Abstract: A hybrid mold includes (a) an Invar® eggcrate structure, (b) an Invar® interim working surface and (c) a CF composite material overlay. The eggcrate and interim working surface are welded or otherwise connected together to form a unitary base mold. The CF overlay is bonded to the interim working surface. The CF overlay is easily reconfigurable and can be replaced without destroying the integrity of the base mold.

Abstract: A hybrid mold includes (a) an Invar® eggcrate structure, (b) an Invar® interim working surface and (c) a CF composite material overlay. The eggcrate and interim working surface are welded or otherwise connected together to form a unitary base mold. The CF overlay is bonded to the interim working surface. The CF overlay is easily reconfigurable and can be replaced without destroying the integrity of the base mold.

Abstract: A hybrid mold includes (a) an Invar® eggcrate structure, (b) an Invar® interim working surface and (c) a CF composite material overlay. The eggcrate and interim working surface are welded or otherwise connected together to form a unitary base mold. The CF overlay is bonded to the interim working surface. The CF overlay is easily reconfigurable and can be replaced without destroying the integrity of the base mold.

Abstract: A hybrid mold includes (a) an Invar® eggcrate structure, (b) an Invar® interim working surface and (c) a CF composite material overlay. The eggcrate and interim working surface are welded or otherwise connected together to form a unitary base mold. The CF overlay is bonded to the interim working surface. The CF overlay is easily reconfigurable and can be replaced without destroying the integrity of the base mold.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for supporting human external cargo from the hoist of a hoist-equipped helicopter are provided. The apparatus has at least one personal harness for supporting a user; and at least one harness segment with a top end point attachable to the helicopter hoist through an attachable fitting and at least one bottom end point directly or indirectly attachable to the personal harness. The harness segment, and the personal harness externally support the user from the helicopter hoist and allows the user to be safely suspended from the helicopter in order for work or rescue operations to be administered by the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a work piece processing system for operating on a work piece or at least one component of a work piece. The processing system includes a base system for transporting the at least one work piece component, at least one processing head for operating on the work piece component, and means for controlling, the means for controlling the processing system. In a first embodiment, the processing system further includes a support structure, the support structure including at least one frame member having a track. Here, the at least one processing head travels along the track. In a second embodiment, the processing system further includes a multi-linkage robotic arm, the robotic arm including a plurality of rotary joints and a plurality of arm segments interconnecting the rotary joints. Here, the at least one processing head is operably mounted to a free end of one of the plurality of arm segments.

Abstract: A jet receiving receptacle is provided which is coupleable to a high-pressure fluid jet system opposite a nozzle thereof to receive a fluid jet discharged from the nozzle after it acts on a workpiece. The jet receiving receptacle may include an elongated inlet alignable with a direction of travel of the nozzle to receive the fluid jet in a deflected state. The jet receiving receptacle may further include a jet deflection device positioned downstream of the elongated inlet to redirect at least a portion of the fluid jet and a jet rebound device located upstream of the jet deflection device to be impinged on by the redirected portion of the fluid jet. The jet deflection device and jet rebound device may form, in combination with a housing, a device to trap the fluid jet. Fluid jet cutting systems incorporating a jet receiving receptacle and related methods are also provided.