Abstract: Composite fasteners, associated blanks and also methods and apparatus for the installation of such fasteners are disclosed. An exemplary composite rivet disclosed comprises an elongated body including braided reinforcement fibers embedded inside the body and supported in a matrix material. Also disclosed are structural assemblies comprising composite fasteners and panels or other parts comprising composite and/or other materials.

Abstract: Composite fasteners, associated blanks and also methods and apparatus for the installation of such fasteners are disclosed. An exemplary composite rivet (10) disclosed comprises an elongated body including braided reinforcement fibers (14) embedded inside the body and supported in a matrix material (16). Also disclosed are structural assemblies comprising composite fasteners and panels or other parts comprising composite and/or other materials.

Abstract: A method and device of positioning a ply of material for a composite component along an arcuate surface are presented. The ply comprises two end portions and a plurality of fiber tows extending longitudinally between the two end portions. The arcuate surface has a curved edge and a planar surface extending from the curved edge. The method comprises placing a first longitudinal edge portion of the ply along the curved edge; and rotating at least one of the two end portions away from the arcuate surface about a pivot axis normal to the ply, so as to cause sliding of at least some of the plurality of fiber tows relative to each other, and substantial aligning of the plurality of fiber tows in a curved direction along the arcuate surface. A method of positioning a ply of material for a composite component onto a curved mandrel is also presented.

Abstract: A method and device of positioning a ply of material for a composite component along an arcuate surface are presented. The ply comprises two end portions and a plurality of fiber tows extending longitudinally between the two end portions. The arcuate surface has a curved edge and a planar surface extending from the curved edge. The method comprises placing a first longitudinal edge portion of the ply along the curved edge; and rotating at least one of the two end portions away from the arcuate surface about a pivot axis normal to the ply, so as to cause sliding of at least some of the plurality of fiber tows relative to each other, and substantial aligning of the plurality of fiber tows in a curved direction along the arcuate surface. A method of positioning a ply of material for a composite component onto a curved mandrel is also presented.

Abstract: A method and device of positioning a ply of material for a composite component along an arcuate surface are presented. The ply comprises two end portions and a plurality of fiber tows extending longitudinally between the two end portions. The arcuate surface has a curved edge and a planar surface extending from the curved edge. The method comprises placing a first longitudinal edge portion of the ply along the curved edge; and rotating at least one of the two end portions away from the arcuate surface about a pivot axis normal to the ply, so as to cause sliding of at least some of the plurality of fiber tows relative to each other, and substantial aligning of the plurality of fiber tows in a curved direction along the arcuate surface. A method of positioning a ply of material for a composite component onto a curved mandrel is also presented.

Abstract: Composite fasteners, associated blanks and also methods and apparatus for the installation of such fasteners are disclosed. An exemplary composite rivet (10) disclosed comprises an elongated body including braided reinforcement fibers (14) embedded inside the body and supported in a matrix material (16). Also disclosed are structural assemblies comprising composite fasteners and panels or other parts comprising composite and/or other materials.

Abstract: A device (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) for curing a composite material, including a heating unit support (12, 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612a, 612b, 612c) supporting a plurality of heating units (16) each having a radiant heat source directed toward a corresponding portion of a heating volume (V) with at least some of the heating units (16) being controllable independently of one another. The heating volume (V) is formed by the combination of radiations emitted by the heating units (16) when the heating units are powered. A mold support (14, 114, 314, 414, 514, 614) is configured to retain a mold (11311, 411, 511) containing the composite material to be cured such that the mold is separated from the heating units (16) by a planar section (S) of the heating volume (V). A method and a control system for curing first component made of composite material using radiant energy are also disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to a patch panel for networking components. The patch panel may facilitate access to the rear ports of the networking components. In one example, the patch panel may include a body and a face, and may mount to the networking component. Once mounted, one or more jumpers may be connected to rear ports on the component as well as connection interfaces mounted on the face of the patch panel. In this way, the rear ports may be accessible from the front of the component by the connection interfaces.

Abstract: This invention provides a manipulator for positioning a test head relative to a prober or other reference. The manipulator has a frame; a linkage coupled to the frame and including first and second links having freedom of rotation about respective pivots and a third link coupled to the first and second links such that the third link has translational and rotational degrees of freedom of movement; and an adaptor coupled to the third link and configured to attach to a test head. The invention also provides a method of controlling the manipulator.

Abstract: This invention provides a manipulator for positioning a test head relative to a prober or other reference. The manipulator has a frame; a linkage coupled to the frame and including first and second links having freedom of rotation about respective pivots and a third link coupled to the first and second links such that the third link has translational and rotational degrees of freedom of movement; and an adaptor coupled to the third link and configured to attach to a test head. The invention also provides a method of controlling the manipulator.

