Method for in-line resin mixing, mixed resin reservoir assembly, valve assembly, and system

Abstract

To provide a method for in-line resin mixing, mixed resin reservoir assembly, valve assembly, and system.SOLUTION: A method for in-line resin mixing includes the steps of: establishing a flow of a mixed resin; initially directing the mixed resin to a first intermediate volume part; and subsequently directing the mixed resin to a second intermediate volume part after a predefined trigger event associated with a continued flow of the mixed resin. A mixed resin reservoir assembly for in-line resin mixing includes an inlet and an intermediate container. The inlet receives a flow of the mixed resin. The intermediate container includes first and second intermediate volume parts. A valve assembly for the in-line resin mixing includes an outer body, an inner body, and a cover. The outer body includes three input ports and an output port. The inner body is disposed within an interior cavity of the outer body and defines five flow paths extending from a periphery and intersecting at a central portion of the inner body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Priority This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 506,263, filed June 5, 2023.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to in-line resin mixing, and more particularly to a mixed resin storage assembly and a valve assembly in a method and system for in-line resin mixing. Various techniques are contemplated for storing mixed resin in the mixed resin storage assembly during in-line resin mixing. Various techniques are also contemplated for the valve assembly having multiple configurations for delivering mixed components to form the mixed resin, and other configurations for delivering solvent. Additionally, various techniques are contemplated for controlling the mixed resin storage assembly and the valve assembly. [Background technology]

[0003] Current technologies for in-line resin mixing generate unsteady transient flows of mixed resin, especially during start-up of pumps that deliver the mixed components through valves and static mixers (also known as in-line mixing elements). The unsteady transient flows generate mixed resin that must be discarded to avoid producing non-conforming composite parts. Current technologies for in-line resin mixing, for example, use three-way valves to deliver the mixed components to a mixed resin line. The mixed resin line may be fed to a static mixer(s) and a flow meter(s). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Accordingly, those skilled in the art continue to pursue research and development efforts to improve techniques for in-line resin mixing that reduce waste and increase the reliability of mixed resins for composite manufacturing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Disclosed are methods, mixed resin reservoir assemblies, valve assemblies, and systems for in-line resin mixing.The following is a non-exhaustive list of claimed and unclaimed examples of subject matter according to the present disclosure.

[0006] In one example, a disclosed method for in-line resin mixing includes (1) establishing a flow of a mixed resin including a first mixed component and a second mixed component; (2) directing at least an initial portion of the mixed resin to a first intermediate volume; and (3) subsequently directing a remaining portion of the mixed resin to a second intermediate volume after a predetermined trigger event associated with a continued flow of the mixed resin.

[0007] In one example, a disclosed mixed resin storage assembly for in-line resin mixing includes an inlet and an intermediate container. The inlet is configured to receive a flow of mixed resin from a mixed resin supply subsystem. The mixed resin includes a first mixed component and a second mixed component. The intermediate container includes a first intermediate volume and a second intermediate volume. The first intermediate volume is configured to hold at least an initial portion of the mixed resin. The second intermediate volume is configured to hold a remaining portion of the mixed resin. The inlet and intermediate container are configured such that the mixed resin is initially directed to the first intermediate volume and subsequently to the second intermediate volume in response to a predetermined trigger event associated with a continued flow of the mixed resin.

