Abstract: A self-normalizing contour surface drilling apparatus drills holes into contour surfaces with the drill bit of the apparatus oriented normally to the contour surface. The apparatus first determines a location of a hole to be drilled and the orientation of the drill bit relative to the surface at the hole location, and adjusts the position of the drill bit so that the drill bit is positioned normally to the hole location. The apparatus then drills the hole at the location, and then repeats the process seeking out the next location for a drilled hole.

Abstract: The vented cell structure and fabrication method of the present invention provide an efficient and effective honeycomb structure that allows fluids to flow in and out of the honeycomb without any obstructions that may trap gases and/or liquid in the honeycomb cells. First and second honeycomb layers, including first and second cell walls, respectively, that define first and second cells, respectively, are positioned adjacent one another such that the first and second cells are misaligned. The first and second honeycomb layers are connected with adhesive only at intersections of the first and second cell walls to permit fluid to flow between the first and second cells without obstruction. A structural layer defining at least one opening aligned with the first and/or second cells is also applied on opposite sides of the first and second honeycomb layers, to thereby create the vented cell structure.

Abstract: The vented cell structure and fabrication method of the present invention provide an efficient and effective honeycomb structure that allows fluids to flow in and out of the honeycomb without any obstructions that may trap gases and/or liquid in the honeycomb cells. First and second honeycomb layers, including first and second cell walls, respectively, that define first and second cells, respectively, are positioned adjacent one another such that the first and second cells are misaligned. The first and second honeycomb layers are connected with adhesive only at intersections of the first and second cell walls to permit fluid to flow between the first and second cells without obstruction. A structural layer defining at least one opening aligned with the first and/or second cells is also applied on opposite sides of the first and second honeycomb layers, to thereby create the vented cell structure.

Abstract: The present invention is a video aid to assembly system and methods of using the system for providing production personnel access to manufacturing drawing information with minimum user intervention. The system scrolls manufacturing drawings automatically as a monitor is moved relative to a workpiece so that the manufacturing drawing corresponds with the identical location on the workpiece. The system also eliminates the need to store, retrieve, and maintain individual hardcopy drawings. In addition, the color capabilities of the system improve detailed part recognition and provide the ability to highlight items that require special attention. Moreover, mark-ups, such as build instructions or modifications, can be electronically overlaid on the drawing without modifying the original assembly drawing.

Abstract: The present invention is a video aid to assembly system and methods of using the system for providing production personnel access to manufacturing drawing information with minimum user intervention. The system scrolls manufacturing drawings automatically as a monitor is moved relative to a workpiece so that the manufacturing drawing corresponds with the identical location on the workpiece. The system also eliminates the need to store, retrieve, and maintain individual hardcopy drawings. In addition, the color capabilities of the system improve detailed part recognition and provide the ability to highlight items that require special attention. Moreover, mark-ups, such as build instructions or modifications, can be electronically overlaid on the drawing without modifying the original assembly drawing.

Abstract: The invention is a process and apparatus for forming structural members from layers of uncured composite material. The apparatus comprises a first station having at least one tape dispensing module, a second station where tape layers that have been deposited on a tool are vacuum treated in order to remove air entrapped between layers of the tape, and a track system which enables movement of the tool between the first and second stations as well as a tool storage station. The process of building the structural members comprises dispensing tape from each of the modules at the first station onto a tool, then removing entrapped air from between layers of deposited tape, then dispensing further layers of tape, then removing entrapped air, etc., until the desired tape configuration has been achieved. Until such built-up structural member is cured, it is stored in racks in the tool storage station. A unique "partial ply" module is disclosed for applying tape segments to the side forming surfaces of the tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving a first carrier tape in a first direction along a path, and a second tape toward the first tape, both in an incremental manner. After each increment of movement of the first tape, the second tape is advanced a proportional increment into overlying contact with the first tape. A press squeezes the first and second tape layers together, and a cutting mechanism is actuated to sever the overlying segment of second tape. The incremental movements of the first and second tapes are regulated so that the length of each second tape segment laid on the first tape is equal to the distance of travel of the first tape in the first direction. The direction of movement of the first tape is reversed so that at least one layer of second tape can be applied to the first tape.