Abstract: A normal detection method for measuring the distance to a measurement subject using one or a plurality of distance detectors, and obtaining a normal vector on the measured surface of the measurement subject from the obtained measurement result, wherein: within a three-dimensional space, the straight line linking a first measurement point measured at a first measurement position using a distance detector and a second measurement point measured at a second measurement position different from the first measurement position is set as a first vector; the straight line linking the first measurement point and a third measurement point measured at a third measurement position different from the first measurement position and the second measurement position as a second vector; and a normal vector on the measured surface is obtained by determining the vector product of the first vector and the second vector.

Abstract: A labelling machine comprises a supply spool support for supporting a spool of label carrying web, a take up spool support adapted to take up a portion of web, and a first motive apparatus for transporting web along a web path between the supply spool support to the take up spool support, and a controller.

Abstract: Pin tool assemblies for friction stir welding and apparatus and methods that include the pin tool assemblies. The pin tool assemblies include an outer member, an inner member, and a stop. The outer member includes an inner surface that defines an elongate internal cavity and an external shoulder that includes an opening to the elongate internal cavity. The inner member includes a welding end, extends at least partially within the elongate internal cavity, and projects from the opening such that the welding end is external the elongate internal cavity. The pin tool assembly is configured to permit motion of the inner member relative to the outer member. The stop defines a plurality of stop configurations. Each of the stop configurations restricts motion of the inner member relative to the outer member in a stop direction to define a corresponding stop distance between the welding end and the external shoulder.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming radius fillers for composite structures are disclosed herein. The systems include a sheet-locating structure that has a support surface and a support surface edge. The systems further include a separation device, a conveyance structure, and a layup surface. The methods include locating a sheet of composite material on a first support surface and translating the sheet of composite material such that a first portion of the sheet is supported by the first support surface and a second portion of the sheet extends past the support surface edge. The methods also include separating the second portion of the sheet from the first portion of the sheet to form a strip of composite material. The methods further include conveying the strip of composite material onto a layup surface and repeating the methods to form the radius filler from a plurality of strips of composite material.

Abstract: A post-processing apparatus comprises a first processing tray on which fed paper is placed; a paper binding section configured to bind a plurality of sheets of paper stacked on the first processing tray into one bundle; a second processing tray which a plurality of paper bundles bound on the first processing tray are sequentially conveyed to and placed on; a paper bundle gluing section configured to coat glue at a given position of the top surface of a first paper bundle placed on the second processing tray before a second paper bundle is placed on the first paper bundle; a pressing section configured to press and bind the first paper bundle with the second paper bundle between which glue is coated; and a control section configured to control the timing for conveying the second paper bundle onto the first paper bundle after the glue is coated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container handling machine (1) having at least one operative unit (18) comprising first support means (21) to support a base (12) of a filled and closed container (3), second support means (24) cooperating with an end (17) of the container (3) opposite the base (12), a plunger (31) selectively moved along its axis (E) to perform a deformation operation on the base (12) of the container (3) from a first swollen configuration to a second inwardly-retracted configuration, and actuator means (35) selectively activated to move the plunger (31) along its axis (E) between a first position, detached from the base (12) of the container (3), and a second position, in which the plunger (31) defines the second configuration of the base (12); the machine (1) further comprises a control unit (41) configured to selectively activate the actuator means (35) for moving the plunger (31) along its axis (E); the second support means (24) are maintained at a constant distance from the first support means

Abstract: A system and method for producing a strip of electrical energy storage complex The present invention concerns a method for producing a strip of electrical energy storage complex, the method comprising the steps consisting of: —unwinding (100) a strip of continuous material, —longitudinally cutting (200) the strip of material so as to form at least two strands of material from the strip of material, —transversely separating (300) the strands of material in a separating direction that extends: —in a winding plane of the strands of material, —perpendicular to a winding direction of the strands of material, —forming (400) at least one electrolyte layer on the separated strands of material in order to obtain a complex, and —longitudinally cutting (500) the complex to obtain the strip of electrical energy storage complex.

