Abstract: Sealant cartridge press fixtures are disclosed. The fixtures include a bracket comprising first and second side arms that receive a sealant cartridge therebetween. A transverse support bar connected to the first and second side arm is attached to a sealant filling nozzle. An air pressure cylinder mounted on the bracket includes a reciprocating piston rod that contacts and deforms a sidewall of the sealant cartridge at the beginning of a filling operation to allow trapped air to escape from the cartridge. An empty sealant cartridge having a slidable plunger therein is mounted at its front end on the sealant filling nozzle. The sealant is initially dispensed into the cartridge in the space between the front end of the cartridge and the plunger. While pressing and deforming the sidewall, it temporarily creates a gap between an interior surface of the sidewall and a plunger. The gap allows unwanted trapped air to escape from the sealant cartridge.

Abstract: Sealant cartridge press fixtures are disclosed. The fixtures include a bracket comprising first and second side arms that receive a sealant cartridge therebetween. A transverse support bar connected to the first and second side arm is attached to a sealant filling nozzle. An air pressure cylinder mounted on the bracket includes a reciprocating piston rod that contacts and deforms a sidewall of the sealant cartridge at the beginning of a filling operation to allow trapped air to escape from the cartridge. An empty sealant cartridge having a slidable plunger therein is mounted at its front end on the sealant filling nozzle. The sealant is initially dispensed into the cartridge in the space between the front end of the cartridge and the plunger. While pressing and deforming the sidewall, it temporarily creates a gap between an interior surface of the sidewall and a plunger. The gap allows unwanted trapped air to escape from the sealant cartridge.

Abstract: Luminescent tools for applying or removing sealants and adhesives are disclosed. The tools may be provided in the form of spatulas, scrapers, spreaders, smoothers and the like having surfaces that contact the sealant or adhesive material during application or removal. The tools or components thereof are made of load-bearing polymeric materials including a luminescent material. The luminescent tools may be seen and recovered when used in dark environments, such as during aircraft fabrication operations.

Abstract: Luminescent tools for applying or removing sealants and adhesives are disclosed. The tools may be provided in the form of spatulas, scrapers, spreaders, smoothers and the like having surfaces that contact the sealant or adhesive material during application or removal. The tools or components thereof are made of load-bearing polymeric materials including a luminescent material. The luminescent tools may be seen and recovered when used in dark environments, such as during aircraft fabrication operations.