Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically reordering parts are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a tray adapted to support parts, and a resilient member operatively engaged with the tray that flexes according to the weight of parts stored on the tray. A switch generates a signal when the amount of parts on the tray is less than a predefined amount. A central processing unit coupled to the switch receives the signal generated by the switch and automatically reorders parts based on the received signal from the switch.

Abstract: A system and method of performing a ply layup for a composite panel is provided. The system and method may include attaching an electronically identifiable tag to at least one of a plurality of plies, and checking, using the electronically identifiable tag, to ensure the proper sequence of plies for the panel is being followed.

Abstract: Methods of identifying products by using small radio frequency identification tags mixed in a liquid, the mixtures, and articles coated with such mixtures are provided. One exemplary mixture includes a liquid that is able to retain at least one of the tags when the liquid is applied to a surface. An exemplary method of identifying a product includes introducing at least one radio frequency identification tag into a liquid that is able to retain the tag when the liquid is applied to a surface.

Abstract: A system and method for improving gage calibration in a manufacturing environment. The system includes a gage calibration apparatus that provides remote gage calibration. The apparatus includes a gage measuring apparatus, a processor, a user interface, a scanner, and a printer. The gage measuring apparatus receives a gage and generates measurement information of the received gage. The processor is electrically coupled to the gage measuring apparatus and includes a communication component for communicating with a remotely located metrology system, and a component for determining calibration status of the gage based on the generated measurement information and predefined gage calibration information. The user interface presents the determined calibration status. The scanner scans a tag previously affixed to the gage for information pertaining to the gage and sends the gage information to the processor. The printer prints a label based on the determined calibration status and the communication component.

Abstract: A system and method for improving gage calibration in a manufacturing environment. The system includes a gage calibration apparatus that provides remote gage calibration. The apparatus includes a gage measuring apparatus, a processor, a user interface, a scanner, and a printer. The gage measuring apparatus receives a gage and generates measurement information of the received gage. The processor is electrically coupled to the gage measuring apparatus and includes a communication component for communicating with a remotely located metrology system, and a component for determining calibration status of the gage based on the generated measurement information and predefined gage calibration information. The user interface presents the determined calibration status. The scanner scans a tag previously affixed to the gage for information pertaining to the gage and sends the gage information to the processor. The printer prints a label based on the determined calibration status and the communication component.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking sensitive materials in a manufacturing system. The system includes a radio frequency identification component and a reporting system. The radio frequency identification component includes frequency identification labels that are attached to container units of sensitive material. Each frequency identification label includes expiration date information about the material within the container unit that the label is attached to. The radio frequency identification component also includes one or more antenna for reading the information from the radio-frequency identification labels on each container. The reporting system receives at least a portion of the information read from the radio-frequency identification labels from the radio frequency identification system and generates at least one report based on the received information.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking sensitive materials in a manufacturing system. The system includes a radio frequency identification component and a reporting system. The radio frequency identification component includes frequency identification labels that are attached to container units of sensitive material. Each frequency identification label includes expiration date information about the material within the container unit that the label is attached to. The radio frequency identification component also includes one, or more antenna for reading the information from the radio-frequency identification labels oh each container. The reporting system receives at least a portion of the information reads from the radio-frequency identification labels from the radio frequency identification system and generates at least one report based on the received information.