Abstract: A measurement system is provided that includes a radiographic source, a detector, and at least one processor. The at least one processor is operably coupled to the detector and configured to: position the radiographic source in a first position relative to the object to image a first portion of the object, with the first position configured to maintain parallax for the first portion within a predetermined amount; obtain first imaging information of the first portion of the object in the first position; adjust the position of the radiographic source relative to the object to a second position, with the second position configured to maintain parallax for the second portion within a predetermined amount; obtain second imaging information of the second portion of the object in the second position; and generate an image of the object using the first imaging information and the second imaging information.

Abstract: System and method for enabling ultrasonic inspection of a variable and irregular shape. The system comprises one or more ultrasonic pulser/receivers, one or more ultrasonic transducer arrays, a shoe or jig to hold and position the array(s), data acquisition software to drive the array(s), and data analysis software to select a respective best return signal for each pixel to be displayed. This system starts with information about the general orientation of the array relative to the part and a general predicted part shape. More specific orientation of the transmitted ultrasound beams relative to the part surface is done electronically by phasing the elements in the array(s) to cover the expected (i.e., predicted) surface as well as the full range of part surface variability.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated maintenance of the top and bottom surfaces or skins of an integrally stiffened hollow structure (e.g., a horizontal stabilizer) using surface crawling vehicles. Each system uses dynamically controlled magnetic coupling to couple an external drive tractor to a pair of passive trailers disposed in the interior of the hollow structure on opposite sides of a vertical structural element. The external drive tractor is also coupled to an external maintenance tool, which the tractor pushes or pulls across the surface skin to perform a maintenance function. The systems allow maintenance operations to be performed on both surface skins without turning the hollow structure over. Each system is modular and can be transported to and easily set up in a building or factory.

Abstract: A rail system for a modular reptile and small animal cage comprises a plurality of squared elongate channels, each channel having an X-shaped cross-section that includes: four arrowhead tips pointing to the corners of a square with a gap between adjacent arrowhead tips defining a slot for holding a cage side panel or a cage accessory. When combined with a plurality of side panels, bottom and top panel, these slotted elongate channels can be used to make an expandable, modular reptile/small animal cage. A method for making such cages is also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods can be used for the dilation of body conduits. For example, this document provides devices and methods for dilating a ureter using a dissolvable dilator element that is compatible with an ureteroscope system. Such a dissolvable dilator can be advanced into a patient's ureter via the urologic guidewire in front of the ureteroscope, giving immediate, one-step Cureteral access and offering less ureteral trauma at an economical price point.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, during a vibration welding process, a set of sensory signals from a collection of sensors positioned with respect to a work piece during formation of a weld on or within the work piece. The method also includes receiving control signals from a welding controller during the process, with the control signals causing the welding horn to vibrate at a calibrated frequency, and processing the received sensory and control signals using a host machine. Additionally, the method includes displaying a predicted weld quality status on a surface of the work piece using a status projector. The method may include identifying and display a quality status of a suspect weld. The laser projector may project a laser beam directly onto or immediately adjacent to the suspect welds, e.g., as a red, green, blue laser or a gas laser having a switched color filter.

Abstract: A measurement system is provided that includes a radiographic source, a detector, and at least one processor. The at least one processor is operably coupled to the detector and configured to: position the radiographic source in a first position relative to the object to image a first portion of the object, with the first position configured to maintain parallax for the first portion within a predetermined amount; obtain first imaging information of the first portion of the object in the first position; adjust the position of the radiographic source relative to the object to a second position, with the second position configured to maintain parallax for the second portion within a predetermined amount; obtain second imaging information of the second portion of the object in the second position; and generate an image of the object using the first imaging information and the second imaging information.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, during a vibration welding process, a set of sensory signals from a collection of sensors positioned with respect to a work piece during formation of a weld on or within the work piece. The method also includes receiving control signals from a welding controller during the process, with the control signals causing the welding horn to vibrate at a calibrated frequency, and processing the received sensory and control signals using a host machine. Additionally, the method includes displaying a predicted weld quality status on a surface of the work piece using a status projector. The method may include identifying and display a quality status of a suspect weld. The laser projector may project a laser beam directly onto or immediately adjacent to the suspect welds, e.g., as a red, green, blue laser or a gas laser having a switched color filter.

Abstract: A system includes a host machine and a status projector. The host machine is in electrical communication with a collection of sensors and with a welding controller that generates control signals for controlling the welding horn. The host machine is configured to execute a method to thereby process the sensory and control signals, as well as predict a quality status of a weld that is formed using the welding horn, including identifying any suspect welds. The host machine then activates the status projector to illuminate the suspect welds. This may occur directly on the welds using a laser projector, or on a surface of the work piece in proximity to the welds. The system and method may be used in the ultrasonic welding of battery tabs of a multi-cell battery pack in a particular embodiment. The welding horn and welding controller may also be part of the system.

Abstract: System and method for enabling ultrasonic inspection of a variable and irregular shape. The system comprises one or more ultrasonic pulser/receivers, one or more ultrasonic transducer arrays, a shoe or jig to hold and position the array(s), data acquisition software to drive the array(s), and data analysis software to select a respective best return signal for each pixel to be displayed. This system starts with information about the general orientation of the array relative to the part and a general predicted part shape. More specific orientation of the transmitted ultrasound beams relative to the part surface is done electronically by phasing the elements in the array(s) to cover the expected (i.e., predicted) surface as well as the full range of part surface variability.

