Abstract: A method for use in forming a composite structure that includes dispensing a first sheet of composite material, cutting the first sheet of composite material to form one of a plurality of plies of composite material, and providing the plurality of plies of composite material to a forming tool one at a time in a ply laydown sequence. A first sequential ply in the ply laydown sequence is provided, and then a second sequential ply in the ply laydown sequence is automatically provided after the first sequential ply has been provided.

Abstract: A method for producing a neutrons includes triggering a raising or a lowering of a temperature of a pyroelectric crystal of less than about 40° C. to produce a voltage of negative polarity of at least ?100 keV on a surface of a deuterated or tritiated target coupled thereto. A deuterium ion source is pulsed to produce a deuterium ion beam. The accelerating of the deuterium ion beam is achieved by accelerating voltage of the pyroelectric crystal toward the deuterated or tritiated target to produce neutrons. Furthermore, the pyroelectric crystal, the deuterated or tritiated target, and the deuterium ion source are coupled to a common support. The method also includes throwing the common support housing the pyroelectric crystal, the deuterated or tritiated target, and the deuterium ion source near an unknown threat for identification thereof.

Abstract: A method for use in ply compaction in forming a composite structure. The method includes positioning a ply of material on a forming tool having a web surface and at least one flange surface extending from the web surface, positioning a flange forming device at the ply of material on the forming tool, the flange forming device including an inflatable contact element pressurized to define a deformable contact surface, applying, by the deformable contact surface, the ply of material onto the forming tool with a predetermined pressure, wherein the deformable contact surface is moved across the forming tool, and wherein the inflatable contact element is configured to maintain the predetermined pressure as the deformable contact surface transitions from the web surface to the at least one flange surface.

Abstract: A method for use in ply compaction in forming a composite structure. The method includes positioning a ply of material on a forming tool having a web surface and at least one flange surface extending from the web surface, positioning a chassis at a first location along a length dimension of the forming tool, selectively rotating a flange forming device, that is coupled to the chassis, about a yaw axis based on a relative orientation of the flange forming device to the at least one flange surface, applying, with the flange forming device, the ply of material onto the forming tool, moving the chassis relative to the forming tool to position the chassis at a second location along the length dimension of the forming tool, and repeating the selective rotation and the application steps at the second location.

Abstract: A method for use in ply compaction in forming a composite structure. The method includes positioning a ply of material on a forming tool having a web surface and at least one flange surface extending from the web surface, positioning a flange forming device at the ply of material on the forming tool, the flange forming device including an inflatable contact element pressurized to define a deformable contact surface, applying, by the deformable contact surface, the ply of material onto the forming tool with a predetermined pressure, wherein the deformable contact surface is moved across the forming tool, and wherein the inflatable contact element is configured to maintain the predetermined pressure as the deformable contact surface transitions from the web surface to the at least one flange surface.

Abstract: A method for use in ply compaction in forming a composite structure. The method includes positioning a ply of material on a forming tool having a web surface and at least one flange surface extending from the web surface, positioning a chassis at a first location along a length dimension of the forming tool, selectively rotating a flange forming device, that is coupled to the chassis, about a yaw axis based on a relative orientation of the flange forming device to the at least one flange surface, applying, with the flange forming device, the ply of material onto the forming tool, moving the chassis relative to the forming tool to position the chassis at a second location along the length dimension of the forming tool, and repeating the selective rotation and the application steps at the second location.

Abstract: A method for use in forming a composite structure that includes dispensing a first sheet of composite material, cutting the first sheet of composite material to form one of a plurality of plies of composite material, and providing the plurality of plies of composite material to a forming tool one at a time in a ply laydown sequence. A first sequential ply in the ply laydown sequence is provided, and then a second sequential ply in the ply laydown sequence is automatically provided after the first sequential ply has been provided.

Abstract: Ply wrinkling during hot drape forming of a composite laminate is reduced at corner radii. A tensioning material placed over an uncured composite laminate charge maintains a compressive force on the laminate charge as the charge is formed over a tool.

Abstract: Ply wrinkling during hot drape forming of a composite laminate is reduced at outside corner radii of a forming tool. First and second tensioning materials placed between a composite laminate charge and the forming tool maintain the laminate charge in tension at the radius corners as the charge is formed down over corner radii.

Abstract: Ply wrinkling during hot drape forming of a composite laminate is reduced at corner radii. A tensioning material placed over an uncured composite laminate charge maintains a compressive force on the laminate charge as the charge is formed over a tool.

