Abstract: A system fabricating composite preforms includes a layer assembly stage with a first stage for receiving new layers, such as layer N; and a second stage for holding up to K layers, such as layers N?1 to N?K. An interlayer reinforcement insertion mechanism inserts interlayer reinforcements Q through layer N and the layers N?1 to N?K, using a first layer spacing between layer N?K and layer N-K?1 in a completed layer stage. Following the interlayer reinforcements Q insertion, the layer assembly stage transfers the layer N?K to the completed layer stage; closes the first layer spacing, bringing layers N?K and N?K?1 into contact; and transfers the layer N to the second stage. The system repeats this cycle of receiving new layers, inserting interlayer reinforcements using layer spacings between the second and completed layer stages, closing these layer spacings, and transferring layers to construct composite preforms with arbitrary numbers of layers.

Abstract: An automated manufacturing system includes two simultaneous and independently operating toolheads accessing any location within the same work volume, with the exception of locations in proximity to each other. The system includes a bed platform connected with X and Y linear axes. A ? rotational axis rotates the bed and its linear axes as a unit. A first toolhead has a fixed position relative to the ? axis, and a second toolhead is coupled with a linear R axis parallel to the bed. The bed X and Y axes move the bed relative to the first toolhead, enabling the first toolhead to reach any portion of the bed. The R linear axis and ? rotational axis allow the second toolhead to move almost anywhere in a circular area that is always centered near the first toolhead. The system's kinematics ensure that it is impossible for the toolheads to collide.

Abstract: A system fabricating composite preforms includes a layer assembly stage with a first stage for receiving new layers, such as layer N; and a second stage for holding up to K layers, such as layers N?1 to N?K. An interlayer reinforcement insertion mechanism inserts interlayer reinforcements Q through layer N and the layers N?1 to N?K, using a first layer spacing between layer N?K and layer N?K?1 in a completed layer stage. Following the interlayer reinforcements Q insertion, the layer assembly stage transfers the layer N?K to the completed layer stage; closes the first layer spacing, bringing layers N?K and N?K?1 into contact; and transfers the layer N to the second stage. The system repeats this cycle of receiving new layers, inserting interlayer reinforcements using layer spacings between the second and completed layer stages, closing these layer spacings, and transferring layers to construct composite preforms with arbitrary numbers of layers.

Abstract: A system fabricating composite preforms includes a layer assembly stage with a first stage for receiving new layers, such as layer N; and a second stage for holding up to K layers, such as layers N?1 to N?K. An interlayer reinforcement insertion mechanism inserts interlayer reinforcements Q through layer N and the layers N?1 to N?K, using a first layer spacing between layer N?K and layer N?K?1 in a completed layer stage. Following the interlayer reinforcements Q insertion, the layer assembly stage transfers the layer N?K to the completed layer stage; closes the first layer spacing, bringing layers N?K and N?K?1 into contact; and transfers the layer N to the second stage. The system repeats this cycle of receiving new layers, inserting interlayer reinforcements using layer spacings between the second and completed layer stages, closing these layer spacings, and transferring layers to construct composite preforms with arbitrary numbers of layers.

Abstract: Methods creating composite preforms with a three-dimensional weaving pattern include stacking material layers and then connecting them with interlayer reinforcements. First and second layers are aligned and separated by a first layer spacing. First interlayer reinforcements are then inserted through at least the first and the second layers. At least a third layer is aligned with at least the first and second layers. Second interlayer reinforcements are inserted through at least the second and third layers, using the first layer spacing between the first and second layers to manipulated the second interlayer reinforcements during insertion. Following the insertion of at least the second interlayer reinforcement, this layer spacing is closed to bring the first and second layers into contact. Further layers and interlayer reinforcements may be added, using additional layer spacings to manipulate additional interlayer reinforcements to form complex three-dimensionally woven composite preforms.

Abstract: Systems and methods fabricate composite preforms in a flat or unfolded format. Following fabrication, the preform is folded and placed in or around a mold for curing. To facilitate folding and produce strong parts, the preform is fabricated with integrated, 3D woven joints at preform edges. These joints connect the folded preform portions to other parts of the preform, such as other unfolded or folded preform portions or internal features. Integrated joints may be flexible to facilitate assembly prior to curing. The unfolded preform design may be generated from a preform model by splitting the preform model at an initial joint location, unfolding the preform model into an unfolded preform, creating joint connectors in the unfolded preform at the initial joint location, determining a fiber layup of the unfolded preform, and generating fabrication data.

Abstract: A system fabricating composite preforms includes a layer assembly stage with a first stage for receiving new layers, such as layer N; and a second stage for holding up to K layers, such as layers N?1 to N-K. An interlayer reinforcement insertion mechanism inserts interlayer reinforcements Q through layer N and the layers N?1 to N-K, using a first layer spacing between layer N-K and layer N-K?1 in a completed layer stage. Following the interlayer reinforcements Q insertion, the layer assembly stage transfers the layer N-K to the completed layer stage; closes the first layer spacing, bringing layers N-K and N-K?1 into contact; and transfers the layer N to the second stage. The system repeats this cycle of receiving new layers, inserting interlayer reinforcements using layer spacings between the second and completed layer stages, closing these layer spacings, and transferring layers to construct composite preforms with arbitrary numbers of layers.

Abstract: Methods creating composite preforms with a three-dimensional weaving pattern include stacking material layers and then connecting them with interlayer reinforcements. First and second layers are aligned and separated by a first layer spacing. First interlayer reinforcements are then inserted through at least the first and the second layers. At least a third layer is aligned with at least the first and second layers. Second interlayer reinforcements are inserted through at least the second and third layers, using the first layer spacing between the first and second layers to manipulated the second interlayer reinforcements during insertion. Following the insertion of at least the second interlayer reinforcement, this layer spacing is closed to bring the first and second layers into contact. Further layers and interlayer reinforcements may be added, using additional layer spacings to manipulate additional interlayer reinforcements to form complex three-dimensionally woven composite preforms.

Abstract: Protective carrying cases for portable and handheld electronic devices include an integrated screen cleaning apparatus. The screen cleaning apparatus may be automatically used when a device is inserted or removed from the protective case. Alternatively, the screen cleaning apparatus may be manually activated by a user as needed. The screen cleaning apparatus is self-contained and cleans the screen and optionally other portions of the electronic device as it is at least partially within the protective case.

Abstract: An electronic device interface provides three different physical user interfaces. Users may fold or unfold the device to reveal one interface and hide the other two. A first module includes a first portion of a first interface. A second module includes a first portion of a second interface. A third module includes a second portions of the first and second interfaces. The second and third modules are folded together to hide the second interface and expose the first interface. The first and third modules are folded together to hide the first interface and expose the second interface. The third interface is exposed when the first and third modules and the second and third modules are folded together, hiding the first and second interfaces. The first modules can include a concave portion matching a convex portion of the third module to maintain a flush profile for the first and second interfaces.