Abstract: A modular tooling arrangement includes a base member comprising a planar working surface, a frame circumscribing a first cavity at least partially defined by the planar working surface, and a plurality of plates configured to be received in the first cavity for forming a second cavity of a desired shape and size. The plurality of plates at least partially define the second cavity configured to receive a work piece. The plurality of plates may be replaced with plates of various sizes to vary at least one of the size and shape of the second cavity.

Abstract: A manufacturing method is provided. A first end of a set of spars is coupled to a first skin of a flight control surface. A set of ribs is interlocked with the set of spars and a first end of the set of ribs is coupled to the first skin. A second skin is coupled to a second end of the set of spars and a second end of the set of ribs.

Abstract: A welding assembly is disclosed. The welding assembly includes a plurality of separately controllable actuators (e.g., pneumatic, having an axially movable ram) to press a corresponding portion of a first workpiece (e.g., a discrete flange of a first stiffener) against a second workpiece (e.g., an outer skin) for welding operations (e.g., via induction welding).

Abstract: A welding assembly is disclosed. The welding assembly includes a plurality of separately controllable actuators (e.g., pneumatic, having an axially movable ram) to press a corresponding portion of a first workpiece (e.g., a discrete flange of a first stiffener) against a second workpiece (e.g., an outer skin) for welding operations (e.g., via induction welding).

Abstract: During a manufacturing method, an induction welder is provided that includes a concentrator and a coil extending through a receptacle in the concentrator. The receptacle projects into the concentrator from a face surface of the concentrator. A first thermoplastic body arranged with a second thermoplastic body are provided. The first thermoplastic body is located next to the face surface. The first thermoplastic body is induction welded to the second thermoplastic body to provide a weld seam between the first thermoplastic body and the second thermoplastic body. The concentrator extends along a portion of the weld seam. The induction welding includes: generating an electromagnetic field with the coil; and concentrating a portion of the electromagnetic field with the concentrator onto a region of the first thermoplastic body.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for induction welding. This assembly utilizes a plurality of heat shields (e.g., mica heat shields) that are aligned/disposed in end-to-end relation, with each such heat shield having a recess. An induction welding coil may be disposed within a heat shield recess during induction welding operations and is movable along a welding path while proceeding along the recesses of the various heat shields. This welding path may be axially extending or may be curved. The induction welding assembly may be used to induction weld a stiffener to a curved skin or shell, for instance where a base of the recess for each heat shield is curved such that the induction welding coil may be moved along a curved welding path and while maintaining a constant spacing between the induction welding coil and the recess base of the various heat shields.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for induction welding. This assembly utilizes a heat shield (e.g., a mica heat shield) with a recess. An induction welding coil may be disposed within this heat shield recess during induction welding operations. The wall thickness of the heat shield within the recess may be reduced to enhance heat transfer to a workpiece during induction welding operations. The heat shield may be coated with a ceramic coating to enhance the heat shield's heat resistance and reduce heat shield flaking at the recess during induction welding operations.

Abstract: An induction welding system includes a first gantry, a second gantry, and a support structure. The first gantry includes a first frame and a first plurality of trunks. The first plurality of trunks defines a first curved inner support surface of the first gantry. The first curved inner support surface has a first curvature geometry. The second gantry includes a second frame and a second plurality of trunks. The second plurality of trunks defines a second curved inner support surface of the second gantry. The second curved inner support surface has a second curvature geometry which is different than the first curvature geometry. The support structure includes at least one tooling member defining a curved outer support surface of the support structure. The support structure is longitudinally moveable relative to the first gantry and the second gantry.

Abstract: A tacking device may comprise: a handle; a main body extending from a first end of the handle to a second end of the handle; and a plurality of soldering irons, each soldering iron in the plurality of soldering irons extending from a first side of the main body through the main body to a second side of the main body, each soldering iron in the plurality of soldering irons including a piercing end disposed on the second side of the main body.

Abstract: A method for forming a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic part may comprise the steps of locating a lightning strike protection layer on a mold surface of a mold tool, locating a thermoplastic layer over the mold tool, heating the thermoplastic layer to a pliable forming temperature, conforming the thermoplastic layer to a mold surface of the mold tool, and depositing a plurality of fiber strips over the thermoplastic layer.

Abstract: A method for forming a fiber reinforced thermoplastic part may comprise the steps of locating a thermoplastic material over a mold tool, heating the thermoplastic material to a pliable forming temperature, conforming the thermoplastic material to a mold surface of the mold tool, and depositing a plurality of fiber strips over the thermoplastic material.