Abstract: A machine for making absorbent sanitary articles, where each article includes components progressively positioned relative to each other and assembled along a production line. The machine includes a programmable electronic controller device having a shift register, at least one optical inspection system connected to the programmable electronic controller device, and an operator interface connected to the electronic controller. The programmable electronic controller device generates a machine sync signal, a trigger signal for activating the optical inspection system in phase with the sync signal and a shift register shift command. The optical inspection system receives the trigger signal and has a defined maximum response time which produces at least one band of uncertainty. The operator sets with the operator interface the instant of activating the shift register shift command outside the band of uncertainty and between two consecutive sync signals defining a machine step.

Abstract: A method of assembling a vehicular camera includes providing a front camera housing and a lens assembly and dispensing an adhesive bead in an uncured state at at least one of (i) an attaching portion of the lens assembly and (ii) the front camera housing. The attaching portion and the front housing member are mated together with the adhesive bead therebetween. With the attaching portion and front housing member mated together, lens optics of the lens assembly are aligned with respect to an imaging array of the front camera housing. After such alignment, the adhesive bead is cured to a first cure level via ultraviolet light exposure to join the lens assembly and the front housing member. The lens assembly and front camera housing so joined are moved to a further curing station, where the adhesive bead is further cured to a second cure level.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a stack assembly. The stack assembly is provided with a stack of sub-assemblies such as a display for rendering content, front lighting layered on top of the display for illuminating the display, a capacitive touch sensor layered on top of the front lighting for detecting touch inputs, and a cover glass layered on top of the capacitive touch sensor. Each sub-assembly is adhered to another sub-assembly with a film optically clear adhesive before coupling sub-assemblies with each other, which forms a touch-sensitive front-lit display that is capable of accepting user input and rendering content in low ambient light conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and an associated method for detecting the actual position (P) of at least one label transfer element (2) of a labeling machine relative to the peripheral surface (3?) of a container (3) to be labeled, such as bottles, cans, cardboard boxes, and the like, comprising at least one sensor unit (5, 6) and at least one control and evaluation unit (7) operatively connected to the at least one sensor unit, wherein the at least one container (3) to be labeled is arranged so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis (DA) in a movement and transport plane (E).

Abstract: A thermo-compression bonding tool with a high temperature elastic element, and methods of bonding a metal sheet to a substrate using a thermo-compression bonding tool are described. In an example, a system for bonding a metal sheet to a substrate includes a stage to support the substrate and an elastic roller located above the stage. The elastic roller includes a high temperature material. The system also includes a heated backing plate located above the elastic roller. The backing plate is configured to apply pressure and heat to the elastic roller as the elastic roller rolls across a metal sheet disposed above the substrate.

Abstract: In some examples, a technique includes delivering, using a material delivery device, material adjacent to a repair surface of a component and delivering, using a gas delivery device, a gas adjacent to the repair surface. The technique also may include delivering, from an energy source, energy to the material adjacent the repair surface to fuse the material to the repair surface; and receiving, by a computing device, at least one parameter indicative of at least one of a temperature or a geometry of the component. The technique may further include, responsive to the at least one parameter indicative of the at least one of the temperature or the geometry of the component, controlling, by the computing device, at least one processing parameter to control the temperature of the component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bonding a member to a substrate is disclosed. A surface of the member is prepared by applying an element to the surface. The element includes a dye agent that changes color when exposed to a level of plasma radiation consistent with preparing the surface for bonding. The surface is exposed to the plasma radiation and is inspected to see whether or not a change in a color of the dye agent occurs. After the dye agent changes color; the surface is bonded to the substrate.

Abstract: A fixing belt includes a base layer, an elastic layer made of an elastic material, and a release layer. The elastic layer includes a first elastic layer disposed on a side of the base layer, and a second elastic layer disposed on a side of the release layer. The second elastic layer has a lower hardness than that of the first elastic layer. A Universal hardness of the second elastic layer is 3 to 7 N/mm2. A thickness ratio of the second elastic layer to the elastic layer is 5 to 15%.

Abstract: The following simplified summary is provided in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. Its purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. In certain embodiments a system for opening packages is provided comprising a conveyer for supporting or conveying a package, wherein the package comprises a surface material and a measurement zone wherein the package is inspected and measured for a cutting operation to thereby determine a process location comprising a location on the package for introduction of a cut to the surface material.

