Abstract: A method of applying a viscous material to a fastener comprises aligning a nozzle relative to the fastener by engaging an aligner with the fastener. Engaging the aligner with the fastener comprises positioning the aligner over the fastener and advancing a biasing tube toward the fastener to establish contact between the aligner and a structure to partially retract the aligner into the biasing tube until a plurality of surfaces of the aligner contacts one or more outer surfaces of the fastener. A flexible wall of a dispenser bellows is deflected by expanding a pressure-application device, which is configured to apply pressure on the flexible wall of the dispenser bellows, wherein the dispenser bellows is in fluid communication with the nozzle. The viscous material is expelled from the dispenser bellows responsive to deforming the flexible wall.

Abstract: A sealant containment assembly is configured to bound at least a portion of a fastener pattern between at least two components, such as components used to form at least a portion of an aircraft. The sealant containment assembly includes at least one sealant containment member that is configured to sealingly engage peripheral portions of components. The sealant containment member(s) is configured to form a sealing chamber around at least a portion of the fastener pattern. Fluid sealant is configured to flow into the sealing chamber and cure to seal fasteners within the fastener pattern that connect the components together.

Abstract: One example of the present disclosure relates to a daubing device for applying viscous material to a fastener. The daubing device comprises a housing comprising a first internal face and a second internal face, separated from the first internal face by a longitudinal distance L. The daubing device further comprises a dispenser between the first internal face and the second internal face of the housing. The dispenser comprises a flexible wall. The daubing device also comprises a pressure-application device between the dispenser and the second internal face of the housing.

Abstract: One example of the present disclosure relates to a daubing device for applying viscous material to a fastener. The daubing device comprises a housing comprising a first internal face and a second internal face, separated from the first internal face by a longitudinal distance L. The daubing device further comprises a dispenser between the first internal face and the second internal face of the housing. The dispenser comprises a flexible wall. The daubing device also comprises a pressure-application device between the dispenser and the second internal face of the housing.

Abstract: A sealant containment assembly is configured to bound at least a portion of a fastener pattern between at least two components, such as components used to form at least a portion of an aircraft. The sealant containment assembly includes at least one sealant containment member that is configured to sealingly engage peripheral portions of components. The sealant containment member(s) is configured to form a sealing chamber around at least a portion of the fastener pattern. Fluid sealant is configured to flow into the sealing chamber and cure to seal fasteners within the fastener pattern that connect the components together.

Abstract: One example of the present disclosure relates to a daubing device for applying viscous material to a fastener. The daubing device comprises a housing comprising a first internal face and a second internal face, separated from the first internal face by a longitudinal distance L. The daubing device further comprises a dispenser between the first internal face and the second internal face of the housing. The dispenser comprises a flexible wall. The daubing device also comprises a pressure-application device between the dispenser and the second internal face of the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a sealant. A sealant application system is positioned over a fastener. The sealant application system comprises an elongate member, a first channel, a nozzle, a second channel, and a biasing system. The elongate member has a first end connected to a sealant source for the sealant and a second end. The first channel extends through the elongate member from the first end to the second end. The nozzle has an input associated with the first end of the elongate member and an output. The second channel extends through the nozzle from the input to the output. The first channel is in communication with the second channel. The biasing system is configured to engage an outer surface of the nozzle and move on the outer surface of the nozzle such that the second channel changes shape. The sealant is applied onto the fastener.

Abstract: A method for determining the positional laydown accuracy of an automated lamination machine during fabrication of a multiple layered part is described. The method includes measuring a position of a placement head of the lamination machine in a coordinate system, determining a location of a ply edge with respect to the placement head, transforming the location of the ply edge into the coordinate system, based on the measured head position, transforming the location of the ply edge from the coordinate system into a second coordinate system that is associated with the part being fabricated, and comparing actual ply edge location in the second coordinate system to an expected ply edge location defined in the second coordinate system, the second coordinate system associated with the part being fabricated, to determine the laydown accuracy of the machine.

Abstract: A method for determining the positional laydown accuracy of an automated lamination machine during fabrication of a multiple layered part is described. The method includes measuring a position of a placement head of the lamination machine in a coordinate system, determining a location of a ply edge with respect to the placement head, transforming the location of the ply edge into the coordinate system, based on the measured head position, transforming the location of the ply edge from the coordinate system into a second coordinate system that is associated with the part being fabricated, and comparing actual ply edge location in the second coordinate system to an expected ply edge location defined in the second coordinate system, the second coordinate system associated with the part being fabricated, to determine the laydown accuracy of the machine.