[0008] In one example, a disclosed system for in-line resin mixing includes a mixed resin supply subsystem and a mixed resin storage assembly. The mixed resin supply subsystem includes a first reservoir, a first pump, a second reservoir, a second pump, a three-way valve, a plurality of first supply lines, a plurality of second supply lines, and at least one mixed resin supply line. The first reservoir is configured to hold a quantity of a first mixed component. The first pump is configured to draw the first mixed component from the first reservoir. The second reservoir is configured to hold a quantity of a second mixed component. The second pump is configured to draw the second mixed component from the second reservoir. The three-way valve includes a first inlet connection, a second inlet connection, and an outlet connection. The three-way valve is configured to receive the first mixed component from the first pump at the first inlet connection. The three-way valve is also configured to receive a second mixed component from the second pump at the second inlet connection. The three-way valve is further configured to establish and direct a flow of mixed resin to the outlet connection in cooperation with the first and second pumps drawing the first and second mixed components from the first and second reservoirs, respectively. The first and second pumps deliver the first and second mixed components, respectively, through (i) a plurality of first supply lines interconnecting the first reservoir, the first pump, and the first inlet connection of the three-way valve, and (ii) a plurality of second supply lines interconnecting the second reservoir, the second pump, and the second inlet connection of the three-way valve. At least one mixed resin supply line is connected to the outlet connection of the three-way valve. The mixed resin storage assembly includes an inlet and an intermediate container. The inlet is connected to the at least one mixed resin supply line. The inlet is configured to receive a flow of mixed resin through the at least one mixed resin supply line. The intermediate container includes a first intermediate volume and a second intermediate volume, the first intermediate volume configured to hold at least a first portion of the mixed resin, and the second intermediate volume configured to hold a remaining portion of the mixed resin.

[0009] In one example, a disclosed valve assembly for in-line resin mixing includes an outer valve body, an inner valve body, and a cover. The outer valve body includes three input ports and an output port and defines an interior cavity. The inner valve body is disposed within the interior cavity and defines five flow passages extending from a periphery of the inner valve body and intersecting at a central portion of the inner valve body. The cover is secured to the outer valve body to enclose the inner valve body within the interior cavity.

[0010] Other examples of the disclosed methods, mixed resin reservoir assemblies, valve assemblies, and systems for in-line resin mixing will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of an example of a process for in-line resin mixing. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of another example of a method for in-line resin mixing in combination with FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of yet another example of a method for in-line resin mixing, in combination with FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of yet another example of a method for in-line resin mixing, in combination with FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of yet another example of a method for in-line resin mixing, in combination with FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of another example of a method for in-line resin mixing, in combination with FIGS. 1 and 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of yet another example of a method for in-line resin mixing, in combination with FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of yet another example of a method for in-line resin mixing, in combination with FIGS. 1 and 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of yet another example of a method for in-line resin mixing, in combination with FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of another example of a method for in-line resin mixing in combination with FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of yet another example of a method for in-line resin mixing, in combination with FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of yet another example of a method for in-line resin mixing, in combination with FIG. [Figure 13A] FIG. 1 provides a functional block diagram of an example of a mixed resin impoundment assembly for in-line resin mixing. [Figure 13B] FIG. 1 provides a functional block diagram of an example of a mixed resin impoundment assembly for in-line resin mixing. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of another example of a mixed resin impoundment assembly for in-line resin mixing. [Figure 15A] FIG. 1 provides a functional block diagram of an example of a mixed resin impoundment assembly for in-line resin mixing. [Figure 15B] 15B1 and 15B2 provide a functional block diagram of one example of a mixed resin reservoir assembly for in-line resin mixing. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of yet another example of a mixed resin impoundment assembly for in-line resin mixing. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of yet another example of a mixed resin impoundment assembly for in-line resin mixing. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an example of a system for in-line resin mixing. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of another example of a system for in-line resin mixing. [Figure 20] 1 provides a top view of an example of elements of a valve assembly for in-line resin mixing. [Figure 21A] 21 is a top view of an example of a first position of the inner valve body of the valve assembly of FIG. 20 relative to the outer valve body with the cover removed. [Figure 21B]21 is a top view of an example of a second position of the inner valve body of the valve assembly of FIG. 20 relative to the outer valve body with the cover removed. [Figure 21C] 21 is a top view of an example of a third position of the inner valve body of the valve assembly of FIG. 20 relative to the outer valve body with the cover removed. [Figure 21D] 21 is a top view of an example of a fourth position of the inner valve body of the valve assembly of FIG. 20 relative to the outer valve body with the cover removed. [Figure 22] FIG. 21 is a top view of the example outer valve body of the valve assembly of FIG. 20 with the cover and inner valve body removed. [Figure 23] FIG. 21 is a top view of the example inner valve body of the valve assembly of FIG. 20 with the cover and outer valve body removed. [Figure 24] FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram of the valve assembly of FIG. 20 in an example system for in-line resin mixing. [Figure 25A] FIG. 21B is a functional diagram of an example valve assembly of FIG. 21A in a first position of the inner valve body. [Figure 25B] FIG. 21C is a functional diagram of an example valve assembly of FIG. 21B in a second position of the inner valve body. [Figure 25C] FIG. 21D is a functional diagram of an example valve assembly of the inner valve body of FIG. 21C in a third position. [Figure 25D] FIG. 21D is a functional diagram of an example valve assembly of the inner valve body in a fourth position. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of another example of a valve assembly for in-line resin mixing. [Figure 27] FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram of an example of a system for in-line resin mixing implementing the valve assembly of FIG. 20. [Figure 28] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aircraft manufacturing and service method. [Figure 29] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an aircraft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] With general reference to Figures 1-12, 13A-13B, 14, 15A, 15B1-15B2, 16 and 17, by way of example, the present disclosure relates to methods 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 for in-line resin mixing. Figure 1 discloses an example of method 100. Figures 1 and 2 disclose an example of method 200. Figures 1 and 3 disclose an example of method 300. Figures 1 and 4 disclose an example of method 400. Figures 1 and 5 disclose an example of method 500. Figures 1, 5 and 6 disclose an example of method 600. Figures 1 and 7 disclose an example of method 700. Figures 1, 7 and 8 disclose an example of method 800. Figures 1 and 9 disclose an example of a method 900. Figures 1 and 10 disclose an example of a method 1000. Figures 1 and 11 disclose an example of a method 1100. Figures 1 and 12 disclose an example of a method 1200. Figures 13A-13B, 14, 15A, 15B1-15B2, 16 and 17 disclose various examples of mixed resin reservoir assemblies.