Abstract: A substrate aligning apparatus comprising: an aligning section that aligns a first substrate and a second substrate together; an acquiring section that acquires positional information on at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate, by the time the first substrate and the second substrate which have been aligned in the aligning section are carried out from the aligning section; a judging that judges misalignment of the first substrate and the second substrate, based on information acquired by the acquiring section.

Abstract: An ultrasonic machine tool comprises a stand that can be attached to a base plate. The machine furthermore has a vibration generator by means of which a working member can be driven, wherein the vibration generator is borne by a slide displaceably guided in the longitudinal direction of the stand. The slide is in turn borne by a linear drive attached to the stand. The vibration generator is located in the alignment of the adjustment path of the linear drive.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot has a plate-like foot member with a core section substantially defined by one or more layers comprising a first material fiber, an upper section disposed above the core section, the upper section substantially defined by one or more layers comprising a second material fiber, and a lower section disposed below the core section, the lower section substantially defined by one or more layers comprising a third material fiber, where the upper, lower and core sections together define a total thickness of the plate-like elongate foot member. An idealized ratio of the cross sectional area of each section can be determined such that under an applied load provided to the hybrid layup, the ratio of maximum stress of a given section over the flexural strength of that given section is approximately equal for all sections of the hybrid layup. The hybrid layup arrangement can be configured to have a greater strength, but generally the same stiffness, as a similar foot member made of carbon fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for forming a laminated substrate free from misalignment which would otherwise occur based on the assumption that, when the laminated substrate is formed by; preliminarily producing at least two rolls of laminate webs having different roll widths; and successively laminating at least two film sheets cut out, respectively, from the laminate webs being fed from the rolls, to one surface of a rectangular substrate, the roll width of each of the preliminarily-produced rolls of laminate webs becomes non-uniform.

Abstract: To provide a manufacturing method of a composite film for laminated glass, the method enabling the high-yield manufacture of the composite film that causes less appearance failure in the obtained laminated glass, while ensuring smooth workability. A manufacturing method of a composite film composed of a resin intermediate film and a plastic film for laminated glass, including: feeding the resin intermediate film with 0.04 to 0.4 N/cm tension and the plastic film, between a two rolls whose surface temperatures are 25 to 50° C., and pressing these to obtain a laminate; and feeding the laminate between a third roll whose surface temperature is 60° C. or higher and lower than Tg of a resin in the plastic film and a fourth roll whose surface temperature is lower than this by 15 to 30° C., so as to bring the plastic film into contact with the third roll, and pressing the laminate.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding system and method for joining first and second thermoplastic parts includes least one energy director formed on at least one surface of the first thermoplastic part, with the energy director projecting from the surface of the first thermoplastic part toward an opposed surface of the second thermoplastic part. The distal end portion of the energy director has a curved or flat surface that initially engages the opposed surface of the second thermoplastic part when the first and second parts are brought into engagement with each other. The first and second thermoplastic parts are ultrasonically welded by pressing the parts together while vibrating at least the first part in a direction parallel to the direction of projection of the energy director. The energy director may include a pair of substantially flat side walls joined to opposite ends of the curved or flat end surface.

Abstract: Low Q associated with passive components of monolithic integrated circuits (ICs) when operated at microwave frequencies can be avoided or mitigated using high resistivity (e.g., ?100 Ohm-cm) semiconductor substrates and lower resistance inductors for the IC. This eliminates significant in-substrate electromagnetic coupling losses from planar inductors and interconnections overlying the substrate. The active transistor(s) are formed in the substrate proximate the front face. Planar capacitors are also formed over the front face of the substrate. Various terminals of the transistor(s), capacitor(s) and inductor(s) are coupled to a ground plane on the rear face of the substrate using through-substrate-vias to minimize parasitic resistance. Parasitic resistance associated with the planar inductors and heavy current carrying conductors is minimized by placing them on the outer surface of the IC where they can be made substantially thicker and of lower resistance.

Abstract: The specification of the instant application is amended. Submitted herewith is a Substitute Specification. The Substitute Specification complies with 37 C.F.R. §§1.52(a)-(b) and 1.125(b), and no new matter has been added to the Substitute Specification. Submitted herewith are clean and marked up versions of Substitute Specification in compliance with 37 C.F.R. §§1.121(b)(3) and 1.125(c). Entry of the Substitute Specification is respectfully requested.

