Systems and methods for attaching a probe to a casing of a gas turbine engine

Abstract

A system for attaching a probe to a casing of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The system may include a probe receptacle attachable to the casing. The probe receptacle may include an internal bore, a bayonet slot, a spring disposed within the internal bore adjacent to the bayonet slot, and a sealing surface within the internal bore. The system also may include a probe attachment assembly disposed about the probe and configured to engage the probe receptacle. The probe attachment assembly may include at least one bayonet positionable within the bayonet slot and a seal positionable adjacent to the sealing surface within the internal bore.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A system for attaching a probe to a casing of a gas turbine engine, the system comprising:
 a probe receptacle attached to the casing, wherein the probe receptacle comprises an internal bore and a bayonet slot; and   a probe attachment assembly configured to engage the probe receptacle, wherein the probe attachment assembly comprises a bayonet positionable within the bayonet slot.   
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the bayonet slot is substantially J-shaped. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the bayonet slot is shaped to provide a tactile response based on one or more locations of the bayonet within the bayonet slot. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the bayonet slot comprises:
 a first portion extending from an opening;   a second portion extending from an end of the first portion; and   a third portion extending from an end of the second portion.   
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 24 , wherein the third portion comprises a notch. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 24 , further comprising a spring element disposed within the internal bore. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 26 , wherein the spring element is configured to maintain the bayonet within the third portion of the bayonet slot. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 24 , further comprising a spring element disposed about the probe. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 28 , wherein the spring element is configured to maintain the bayonet within the third portion of the bayonet slot. 
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 21 , further comprising:
 a sealing surface within the internal bore; and   a seal positionable adjacent to the sealing surface.   
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the probe attachment assembly comprises a bushing. 
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the bayonet is attached to the bushing. 
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 21 , further comprising a handle attachable to the probe attachment assembly for installing the probe into the probe receptacle. 
     
     
         34 . A system for attaching one or more instruments to a casing of a gas turbine engine, the system comprising:
 a probe;   a probe receptacle attached to the casing, wherein the probe receptacle comprises an internal bore and a bayonet slot; and   a probe attachment assembly configured to engage the probe receptacle, wherein the probe attachment assembly comprises a bayonet positionable within the bayonet slot.   
     
     
         35 . The system of  claim 34 , wherein the bayonet slot is substantially J-shaped. 
     
     
         36 . The system of  claim 34 , wherein the bayonet slot is shaped to provide a tactile response based on one or more locations of the bayonet within the bayonet slot. 
     
     
         37 . The system of  claim 34 , wherein the bayonet slot comprises:
 a first portion extending from an opening;   a second portion extending from an end of the first portion; and   a third portion extending from an end of the second portion.   
     
     
         38 . The system of  claim 37 , wherein the third portion comprises a notch. 
     
     
         39 . The system of  claim 37 , further comprising a spring element disposed within the internal bore and/or about the probe. 
     
     
         40 . A method for attaching a probe to a casing of a gas turbine engine, the method comprising:
 attaching a probe receptacle to the casing, wherein the probe receptacle comprises an internal bore and a bayonet slot; and   removably attaching a probe attachment assembly configured to the probe receptacle, wherein the probe attachment assembly comprises a bayonet positionable within the bayonet slot.