[0013] 1 and 13A-13B, 14, 15A, and 15B1-15B2, in one or more examples, a method 100 for in-line resin mixing includes a step 102 of establishing a flow of mixed resin 1303. The mixed resin 1303 includes a first mixed component 1305 and a second mixed component 1306. At 104, at least an initial portion 1309 of the mixed resin 1303 is directed to a first intermediate volume 1308. At 106, a remaining portion 1311 of the mixed resin 1303 is subsequently directed to a second intermediate volume 1310 after a predetermined trigger event 1402 associated with a continuing flow 1323 of the mixed resin 1303.

[0014] In another example of the method 100, the first mixed component 1305 includes a thermosetting resin 1333, an epoxy resin 1334, a polyester resin 1336, a thermoplastic resin 1338, or any other suitable mixed components in any suitable combination. In yet another example of the method 100, the second mixed component 1306 includes a thermosetting curing agent 1340, an epoxy curing agent 1342, a polyester curing agent 1344, a curing agent additive 1346, a catalyst 1348, or any other suitable mixed components in any suitable combination.

[0015] In yet another example of the method 100, the predefined trigger event 1402 indicates that the ratio of the first mixture component 1305 to the second mixture component 1306 in the flow is within a tolerance 1404 of the predefined threshold 1406. In a further example, prior to the predefined trigger event 1402, the ratio of the first mixture component 1305 to the second mixture component 1306 in the flow is not within a tolerance 1404 of the predefined threshold 1406 and is unreliable 1408.

[0016] In yet another example, the method 100 also includes a step 108 of first directing 1410 the mixed resin 1303 to the first intermediate volume 1308, and subsequently directing 1412 the mixed resin 1303 to the second intermediate volume 1310, and receiving a flow of the mixed resin 1303 at the inlet 1302. In a further example, the intermediate container 1307 includes the first intermediate volume 1308 and the second intermediate volume 1310.