Abstract: System and method to use a virtual frame of reference to evaluate and control a manufacturing system. Electronic images from a vision system may be analyzed using the virtual frame of reference to control the phasing of devices in the manufacturing system and to generate alerts.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding system includes a motion control system that is coupled to and that causes controlled movement of an ultrasonic welding stack, in accordance with control inputs that are based on one or more control signals that are received from one or more sensors. The motion control system initiates a welding operation, subsequent to which an initial motion delay occurs until a predetermined condition is satisfied. Subsequently, in response to the predetermined condition being satisfied, the ultrasonic welding stack is caused to move in accordance with a weld profile. Subsequently, in response to an occurrence of a predetermined delay initiating condition, the ultrasonic welding stack is caused to stop motion and to maintain a stationary position. Subsequently, in response to an occurrence of a predetermined delay terminating condition, motion of the ultrasonic welding stack is resumed in accordance with the weld profile.

Abstract: A machine for making absorbent sanitary articles, where each article includes components progressively positioned relative to each other and assembled along a production line. The machine includes a programmable electronic controller device having a shift register, at least one optical inspection system connected to the programmable electronic controller device, and an operator interface connected to the electronic controller. The programmable electronic controller device generates a machine sync signal, a trigger signal for activating the optical inspection system in phase with the sync signal and a shift register shift command. The optical inspection system receives the trigger signal and has a defined maximum response time which produces at least one band of uncertainty. The operator sets with the operator interface the instant of activating the shift register shift command outside the band of uncertainty and between two consecutive sync signals defining a machine step.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving tire uniformity using estimates of process harmonic magnitude(s) from static balance measurements for a set of tires are provided. In particular, a sequence of observed magnitudes of static balance can be obtained for a set of tires. The sequence of observed magnitudes can be analyzed in conjunction with a baseline magnitude pattern associated with the process harmonic to derive a magnitude of the process harmonic. The magnitude of the process harmonic can be used to improve the uniformity of tires.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes one or more systems, methods, routines and/or techniques for thermal management. One or more systems, methods, routines and/or techniques may provide advice or guidance (e.g., to a repair technician) regarding how to perform a hot bond repair, for example, on an aircraft component that has been damaged. The thermal management advisor may provide advice or guidance regarding how to prepare a repair field prior to running a thermal survey. For example, thermal management advisor may recommend a particular heat blanket, a configuration of the heat blanket, placement of various temperature sensors and other preparation guidance. The thermal management advisor may provide advice or guidance regarding how to alter or manage the repair setup during a thermal survey and during the actual curing process. For example, thermal management advisor may recommend particular temperature sensors or areas of the repair field that should be insulated.

Abstract: A leak through the thickness of a structure is detected from one side of the structure using a leak detection layer. The leak detection layer exhibits visually observable changes when exposed to an air leak.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for facilitating automated or semi-automated collection of tissue samples cut by a microtome. In one example, a collection apparatus may be moved back and forth between respective positions at which the collection apparatus is operatively coupled to a microtome so as to collect cut tissue samples, or routine access to the microtome is provided. Relatively easy movement and positioning of the collection apparatus is facilitated, while at the same time ensuring structural stability and appropriate alignment and/or isolation between the collection apparatus and the microtome. A fluid reservoir receives samples cut by the microtome, and the collection apparatus may collect samples via a conveyor-like substrate disposed near/in the reservoir. A linear movement of the substrate may be controlled based on a cutting rate of the microtome, and the fluid level in the reservoir may be automatically maintained to facilitate effective sample collection.

Abstract: A method of applying a marking onto a metrological scale. The method includes locating one or more markings on the scale substrate in a provisional state; checking whether the one or more markings located on the scale substrate are acceptable; and finalizing the one or markings which are acceptable so as to transform the one or more markings into a finalized state.

Abstract: A labelling machine with a labelling device, which has a feeder unit for feeding a backing strip, which is provided with detachable labels, and a transfer unit for transferring the labels from the backing strip onto an object that is to be labelled. The labelling machine further has a winding device for winding a section of the backing strip from which labels have been detached, containing at least one guidance unit with a guidance element, along which the backing strip section can be guided in a direction of transport, and a winding unit, which is mounted downstream of the at least one guidance element, and includes fixing means, on which a free end section of the backing strip section can be fixed, whereby the fixing means are arranged on a winding core that can rotate about an axis of rotation, and follow a rotational movement of the winding core.