Abstract: Ply wrinkling during hot drape forming of a composite laminate is reduced at corner radii. A tensioning material placed over an uncured composite laminate charge maintains a compressive force on the laminate charge as the charge is formed over a tool.

Abstract: Ply wrinkling during hot drape forming of a composite laminate is reduced at outside corner radii of a forming tool. First and second tensioning materials placed between a composite laminate charge and the forming tool maintain the laminate charge in tension at the radius corners as the charge is formed down over corner radii.

Abstract: Grinding a machine component such as a valve component during remanufacturing, includes seating one end of the valve component in a chuck of the grinding apparatus, then contacting a steady rest with a reference surface on an outer diameter of the valve component while rotating the valve component, and then reseating the one end of the valve component in the chuck. A first valve surface on an outer diameter of the valve component is ground while contacting the steady rest with the reference surface, then a second, different valve surface on the outer diameter of the valve component is ground also while contacting the steady rest with the reference surface. The valve component is then reassembled with a hydraulically actuated device for service therein.

Abstract: A process for remanufacturing valve bodies such as fuel injector valve bodies includes receiving a salvaged valve body having a first segment, a second segment and a middle segment which includes a valve seat and a guide bore for a valve therein. The process further includes removing material of the valve body where the valve seat and the guide bore are disposed, and positioning an insert within the valve body in place of the removed material. A new valve seat and a new guide bore are then machined in the insert, including locating for machining the new valve seat and new guide bore on a timing face of the valve body.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a request message at a local node in a communications network from a remote node in the communication network. The request message holds data that indicates a request for a particular service from the local node. A load metric that indicates a current processing load at the local node is determined. A response delay time, for responding to the request message, is determined based on the load metric. A response message is sent after the response delay time. The response message indicates the local node is able to provide the particular service for the remote node. The delay time allows the local node to make it more likely that a less busy node will respond earlier in time to a request message from the same remote node and provide the particular service.

Abstract: Grinding a machine component such as a valve component during remanufacturing, includes seating one end of the valve component in a chuck of the grinding apparatus, then contacting a steady rest with a reference surface on an outer diameter of the valve component while rotating the valve component, and then reseating the one end of the valve component in the chuck. A first valve surface on an outer diameter of the valve component is ground while contacting the steady rest with the reference surface, then a second, different valve surface on the outer diameter of the valve component is ground also while contacting the steady rest with the reference surface. The valve component is then reassembled with a hydraulically actuated device for service therein.

Abstract: A process for remanufacturing valve bodies such as fuel injector valve bodies includes receiving a salvaged valve body having a first segment, a second segment and a middle segment which includes a valve seat and a guide bore for a valve therein. The process further includes removing material of the valve body where the valve seat and the guide bore are disposed, and positioning an insert within the valve body in place of the removed material. A new valve seat and a new guide bore are then machined in the insert, including locating for machining the new valve seat and new guide bore on a timing face of the valve body.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a request message at a local node in a communications network from a remote node in the communication network. The request message holds data that indicates a request for a particular service from the local node. A load metric that indicates a current processing load at the local node is determined. A response delay time, for responding to the request message, is determined based on the load metric. A response message is sent after the response delay time. The response message indicates the local node is able to provide the particular service for the remote node. The delay time allows the local node to make it more likely that a less busy node will respond earlier in time to a request message from the same remote node and provide the particular service.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a working implement, such as a snowplow, that can be attached to a vehicle. The assembly contains its own power source, and is controlled remotely, such as wirelessly. This combination allows the operator of the vehicle to lift and lower the jack on the unattached working implement as required without exiting the vehicle. In one embodiment, the system further includes wireless remote control operation of the headlights and blinkers, thereby eliminating another physical connection that typically exists between the vehicle and the working implement. The wireless remote control operation of the jack enables proper positioning of the lift frame relative to the vehicle chassis for easy mounting and dismounting thereto. In certain embodiments, the engagement of the assembly's connection mechanism with the vehicle, such as with a receiver on the vehicle, creates an electrical connection that enables communication between the assembly and controls for the assembly.

Abstract: An ice fishing line protection device, for protecting micro fishing line as light as one or two pound test, comprising an elongated tube with an internal passageway through which a fishing line may pass. The protection device floats in an ice fishing hole protecting the line from abrasions. The protection device opens to release the line or it can be extracted from the ice hole entirely when a fish is caught.