biasing mechanism <NUM> is located in a cavity <NUM> defined within the top housing <NUM>. The biasing mechanism <NUM> may be configured to apply a force to the first arm 150a and the second arm 150b when the biasing mechanism <NUM> is located in the cavity <NUM>. The force being parallel to the first longitudinal portion 152a and the second longitudinal portion 152b.

At block <NUM>, the top housing <NUM> is secured together with the sheath <NUM>. The method <NUM> may further include that the plug assembly <NUM> is secured to the gas turbine engine <NUM>. More specifically, the plug assembly <NUM> is secured to an outer casing <NUM> of the gas turbine engine <NUM>. The plug assembly <NUM> may be secured to the gas turbine engine <NUM> by aligning a housing through-passage <NUM> within the top housing <NUM> and a flange through-passage <NUM> within a flange portion <NUM> of the sheath <NUM> with a threaded hole <NUM> in the outer casing <NUM> or in a component <NUM> attached to the outer casing <NUM>, inserting a fastening mechanism <NUM> through the housing through-passage <NUM> and through the flange through-passage <NUM>, and rotating the fastening mechanism <NUM> such that a threaded portion <NUM> of the fastening mechanism <NUM> interlocks with the threaded hole <NUM> to secure the plug assembly <NUM> to the gas turbine engine <NUM>.

While the above description has described the flow process of <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> in a particular order, it should be appreciated that unless otherwise specifically required in the attached claims that the ordering of the steps may be varied.

As used herein radially outward is intended to be in the direction away from the engine central longitudinal axis A and radially inward is intended to be in the direction towards the engine central longitudinal axis A.

Claim 1:
A method for assembling a plug assembly (<NUM>) for plugging one or more ports (<NUM>, <NUM>) of a gas turbine engine (<NUM>), the method comprising:
inserting (<NUM>) a first arm (150a) into a sheath through-passage (<NUM>) of a sheath (<NUM>), the first arm (150a) comprising a first longitudinal portion (152a) and a first projection portion (154a),
inserting (<NUM>) the first projection portion (154a) through a first opening (<NUM>) in a passageway portion (<NUM>) of the sheath (<NUM>);
inserting (<NUM>) a second arm (150b) into the sheath through-passage (<NUM>)), the second arm (150b) comprising a second longitudinal portion (152b) and a second projection portion (154b);
inserting (<NUM>) the second projection portion (154b) through a second opening (<NUM>) in the passageway portion (<NUM>);
inserting (<NUM>) a separating mechanism (<NUM>; 160b; <NUM>; 160c) into the sheath through-passage (<NUM>) between the first arm (150a) and the second arm (150b);
installing (<NUM>) a biasing mechanism (<NUM>);
sliding (<NUM>) a top housing (<NUM>) over the biasing mechanism (<NUM>) such that the biasing mechanism (<NUM>) is located in a cavity (<NUM>) defined within the top housing (<NUM>), the biasing mechanism (<NUM>) being configured to apply a force to the first arm (150a) and the second arm (150b) when the biasing mechanism (<NUM>) is located in the cavity (<NUM>); and
securing (<NUM>) the top housing (<NUM>) together with the sheath (<NUM>).