Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for adhering a vacuum to a surface is provided. A seal is positioned relative to a surface. The seal is associated with a structure and is in communication with a channel within the structure. The seal is rotated relative to the structure such that the seal at least partially conforms to the surface. Air is drawn into the channel within the structure through the seal such that the seal adheres to the surface.

Abstract: Holonomic-motion ground vehicles (i.e., mobile platforms) that are capable of controlled movement across non-level surfaces, while carrying one or more non-destructive inspection sensors or other tools. The mobile platform comprises a frame having four (or a multiple of four) Mecanum wheels, each wheel driven by a respective independently controlled motor, and further having a plurality (e.g., two) of independently controlled suction devices. The Mecanum wheels enable holonomic motion, while the suction devices facilitate sufficiently precise control of motion on non-level surfaces.

Abstract: Holonomic-motion ground vehicles (i.e., mobile platforms) that are capable of controlled movement across non-level surfaces, while carrying one or more non-destructive inspection sensors or other tools. The mobile platform comprises a frame having four (or a multiple of four) Mecanum wheels, each wheel driven by a respective independently controlled motor, and further having a plurality (e.g., two) of independently controlled suction devices. The Mecanum wheels enable holonomic motion, while the suction devices facilitate sufficiently precise control of motion on non-level surfaces.

Abstract: A ply placement device uses a ply guide to place plies on a curved substrate surface. The ply guide includes a guide surface and a guide edge that are each curved to match the contour of the substrate so that the ply transitions smoothly from its planar form to a curved form as the ply is placed onto the substrate. The ply guide may be flexible or segmented to allow reconfiguration of the guide surfaces to match various substrate contours.

Abstract: A ply placement device uses a ply guide to place plies on a curved substrate surface. The ply guide includes a guide surface and a guide edge that are each curved to match the contour of the substrate so that the ply transitions smoothly from its planar form to a curved form as the ply is placed onto the substrate. The ply guide may be flexible or segmented to allow reconfiguration of the guide surfaces to match various substrate contours.

Abstract: A ply placement device uses a ply guide to place plies on a curved substrate surface. The ply guide includes a guide surface and a guide edge that are each curved to match the contour of the substrate so that the ply transitions smoothly from its planar form to a curved form as the ply is placed onto the substrate. The ply guide may be flexible or segmented to allow reconfiguration of the guide surfaces to match various substrate contours.

Abstract: A system for measuring a mixture ratio associated with a two-part fluid, at least one of the two parts including conductive particles. The system includes a pair of electrodes, a circuit, and an output. The electrodes are disposed on opposite sides of the two-part fluid and sense the dielectric strength of the fluid. The circuit communicates with the electrodes to sense the dielectric strength and outputs a signal representing the dielectric strength. Preferably, the circuit includes a capacitive bridge, an input for a set-point, and an output for an error signal. Also, the system can include a housing for the electrodes. A timer may also be provided to measure the time elapsed from the beginning of the mixing of the two-part fluid. Preferably, the two-part fluid is an adhesive with aluminum particles that is made from a resin and a hardener. Methods of producing two-part fluids are also provided.

Abstract: The apparatus, method and system for inspecting a fastener installed in a structure includes the illumination of a fastener and a portion of the structure surrounding the fastener, the detection of the light reflected from the fastener and the portion of the structure surrounding the fastener, the analysis of the reflected light, and the definition of at least one inspection criteria. The structure has a coating that reflects light of a predefined wavelength differently than the fastener. As such, the light that illuminates the fastener and the structure surrounding the fastener has a wavelength within the predefined range. The light reflected from the fastener and the portion of the structure surrounding the fastener is then detected and analyzed to determine an interface between exposed surfaces of the fastener and the coating. Based upon the detected interface, at least one inspection criteria may then be defined.

Abstract: The apparatus, method and system for inspecting a fastener installed in a structure includes the illumination of a fastener and a portion of the structure surrounding the fastener, the detection of the light reflected from the fastener and the portion of the structure surrounding the fastener, the analysis of the reflected light, and the definition of at least one inspection criteria. The structure has a coating that reflects light of a predefined wavelength differently than the fastener. As such, the light that illuminates the fastener and the structure surrounding the fastener has a wavelength within the predefined range. The light reflected from the fastener and the portion of the structure surrounding the fastener is then detected and analyzed to determine an interface between exposed surfaces of the fastener and the coating. Based upon the detected interface, at least one inspection criteria may then be defined.

Abstract: A system for producing high accuracy surface scans of large and/or complex parts using a host machine such a machine for milling the part, a digitizing head attached to the host machine, and a remote laser tracking system for tracking the position of a retroreflector cube attached to the digitizing head.