Abstract: During a manufacturing method, an induction welder is provided that includes a concentrator and a coil. The concentrator includes a receptacle and a face surface. The receptacle projects vertically into the concentrator from the face surface to an end of the receptacle. The receptacle extends laterally within the concentrator between opposing sides of the receptacle. The receptacle extends longitudinally within the concentrator along a centerline. The coil is seated and extends longitudinally along the centerline within the receptacle. A first thermoplastic body arranged with a second thermoplastic body are provided. The first thermoplastic body is located vertically next to the face surface. The first thermoplastic body is induction welded to the second thermoplastic body. The induction welding includes: generating an electromagnetic field with the coil; and concentrating the electromagnetic field with the concentrator onto a region of the first thermoplastic body.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for induction welding. This assembly utilizes a heat shield (e.g., a mica heat shield) with a recess. An induction welding coil may be disposed within this heat shield recess during induction welding operations. The wall thickness of the heat shield within the recess may be reduced to enhance heat transfer to a workpiece during induction welding operations. Members may engage the heat shield on opposite sides of the recess (and that have an increased wall thickness) to support both the heat shield and the workpiece during induction welding operations, during which a biasing force may be exerted on both the heat shield and workpiece.

Abstract: During a manufacturing method, an induction welder is provided that includes a concentrator and a coil extending through a receptacle in the concentrator. The receptacle projects into the concentrator from a face surface of the concentrator. A first thermoplastic body arranged with a second thermoplastic body are provided. The first thermoplastic body is located next to the face surface. The first thermoplastic body is induction welded to the second thermoplastic body to provide a weld seam between the first thermoplastic body and the second thermoplastic body. The concentrator extends along a portion of the weld seam. The induction welding includes: generating an electromagnetic field with the coil; and concentrating a portion of the electromagnetic field with the concentrator onto a region of the first thermoplastic body.

Abstract: An induction welding system includes a first gantry, a second gantry, and a support structure. The first gantry includes a first frame and a first plurality of trunks. The first plurality of trunks defines a first curved inner support surface of the first gantry. The first curved inner support surface has a first curvature geometry. The second gantry includes a second frame and a second plurality of trunks. The second plurality of trunks defines a second curved inner support surface of the second gantry. The second curved inner support surface has a second curvature geometry which is different than the first curvature geometry. The support structure includes at least one tooling member defining a curved outer support surface of the support structure. The support structure is longitudinally moveable relative to the first gantry and the second gantry.

Abstract: A modular tooling arrangement includes a base member comprising a planar working surface, a frame circumscribing a first cavity at least partially defined by the planar working surface, and a plurality of plates configured to be received in the first cavity for forming a second cavity of a desired shape and size. The plurality of plates at least partially define the second cavity configured to receive a work piece. The plurality of plates may be replaced with plates of various sizes to vary at least one of the size and shape of the second cavity.

Abstract: A tacking device may comprise: a handle; a main body extending from a first end of the handle to a second end of the handle; and a plurality of soldering irons, each soldering iron in the plurality of soldering irons extending from a first side of the main body through the main body to a second side of the main body, each soldering iron in the plurality of soldering irons including a piercing end disposed on the second side of the main body.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively firing a perforating gun having a plurality of gun assemblies may include an end plate, a portion of a signal communication circuit, an initiator assembly, and an initiating element. The end plate has a cavity formed by at least a first passage intersecting a second passage. The first passage extends from a planar end face of the end plate and the second passage extends from a circumferential surface of the end plate. The portion of a signal communication circuit is disposed in the end plate and conveys signals between the first gun and the second gun. The initiator assembly is at least partially disposed in the first passage. The initiating element is sized to pass through the second passage. The initiating element is also configured to electrically couple to the portion of the signal communication circuit and to thermally couple to the initiator assembly when at least partially seated in the first passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively firing a perforating gun having a plurality of gun assemblies includes a plurality of cartridge assemblies. Each cartridge assembly is associated with a gun assembly of the plurality of gun assemblies. Each cartridge assembly includes a body having a cavity, an input contact configured to receive a signal, and a throughput contact configured to convey the signal. The perforating gun may include a carrier and at least one bulkhead.

Abstract: A payment processor computing device for performing an electronic transaction initiated by a vehicle is described. The payment processor computing device is configured to receive a registration secure token from a vehicle computing device, the registration secure token corresponding to a cardholder and including an account identifier, a vehicle identifier, and a biometric identifier.