Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for shaping sealant applied to a fastener. Tools disclosed herein include a housing that includes a first end, a second end, and a chamber, the first end including a first opening defining a first portion of the chamber, the second end being configured to be coupled to a robotic sealant applicator, the housing further including a second opening configured to transfer a solvent from an external reservoir to the chamber. The tools may also include a porous member included in the chamber, the porous member being configured to store an amount of solvent, the porous member being further configured to apply a designated shape to the sealant applied to the fastener in response to the sealant contacting the porous member, and the porous member being further configured release at least a portion of the solvent in response to the sealant contacting the porous member.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for applying materials at interface areas formed by fasteners and parts. Specifically, a material is delivered to an interface area such that at least a portion of a fastener remains free from this material. The interface area may be sealed such that the material is contained within that area. As such, a controlled amount of the material is dispensed in a precise location. An applicator used for this process may include a housing and inner guide slidably disposed within this housing. The material may be delivered through an annular flow channel between the housing and inner guide. The inner guide may be sealed against and, in some embodiments, centered with respect to the fastener. The housing may be sealed with respect to the part and, in some embodiments, may be rotated with respect to the part to redistribute the material at the interface area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a fluid onto a number of surfaces. In one illustrative example, an apparatus may comprises a base having a number of channels, a number of flexible members extending from the base, and an applicator extending from the base on a same side as the number of flexible members. A flexible member in the number of flexible members may have a fluid channel connected to at least one of the number of channels in the base to allow a fluid flowing through the number of channels to flow out of the fluid channel. The applicator may be configured to apply the fluid flowing out of the number of flexible members onto a number of surfaces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning surfaces of an object. A platform may be moved along a path relative to the object using a robotic device. A liquid may be applied onto the plurality of surfaces of the object using an applicator associated with the platform. The liquid may be worked into the plurality of surfaces using a plurality of cleaning elements associated with the platform to dislodge undesired material from the plurality of surfaces. A plurality of flexible members may be moved along the plurality of surfaces to dry the plurality of surfaces and remove the undesired material from the plurality of surfaces. An airflow may be generated that moves the undesired material into a vacuum duct in a vacuum system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid through a valve. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises an elongate member, an actuation device, and a valve body. The actuation device is configured to move the elongate member, which may be associated with the actuation device, between an open position and a closed position. The valve body is configured for attachment to the actuation device such that the elongate member is positioned within the valve body. Fluid that flows into the valve body from a fluid source is allowed to flow out of the valve body when the elongate member is in the open position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a fluid onto a number of surfaces. In one illustrative example, an apparatus may comprises a base having a number of channels, a number of flexible members extending from the base, and an applicator extending from the base on a same side as the number of flexible members. A flexible member in the number of flexible members may have a fluid channel connected to at least one of the number of channels in the base to allow a fluid flowing through the number of channels to flow out of the fluid channel. The applicator may be configured to apply the fluid flowing out of the number of flexible members onto a number of surfaces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a nozzle to a fluid dispensing system and a tip to the nozzle. In one illustrative example, the fluid dispensing system may be moved by a robotic device towards a nozzle retaining structure having nozzle retaining areas holding nozzles. A nozzle may be selected for use based on a nozzle identifier element corresponding to each of the nozzles. The robotic device may move the fluid dispensing system to the nozzle selected to attach the fluid dispensing system to the nozzle selected. Further, the fluid dispensing system may be moved by a robotic device towards a tip retaining structure having tip retaining areas holding tips. A tip may be selected for use based on a tip identifier element corresponding to each of the tips. The robotic device may move the fluid dispensing system to the tip selected to attach the nozzle to the tip selected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming and shaping a fillet at an interface. A fluid may be dispensed from a nozzle onto the interface as the nozzle is moved along the interface to form the fillet. An exposed surface of the fillet may be worked using a fairing element associated with the nozzle, as the nozzle is moved along the interface and the fluid is dispensed from the nozzle.