Abstract: A device that heats/cools air includes a heat exchanger that contains hydronic fluid; a blower that moves air over and/or through the heat exchanger; a pump that circulates the hydronic fluid; a first vessel that contains hydronic fluid under pressure, air, a sealed first opening, a second opening that allows the hydronic fluid to exit the first vessel, a third opening that allows the hydronic fluid to enter the vessel, and a fourth opening; a second vessel that contains hydronic fluid at atmospheric pressure, a sealed first opening, and a second opening in communication with the first vessel, wherein the second vessel is in communication with the fourth opening; a valve that allows hydronic fluid to flow from the second vessel to the first vessel when pressure inside the first vessel decreases below zero psig, and prevents hydronic fluid from flowing from the first vessel to the second vessel.

Abstract: A device that heats/cools air includes a heat exchanger that contains hydronic fluid; a blower that moves air over and/or through the heat exchanger; a pump that circulates the hydronic fluid; a first vessel that contains hydronic fluid under pressure, air, a sealed first opening, a second opening that allows the hydronic fluid to exit the first vessel, a third opening that allows the hydronic fluid to enter the vessel, and a fourth opening; a second vessel that contains hydronic fluid at atmospheric pressure, a sealed first opening, and a second opening in communication with the first vessel, wherein the second vessel is in communication with the fourth opening; a valve that allows hydronic fluid to flow from the second vessel to the first vessel when pressure inside the first vessel decreases below zero psig, and prevents hydronic fluid from flowing from the first vessel to the second vessel.

Abstract: The application relates to a method (and a related machine) for making a composite part by automated fiber placement, comprising the steps of: pre-heating a composite tape with a pre-heating laser source, thus generating a thermal image of the pre-heated tape; transforming the pre-heated thermal image into a control signal controlling a laser array; heating a portion of the composite tape at the compaction point with the laser array being controlled by the control signal; and placing the portion of the heated composite tape onto a form tool and compressing the tape to adhere onto the substrate surface of the tool.