The invention provides automated spacer processing systems and methods. The systems and methods involve at least one robot arm that is configured to process spacers for multiple-pane insulating glazing units. In some embodiments, the systems also include an insulating glazing unit assembly line and a spacer conveyor system. Additionally or alternatively, the systems may include a sealant applicator.

A vehicle tailgate is made of a plastic material and includes: an inner panel, an outer panel and a first glue bead applied between the inner panel and the outer panel, such that the inner panel and the outer panel are assembled via the glue bead and an inner space is disposed between the inner panel and the outer panel. The outer panel includes: a skin with an appearance surface; a housing configured to receive an optical unit, delimited by a peripheral wall joined to the skin; and a cavity delimited by the skin, at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the housing, and walls projecting from the housing towards an inner face of the skin. At least one of the walls projecting from the housing towards the inner face of the skin does not touch the inner face of the skin, such that there is a gap between the at least one wall and the inner face of the skin. The gap is sealed by a second glue bead.

A vehicle tailgate is made of a plastic material and includes: an inner panel, an outer panel and a first glue bead applied between the inner panel and the outer panel, such that the inner panel and the outer panel are assembled via the glue bead and an inner space is disposed between the inner panel and the outer panel. The outer panel includes: a skin with an appearance surface; a housing configured to receive an optical unit, delimited by a peripheral wall joined to the skin; and a cavity delimited by the skin, at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the housing, and walls projecting from the housing towards an inner face of the skin. At least one of the walls projecting from the housing towards the inner face of the skin does not touch the inner face of the skin, such that there is a gap between the at least one wall and the inner face of the skin. The gap is sealed by a second glue bead.

A connector may couple to a non-cylindrical composite tubing having at least two lateral sides disposed in parallel and an open end. The connector may comprise first and second bonding plates adhered to an inner surface of the two lateral sides via an epoxy adhesive uniformly distributed. The first and second bonding plates may each have a distal lateral face defining a plurality of first threaded holes accessible at the open end of the composite tubing. The connector may also comprise an end plate having a plurality of first and second slotted holes disposed substantially in parallel and each aligned with an associating one of the first threaded holes. The connector may also comprise end plate fasteners loosely inserted through the first and second slotted holes and engaged with the first threaded holes. The end plate may also comprise one or more attachment points.

Methods and apparatus for performing repair operations using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). A UAV carries a repair patch ensemble containing all repair materials (including a repair patch, a heating blanket and other ensemble materials) in a prepackaged form to the repair area. During flight of the UAV, the repair patch is vacuum adhered to the heating blanket. Vacuum pressure is also used to hold the repair patch ensemble in position on the composite surface of the structure. Then the hot bond process is enacted to bond the repair patch to the repair area. In accordance with one embodiment, the hot bond process involves heating the repair patch to adhesively bond the repair patch while applying vacuum pressure to consolidate the composite material. Then the repair patch is released from the ensemble and residual ensemble materials (heating blanket, bleeder material, and release films) are removed by the UAV.

A mask for inhibiting the transmission of droplets including: a first wall including a first portion; a second wall including a second portion; wherein the first and second wall are connected to each other at or near their peripheries to define a space therebetween; an opening which extends between the first and second portions and which, in use, overlies a user's mouth; a first connection which connects the first portion to the second portion to inhibit communication between the opening and the space; a transparent wall which covers the opening; and a second connection which connects the transparent wall to the first or second walls.

A mask for inhibiting the transmission of droplets including: a first wall including a first portion; a second wall including a second portion; wherein the first and second wall are connected to each other at or near their peripheries to define a space therebetween; an opening which extends between the first and second portions and which, in use, overlies a user's mouth; a first connection which connects the first portion to the second portion to inhibit communication between the opening and the space; a transparent wall which covers the opening; and a second connection which connects the transparent wall to the first or second walls.

A method for monitoring a curing process of a cured-in-place pipe is disclosed. The method includes affixing a plurality of sensors to a resin layer of a liner, and determining a curing profile corresponding to at least the resin layer, the curing profile including a threshold curing value. The method further includes sensing, using the plurality of sensors, real-time data indicative of at least one curing parameter. Additionally, the method includes comparing the real-time data from each sensor to the threshold curing value, and outputting an alert upon the real-time data meeting or exceeding the threshold curing value.

A connector body having a first end portion defining a first end face of the body and an opposite second end portion defining a second end face of the body, the first end portion including a first peripheral groove with a first sealing ring, and the second end portion including a second peripheral groove with a second sealing ring, an intermediate portion of the—body defining a peripheral surface extending between the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring, the peripheral surface to be covered by the retaining glue for bonding the body to the tube, a glue flow passage at the first end portion extending transversally to the first sealing ring, and a glue injection channel extending from the first end portion towards the second end portion and including a glue injection port in the first end portion and a glue ejection port at the peripheral surface.

An apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes a base portion, a bonding stage arranged on the base portion and having a placement surface for placing a substrate; and one or more connecting members which connect the base portion and the bonding stage, wherein at least one of the one or more connecting members is a connecting plate that deflects following the expansion and contraction of the bonding stage in the plane direction caused by a temperature change.