A sandwich component comprising: (i) a first main surface with a first cover layer and a second main surface with a second cover layer, the first cover layer and/or second cover layer having an opening, weakening, or marking in a lateral region and/or is provided with the same, (ii) at least one intermediate layer positioned between the first and second cover layers, and (iii) a polymer composition which is arranged between the first and the second cover layers substantially within the intermediate layer and/or in the region of the opening, weakening, or marking. A mechanical connection mechanism is fixed, or can be fixed, directly in the polymer composition through the first cover layer and/or the second cover layer and/or in the lateral region in the region of the opening, weakening, or marking so as to pass through the first cover layer and/or the second cover layer and/or the lateral region.

A method of making an array of vapor cells for an array of magnetometers includes providing a plurality of separate vapor cell elements, each vapor cell element including at least one vapor cell; arranging the vapor cell elements in an alignment jig to produce a selected arrangement of the vapor cells; attaching at least one alignment-maintaining film onto the vapor cell elements in the alignment jig; transferring the vapor cells elements and the at least one alignment-maintaining film from the alignment jig to a mold; injecting a bonding material into the mold and between the vapor cell elements to bond the vapor cell elements in the selected arrangement; removing the at least one alignment maintaining film from the vapor cell elements; and removing the bonded vapor cells elements in the selected arrangement from the mold to provide the array of vapor.

An optical system can include a receiver secured to a first optical component and a flexure arrangement secured to a second optical component. The flexure arrangement can include a plurality of flexures, each with a free end that can extend away from the second optical component and into a corresponding cavity of the receiver. Each of the cavities can be sized to receive adhesive that secures the corresponding flexure within the cavity when the adhesive has hardened, and to permit adjustment of the corresponding flexure within the cavity, before the adhesive has hardened, to adjust an alignment of the first and second optical components relative to multiple degrees of freedom.

An end effector, for adhesively attaching a first part to a second part, comprises a support and a first nozzle, coupled to the support and movable relative to the support, and a second nozzle, coupled to the support and movable relative to the support. The first nozzle comprises a first-nozzle body, comprising a first-nozzle-body outlet port and a first-nozzle separator plate, extending from the first-nozzle body. The second nozzle comprises a second-nozzle body, comprising a second-nozzle-body inlet port and a second-nozzle separator plate, extending from the second-nozzle body. The end effector further comprises a roller, coupled to the support, rotatable relative to the support about a roller axis, and located between the first nozzle and the second nozzle.

A tool for installing a liquid shim material into a clearance formed between an assembly first and second component includes a body having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a planar surface and the second end includes a first surface and a second surface arranged at an angle to the first end and to one another. At least one hole is formed in the body. The at least one hole extends from the first end to the second end and is configured to provide a passageway through the body. The tool is arranged adjacent the assembled first and second component such that the passageway formed by the at least one hole is arranged in fluid communication with the clearance.

A method of using a marriage mold includes providing an upper plate having a first wall and at least one second wall, and a lower plate having a marriage cavity and a top wall. At least two midsole components are provided, which are made of a first material, and each have a first region and a void structure. The at least two midsole components are positioned into the marriage cavity. The upper plate is secured to the lower plate such that the first wall and the top wall form a seal. The at least two midsole components are joined together to form a midsole having a second void structure.

A method for creating a termination by attaching some kind of fitting to the end of a tensile member such as a cable. The end fitting is provided with an internal cavity. The cavity has a proximal portion that is adjacent to the area where the tensile member exits the fitting and a distal portion on its opposite end. A length of the tensile member's filaments is placed within this expanding cavity and infused with liquid potting compound. The method exploits the characteristic of a liquid potting compound as it transitions to a solid. The potting compound in one portion of the cavity is typically transitioned to a solid at a more rapid rate than other portions. Once the potting compound in one portion of the cavity has transitioned sufficiently to hold the filaments at the desired level, tension is placed on the tensile member and a small linear displacement may be imposed on the tensile member. This linear displacement tends to pull the filaments residing in the potting compound into better alignment and improve load sharing.

A method protects a field joint of a pipeline, where chamfered edges of thermally-insulating parent coatings on conjoined pipe lengths are in mutual opposition about a longitudinally-extending gap. The method includes manufacturing an hourglass-shaped inner layer around the pipe lengths, which layer may be moulded. The inner layer extends longitudinally along the gap between the chamfered edges and at least partially overlies the chamfered edges. A thermally-insulating solid insert is assembled from two or more parts to lie in the gap surrounding the inner layer, and pressure is applied radially inwardly from the insert to the inner layer. An outer layer of molten material is manufactured around the insert to form a watertight barrier and to form one or more melted interfaces with the inner layer. Corresponding field joint arrangements are also disclosed.

A system for assembling a plurality of components into an assembly is provided. The system includes an installation table, a first transfer robot, a second transfer robot, and an adhesive dispensing robot. The first transfer robot is configured to assemble some of the plurality of components into a first sub-assembly and transfer the first sub-assembly to the installation table. The second transfer robot is configured to assemble remaining ones of the plurality of components into a second sub-assembly, transfer the second sub-assembly to the installation table, and attach the second sub-assembly to the first sub-assembly. The adhesive dispensing robot is configured to apply an adhesive between the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly, after the second sub-assembly is attached to the first sub-assembly, to bond the second sub-assembly to the first sub-assembly.

A product includes a first component, a second component and an adhesive. The adhesive fills an interior space that is surrounded by the first component and the second component. The second component comprising an inlet that communicates between an exterior space of the second component and the interior space so as to enable the adhesive to be injected into the interior space. The inlet comprising a tapered portion that narrows from the exterior space towards the interior space.