Abstract: System and method for enabling ultrasonic inspection of a variable and irregular shape. The system comprises one or more ultrasonic pulser/receivers, one or more ultrasonic transducer arrays, a shoe or jig to hold and position the array(s), data acquisition software to drive the array(s), and data analysis software to select a respective best return signal for each pixel to be displayed. This system starts with information about the general orientation of the array relative to the part and a general predicted part shape. More specific orientation of the transmitted ultrasound beams relative to the part surface is done electronically by phasing the elements in the array(s) to cover the expected (i.e., predicted) surface as well as the full range of part surface variability.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated maintenance of the top and bottom surfaces or skins of an integrally stiffened hollow structure (e.g., a horizontal stabilizer) using surface crawling vehicles. Each system uses dynamically controlled magnetic coupling to couple an external drive tractor to a pair of passive trailers disposed in the interior of the hollow structure on opposite sides of a vertical structural element. The external drive tractor is also coupled to an external maintenance tool, which the tractor pushes or pulls across the surface skin to perform a maintenance function. The systems allow maintenance operations to be performed on both surface skins without turning the hollow structure over. Each system is modular and can be transported to and easily set up in a building or factory.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated non-destructive inspection scanning of the top and bottom aerodynamic surfaces or skins of an integrally stiffened wing box (e.g., a horizontal stabilizer) using surface crawling vehicles. Each system uses dynamically controlled magnetic coupling to couple an external drive tractor to a pair of passive trailers disposed in the interior of the wing box on opposite sides of a spar. The external drive tractor is also coupled to an external NDI scanner, which the tractor pushes or pulls across the surface skin being inspected. The systems allow scanning of both surface skins without turning the wing box over. Each system is modular and can be transported to and easily set up in a building or factory.

Abstract: The present invention is a rigid collapsible litter having a base and a plurality of collapsible rib members. The rib members are capable of being folded or collapsed in a first direction while remaining rigid in a second direction to support weight placed on the litter.

Abstract: A joining operation for a stack of three metal sheets performed using only a single welding step, with access to only one sheet side being required. An inner sheet of the stack has formed therein a pair of bifurcated projections, wherein at least one first apex faces in one direction and at least one second apex faces in the opposite direction. First and second outer metal sheets are assembled with the inner sheet, wherein the first outer sheet abuts the at least one first apex, and the second outer sheet abuts the at least one second apex. A projection welding apparatus welds the sheets, using only access to the first outer sheet superposed the bifurcated projections, wherein a majority of the current flows through the second outer sheet.

Abstract: A system and method that allow inspection of hollow structures made of composite material, such as an integrally stiffened wing box of an aircraft. A wing box comprises top and bottom skins connected by a plurality of spaced spars. The system employs a plurality of scanners for inspecting different portions of each spar. The system uses dynamically controlled magnetic coupling to connect an external drive tractor to computer-controlled scanners that carry respective sensors, e.g., linear ultrasonic transducer arrays. A system operator can control the various components by means of a graphical user interface comprising multiple interaction regions that represent the individual scanner motion paths and are associated with respective motion script files.

Abstract: A method of controlling an indentation depth of an electrode into a metal substrate during formation of a weld includes selecting a weld force, current, duration, minimum indentation depth, and maximum indentation depth, contacting the substrate with the electrode to apply the force to the substrate, supplying the current to the electrode to initiate formation of the weld according to a first condition in which the depth is less than the minimum, a second condition in which the depth is greater than or equal to the minimum and less than or equal to the maximum, and a third condition in which the depth is greater than the maximum, and comparing the depth, minimum, and maximum. For the first condition, duration is changed. For the second condition, each of the force, current, and duration is maintained until the weld is substantially formed. For the third condition, current ceases to be supplied.

Abstract: A system and method that allow inspection of hollow structures made of composite material, such as an integrally stiffened wing box of an aircraft. A wing box comprises top and bottom skins connected by a plurality of spaced spars. The system employs a plurality of scanners for inspecting different portions of each spar. The system uses dynamically controlled magnetic coupling to connect an external drive tractor to computer-controlled scanners that carry respective sensors, e.g., linear ultrasonic transducer arrays. A system operator can control the various components by means of a graphical user interface comprising multiple interaction regions that represent the individual scanner motion paths and are associated with respective motion script files.

Abstract: System and method for enabling ultrasonic inspection of a variable and irregular shape. The system comprises one or more ultrasonic pulser/receivers, one or more ultrasonic transducer arrays, a shoe or jig to hold and position the array(s), data acquisition software to drive the array(s), and data analysis software to select a respective best return signal for each pixel to be displayed. This system starts with information about the general orientation of the array relative to the part and a general predicted part shape. More specific orientation of the transmitted ultrasound beams relative to the part surface is done electronically by phasing the elements in the array(s) to cover the expected (i.e., predicted) surface as well as the full range of part surface variability.

Abstract: A method of forming a resistance spot welding manufacture includes sandwiching a third metal layer between first and second metal layers to form a workpiece. The second layer has a surface defining an embossed region. The first layer has a first thickness, the third layer has a third thickness, and the second layer has a second thickness that is less than the first and third thicknesses so that a ratio of the first thickness to the second thickness is greater than about 2:1. The method includes positioning the workpiece between a first and second electrode so that the workpiece is disposed in electrically-conductive relationship with the first and the second electrodes, and applying an electrical current through the first electrode to concurrently melt the first and third layers and the surface at the embossed region to join the first and second layers to the third layer and form the manufacture.