Abstract: Nacelle inlet structures, engine assemblies and vehicles including the same, and related methods. A nacelle inlet structure of an engine assembly includes an inlet outer barrel and an inlet inner barrel with a tubular portion and an inlet attachment flange. The tubular portion of the inlet inner barrel extends at least partially along a direction parallel to the engine axis, while the inlet attachment flange extends from the tubular portion. The inlet attachment flange is integrally formed with at least a portion of the tubular portion of the inlet inner barrel. The inlet attachment flange is configured to be operatively coupled to an engine case of the engine assembly to operatively couple the nacelle inlet structure to the engine case. In examples, a method of manufacturing an inlet inner barrel includes forming a composite laminate with a composite manufacturing process.

Abstract: A component-removal tool assembly is configured to remove a component from a mandrel assembly, and may include a main frame, and a plurality of rotational input devices extending from the main frame. Each rotational input device may be operatively coupled to a respective plunger that is configured to be actuated against a portion of the mandrel assembly. A synchronizing link synchronously couples the rotational input devices together. The synchronizing link operates to synchronize movement of the plurality of rotational input devices. Movement of one or more of the rotational input devices causes the plungers coupled thereto to exert a uniform and consistent disconnecting force against the mandrel assembly.

Abstract: A component-removal tool assembly is configured to remove a component from a mandrel assembly, and may include a main frame, and a plurality of rotational input devices extending from the main frame. Each rotational input device may be operatively coupled to a respective plunger that is configured to be actuated against a portion of the mandrel assembly. A synchronizing link synchronously couples the rotational input devices together. The synchronizing link operates to synchronize movement of the plurality of rotational input devices. Movement of one or more of the rotational input devices causes the plungers coupled thereto to exert a uniform and consistent disconnecting force against the mandrel assembly.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a composite part comprises generating a partial vacuum between a ply material and a form, advancing the partial vacuum and the ply material along the form, sensing an edge of a previously applied course of the ply material and cutting a profile on the ply material in response to the sensed edge.

Abstract: A system to fabricate a composite item includes an end effector, robotic vehicle, sensor, and cutting system. The end effector applies a course to a layup form. The robotic vehicle positions the end effector. The sensor senses an edge of a previously applied course. The cutting system cuts a profile on the course in response to the sensed edge.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a composite part comprises generating a partial vacuum between a ply material and a form, advancing the partial vacuum and the ply material along the form, sensing an edge of a previously applied course of the ply material and cutting a profile on the ply material in response to the sensed edge.

Abstract: A system to fabricate a composite item includes an end effector, robotic vehicle, sensor, and cutting system. The end effector applies a course to a layup form. The robotic vehicle positions the end effector. The sensor senses an edge of a previously applied course. The cutting system cuts a profile on the course in response to the sensed edge.

Abstract: An optical laser guidance system includes a laser sensor, a controller and a plurality of actuators. The laser sensor detects a projected laser beam and sends an electrical signal representative of the position of the laser beam to the controller. The controller interprets the representative signal and uses the position of the laser beam relative to a predetermined reference position to generate a control signal to control an actuator in order to control the direction of travel of a vehicle or robot with respect to a predetermined guidepath. The laser sensor may also receive additional control messages that result in the controller generating additional control signals to control additional actuators in order to perform additional functions. The optical laser guidance system may also include a laser projection system capable of projecting a two- or three-dimensional guidepath and additional control messages.