Abstract: A mask material is readily discernible from a substrate to which the mask material is applied. The mask material may have a discernible characteristic, such as its color, luminescence or the like, which may render it visibly distinct from the substrate or detectable using automated inspection equipment. The discernible characteristic of the mask material may render it detectable through a protective coating.

Abstract: A method for applying a protective coating to selected portions of a substrate is disclosed. The method includes applying a mask to or forming a mask on at least one portion of the substrate that is not to be covered with the protective coating. The mask may be selectively formed by applying a flowable material to the substrate. Alternatively, the mask may be formed from a preformed film. With the mask in place, the protective coating may be applied to the substrate and the mask. A portion of the protective coating that overlies the mask may be delineated from other portions of the protective coating; for example, by cutting, weakening or removing material from the protective coating at locations at or adjacent to the perimeter of the mask. The portion of the protective coating that overlies the mask, and the mask, may then be removed from the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems that enable selective removal of protective coatings from substrates are disclosed. Such a material removal system may use pressurized solid carbon dioxide (CO2) (i.e., dry ice) to remove a selected portion of a protective coating from a substrate. The material removal system may include one or more templates that provide selectivity in removing protective coatings from one or more substrates, fixtures for holding one or more substrates in place while material removal processes occur and apparatuses for positioning one or more substrates at desired locations in material removal systems.

Abstract: Remote control arena and systems for enabling first-person view (FPV) within the remote control arena are provided. The remote control arena can be configured to allow a number of users to participate in various games using their remote control vehicles. The remote control arena can include a rounded interface between the floor and the walls to thereby allow the remote control vehicles to drive up the walls while participating in a game. The walls may be transparent to allow the users to view their vehicles from outside the arena. The remote control arena may include a number of cockpits in which the users may sit to control their vehicles using FPV techniques.

Abstract: Processes for masking electronic devices, including, but not limited to, electronic subassemblies, prior to the application of protective coatings to the electronic devices are disclosed. Such processes include the use of a plurality of different masking techniques in combination to mask the electronic device. Different masking techniques may be used to mask different features and/or components of the electronic device. Some features and/or components may be masked by way of two or more masking techniques. With one or more masks in place, an electronic device may be protectively coated. After a protective coating has been applied to the electronic device, at least a portion of the mask(s) may be removed from the electronic device. Protectively coated electronic devices may then be assembled with one another.

Abstract: Processes for masking electronic devices, including, but not limited to, electronic subassemblies, prior to the application of protective coatings to the electronic devices are disclosed. Such processes include the use of a plurality of different masking techniques in combination to mask the electronic device. Different masking techniques may be used to mask different features and/or components of the electronic device. Some features and/or components may be masked by way of two or more masking techniques. With one or more masks in place, an electronic device may be protectively coated. After a protective coating has been applied to the electronic device, at least a portion of the mask(s) may be removed from the electronic device. Protectively coated electronic devices may then be assembled with one another.

Abstract: A method and system for installing rivets is disclosed. The method involves positioning a rivet through a structure to be joined. The method further involves positioning a first rivet gun on a first side of the rivet and positioning a second rivet gun on a second side of the rivet. The method also involves synchronizing firing of the first and second rivet guns, so as to cancel forces that otherwise would propagate into the structure during installation of the rivet.

Abstract: A method for selectively removing portions of a protective coating from a substrate, such as an electronic device, includes removing portions of the protective coating from the substrate. The removal process may include cutting the protective coating at specific locations, then removing desired portions of the protective coating from the substrate, or it may include ablating the portions of the protective coating that are to be removed. Coating and removal systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems that enable selective removal of protective coatings from substrates are disclosed. Such a material removal system may use pressurized solid carbon dioxide (CO2) (i.e., dry ice) to remove a selected portion of a protective coating from a substrate. The material removal system may include one or more templates that provide selectivity in removing protective coatings from one or more substrates, fixtures for holding one or more substrates in place while material removal processes occur and apparatuses for positioning one or more substrates at desired locations in material removal systems.

Abstract: A method and system for installing rivets is disclosed. The method involves positioning a rivet through a structure to be joined. The method further involves positioning a first rivet gun on a first side of the rivet and positioning a second rivet gun on a second side of the rivet. The method also involves synchronizing firing of the first and second rivet guns, so as to cancel forces that otherwise would propagate into the structure during installation of the rivet.

Abstract: A method for selectively removing portions of a protective coating from a substrate, such as an electronic device, includes removing portions of the protective coating from the substrate. The removal process may include cutting the protective coating at specific locations, then removing desired portions of the protective coating from the substrate, or it may include ablating the portions of the protective coating that are to be removed. Coating and removal systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mask material is readily discernible from a substrate to which the mask material is applied. The mask material may have a discernible characteristic, such as its color, luminescence or the like, which may render it visibly distinct from the substrate or detectable using automated inspection equipment. The discernible characteristic of the mask material may render it detectable through a protective coating.

Abstract: A method for applying a protective coating to selected portions of a substrate is disclosed. The method includes applying a mask to or forming a mask on at least one portion of the substrate that is not to be covered with the protective coating. The mask may be selectively formed by applying a flowable material to the substrate. Alternatively, the mask may be formed from a preformed film. With the mask in place, the protective coating may be applied to the substrate and the mask. A portion of the protective coating that overlies the mask may be delineated from other portions of the protective coating; for example, by cutting, weakening or removing material from the protective coating at locations at or adjacent to the perimeter of the mask. The portion of the protective coating that overlies the mask, and the mask, may then be removed from the substrate.

Abstract: An isolating clip for holding tubes, fluid lines and the like is provided with a rigid outer shell and a flexible insert. The insert includes an outer body and a tube seat suspended from the outer body by flexible connectors. Bumpers can be provided in the space between the outer body and tube seat to limit deflection of the tube seat.

Abstract: A method for applying a protective coating to selected portions of a substrate is disclosed. The method includes applying a mask to or forming a mask on at least one portion of the substrate that is not to be covered with the protective coating. The mask may be selectively formed by applying a flowable material to the substrate. Alternatively, the mask may be formed from a preformed film. With the mask in place, the protective coating may be applied to the substrate and the mask. A portion of the protective coating that overlies the mask may be delineated from other portions of the protective coating; for example, by cutting, weakening or removing material from the protective coating at locations at or adjacent to the perimeter of the mask. The portion of the protective coating that overlies the mask, and the mask, may then be removed from the substrate.

Abstract: A method for selectively removing portions of a protective coating from a substrate, such as an electronic device, includes removing portions of the protective coating from the substrate. The removal process may include cutting the protective coating at specific locations, then removing desired portions of the protective coating from the substrate, or it may include ablating the portions of the protective coating that are to be removed. Coating and removal systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An isolating clip for holding tubes, fluid lines and the like is provided with a rigid outer shell and a flexible insert. The insert includes an outer body and a tube seat suspended from the outer body by flexible connectors. Bumpers can be provided in the space between the outer body and tube seat to limit deflection of the tube seat.