Abstract: A drilling system includes a single robotic drilling unit having a drill end effector positioned inside a barrel section configured as a composite sandwich structure having an inner face sheet. The robotic drilling unit is operable to drill a plurality of perforations into the inner face sheet using the drill end effector. The robotic drilling unit is configured to index a hole pattern of the perforations to one or more cell walls of a honeycomb core of the composite sandwich structure. The robotic drilling unit is configured to form the hole pattern in the inner face sheet such that the perforations are located at a spaced distance from the cell walls of the honeycomb core.

Abstract: A machining system configured to reduce spring back following machining operations comprising a machining tool and a spring back control system. The spring back control system comprises a number of force generators and a number of force loaded members coupled to the number of force generators, each force loaded member of the number of force loaded members comprising a material contact surface. The material contact surface is a roller, wherein the machining tool is independently moveable relative to the spring back control system.

Abstract: A machining system configured to reduce spring back following machining operations comprising a machining tool and a spring back control system. The spring back control system comprises a number of force generators and a number of force loaded members coupled to the number of force generators, each force loaded member of the number of force loaded members comprising a material contact surface.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a single robotic drilling unit having a drill end effector positioned inside a barrel section configured as a composite sandwich structure having an inner face sheet. The robotic drilling unit is operable to drill a plurality of perforations into the inner face sheet using the drill end effector. The robotic drilling unit is configured to index a hole pattern of the perforations to one or more cell walls of a honeycomb core of the composite sandwich structure. The robotic drilling unit is configured to form the hole pattern in the inner face sheet such that the perforations are located at a spaced distance from the cell walls of the honeycomb core.

Abstract: A drilling system may include a plurality of robotic drilling units. Each one of the robotic drilling units may include a drill end effector positioned inside a barrel section. The barrel section may be configured as a composite sandwich structure having an inner face sheet. The robotic drilling units maybe operable in synchronized movement with one another to drill a plurality of perforations into the inner face sheet using the drill end effectors in a manner providing a predetermined percent-open-area of the inner face sheet.

Abstract: A drilling system may include a plurality of robotic drilling units. Each one of the robotic drilling units may include a drill end effector positioned inside a barrel section. The barrel section may be configured as a composite sandwich structure having an inner face sheet. The robotic drilling units maybe operable in synchronized movement with one another to drill a plurality of perforations into the inner face sheet using the drill end effectors in a manner providing a predetermined percent-open-area of the inner face sheet.

Abstract: A drilling system may include a plurality of robotic drilling units. Each one of the robotic drilling units may include a drill end effector positioned inside a barrel section. The barrel section may be configured as a composite sandwich structure having an inner face sheet. The robotic drilling units maybe operable in synchronized movement with one another to drill a plurality of perforations into the inner face sheet using the drill end effectors in a manner providing a predetermined percent-open-area of the inner face sheet.

Abstract: A drilling system may include a plurality of robotic drilling units. Each one of the robotic drilling units may include a drill end effector positioned inside a barrel section. The barrel section may be configured as a composite sandwich structure having an inner face sheet. The robotic drilling units maybe operable in synchronized movement with one another to drill a plurality of perforations into the inner face sheet using the drill end effectors in a manner providing a predetermined percent-open-area of the inner face sheet.

Abstract: An electrical indicator system and a method for operating the system includes a plug adapted to be electrically coupled to a power source remote from the vehicle and an indicator adapted to be mounted to the vehicle at a visible location. The indicator is operable to provide a first visual indication when electrical power is present at the plug. The indicator provides a second visual indication, different from the first visual indication, when current is flowing through the plug.

Abstract: An electrical indicator system and a method for operating the system includes a plug adapted to be electrically coupled to a power source remote from the vehicle and an indicator adapted to be mounted to the vehicle at a visible location. The indicator is operable to provide a first visual indication when electrical power is present at the plug. The indicator provides a second visual indication, different from the first visual indication, when current is flowing through the plug.

Abstract: A cord set including a housing and a coupling mechanism adapted to couple the housing to a structure. The cord set includes a first cord having a first end connectable to a power source and a second end connected to a plug. The cord set also includes a second cord having a first end connectable to the electrical device and a second end connectable to the plug. The housing includes a body defining an axis, an outer surface and a cavity. A first embodiment of the coupling mechanism includes axially spaced ribs extending from an outer surface of the housing body and a snap ring connectable to the structure and the housing. A second embodiment of the coupling mechanism includes a peg protruding from the housing and a lock nut with a detent for coupling the peg to the lock nut. Finally, a third embodiment of the coupling mechanism includes a saddle and cup each having a ridge that cooperates with the axial spaced ribs to couple the housing to the automobile body.

Abstract: The present invention includes a plug assembly and cord set for use with an automobile accessory that is mounted to an automobile body. The plug assembly includes a plug body having a contact surface, electrical contacts coupled to the plug body and projecting from the contact surface, and a protector cap that accommodates the contacts and protects the contacts from the surrounding environment when the protector cap is in its closed position. The protector cap includes a contact cavity and a cap seal surface surrounding the contact cavity at an open end thereof. The protector cap is coupled to the plug body for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position wherein the electrical contacts are disposed within the contact cavity and the cap seal surface engages the contact surface to seal the contact cavity when the protector cap is in its closed position.

Abstract: A cord set including a housing and a coupling mechanism adapted to couple the housing to a structure. The cord set includes a first cord having a first end connectable to a power source and a second end connected to a plug. The cord set also includes a second cord having a first end connectable to the electrical device and a second end connectable to the plug. The housing includes a body defining an axis, an outer surface and a cavity. A first embodiment of the coupling mechanism includes axially spaced ribs extending from an outer surface of the housing body and a snap ring connectable to the structure and the housing. A second embodiment of the coupling mechanism includes a peg protruding from the housing and a lock nut with a detent for coupling the peg to the lock nut. Finally, a third embodiment of the coupling mechanism includes a saddle and cup each having a ridge that cooperates with the axial spaced ribs to couple the housing to the automobile body.