[0017] In yet another example, the intermediate container 1307 also includes a first reference surface 1502, a second reference surface 1504 above the first reference surface 1502, a connecting wall 1506 between an interior 1508 of the first reference surface 1502 and an interior 1508 of the second reference surface 1504, and an outer wall 1510 extending from an exterior 1512 of the first reference surface 1502 and an exterior 1512 of the second reference surface 1504 to an opening 1514 of the intermediate container 1307. In other words, the interior 1508 is relative to the intermediate container 1307 and is along the connecting wall 1506 between the first reference surface 1502 and the second reference surface 1504. Conversely, the exterior 1512 is relative to the intermediate container 1307 and is along the outer wall 1510 of the intermediate container 1307. The first intermediate volume 1308 is defined upward from the first reference plane 1502 to the second reference plane 1504. The second intermediate volume 1310 is defined upward from the second reference plane 1504 toward an opening 1514. For example, the second intermediate volume 1310 can be an inverted dome shape, an inverted cone shape, an open cylinder shape, an open cube shape, or any other suitable volumetric shape.

[0018] In a further example, the intermediate container 1307 also includes an outlet 1516 disposed along the outer wall 1510 for dispensing the mixed resin 1303 from the second intermediate volume 1310. The outlet 1516 is disposed above the first intermediate volume 1308 such that the mixed resin 1303 in the first intermediate volume 1308 is not dispensed through the outlet 1516 when the mixed resin 1303 is dispensed from the second intermediate volume 1310.

[0019] 1, 2, 13A-13B, 14, 15A, 15B1-15B2, and 16, in one or more examples, a method 200 for in-line resin mixing includes the method 100 of FIG. 1 and proceeds from 106 to 202, where at least one of the inlet 1302 and the intermediate container 1307 is moved after a predetermined trigger event 1402 from a first position 1520, where the mixed resin 1303 is directed to a first intermediate volume 1308, to a second position 1522, where the mixed resin 1303 is directed to a second intermediate volume 1310.

[0020] In another example of the method 200, the inlet 1302 is configured to expand / extend 1414 from a first position 1520 to a second position 1522 in response to a predefined trigger event 1402. In a further example, the inlet 1302 is configured to compress / retract 1416 from the second position 1522 to the first position 1520 after the continued flow 1323 of the mixed resin 1303 into the second intermediate volume 1310 is terminated. For example, the compress / retract 1416 action may include a telescoping configuration.

[0021] In yet another example of the method 200 , the inlet 1302 is configured to pivot 1418 from a first position 1520 to a second position 1522 in response to a predetermined trigger event 1402 .

[0022] In yet another example of the method 200 , the intermediate container 1307 is configured to move 1524 from a first position 1520 to a second position 1522 in response to a predetermined trigger event 1402 .

[0023] In yet another example of the method 200, the intermediate container 1307 also includes a partition 1604 extending from the first reference plane 1502 toward an opening 1514 of the intermediate container 1307 to physically isolate 1606 the first intermediate volume 1308 from the second intermediate volume 1310. In a further example, the method 200 also includes draining 204 the mixed resin 1303 from the first intermediate volume 1308 after the mixed resin 1303 is directed to the second intermediate volume 1310.

[0024] 1 and 13A-13B, 14, 15A, 15B1-15B2, and 16, in another example of the method 100, the intermediate container 1307 also includes a reference surface 1602 (see FIG. 16) and an outer wall 1510 extending from an exterior 1512 of the reference surface 1602 to an opening 1514 of the intermediate container 1307. In this example, the intermediate container 1307 does not include the first and second reference surfaces 1502, 1504 shown in FIG. 15A. In a further example, the intermediate container 1307 also includes a partition wall 1604 extending from the reference surface 1602 toward the opening 1514 of the intermediate container 1307 to physically isolate 1606 the first intermediate volume 1308 from the second intermediate volume 1310.

[0025] 1, 3, 13A-13B, 14, 15A, and 15B1-15B2, in one or more examples, a method 300 for in-line resin mixing includes the method 100 of FIG. 1 and proceeds from 106 to 302, where at least one of the inlet 1302 and the intermediate container 1307 is moved 1524 after a predetermined trigger event 1402 from a first position 1520 where the mixed resin 1303 is directed to a first intermediate volume 1308 to a second position 1522 where the mixed resin 1303 is directed to a second intermediate volume 1310.

