Abstract: A smart material control system and related method is disclosed for adaptively controlling the movement of an adaptive structure. The adaptive structure includes a smart material layer bonded to a conductive substrate in a bimorph configuration. A charge projector, such as an electron gun, is utilized to project charges onto the smart material layer of the adaptive structure. A voltage/charge source adaptively controls the potential of the conductive substrate. Depending on the placement of the projected charges and the adaptively controlled potential of the conductive substrate the displacement/curvature is precisely controlled. In an alternate embodiment, two smart material layers are bonded together to form an adaptive structure controlled independently in the x- and y- directions. Also, an array of charge projectors and/or conductive substrate sections may be used to provide varying and broad control of adaptive structures.

Abstract: An adjustable clamp assembly for use in an automated assembly tool. The clamp assembly includes a column portion and a clamp portion, the column portion being mounted to a support of a jig structure for longitudinal movement relative thereto. The jig supports are spaced apart to receive the components which are to be assembled, and the clamp portions are mounted on the ends of the column portions which protrude into the working envelope between the supports. The column portions are selectively movable relative to the supports so as to adjust the distances by which the clamp portions extend into the working envelope. A threaded shaft is rotatably mounted to the column portion and is rotated by an electric motor so that the shaft interacts with a threaded nut in the column to effect the longitudinal movement.

Abstract: An injector valve for passing air into a pneumatic conveying system for particulate solids includes a housing having an inlet chamber and a discharge chamber. A hollow seating element is mounted in the discharge chamber. The seating element has a hollow cylindrical section in fluid communication with the inlet chamber and a conical forward section. At least one fluid outlet opening extends from the hollow within the seating element to the outer surface of the seating element cylindrical section. A flexible elastomeric annular boot is mounted on the outside surface of the seating element.

Abstract: A diverter valve for use in a pneumatic conveying system includes a valve plate and a seal plate which have juxtaposed surfaces and are supported for relative movement therebetween so as to enable alignment of an input convey line port in the valve plate between alternate discharge convey line ports in the seal plate. Annular seals are supported in seal grooves circumferentially of the ports in the seal plate and are adapted for fluid pressure biasing into sealing engagement with the opposed valve plate by means of a fluid pressure control circuit. The seals are adapted to be subject to vacuum by the pressure control circuit so as to retract the seals from sealing relation with the valve plate during shifting movement of the valve plate. The seal plate and fluid pressure control circuit are further adapted to effect fluid pressure flow across the sealing surfaces of the seals during retraction thereof so as to clean the seals while in their retracted positions.