Abstract: A system for validating seal integrity includes a part forming tool having a supporting surface against which a composite part is formed and a surrounding surface. A caul sheet overlays the part. A vacuum bag is coupled to a perimeter of the caul sheet and disposed against the surrounding surface. The vacuum bag is coupled to the surrounding surface via an outer seal and an outer vacuum chamber is defined between the surrounding surface and the vacuum bag. An inner seal couples the vacuum bag to a perimeter of the caul sheet such that an inner vacuum chamber is defined between the caul sheet, the vacuum bag, and the supporting surface. A flow sensor is fluidically coupled with each vacuum chamber. A valve is selectively operable to fluidically couple and decouple the chamber and the vacuum source and/or to fluidically couple and decouple the chamber and an atmospheric pressure source.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and methods for providing flowable material to a part-forming fixture. The apparatus comprising a tool manifold and a fixture manifold. The tool manifold comprises a tool-manifold base and a plurality of tool fittings extending through the tool-manifold base. The fixture manifold comprises a fixture-manifold base and a plurality of fixture fittings extending through the fixture-manifold base. An interface end of each one of the plurality of tool fittings is removably attachable to an interface end of a corresponding one of the plurality of fixture fittings such that, when attached, a seal is created between the tool fittings and the corresponding fixture fitting and flowable material is flowable from each one of the tool fittings into the corresponding one of the fixture fittings.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and methods for providing flowable material to a part-forming fixture. The apparatus comprising a tool manifold and a fixture manifold. The tool manifold comprises a tool-manifold base and a plurality of tool fittings extending through the tool-manifold base. The fixture manifold comprises a fixture-manifold base and a plurality of fixture fittings extending through the fixture-manifold base. An interface end of each one of the plurality of tool fittings is removably attachable to an interface end of a corresponding one of the plurality of fixture fittings such that, when attached, a seal is created between the tool fittings and the corresponding fixture fitting and flowable material is flowable from each one of the tool fittings into the corresponding one of the fixture fittings.

Abstract: A system for validating seal integrity includes a part forming tool having a supporting surface against which a composite part is formed and a surrounding surface. A caul sheet overlays the part. A vacuum bag is coupled to a perimeter of the caul sheet and disposed against the surrounding surface. The vacuum bag is coupled to the surrounding surface via an outer seal and an outer vacuum chamber is defined between the surrounding surface and the vacuum bag. An inner seal couples the vacuum bag to a perimeter of the caul sheet such that an inner vacuum chamber is defined between the caul sheet, the vacuum bag, and the supporting surface. A flow sensor is fluidically coupled with each vacuum chamber. A valve is selectively operable to fluidically couple and decouple the chamber and the vacuum source and/or to fluidically couple and decouple the chamber and an atmospheric pressure source.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and methods for providing flowable material to a part-forming fixture. The apparatus comprising a tool manifold and a fixture manifold. The tool manifold comprises a tool-manifold base and a plurality of tool fittings extending through the tool-manifold base. The fixture manifold comprises a fixture-manifold base and a plurality of fixture fittings extending through the fixture-manifold base. An interface end of each one of the plurality of tool fittings is removably attachable to an interface end of a corresponding one of the plurality of fixture fittings such that, when attached, a seal is created between the tool fittings and the corresponding fixture fitting and flowable material is flowable from each one of the tool fittings into the corresponding one of the fixture fittings.

Abstract: A part transfer system includes a movable support, a plurality of arms coupled to the movable support, and an end effector coupled to each of the plurality of arms. The end effector includes a body and a plurality of dividers each coupled to the body. The plurality of dividers divides the body into a plurality of partitions. The end effector includes a plurality of vacuum ports each in fluid communication with one of the plurality of partitions. The part transfer system further includes a vacuum source in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of vacuum ports. Each of the plurality of vacuum ports is configured to draw a fluid from the plurality of partitions to establish a vacuum between the end effector and a part that is engaged with the end effector, thereby securing the part to the end effector.