Abstract: A part transfer system includes a robotic arm, and an end effector attached to the robotic arm. The end effector includes a locating pin that is operable to engage an existing part feature of a part. The presence of the existing part feature is required for the intended use of the part, and therefore serves a function of the part other than a transfer function. The existing part feature defines a circular aperture disposed on a feature plane. The locating pin includes an engagement portion that extends along a longitudinal axis of the at least one locating pin. The engagement portion includes a diameter that is tapered along the longitudinal axis such that the engagement portion of the locating pin engages a radial inner edge of the circular aperture on the feature plane along an approximately annular contact ring disposed about a circumference of the tapered portion.

Abstract: A method of determining the accuracy and repeatability of leak testing instrumentation comprises the following steps: providing a two chamber vessel having an access port and a flow controlling reference orifice associated with each chamber and a third reference orifice communicating between the two chambers, providing a leak testing device and connecting such leak testing device first to one of such ports, pressurizing the associated chamber and, with the associated orifice open, observing and recording the pressure measured by the leak testing device under test as a function of time. The second test repeats this activity with the other chamber and the other orifice. A third test is undertaken with the third orifice open. One of the chambers is smaller and incorporates a smaller orifice and the other chamber is larger and incorporates a larger orifice thus achieving leak testing under different conditions.

Abstract: A reconfigurable leak testing system is provided that includes a leak testing station and at least one off-shuttle cart removably attachable to the leak testing station. A fixture cartridge is translatable between the off-shuttle cart and the leak testing station. The fixture cartridge is configured to selectively couple with the leak testing station. The fixture cartridge includes an upper fixture, a lower fixture, and an actuatable testing feature. The fixture cartridge is configured to receive a part between the upper fixture and lower fixture. The actuatable testing feature is configured to contact the part. A closed volume is defined at least partially by the actuatable testing feature and the part.

Abstract: A seal testing apparatus includes a clamp assembly which receives, secures and rotates a piston and seal assembly, a mandrel which extends into the seal assembly and supports a guide which carries a spring biased sensing probe or tooth which is oriented along the axis of the mandrel. In another embodiment, the components are the similar except that the probe or tooth is disposed in the mandrel and extends circumferentially. In both embodiments, data from an optical, laser or acoustic sensor is analyzed to determine the integrity of the piston seal. Yet another embodiment includes an arbor which rotates the seal and an adjacent contra-rotating cylinder having a conical mirror. As the seal, arbor and cylinder rotate, light reflected off the mirror and the seal, and returned to the mirror and a sensor provide data which is again analyzed to determine the integrity of the piston seal.

Abstract: A part transfer system includes a robotic arm, and an end effector attached to the robotic arm. The end effector includes a locating pin that is operable to engage an existing part feature of a part. The presence of the existing part feature is required for the intended use of the part, and therefore serves a function of the part other than a transfer function. The existing part feature defines a circular aperture disposed on a feature plane. The locating pin includes an engagement portion that extends along a longitudinal axis of the at least one locating pin. The engagement portion includes a diameter that is tapered along the longitudinal axis such that the engagement portion of the locating pin engages a radial inner edge of the circular aperture on the feature plane along an approximately annular contact ring disposed about a circumference of the tapered portion.

Abstract: A reconfigurable leak testing system includes a leak testing station, an off-shuttle disposed adjacent to the leak testing station, and a fixture cartridge that is translatable between the off-shuttle and the leak testing station. The fixture cartridge is configured to selectively couple with the leak testing station and includes an upper fixture, a lower fixture, and a plurality of actuatable testing features. The fixture cartridge is configured to receive a part between the upper fixture and lower fixture, and the plurality of actuatable testing features are configured to contact the received part to create a closed volume adjacent the part, wherein the closed volume may be pressurized via a pressurized fluid, and examined for leaks.

Abstract: A seal testing apparatus includes a clamp assembly which receives, secures and rotates a piston and seal assembly, a mandrel which extends into the seal assembly and supports a guide which carries a spring biased sensing probe or tooth which is oriented along the axis of the mandrel. In another embodiment, the components are the similar except that the probe or tooth is disposed in the mandrel and extends circumferentially. In both embodiments, data from an optical, laser or acoustic sensor is analyzed to determine the integrity of the piston seal. Yet another embodiment includes an arbor which rotates the seal and an adjacent contra-rotating cylinder having a conical mirror. As the seal, arbor and cylinder rotate, light reflected off the mirror and the seal, and returned to the mirror and a sensor provide data which is again analyzed to determine the integrity of the piston seal.

Abstract: A method of determining the accuracy and repeatability of leak testing instrumentation comprises the following steps: providing a two chamber vessel having an access port and a flow controlling reference orifice associated with each chamber and a third reference orifice communicating between the two chambers, providing a leak testing device and connecting such leak testing device first to one of such ports, pressurizing the associated chamber and, with the associated orifice open, observing and recording the pressure measured by the leak testing device under test as a function of time. The second test repeats this activity with the other chamber and the other orifice. A third test is undertaken with the third orifice open. One of the chambers is smaller and incorporates a smaller orifice and the other chamber is larger and incorporates a larger orifice thus achieving leak testing under different conditions.

Abstract: A reconfigurable leak testing system is provided that includes a leak testing station and at least one off-shuttle cart removably attachable to the leak testing station. A fixture cartridge is translatable between the off-shuttle cart and the leak testing station. The fixture cartridge is configured to selectively couple with the leak testing station. The fixture cartridge includes an upper fixture, a lower fixture, and an actuatable testing feature. The fixture cartridge is configured to receive a part between the upper fixture and lower fixture. The actuatable testing feature is configured to contact the part. A closed volume is defined at least partially by the actuatable testing feature and the part.

Abstract: A reconfigurable leak testing system includes a leak testing station, an off-shuttle disposed adjacent to the leak testing station, and a fixture cartridge that is translatable between the off-shuttle and the leak testing station. The fixture cartridge is configured to selectively couple with the leak testing station and includes an upper fixture, a lower fixture, and a plurality of actuatable testing features. The fixture cartridge is configured to receive a part between the upper fixture and lower fixture, and the plurality of actuatable testing features are configured to contact the received part to create a closed volume adjacent the part, wherein the closed volume may be pressurized via a pressurized fluid, and examined for leaks.