Abstract: A system comprises an optical fiber, a manipulator assembly, and a control unit. The manipulator assembly comprises a chassis, an optical fiber cleaning assembly housed within the chassis, and a drive mechanism housed within the chassis. The optical fiber cleaning assembly comprises a cleaning tape, a first spool on which the cleaning tape is wound, and a second spool onto which the cleaning tape is drawn after use. The drive mechanism is configured to advance the cleaning tape from the first spool to the second spool such that a portion of the cleaning tape wipes a face of the optical fiber. The control unit is configured to control the drive mechanism to advance the cleaning tape.

Abstract: A gravity feed resin delivery system for VARTM fabrication of a fiber-reinforced resin structure formed upon a mold surface. The system is provided with a resin source for dispensing catalyzed liquid resin. A resin manifold is disposed above the mold surface. The resin manifold has a manifold inlet port for receiving the resin from the resin source. The resin manifold further has a plurality of manifold outlet ports lengthwise distributed there along for draining resin therethrough. The system is further provided with a plurality of resin infusion lines which extend between the resin manifold to adjacent the mold surface. Each of the resin infusion lines are in fluid communication with a respective manifold outlet port for receiving resin drained therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting and sorting drills oriented in the same direction in a hopper assembly. The hopper assembly feeds the drills, one at a time, and places them in a predetermined ready location. A camera, part of the inspection assembly, mounted directly over the predetermined ready location, takes preliminary measurements and alerts the system controller that a drill is available for a high resolution second inspection for wear and then for sorting. A robot assembly then picks up the drill from the ready location and orients it in front of two high resolution cameras, also part of the inspection assembly, for a visual inspection for wear. A control assembly then analyzes the results of the inspection and determines the drill size and whether or not it needs to be re-ground. The robot assembly then sorts the drill into an appropriate predetermined bin within a bin assembly as a function of size and wear. The process is then repeated.