Abstract: A pre-fabricated article for a composite aircraft component includes a dielectric layer and a pre-fabricated metalized pattern on the dielectric layer. The metalized pattern is fabricated on the dielectric layer prior to integration with the composite aircraft component. The metalized pattern diverts EME current away from EME protection areas of the aircraft component.

Abstract: An aircraft component includes a composite structure and a metallic circuit on a film. The film is co-cured with the composite structure. The metallic circuit is patterned to dissipate energy generated by lightning strikes on the composite structure. The metal circuit is also patterned to provide connectivity for multi-function apparatus.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a multi-layer circuit joining assembly material configured to repair multi-layer flex circuits deployed on or in a composite surface as a lightning protection system. The multi-layer circuit joining assembly material includes a first conductive layer having a first end portion, a second conductive layer having a second end portion, and a dielectric material between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process using environmentally benign materials for the removal of adhesive residues from hard substrates, particularly vehicles, e.g., cars, trucks, buses, aerospace vehicles including airplanes, and the like. The invention uses an absorbable indicator (tracer) dye to aid in detection of remaining residues that may be in need of additional cleaning. The process uses a novel adhesive remover composition comprising a non-halogenated organic solvent, a non-abrasive thickening agent, a surfactant, glycerine, and an absorbable indicator dye. The invention provides a cost effective, safe, environmentally friendly adhesive remover composition specifically formulated for removal of, e.g., pressure sensitive adhesive residues from large areas of aircraft composite and aluminum surfaces, as well as others.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a multi-layer circuit joining assembly material configured to repair multi-layer flex circuits deployed on or in a composite surface as a lightning protection system. The multi-layer circuit joining assembly material includes a first conductive layer having a first end portion, a second conductive layer having a second end portion, and a dielectric material between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated article for a composite aircraft component includes a dielectric layer and a pre-fabricated metalized pattern on the dielectric layer. The metalized pattern is fabricated on the dielectric layer prior to integration with the composite aircraft component. The metalized pattern diverts EME current away from EME protection areas of the aircraft component.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a composite substrate including a resin matrix that has embedded therein a flex circuit and reinforcing filler. The flex circuit includes a metallic circuit on a film that is co-cured with the resin matrix. The metallic circuit may be configured for any of a variety of functions, including for example, dissipating energy generated by a lightning strike on the composite substrate. The flex circuit may also provide a platform for implementation of other communication and maintenance functions.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process using environmentally benign materials for the removal of adhesive residues from hard substrates, particularly vehicles, e.g., cars, trucks, buses, aerospace vehicles including airplanes, and the like. The invention uses an absorbable indicator (tracer) dye to aid in detection of remaining residues that may be in need of additional cleaning. The process uses a novel adhesive remover composition comprising a non-halogenated organic solvent, a non-abrasive thickening agent, a surfactant, glycerine, and an absorbable indicator dye. The invention provides a cost effective, safe, environmentally friendly adhesive remover composition specifically formulated for removal of, e.g., pressure sensitive adhesive residues from large areas of aircraft composite and aluminum surfaces, as well as others.

Abstract: A vacuum pickup tool (10) having a handle (16) and a barrel (22) mounted thereto with a tip (24) that is heated by a temperature control unit (114). The barrel (22) and tip (24) include a longitudinal axial bore (41) attached to an air source through connector (116) to provide vacuum through an axial opening (62) and the tip (24) to hold a Z-clip (74) to the barrel (22). Actuation of a trigger (28) deactivates the vacuum and simultaneously heats the tip (24) to solder the clip (74) onto a wire wrapped pin (64) inserted through a circuit board (66). A thermocouple (54) and controller 114 monitor and control the temperature of the tip (24) as preset by the temperature control (114) on an instrument assembly (96).