Abstract: To fabricate a composite item, a first end effector is selected from a plurality of end effectors to apply tows to a form. The first end effector includes an integrated creel configured to store spools of the tow on an assembly of spindles. The assembly of spindles is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first integrated creel. The first end effector is secured to a positioning device. The tows are applied to the form and the tows are compacted on the form with a compaction device. The assembly of spindles are disposed circumferentially about the compaction device.

Abstract: A control system for a modular reconfigurable numerically controlled machine comprising at least one memory storage device associated with each of a plurality of detachable modular components to store kinematic and connection information about the modular component. The information in the memory storage devices is read and processed by a main processing unit when the modular component is attached to a primary structure of the numerically controlled machine. The control system further comprises a plurality of component actuators, which receive control signals from the main processing unit, to actuate the modular components attached to the numerically controlled machine. A hardware component connector may provide at least one of a physical, electrical, communications, and pneumatic connection between the primary structure of the numerically controlled machine and the modular components.

Abstract: A control system for a modular reconfigurable numerically controlled machine comprising at least one memory storage device associated with each of a plurality of detachable modular components to store kinematic and connection information about the modular component. The information in the memory storage devices is read and processed by a main processing unit when the modular component is attached to a primary structure of the numerically controlled machine. The control system further comprises a plurality of component actuators, which receive control signals from the main processing unit, to actuate the modular components attached to the numerically controlled machine. A hardware component connector may provide at least one of a physical, electrical, communications, and pneumatic connection between the primary structure of the numerically controlled machine and the modular components.

Abstract: To fabricate a composite item, a first end effector is selected from a plurality of end effectors to apply tows to a form. The first end effector includes an integrated creel configured to store spools of the tow on an assembly of spindles. The assembly of spindles is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first integrated creel. The first end effector is secured to a positioning device. The tows are applied to the form and the tows are compacted on the form with a compaction device. The assembly of spindles are disposed circumferentially about the compaction device.

Abstract: A composite item is fabricated with a device. The device includes and end effector and a positioning device. The end effector places a tow. The end effector includes a spindle, compaction device, and a path. The spindle detachably secures a spool of tow and the path is disposed from the spool to the compaction device. The positioning device positions the end effector. The end effector is detachably secured to the positioning device.

Abstract: A method and system for clamping a part in an automated tool to produce the part includes selecting a part for production on an automated tool driving a cutter. Deriving a clamping scenario defines the positioning of a plurality of clamps to fix the part to the automated tool. Generating a numeric controlled cutting program is based upon the part and the clamping scenario. Simulating the running of the numeric controlled program predicts interferences between the cutter and any of the plurality of clamps.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of at least one motion device, where the motion devices comprise at least one controllable element, includes a setup component and at least one motion command component. The setup component is capable of extracting process information from electronic simulation information, and thereafter formatting the process information into neutral process information. The motion command components are each associated with at least one motion device, and are capable of receiving the neutral process information from the setup component. Each motion command component is capable of interpreting the received neutral process information into operation information for the controllable elements of each respective motion device, where the operation information depends on a type of the at least one motion device. Each motion command component is further capable of distributing the operation information to the controllable elements of each respective motion device.

Abstract: A probing system that checks a pattern formed by a plurality of features of an object. The system includes an input device that receives an ideal position and an ideal set of dimensions of each of the plurality of features, as well as an acceptable tolerance for the plurality of features. The input device generates a first signal. A probe device is electrically connected to the input device to receive the first signal, and in response, directs a probe to a location of samples. The probe device outputs a second signal indicative of a measured location of each of the samples.

Abstract: A probing system used for determining a measured set of dimensions of at least one feature of an object. The system comprises an input device that receives an ideal set of dimension of the at least one feature. The input device generates a first signal indicative of an amount and location of sample measurements taken of the at least one feature. The system also comprises a probe device, which is electrically connected to the input device. The probe device receives the first signal from the input device, and in response directs a probe to the location of the measurements to be taken for each of the amount of sample measurements indicated. The probe device outputs a second signal indicative of a measured location for each of the amount of samples taken. The system further comprises a processor electrically connected to the probe device.