Abstract: A system and method for processing a flexible part comprising holding the flexible part securely in an unconstrained position using a holder; and controlling a positioner to process the flexible part based on a comparison of a shape and/or position of the flexible part in the unconstrained position with design specifications of the part not in the unconstrained position.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a flexible part comprising holding the flexible part securely in an unconstrained position using a holder; and controlling a positioner to process the flexible part based on a comparison of a shape and/or position of the flexible part in the unconstrained position with design specifications of the part not in the unconstrained position.

Abstract: One general aspect includes a liquid dispenser with a mount having a mount aperture. A liquid flow path assembly is removably secured to the mount and has an inlet configured to receive liquid, an outlet configured to dispense liquid and a passageway fluidly coupling the inlet to the outlet. A third aperture apart from the inlet and the outlet is fluidly coupled to the passageway and forming a valve guide. The liquid flow path assembly is disposed on the mount to align the third aperture with the mount aperture. An elongated valve has a valve stem guided by the valve guide and extends through the third aperture and the mount aperture. A latch assembly secures the liquid flow path assembly to the mount.

Abstract: A multifunctional end effector includes a support structure configured to be carried by a robotic system and at least two of a fluid stream cutting system, a spindle system and/or a scanning system, each mounted to the support structure. Also described is a fluid stream cutting system having a plurality of fluid stream catchers selectively mountable to the fluid stream system and a mounting arrangement for mounting each fluid stream catcher to the fluid stream cutting system.

Abstract: One general aspect includes a liquid dispenser with a mount having a mount aperture. A liquid flow path assembly is removably secured to the mount and has an inlet configured to receive liquid, an outlet configured to dispense liquid and a passageway fluidly coupling the inlet to the outlet. A third aperture apart from the inlet and the outlet is fluidly coupled to the passageway and forming a valve guide. The liquid flow path assembly is disposed on the mount to align the third aperture with the mount aperture. An elongated valve has a valve stem guided by the valve guide and extends through the third aperture and the mount aperture. A latch assembly secures the liquid flow path assembly to the mount.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for at least holding an object with a crane having a bridge spanning between and movable on the spaced apart rails, an upper platform movable longitudinally on the bridge, and a hoist mounted to the platform, the hoist having a rope and a lifting member disposed at a remote end of the rope. The method includes engaging and moving a positioner to a selected location on the bridge or the upper platform using the hoist; securing the positioner to the bridge at the selected location or the upper platform; securing the positioner to an object; holding the object with the positioner; releasing the object from the positioner; releasing the positioner from the bridge or the upper platform; and engaging and moving the positioner away from the selected location on the bridge or the upper platform using the hoist.

Abstract: A multifunctional end effector includes a support structure configured to be carried by a robotic system and at least two of a fluid stream cutting system, a spindle system and/or a scanning system, each mounted to the support structure. Also described is a fluid stream cutting system having a plurality of fluid stream catchers selectively mountable to the fluid stream system and a mounting arrangement for mounting each fluid stream catcher to the fluid stream cutting system.

Abstract: A catcher for a fluid stream and a method of capturing a fluid stream from a nozzle and dissipating the energy therein includes receiving the fluid stream into a housing through an aperture; and deflecting the fluid stream obliquely within the housing in one or more preselected directions.