A composite layup is formed on a tool and placed on a contoured part. The tool is contoured to substantially match the contour of the part. A set of location data is generated which represents the location of the part in space relative to the tool. An automated manipulator uses the location data to move the tool into proximity to the part and place the contoured layup on the part.

A system for applying a web around a cylindrical object with even tension containing a core having a generally cylindrical shape and a pair of handles. Each handle has an insertion area, a collar area, and a gripping area. The collar area is sandwiched between the insertion area and the gripping area and the insertion diameter is less than the inner diameter of the core at the first end and second end. The handles and core have a means for coupling meaning that the core and the insertion area of the handles do not move independently from one another.

A system for applying a web around a cylindrical object with even tension containing a core having a generally cylindrical shape and a pair of handles. Each handle has an insertion area, a collar area, and a gripping area. The collar area is sandwiched between the insertion area and the gripping area and the insertion diameter is less than the inner diameter of the core at the first end and second end. The handles and core have a means for coupling meaning that the core and the insertion area of the handles do not move independently from one another.

A plug and tire repair device are for repairing a puncture in a vehicle tire. The device includes an applicator including a stem portion and a tip portion for insertion into a puncture and through a wall of the tire, at least a part of the stem portion and the tip portion having a passage therethough, and a plug. The plug has a plug shaft made of a resilient material, a stopper portion provided at a first end of the plug shaft and a patch portion provided at a second end of the plug shaft opposite the first end, the patch portion having a closed position in which the patch portion is folded around the plug shaft and an open position in which the patch portion is extends outwardly from the plug shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plug shaft. The plug shaft and the patch portion are guidable through the passage in the applicator.

A tire repair tool includes a body portion and a cartridge portion. The tool is used to inject an adhesive or glue and a patch into a puncture in a tire, while the tire is still engaged with the wheel, in order to permanently patch a punctured inner tube of the tire. More particularly, a push rod is used to rupture an adhesive pod, elevate an elevator assembly and eject the adhesive and patch through an outlet tube of the tool and into the existing puncture of the outer tire. A patch is affixed over a puncture in the inner tube by the adhesive to permanently patch the inner tube without having to remove the tire from the wheel or rim.

A tire repair tool includes a body portion and a cartridge portion. The tool is used to inject an adhesive or glue and a patch into a puncture in a tire, while the tire is still engaged with the wheel, in order to permanently patch a punctured inner tube of the tire. More particularly, a push rod is used to rupture an adhesive pod, elevate an elevator assembly and eject the adhesive and patch through an outlet tube of the tool and into the existing puncture of the outer tire. A patch is affixed over a puncture in the inner tube by the adhesive to permanently patch the inner tube without having to remove the tire from the wheel or rim.

A patch may be used to rework a composite structure in the field. The patch is bonded to the structure by a layer of adhesive and includes perforations that allow the escape of air from the adhesive as the patch is compressed against the structure. A spacer may be introduced between the patch and the structure to control the thickness of the adhesive layer.

A patch may be used to rework a composite structure in the field. The patch is bonded to the structure by a layer of adhesive and includes perforations that allow the escape of air from the adhesive as the patch is compressed against the structure. A spacer may be introduced between the patch and the structure to control the thickness of the adhesive layer.

An installation assembly and an associated method for forming a bonded join are provided to permit the adhesive attachment of a first workpiece, such as a patch, to a portion of a second workpiece. The installation assembly and the associated method provide for at least partial debulking of the adhesive prior to curing of the adhesive such that the resulting bondline may have improved mechanical properties as a result of having fewer voids and/or porosity. The installation assembly may include an installation stand and a carrier plate supported by the installation stand and including an attachment surface configured to carry the first workpiece. The installation stand also includes an adjustment mechanism for positioning a carrier plate to a first predefined position to define a gap between the first and second workpieces and also to a second predefined position such that a predetermined bondline thickness is defined between the first and second workpieces.

An installation assembly and an associated method for forming a bonded join are provided to permit the adhesive attachment of a first workpiece, such as a patch, to a portion of a second workpiece. The installation assembly and the associated method provide for at least partial debulking of the adhesive prior to curing of the adhesive such that the resulting bondline may have improved mechanical properties as a result of having fewer voids and/or porosity. The installation assembly may include an installation stand and a carrier plate supported by the installation stand and including an attachment surface configured to carry the first workpiece. The installation stand also includes an adjustment mechanism for positioning a carrier plate to a first predefined position to define a gap between the first and second workpieces and also to a second predefined position such that a predetermined bondline thickness is defined between the first and second workpieces.