Abstract: An apparatus for laminating a fabric material to a part broadly comprises a vacuum table, a cutting element, a plurality of pinch rollers, and a plurality of compaction rollers. The vacuum table receives the fabric material from a supply spool and retains the material while the cutting element cuts scrap material from the sides of the fabric material. The pinch rollers receive the fabric material after the scrap material has been cut and are configured to stretch the fabric material from a center line outward toward the edges of the material. The compaction rollers receive the fabric material from the pinch rollers and are configured to press the fabric material against a surface of the part.

Abstract: An extremely durable, stable and fast-curing elastomeric composition suitable for coating all types of architectural glass is disclosed.

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: Systems and methods for exchanging information between a customer and a supplier are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a customer system that receives customer data from a customer, and a corresponding supplier system that receives supplier data generated by the supplier. A communications system between the customer system and the supplier system permits data to be interchanged. In another embodiment, a method includes accessing one of a customer system and a supplier system, and identifying information residing on one of the customer system and the supplier system. A transfer of the identified information is then requested so that the identified information is transferred over the communications network. In still another embodiment, a method includes authorizing a user to gain access to the system, and selecting a desired functional operation on the system. The selected functional operation is then transmitted.

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.