Abstract: There is provided an automated removal apparatus for selectively removing one or more trimmed portions of a laminated ply in a ply-by-ply fabrication process. The automated removal apparatus includes a rotatable reel having a plurality of retractable vacuum panels attached around the rotatable reel. Each retractable vacuum panel has one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies, and each retractable vacuum pad assembly has a vacuum pad with a vacuum port and a self-sealing valve. The automated removal apparatus further includes actuator assemblies attached to the plurality of retractable vacuum panels, friction reducing elements attached around the rotatable reel, a drive assembly attached to the rotatable reel, and a pneumatic system attached to the rotatable reel and including a valve manifold operable to control an air flow to the actuator assemblies and to one or more vacuum generators to generate a vacuum flow.

Abstract: There is provided an automated removal apparatus for selectively removing one or more trimmed portions of a laminated ply in a ply-by-ply fabrication process. The automated removal apparatus includes a rotatable reel having a plurality of retractable vacuum panels attached around the rotatable reel. Each retractable vacuum panel has one or more retractable vacuum pad assemblies, and each retractable vacuum pad assembly has a vacuum pad with a vacuum port and a self-sealing valve. The automated removal apparatus further includes actuator assemblies attached to the plurality of retractable vacuum panels, friction reducing elements attached around the rotatable reel, a drive assembly attached to the rotatable reel, and a pneumatic system attached to the rotatable reel and including a valve manifold operable to control an air flow to the actuator assemblies and to one or more vacuum generators to generate a vacuum flow.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described in this disclosure for an endoscopic optical system comprising a diffuse reflectance spectroscopy probe. The probe includes a light source and a plurality of photodetectors. Each photodetector is positioned at a difference distance from the light source such that an interrogation volume of each photodetector is based at least in part on the distance between the photodetector and the light source. In some implementations, each photodetector of the plurality of photodetectors is at least partially annular in shape and the photodetectors of the plurality of photodetectors are arranged concentrically.

Abstract: A method of joining a metal heat sink pallet to a circuit board by electroplating a layer of solder on the mounting surface of the pallet, placing and holding the circuit board metal circuit paths firmly against the plated mounting surface of the pallet and heating the pallet until the solder melts and alloys with the circuit paths. A nitrogen gas bath is used to inhibit oxidation during heating and alloying and a flux is used to promote alloying. A bonding fixture accurately positions the circuit board with respect to the pallet and applies pressure in circuit path areas of interest during heating, alloying and cooling to accurately position the circuit board on the pallet and to promote a superior mechanical and electrical bond between the circuit paths and the pallet.