Abstract: An apparatus including a pneumatic system; an energy harvesting unit configured to generate electrical energy from a compressed gas in the pneumatic system; a battery connected to the energy harvesting unit; a sensor disposed to detect a first parameter regarding operation of the energy harvesting unit; and a controller connected to the sensor and the energy harvesting unit. The sensor and the controller are powered by the energy harvesting unit. The controller is configured to control the energy harvesting unit and to process measurements for the first parameter detected by the sensor. The controller is further programmed with a learning system configured to diagnose an operational condition of the energy harvesting unit based on the measurements for the first parameter, and to issue a command to the controller based on the operational condition.

Abstract: Apparatuses include first and second monolithic members that are coupled together, that are configured to move relative to each other, and that are configured so that they cannot be decoupled from each other without destruction of one or both of the two monolithic members. Apparatuses further include a third monolithic member configured to be selectively coupled to at least one of the first monolithic member and the second monolithic member. Methods of forming and using such apparatuses also are disclosed. Some monolithic members are formed utilizing an additive manufacturing process so that they are restricted from being decoupled from each other. Some apparatuses define clamps. Some clamps are used to precisely align laser projection alignment targets for use with laser projection alignment systems.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a laser projection apparatus and a fastener installation apparatus. The laser projection apparatus is configured to project an identifier of an instruction set including one or more instructions for installing a fastener or fastener collar on a structure, with the laser projection apparatus being configured to project the identifier onto the structure about a location at which the respective fastener or fastener collar is to be installed. The fastener installation apparatus is configured to capture an image of the projected identifier from the structure, determine the identifier from the captured image, and retrieve the instruction set based on the determined identifier. The fastener installation apparatus includes a tool for installing the respective fastener or fastener collar, and the fastener installation apparatus is configured to program the tool according to the retrieved instruction set.

Abstract: An apparatus including a pneumatic system; an energy harvesting unit configured to generate electrical energy from a compressed gas in the pneumatic system; a battery connected to the energy harvesting unit; a sensor disposed to detect a first parameter regarding operation of the energy harvesting unit; and a controller connected to the sensor and the energy harvesting unit. The sensor and the controller are powered by the energy harvesting unit. The controller is configured to control the energy harvesting unit and to process measurements for the first parameter detected by the sensor. The controller is further programmed with a learning system configured to diagnose an operational condition of the energy harvesting unit based on the measurements for the first parameter, and to issue a command to the controller based on the operational condition.

Abstract: Apparatuses include first and second monolithic members that are coupled together, that are configured to move relative to each other, and that are configured so that they cannot be decoupled from each other without destruction of one or both of the two monolithic members. Apparatuses further include a third monolithic member configured to be selectively coupled to at least one of the first monolithic member and the second monolithic member. Methods of forming and using such apparatuses also are disclosed. Some monolithic members are formed utilizing an additive manufacturing process so that they are restricted from being decoupled from each other. Some apparatuses define clamps. Some clamps are used to precisely align laser projection alignment targets for use with laser projection alignment systems.

Abstract: Apparatuses include first and second monolithic members that are coupled together, that are configured to move relative to each other, and that are configured so that they cannot be decoupled from each other without destruction of one or both of the two monolithic members. Apparatuses further include a third monolithic member configured to be selectively coupled to at least one of the first monolithic member and the second monolithic member. Methods of forming and using such apparatuses also are disclosed. Some monolithic members are formed utilizing an additive manufacturing process so that they are restricted from being decoupled from each other. Some apparatuses define clamps. Some clamps are used to precisely align laser projection alignment targets for use with laser projection alignment systems.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for controlling and extinguishing ignited or ignitable metals and/or metal-containing compounds in a container comprising predetermined amounts of releasable fire suppressant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a pneumatic system. A number of parameters are monitored using a monitoring device connected to the pneumatic system, an energy harvesting unit configured to generate electrical energy from a gas in the pneumatic system, and a controller. The monitoring device comprises a number of sensors configured to detect the number of parameters. The controller is in communication with the number of sensors and the energy harvesting unit and is configured to process measurements for the number of parameters detected by the number of sensors and control operation of the energy harvesting unit. The number of sensors and the controller are powered by the energy harvesting unit. The monitoring device is powered using the electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a pneumatic system. A number of parameters are monitored using a monitoring device connected to the pneumatic system, an energy harvesting unit configured to generate electrical energy from a gas in the pneumatic system, and a controller. The monitoring device comprises a number of sensors configured to detect the number of parameters. The controller is in communication with the number of sensors and the energy harvesting unit and is configured to process measurements for the number of parameters detected by the number of sensors and control operation of the energy harvesting unit. The number of sensors and the controller are powered by the energy harvesting unit. The monitoring device is powered using the electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting unit.