Abstract: A composite sandwich structure is provided. The composite includes a first thermoplastic layer, such as a thermoplastic polyolefin, having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the first thermoplastic layer does not include a UV stabilizer. A second thermoplastic layer, such as a thermoplastic polyolefin, is spaced and opposed from the first thermoplastic layer, and includes an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the second thermoplastic layer does not include a UV stabilizer. First and second UV-curable tie layers are disposed on the inner surfaces of the first and second thermoplastic layers. First and second UV-curable adhesive layers are disposed on the first and second tie layers. First and second reinforcement layers, such as fiberglass, are disposed on the first and second adhesive layers. A foam layer, such as polyurethane foam, is disposed between the first and second tie layers.

Abstract: This invention provides a manipulator for positioning a test head relative to a prober or other reference. The manipulator has a frame; a linkage coupled to the frame and including first and second links having freedom of rotation about respective pivots and a third link coupled to the first and second links such that the third link has translational and rotational degrees of freedom of movement; and an adaptor coupled to the third link and configured to attach to a test head. The invention also provides a method of controlling the manipulator.

Abstract: A resin transfer system having an automatic vent system operably associated therewith is provided. The automatic vent system is operable to selectively engage once a predetermined amount of mouldable material has been introduced into the resin transfer system. The automatic vent system can also selectively remove or purge any excess materials, such as excess resin, from the resin transfer system, without having to manually clean any conduits or catch pots.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite structure has two molded outer polymeric layers spaced apart from each other and defining a cavity therebetween. Each molded outer polymeric layer defines a sealing surface extending about a periphery of the respective layer, and the opposing sealing surfaces cooperate to define a hermetic seal extending about a periphery of the cavity. One or more multi-directional fiber reinforcement layers are adhesively attached in a discontinuous manner to each outer polymeric layer, and define a first region of the cavity extending between each respective outer polymeric layer and adjacent fiber reinforcement layer, and a second region of the cavity extending between the fiber reinforcement layers. A core is located between the two outer polymeric layers, and is made of a resinous core material capable of exhibiting a foamed character and a resinous character.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a composite structure involves providing at least two polymeric sheets as outer layers such that a cavity is formed therebetween, adhesively bonding fibrous layers to the polymeric layers to hold the fibrous layers in place during processing, and injecting into the cavity a polymeric core material capable of exhibiting a foamed character and a resinous character. The cavity is evacuated during filling with the core material, and a blowing agent of the core material is activated upon exposure to the evacuated cavity. The core material contacting the fibrous layers is reconverted to its resinous character and forms a relative dense, resinous interface between the core and fibrous layers. Upon filling the region of the cavity between the fibrous layers, a catalytic reaction is initiated in the core.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite structure has two molded outer polymeric layers spaced apart from each other and defining a cavity therebetween. Each molded outer polymeric layer defines a sealing surface extending about a periphery of the respective layer, and the opposing sealing surfaces cooperate to define a hermetic seal extending about a periphery of the cavity. One or more multi-directional fiber reinforcement layers are adhesively attached in a discontinuous manner to each outer polymeric layer, and define a first region of the cavity extending between each respective outer polymeric layer and adjacent fiber reinforcement layer, and a second region of the cavity extending between the fiber reinforcement layers. A core is located between the two outer polymeric layers, and is made of a resinous core material capable of exhibiting a foamed character and a resinous character.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite structure has two molded outer polymeric layers spaced apart from each other and defining a cavity therebetween. Each molded outer polymeric layer defines a sealing surface extending about a periphery of the respective layer, and the opposing sealing surfaces cooperate to define a hermetic seal extending about a periphery of the cavity. One or more multi-directional fiber reinforcement layers are adhesively attached in a discontinuous manner to each outer polymeric layer, and define a first region of the cavity extending between each respective outer polymeric layer and adjacent fiber reinforcement layer, and a second region of the cavity extending between the fiber reinforcement layers. A core is located between the two outer polymeric layers, and is made of a resinous core material capable of exhibiting a foamed character and a resinous character.

Abstract: A semiconductor tester is disclosed that is adapted for testing semiconductor devices disposed on a handling apparatus. The semiconductor tester includes a tester housing defining a self-supporting frame and formed with an externally accessible opening adapted for receiving the handling apparatus. A test controller is disposed within the housing and carried by the frame. Pin electronics including tester circuitry are responsive to the test controller and proximately coupled thereto and mounted to the frame. A docking apparatus is disposed above the opening and is adapted to couple the tester circuitry to the handling apparatus.