Abstract: A device to assemble a skin and a frame of an aircraft fuselage. The device includes first and second brace members that extend along opposing sides of a gap. Arches are spaced apart and fixedly connected to the first and second brace members and that extend across the gap. A strongback is attached to and movable along the first and second brace members with the strongback having a curved shape that matches the plurality of arches. The strongback includes clamps configured to engage with the frame. First and second tension devices apply tension to the skin at the strongback.

Abstract: A device to assemble a skin and a frame of an aircraft fuselage. The device includes first and second brace members that extend along opposing sides of a gap. Arches are spaced apart and fixedly connected to the first and second brace members and that extend across the gap. A strongback is attached to and movable along the first and second brace members with the strongback having a curved shape that matches the plurality of arches. The strongback includes clamps configured to engage with the frame. First and second tension devices apply tension to the skin at the strongback.

Abstract: A device to assemble a skin and a frame of an aircraft fuselage. The device includes first and second brace members that extend along opposing sides of a gap. Arches are spaced apart and fixedly connected to the first and second brace members and that extend across the gap. A strongback is attached to and movable along the first and second brace members with the strongback having a curved shape that matches the plurality of arches. The strongback includes clamps configured to engage with the frame. First and second tension devices apply tension to the skin at the strongback.

Abstract: A method and structure for processing a plurality of prepreg sheets includes a conveyor assembly having a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and a processing zone positioned between the first and second conveyors. In an implementation, a plurality of prepreg sheets are advanced from a plurality of material supply creels into the processing zone by a first conveyor and a second conveyor turning in opposite directions. Within the processing zone, a compressive pressure is applied to the prepreg sheets by first pressure plates attached to first conveyor and second pressure plates attached to the second conveyor. A thermoplastic within the prepreg sheets is melted within the processing zone by a heater to consolidate the prepreg sheets into a consolidated laminate.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a splice component for joining two or more workpieces includes a base plate and one or more bias assemblies. The base plate includes one or more passageways extending through the base plate and one or more barrier elements mounted proximate to the passageway(s). Each barrier element and associated passageway are configured to freely receive a protrusion of a splice component. The bias assembly includes a bias element that extends proximate to the passageway and is configured to move resiliently to urge the protrusion against the barrier element. The passageway, the barrier element, and the bias assembly are configured to allow movement of the splice component relative to the base plate transverse to a direction of force applied by the bias element on the protrusion.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a splice component for joining two or more workpieces includes a base plate and one or more bias assemblies. The base plate includes one or more passageways extending through the base plate and one or more barrier elements mounted proximate to the passageway(s). Each barrier element and associated passageway are configured to freely receive a protrusion of a splice component. The bias assembly includes a bias element that extends proximate to the passageway and is configured to move resiliently to urge the protrusion against the barrier element. The passageway, the barrier element, and the bias assembly are configured to allow movement of the splice component relative to the base plate transverse to a direction of force applied by the bias element on the protrusion.

Abstract: A method and structure for processing a plurality of prepreg sheets includes a conveyor assembly having a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and a processing zone positioned between the first and second conveyors. In an implementation, a plurality of prepreg sheets are advanced from a plurality of material supply creels into the processing zone by a first conveyor and a second conveyor turning in opposite directions. Within the processing zone, a compressive pressure is applied to the prepreg sheets by first pressure plates attached to first conveyor and second pressure plates attached to the second conveyor. A thermoplastic within the prepreg sheets is melted within the processing zone by a heater to consolidate the prepreg sheets into a consolidated laminate.