Abstract: A method of bonding materials may comprise defining a bond interface between two materials in a cure zone on a surface of an object, and non-conductively heating the bond interface without directly heating the surface outside of the cure zone. Non-conductively heating the bond interface may involve applying microwave radiation to the bond interface.

Abstract: A nondestructive inspection apparatus of a structure includes: an inspection apparatus body 1 provided with an infrared light irradiation unit irradiating a structure 3 to be inspected with heating infrared light, a temperature variation measuring unit measuring a variation in temperature of the structure due to the irradiation with infrared light from the infrared light irradiation unit, a drive-control-and-accumulation unit performing drive control of the infrared light irradiation unit and the temperature variation measuring unit and performing data accumulation; and a self-running mechanism unit 2 enabling the inspection apparatus body 1 to move along the structure 3. The structure 3 is inspected for an internal defect by irradiating the structure 3 with heating infrared light while the apparatus moves along the structure 3 through the use of the self-running mechanism unit 2 and measuring the variation in temperature of the structure 3 due to the irradiation with infrared light.

Abstract: To provide a member bonding apparatus that can accurately position two members for bonding. Member alignment preprocessing device 15 adjusts to align one of the two members received by member receiving device 11 with another member in X and Y-axis directions so that the positions of bonding surfaces of the two members approximately correspond, adhesive application device 12 applies adhesive to a bonding surface of one of the two members approximately aligned, member alignment device 16 adjusts to align another member with one of the two members in X, Y, Z-axis and ?, ?, ?-axis directions based on images of the two members captured by a CCD camera so that positions of the bonding surfaces of the two members correspond, member bonding device 13 makes the bonding surfaces of the two members aligned be bonded to each other through the adhesive, and member delivery device 14 unloads and delivers the bonded member.

Abstract: A bonding method includes ultrasonically welding a protruding portion extending on a surface of a first substrate member to a surface of a second substrate member by applying ultrasonic vibration to the first substrate member. A protruding stopper portion for stopping welding is provided on the surface of the first substrate member formed with the protruding portion, or on the surface of the second substrate member to come in contact with the protruding portion in a pressed state, to be disposed around the protruding portion in the pressed state. The ultrasonically welding includes a first process for applying ultrasonic vibration at amplitude as a first value to the first substrate member, and a second process for applying ultrasonic vibration to the first substrate member at amplitude as a second value lower than the first value after the first process.

Abstract: A sample, which is embedded in a paraffin block, is placed on a tissue cassette (22) which carries a label (20) which may a bar code. When the sample is to be processed, the cassette is given to a microtome operator who scans the label (20) with, for example, a bar code reader (4). Scanning causes information to be displayed on a screen (12) and the operator verifies that what is on the screen matches what was on the label. The paraffin block is then placed in a microtome chuck (26) and sections are cut from the block. Concurrently with, or prior to sectioning, a number of slides (18) are dispensed (2) and are printed with a label (16) so that the sections can be mounted thereon. The slide label (16) is related to the cassette label (20).

Abstract: An anisotropic conductive adhesive in which high thermal dissipation is provided. Conductive particles and solder particles are dispersed in a binder. In a thermally compressed LED device manufactured using this anisotropic conductive adhesive, terminals of the LED device are electrically connected to terminals of a substrate via particles and the terminals of the LED device and the terminals of the substrate are solder bonded.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin film polarizer includes forming a film laminate by allowing a non-oriented polyvinyl alcohol-based film to be bonded to and sandwiched between two or more non-oriented polymer films using attractive force or an adhesive layer, orienting the film laminate so that the polyvinyl alcohol-based film has a thickness of 10 ?m or less, and separating the polymer films and the polyvinyl alcohol-based film of the oriented film laminate from each other.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical display device comprises: sequentially peeling a plurality of optical film sheets continuously supported via an adhesive layer on one of opposite surfaces of a carrier film, together with the adhesive layer from the carrier film under peeling action of the movable peeling member by winding a long web of the carrier film in a state where the other of opposite surfaces thereof being folded to inside at a tip-end of the movable peeling member having the tip-end and passed around the peeling member; and laminating the plurality of optical film sheets to one of opposite surfaces of respective ones of panel components via the adhesive layer under laminating action of the closed lamination rollers.