[0026] In another example of the method 300, the inlet 1302 is configured to expand / extend 1414 from a first position 1520 to a second position 1522 in response to a predefined trigger event 1402. In a further example, the inlet 1302 is configured to compress / retract 1416 from the second position 1522 to the first position 1520 after the continued flow 1323 of the mixed resin 1303 into the second intermediate volume 1310 is terminated. For example, the compress / retract 1416 action may include a telescoping configuration.

[0027] In yet another example of the method 300 , the inlet 1302 is configured to pivot 1418 from a first position 1520 to a second position 1522 in response to a predetermined trigger event 1402 .

[0028] In yet another example of the method 300 , the intermediate container 1307 is configured to move 1524 from a first position 1520 to a second position 1522 in response to a predetermined trigger event 1402 .

[0029] Referring again to Figures 1, 4 and 13A-13B, in one or more examples, a method 400 for in-line resin mixing includes the method 100 of Figure 1 and proceeds from 106 to 402, where the mixed resin 1303 is discharged from the first intermediate volume 1308 after the mixed resin 1303 is directed to the second intermediate volume 1310.

[0030] 1 and 13A-13B, 14, 15A, 15B1-15B2, and 16, in another example of the method 100, the intermediate container 1307 also includes an outlet 1516 disposed along the outer wall 1510 for dispensing the mixed resin 1303 from the second intermediate volume 1310. The outlet 1516 is disposed above the first intermediate volume (1308) such that the mixed resin 1303 in the first intermediate volume 1308 is not dispensed through the outlet 1516 when the mixed resin 1303 is dispensed from the second intermediate volume 1310. The first intermediate volume 1308 is defined from a reference plane 1602 (see FIG. 16) upward to the outlet 1516. In this example, the intermediate container 1307 does not include the first and second reference planes 1502, 1504 shown in FIG. 15A. The second intermediate volume 1310 is defined upwardly from the first intermediate volume 1308 toward the opening 1514 .

[0031] 1, 5, and 13A-13B, in one or more examples, a method 500 for in-line resin mixing includes the method 100 of FIG. 1 and proceeds from 106 to 502, 504, and 508. At 502, the mixed resin 1303 in the second intermediate volume 1310 is agitated. At 504, the mixed resin 1303 in the second intermediate volume 1310 is heated to a predetermined temperature 1350. At 506, the mixed resin 1303 in the second intermediate volume 1310 is maintained at the predetermined temperature 1350. At 508, the mixed resin 1303 in the second intermediate volume 1310 is insulated to facilitate maintaining the predetermined temperature 1350.

[0032] In another example of method 500, at least one stirring device 1312 is positioned so that stirring the mixed resin 1303 in the second intermediate volume 1310 does not stir the mixed resin 1303 in the first intermediate volume 1308.

[0033] In yet another example of method 500, the first intermediate volume 1308 and the second intermediate volume 1310 are physically isolated 1606 such that agitation of the mixed resin 1303 in the second intermediate volume 1310 does not agitate the mixed resin 1303 in the first intermediate volume 1308.

[0034] 1, 5, 6, and 13A-13B, in one or more examples, a method 600 for in-line resin mixing, including method 100 and method 500 of FIGS. 1 and 5, proceeds from 506 to 602, where the mixed resin 1303 in the first intermediate volume 1308 is heated to a predetermined temperature 1350. At 604, the mixed resin 1303 in the first intermediate volume 1308 is maintained at the predetermined temperature 1350. At 606, the mixed resin 1303 in the first intermediate volume 1308 is insulated to facilitate maintaining the predetermined temperature 1350.

[0035] 1, 7, 13A-13B, and 14, in one or more examples, a method 700 for in-line resin mixing includes the method 100 of FIG. 1 and proceeds from 104 to 702, where a parameter associated with the flow of the mixed resin 1303 is monitored to obtain a measurement value 1420. At 704, the measurement value 1420 is compared to a predefined threshold value 1406 associated with a predefined trigger event 1402. At 706, after the measurement value 1420 exceeds the predefined threshold value 1406, the direction of the mixed resin 1303 is changed from the first intermediate volume 1308 to the second intermediate volume 1310.

