Abstract: A composite structure may include a laminate and a stabilizing element. The laminate may have a plurality of composite plies. The composite structure may include a geometric discontinuity that may be associated with the laminate. The stabilizing element may be included with the composite plies and may be located proximate the geometric discontinuity.

Abstract: A system for inductively heating a workpiece may include an induction coil, at least one susceptor face sheet, and a current controller coupled. The induction coil may be configured to conduct an alternating current and generate a magnetic field in response to the alternating current. The susceptor face sheet may be configured to have a workpiece positioned therewith. The susceptor face sheet may be formed of a ferromagnetic alloy having a Curie temperature and being inductively heatable to an equilibrium temperature approaching the Curie temperature in response to the magnetic field. The current controller may be coupled to the induction coil and may be configured to adjust the alternating current in a manner causing a change in at least one heating parameter of the susceptor face sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus may have a tool die for forming a component. The tool die may have a die susceptor having a forming surface for forming the component, and at least one flexible induction coil segment for heating the die susceptor. The at least one flexible induction coil segment may be configured to conform to a contour of the forming surface of the die susceptor.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a molybdenum composite hybrid laminate. The laminate has a plurality of composite material layers. The laminate further has a plurality of surface treated molybdenum foil layers interweaved between the composite material layers. The laminate further has a plurality of adhesive layers disposed between and bonding adjacent layers of the composite material layers and the molybdenum foil layers.

Abstract: A thermoplastic welding apparatus includes a thermoplastic welding tool, at least one tooling surface in the thermoplastic welding tool, a magnetic induction coil in the thermoplastic welding tool and generally encircling the at least one tooling surface and at least one smart susceptor in the thermoplastic welding tool at the at least one tooling surface. The magnetic induction coil is adapted to generate a magnetic flux field oriented generally parallel to a plane of the at least one smart susceptor.

Abstract: A composite induction consolidation apparatus includes a base mandrel and a ferromagnetic base mandrel facesheet having a specific Curie temperature carried by the base mandrel. The base mandrel facesheet is adapted to support a composite part and allow ambient air pressure to compact the composite part against the base mandrel facesheet.

Abstract: A composite part layup is cured using a set of tools adapted to hold the layup and which include at least one tool face contacting the layup. Means are provided for heating the tool face to cure the part layup, and for selectively cooling sections of the tool face.

Abstract: A fitting and an associated grommet are provided for supporting a conduit penetrating a panel and limiting energy transfer between the conduit and panel. The fitting may include a grommet having annular first and second sections spaced apart from one another and an annular wall extending between the first and second sections such that the wall and first and second sections define a bore. A plurality of ribs protrude from the annular wall, the ribs being distributed circumferentially around the annular wall and spanning between the first and second sections. A tubular liner extends through the bore of the grommet and contacts the first and second sections. The plurality of ribs extend into the bore, and at least some of the ribs contact the liner.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a thermoplastic component using inductive heating is described. The method includes positioning a plurality of induction heating coils to define a process area for the thermoplastic component, wherein the plurality of induction heating coils comprises a first set of coils and a second set of coils. The method also includes controlling a supply of electricity provided to the plurality of inductive heating coils to intermittently activate the coils. The intermittent activation is configured to facilitate prevention of electromagnetic interference between adjacent coils.

Abstract: A fitting and an associated grommet are provided for supporting a conduit penetrating a panel and limiting energy transfer between the conduit and panel. The fitting may include a grommet having annular first and second sections spaced apart from one another and an annular wall extending between the first and second sections such that the wall and first and second sections define a bore. A plurality of ribs protrude from the annular wall, the ribs being distributed circumferentially around the annular wall and spanning between the first and second sections. A tubular liner extends through the bore of the grommet and contacts the first and second sections. The plurality of ribs extend into the bore, and at least some of the ribs contact the liner.

Abstract: A fully customizable system and method for producing videos utilizing a “front-end” and/or a “two-step” decentralized business model for receiving input parameters from the customer or user and for presenting production elements for selection based on the input parameters. The system providing feedback by calculating total price, production time and required raw video source material as the customer or user makes production element selections. The customer or user is further provided with specific direction as to which and how many raw source materials are to be gathered for the video production.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring the electrical resistance of conductive materials are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing, and first, second, third, and fourth conductive members projecting outwardly from the housing. The conductive members are engageable with an electrically-conductive material at a plurality of points distributed along a measurement axis. In an alternate embodiment, at least some of the conductive members include a spring-loaded portion such that a contact portion of the conductive member projects outwardly from the housing by a variable distance. In operation, the electrical resistance of the electrically-conductive material is determinable from a known current applied between the first and fourth conductive members, and a voltage measured between the second and third conductive members.

Abstract: A circuit board clip apparatus having a base wherein the base includes a first end and a second. The clip apparatus also includes a bore that extends between the first and second ends of the base. The clip apparatus additionally includes a first leg coupled to the base. The first leg extends along the base and has an indent wherein the indent comprises a first finger portion and a second finger portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring the electrical resistance of conductive materials are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing, and first, second, third, and fourth conductive members projecting outwardly from the housing. The conductive members are engageable with an electrically-conductive material at a plurality of points distributed along a measurement axis. In an alternate embodiment, at least some of the conductive members include a spring-loaded portion such that a contact portion of the conductive member projects outwardly from the housing by a variable distance. In operation, the electrical resistance of the electrically-conductive material is determinable from a known current applied between the first and fourth conductive members, and a voltage measured between the second and third conductive members.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting a structure are provided in which probes including respective sensing elements, such as ultrasonic transducers, are disposed proximate the opposed surfaces of a structure, but only one of the probes need be driven. In this regard, a tracking probe may be magnetically coupled to a driven probe and move in coordination therewith. The apparatus and method can therefore inspect structures in which one surface is inaccessible. The probes may permit liquid to be bubbled between the ultrasonic transducer and the structure in order to couple the ultrasonic signals. By utilizing a bubbled liquid as a couplant, the apparatus and method may operate in an ultrasonic array mode. Additionally, the probes may include at least one contact member, such as a plurality of wheels, for contacting the structure in order to maintain the desired orientation and spacing of the probes relative to the structure.