Abstract: Apparatuses include first and second monolithic members that are coupled together, that are configured to move relative to each other, and that are configured so that they cannot be decoupled from each other without destruction of one or both of the two monolithic members. Apparatuses further include a third monolithic member configured to be selectively coupled to at least one of the first monolithic member and the second monolithic member. Methods of forming and using such apparatuses also are disclosed. Some monolithic members are formed utilizing an additive manufacturing process so that they are restricted from being decoupled from each other. Some apparatuses define clamps. Some clamps are used to precisely align laser projection alignment targets for use with laser projection alignment systems.

Abstract: Apparatuses include two monolithic members that are coupled together, that are configured to move relative to each other, and that are configured so that they cannot be decoupled from each other without alteration of one or both of the two monolithic members. Methods of forming and using such apparatuses also are disclosed. Some monolithic members are formed utilizing an additive manufacturing method so that they are restricted from being decoupled from each other. Some apparatuses define clamps. Some clamps are used to precisely align laser projection alignment targets for use with laser projection alignment systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are used to visually recognize and install fasteners on a structure. An electronic image of the fastener is recorded, and is processed by a computer operated image recognition program to identify the fastener. The computer provides installation instructions and an installation tool based on the identity of the fastener.

Abstract: The advantageous embodiments comprise an apparatus to manage a current. An alternating current is received from an energy harvesting device configured to generate the alternating current. The alternating current received from the energy harvesting device is converted to a direct current. A voltage of the alternating current is increased. The direct current is adjusted to a desired current.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a laser projection apparatus and a fastener installation apparatus. The laser projection apparatus is configured to project an identifier of an instruction set including one or more instructions for installing a fastener or fastener collar on a structure, with the laser projection apparatus being configured to project the identifier onto the structure about a location at which the respective fastener or fastener collar is to be installed. The fastener installation apparatus is configured to capture an image of the projected identifier from the structure, determine the identifier from the captured image, and retrieve the instruction set based on the determined identifier. The fastener installation apparatus includes a tool for installing the respective fastener or fastener collar, and the fastener installation apparatus is configured to program the tool according to the retrieved instruction set.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a housing, a spindle system located in the housing, a tool guide associated with the housing, and a magnetic unit associated with the housing. The spindle system may be capable of rotating a tool about an axis of rotation. The tool guide may be capable of engaging a receptacle at a location on a workpiece. The magnetic unit may be capable of securing the tool guide in the receptacle when the tool guide is engaged with the receptacle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a fastener system. A fastener installation tool may be placed on a surface of an object. An elongate structure may be attached to the fastener installation tool and may have a length. A camera may be associated with the fastener installation tool in which the camera may be configured with a focal length corresponding to the length of the elongate structure. The camera also may be configured to capture an image at least a portion of the fastener system when the elongate structure is placed against the surface of the object on which the fastener system is located. The image of the at least a portion of fastener system may be captured.

Abstract: A hydraulic subassembly is preassembled outside the vehicle into which it is later installed, using an assembly tool. The components of the subassembly are fastened in predetermined positions on the assembly tool, following which hydraulic connections are made between the components. The completed subassembly is fastened to a pickup tool and then disconnected from the assembly tool, allowing an assembly operator to lift the subassembly away from the assembly tool and carry it to the vehicle for installation. The pickup tool is also used to position and hold the subassembly within the vehicle while the subassembly is being connected to hydraulic systems on the vehicle. Following installation of the subassembly, the pickup tool is unfastened from the subassembly and removed from the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are used to visually recognize and install fasteners on a structure. An electronic image of the fastener is recorded, and is processed by a computer operated image recognition program to identify the fastener. The computer provides installation instructions an installation tool based on the identity of the fastener.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a fastener system. A fastener installation tool may be placed on a surface of an object. An elongate structure may be attached to the fastener installation tool and may have a length. A camera may be associated with the fastener installation tool in which the camera may be configured with a focal length corresponding to the length of the elongate structure. The camera also may be configured to capture an image at least a portion of the fastener system when the elongate structure is placed against the surface of the object on which the fastener system is located. The image of the at least a portion of fastener system may be captured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a pneumatic system. A number of parameters are monitored using a monitoring device connected to the pneumatic system, an energy harvesting unit configured to generate electrical energy from a gas in the pneumatic system, and a controller. The monitoring device comprises a number of sensors configured to detect the number of parameters. The controller is in communication with the number of sensors and the energy harvesting unit and is configured to process measurements for the number of parameters detected by the number of sensors and control operation of the energy harvesting unit. The number of sensors and the controller are powered by the energy harvesting unit. The monitoring device is powered using the electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting unit.