Abstract: A pallet according to one embodiment includes a deck and a plurality of columns extending downward from the deck. In order to increase the stability of the pallet on a fork, at least one alignment feature protrudes downward from the deck between the pair of columns. The alignment feature extends downwardly substantially less than the columns, such that the alignment feature does not contact the floor and does not significantly increase the weight of the pallet. In another feature, preformed foam inserts are inserted into the cavities of the columns and/or the alignment features.

Abstract: A pallet according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a deck and a plurality of columns extending downward from the deck. In order to increase the stability of the pallet on a fork, at least one alignment feature protrudes downward from the deck between the pair of columns. The alignment feature extends downwardly substantially less than the columns, such that the alignment feature does not contact the floor and does not significantly increase the weight of the pallet. In another feature of the present invention, preformed foam inserts are inserted into the cavities of the columns and/or the alignment features.

Abstract: Methods of forming shaped adhesive fillets are disclosed. The adhesive fillets may be made by stacking multiple layers of adhesive sheets, consolidating the stacked layers, cutting strips from the consolidated layers, and forming the strips into adhesive fillets having desired cross sectional shapes. The fillets may be formed by feeding the strips through an apparatus comprising opposing rollers and a catcher, which facilitates release of the adhesive fillets from the rollers. The formed adhesive fillets are useful for applications such as stiffened panels for aircraft.

Abstract: the invention is a spray nozzle assembly for use with spray guns for coating in remote locations. In detail, the spray coating assembly nozzle assembly includes a tubular member having first and second ends, said first end coupled to the spray gun. A spray nozzle housing is coupled to the second end of the tubular member, the spray nozzle housing containing a spray nozzle. A first device is coupled the housing to observe the remote location coupled, the first device having an optical viewing port. A second device is coupled to the optical view port for providing air under pressure thereto to prevent paint spray from the spray nozzle contacting the optical viewing port.

Abstract: The invention is a process for repairing a coating having a precise thickness damaged in a specific area. In detail, the process includes the steps of: 1) removing the damaged coating from the specific area; 2) placing a scrim material having a thickness equal to the required thickness of the coating in the specific; and 3) filling the specific area with coating material to the thickness of the scrim material.

Abstract: A reusable vacuum bag is configured for application of at least one sealant bead for providing vacuum tight sealing of the reusable vacuum bag to a forming tool during fabrication of a composite part. The reusable vacuum bag comprises at least one elastomeric layer and a fluoroelastomeric strip. The elastomeric layer is sealable to the forming tool and has a sealing flange extending peripherally thereabout. The fluoroelastomeric strip extends substantially along the sealing flange and has first and second surfaces. The elastomeric layer and the fluoroelastomeric strip each have polymers and a peroxide curative. The peroxide curative initiates vulcanization wherein the polymers of each material cross-link at an elevated temperature to form double-oxygen bonds such that a permanent bond is formed between the sealing flange and the fluoroelastomeric strip at the first surface. The fluoroelastomeric strip is releaseably adhered at the second surface to the sealant bead.

Abstract: A reusable vacuum bag is configured for application of at least one sealant bead for providing vacuum tight sealing of the reusable vacuum bag to a forming tool during fabrication of a composite part. The reusable vacuum bag comprises at least one elastomeric layer and a fluoroelastomeric strip. The elastomeric layer is sealable to the forming tool and has a sealing flange extending peripherally thereabout. The fluoroelastomeric strip extends substantially along the sealing flange and has first and second surfaces. The elastomeric layer and the fluoroelastomeric strip each have polymers and a peroxide curative. The peroxide curative initiates vulcanization wherein the polymers of each material cross-link at an elevated temperature to form double-oxygen bonds such that a permanent bond is formed between the sealing flange and the fluoroelastomeric strip at the first surface. The fluoroelastomeric strip is releaseably adhered at the second surface to the sealant bead.