Abstract: A sealant curing system and a method of curing a sealant using the same are disclosed. The sealant curing system includes a curing room and a UV light outputting panel. The curing room is used for receiving a display panel having the sealant which is ready to be cured. The UV light outputting panel is used for displaying a sealant curing image according to a preset displaying data, and is used for producing a UV light. The UV light is used for irradiating and curing the sealant of the display panel. The present invention is capable of eliminating a process in which different masks are replaced for display panels of different sizes.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing an optical display device by sequentially peeling a plurality of optical film sheets continuously supported on a long web of a carrier film and laminating the plurality of optical film sheets to a plurality of panel components are provided.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical display device comprising: after completing lamination of a preceding optical film sheet to one of opposite surfaces of a preceding panel component at the predetermined laminating position, unwinding the carrier film in a state where another surface thereof folded to inside at a tip-end configuring a head portion of a peeling member and the carrier film is passed around the peeling member, and backwardly feeding a leading end of the optical film sheet supported on the carrier film to a predetermined feeding position provided at upstream of the tip-end of the peeling member.

Abstract: A system and method for a surface strain gauge is described which has direct application to wind turbine structures and wind turbine blades and wind turbine struts. The invention is equally applicable to other airfoil structures such as aircraft wings and aircraft fuselages. The strain gauge comprises an array of carbon fiber material integrated with one or more microcontroller modules wherein the entire array may be incorporated into the surface of the structure to be monitored during manufacture of the structure. The array comprises separate sheets of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy which are linked together and which each comprise a separately addressable element such as a microcontroller wherein the microcontrollers are connected to a power supply and to a central bus which itself links to a central system controller. Differential measurements of the resistance of separate carbon fiber reinforced epoxy sheets may be determined in real time as well as the resistance between two or more sheets.

Abstract: A method of assessing bond quality of a bond between first and second composite parts may include bonding an indication film to the first composite part. The indication film may include NDI-detectable particles arranged in a pattern and bound to polymer chains located inside particle regions. The polymer chains and particles may be stationary during bonding of the indication film to the first composite part. The method may additionally include bonding the first and second composite parts along an assembly bondline during which the particles in the indication film migrate with the polymer chains. The method may further include NDI-inspection of the assembly bondline by observing the appearance of the particles along a direction locally normal to an in-plane direction of the assembly bondline, and determining the bond quality of the assembly bondline based on particle density in the in-plane direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for producing corrugated cardboard products. Said apparatus comprises a first one-sided machine and a second one-sided machine which are configured in each case for producing a single flute corrugated cardboard web. Furthermore, the apparatus has a combining means which is configured for connecting the single flute corrugated cardboard webs. Here, the combining means is provided with a convergence region which is configured for mutual adaptation of the single flute corrugated cardboard webs. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing corrugated cardboard products, in which method a first single flute corrugated cardboard web is connected to a second single flute corrugated cardboard web. During connection, a first single flute corrugated cardboard web and a second single flute corrugated cardboard web run through a convergence region.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing an optical display device by sequentially peeling a plurality of optical film sheets continuously supported on a long web of a carrier film and laminating the plurality of optical film sheets to a plurality of panel components are provided.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus includes a substrate holder holding the second substrate; a pusher pushing a back surface of the second substrate; a substrate support unit including a support talon supporting a circumferential edge portion of the first substrate to oppose the second substrate with a prescribed spacing between the second substrate and the circumferential edge portion of the first substrate; and a controller controlling a lifting/lowering operation of the pusher. The pusher pushes one prescribed point of the back surface of the second substrate, the one prescribed point corresponding to a position where a distance between a bonding surface of the first substrate and a bonding surface of the second substrate is shorter than a distance from the circumferential edge portion of the bonding surface of the first substrate to the bonding surface of the second substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for repairing a damaged area of an airplane fuselage made from fiber-reinforced composite material. In one embodiment, an intelligent patch is provided comprising a first electronic communication device to communicate information from at least one sensor regarding the presence of compression induced microfractures within the patch.