Abstract: A cylindrical component is secured in a slot of a mechanical assembly. The slot is defined by two registration surfaces which meet at a vertex and a third surface which meets one of the registration surfaces. The securing method includes: placing the cylindrical component into contact with the two registration surfaces; applying a force F1 against the cylindrical component causing compression of the cylindrical component into the two registration surfaces; and applying an anti-rotational force against the third surface to prevent redirection of the force F1. One fastener which uses the above method includes: a surface which contacts the cylindrical component; a threaded engagement mechanism which secures the fastener to the mechanical assembly through a clearance hole in the fastener; and a protruded section which prevents rotation of the fastener by engagement with the third surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and removing chaff from an internal drum imaging system. The chaff collection apparatus includes a chaff tray coupled to the internal drum below the side punches. The chaff tray includes a cover comprising a plurality of evenly spaced frangible fingers. A specific set of the fingers is removed from the cover according to the locations of the side punches on the internal drum. In this manner, only the portions of the cover below the side punches are open to the interior of the chaff tray. The chaff produced by each punch passes into the chaff tray through a respective opening in the cover, and is captured within the chaff tray. The areas of the cover of the chaff tray that are not located below the side punches remain covered by the remaining frangible fingers, thereby preventing chaff from escaping the chaff tray.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating the installation and alignment of side punches onto the internal drum of an imaging system. A side of the internal drum is provided with a T-shaped slot for movably positioning a plurality of side punches about the cylindrically shaped imaging surface of the internal drum. The proper radial alignment of the side punches along the T-slot is achieved using a unique band template. The band template includes a plurality of notches, each of which indicates the correct positioning of the pin of a side punch to be installed on the internal drum.

Abstract: An intelligent control system for directing a process for curing parts made of fiber-reinforced composite material in an autoclave. The system uses data gathered during the curing processing to calculate repetitively the temperature of the autoclave required to establish and maintain a predetermined cure temperature. The system accounts for heat generated by the exothermal reaction of the resin during polymerization. The control recalculates an optimal autoclave temperature at periodic intervals during the cure cycle on the basis of temperature data from the part being cured and temperature within the autoclave. The optimal autoclave temperature is determined from calculated values representing resin heat, maximum offset, lag time and degree of cure of the resin.