Abstract: A holesaw system comprises a holesaw including a base and a generally cylindrical wall with a proximal end coupled to the base and a distal end with a cutting edge; a pilot drill bit including a front cutting tip, a rear shank portion, and an intermediate portion between the front cutting tip and the rear shank portion; and an arbor coupleable to the holesaw and to the pilot drill bit. The arbor is configured to be operable in a first mode in which the holesaw and the pilot drill bit are rotatable in unison to form a hole in a workpiece and in a second mode in which the pilot drill bit is rotatable independently of the holesaw to remove a plug of material from the holesaw.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for induction welding. This induction welding assembly includes a fixture. The fixture includes a first support structure and a second support structure. The second support structure includes a frame and a plurality of trunks. Each of the trunks is connected to and repositionable on the frame. The fixture is configured to secure a workpiece vertically between the first support structure and the second support structure using the trunks during induction welding of the workpiece.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for induction welding. This induction welding assembly includes a fixture. The fixture includes a first support structure and a second support structure. The second support structure includes a frame and a plurality of trunks. Each of the trunks is connected to and repositionable on the frame. The fixture is configured to secure a workpiece vertically between the first support structure and the second support structure using the trunks during induction welding of the workpiece.

Abstract: Various arrangements and methods are disclosed for forming one or more perforations on a substrate surface using a laser system, at least one rotating polygon mirror, and at least one other movable mirror. A rotating polygon mirror may be used to define a plurality of perforations in a row set or band on a substrate surface by incrementing (e.g., moving) a first mirror between a plurality of fixed (e.g., pointing) positions. A rotating polygon mirror may be used to define a plurality of perforations in a row set or band on a substrate using a first mirror that is maintained in a fixed (e.g., pointing) position. A first rotating polygon mirror and a second rotating polygon mirror may be used to define a plurality of perforations in a row set or band on a substrate surface, where the first and second polygon mirrors are used to define an extent of a given perforation in two dimensions on the substrate.

Abstract: A perforation system is disclosed that utilizes an optical beamlet generator and a scanner (e.g., at least two moveable mirrors). The optical beamlet generator may be a lenslet array or a diffractive optical element. The optical beamlet generator outputs a plurality of beamlets from a single input laser beam. These beamlets are moved in at least two dimensions relative to a surface of a substrate to form perforations in the substrate.

Abstract: Various arrangements and methods are disclosed for forming one or more perforations on a substrate surface using a laser system, at least one rotating polygon mirror, and at least one other movable mirror. A rotating polygon mirror may be used to define a plurality of perforations in a row set or band on a substrate surface by incrementing (e.g., moving) a first mirror between a plurality of fixed (e.g., pointing) positions. A rotating polygon mirror may be used to define a plurality of perforations in a row set or band on a substrate using a first mirror that is maintained in a fixed (e.g., pointing) position. A first rotating polygon mirror and a second rotating polygon mirror may be used to define a plurality of perforations in a row set or band on a substrate surface, where the first and second polygon mirrors are used to define an extent of a given perforation in two dimensions on the substrate.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a laser system. During an embodiment of this method, inert gas is directed against an object within a cavity of a collection device. An aperture is formed in the object by ablating the object with a laser beam that travels within the cavity and to the object. Byproducts of the ablation are removed from the cavity. During another embodiment of the method, inert gas is pooled against an object and a gas curtain is provided proximate a lens. The object is cut using a laser beam which travels from the lens, through the gas curtain and the pooled inert gas, to the object. Fumes and/or particulates produced by the formation are directed away from the laser beam.

Abstract: Manufacturing methods are provided. During one of these manufacturing methods, a composite part is freely arranged on a support surface. The freely arranged composite part is scanned using a scanning system to provide command data. The freely arranged composite part is machined using a laser based on the command data.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a laser system. During an embodiment of this method, inert gas is directed against an object within a cavity of a collection device. An aperture is formed in the object by ablating the object with a laser beam that travels within the cavity and to the object. Byproducts of the ablation are removed from the cavity. During another embodiment of the method, inert gas is pooled against an object and a gas curtain is provided proximate a lens. The object is cut using a laser beam which travels from the lens, through the gas curtain and the pooled inert gas, to the object. Fumes and/or particulates produced by the formation are directed away from the laser beam.

Abstract: A preconsolidated tape of continuous, high strength filaments in a metal matrix is coated with a layer of adhesive polymer and cut into shaped plies. The coated plies are stacked in a mold and resin bonded together by the application of heat and pressure. Many of the desirable physical properties of a diffusion bonded metal matrix article are also found in the resin bonded metal matrix article of the subject invention. Also, the use of preconsolidated adhesive coated plies eliminates the need for high diffusion bonding pressures and temperatures, thereby cutting the time involved for the bonding and molding operation by a factor of 8 in some instances.

Abstract: A preconsolidated tape of continuous, high strength filaments in a metal matrix is coated with a layer of adhesive polymer and cut into shaped plies. The coated plies are stacked in a mold and resin bonded together by the application of heat and pressure. Many of the desirable physical properties of a diffusion bonded metal matrix article are also found in the resin bonded metal matrix article of the subject invention. Also, the use of preconsolidated adhesive coated plies eliminates the need for high diffusion bonding pressures and temperatures, thereby cutting the time involved for the bonding and molding operation by a factor of 8 in some instances.