[0036] In another example of the method 700, the measurements 1420 include a flow time measurement 1422, a mixed resin viscosity measurement 1424, a mixed resin flow measurement 1426, a mixed resin volume measurement 1428, a mixed resin weight measurement 1430, a mixed resin concentration measurement 1432, or any other suitable measurements in any suitable combination.

[0037] In a further example, the flow time measurement 1422 is based on an elapsed time measurement 1434 from the start 1352 of the continued flow 1323 of the mixed resin 1303. In yet another example, the predetermined threshold 1406 for the elapsed time measurement 1434 is about 30 seconds from the start 1352 of the continued flow 1323 of the mixed resin 1303.

[0038] In another further example, the mixed resin viscosity measurement 1424 is based on the dynamic mixed resin pressure 1354 and the mixed resin temperature 1356 measurements 1420 by the viscometer 1358 .

[0039] In yet another further example, the mixed resin flow measurements 1426 are based on measurements 1420 from the ultrasonic sensor 1360 .

[0040] In yet another further example, the mixed resin volume measurement 1428 is based on the level measurement 1436 of the first intermediate volume 1308. In yet another example, the predetermined threshold 1406 of the level measurement 1436 indicates approximately 0.431 liters of mixed resin 1303 in the first intermediate volume 1308.

[0041] In another further example, the mixed resin weight measurement 1430 is based on the mixed resin weight measurement 1430 of the first intermediate volume 1308. In yet another example, the predetermined threshold 1406 of the mixed resin weight measurement 1430 indicates approximately 0.5 kilograms of mixed resin 1303 in the first intermediate volume 1308.

[0042] In yet another further example, the mixed resin concentration measurement 1432 is based on the concentration measurement 1432 by the refractometer 1362. In yet another example, the predetermined threshold 1406 of the concentration measurement 1432 indicates a first mixed component 1305 at about ⅔ concentration 1364 and a second mixed component 1306 at about ⅓ concentration 1366, a first mixed component 1305 at about ½ concentration and a second mixed component 1306 at about ½ concentration, or any other suitable concentrations of any mixed components in any suitable combination.

[0043] 1, 7, 8, and 13A-13B, in one or more examples, a method 800 for in-line resin mixing includes the method 100 and method 700 of FIGS. 1 and 7 and proceeds from 702 to 802, where the measurement 1420 is compared to a second predetermined threshold 1438 associated with the end of the continued flow 1323 of the mixed resin 1303 into the second intermediate volume 1310. At 804, after the measurement 1420 exceeds the second predetermined threshold 1438, the direction of the mixed resin 1303 is adjusted from the second intermediate volume 1310 to the first intermediate volume 1308 such that the next flow 1368 of the mixed resin 1303 is directed 1410 initially into the first intermediate volume 1308. At 806, the mixed resin 1303 is drained from the first intermediate volume 1308.

[0044] In another example of the method 800, the measurements 1420 include a mixed resin viscosity measurement 1424, a mixed resin flow measurement 1426, a mixed resin concentration measurement 1432, or any other suitable measurements in any suitable combination.

[0045] 1, 9, and 13A-13B, in one or more examples, a method 900 for in-line resin mixing includes the method 100 of FIG. 1 and proceeds from 106 to 902, where the mixed resin 1303 is dispensed from the second intermediate volume 1310 to a next stage of processing. In another example of the method 900, the next stage of processing includes at least one resin infusion tool 1324, at least one resin molding tool 1328, at least one compression molding tool, or any other suitable composite manufacturing tool in any suitable combination.

[0046] 1, 10, 13A-13B, 15A, and 15B1-15B2, in one or more examples, a method 1000 for in-line resin mixing includes the method 100 of FIG. 1 and proceeds from 106 to 1002, where the mixed resin 1303 is dispensed from the second intermediate volume 1310 to at least one resin infusion tool 1324. In another example of the method 1000, the dispensing includes pumping the mixed resin 1303 from the second intermediate volume 1310 to at least one resin infusion tool 1324. In yet another example of the method 1000, an outlet 1516 for dispensing the mixed resin 1303 from the second intermediate volume 1310 is positioned such that the mixed resin 1303 in the first intermediate volume 1308 is not dispensed through said outlet 1516. In yet another example of the method 1000 , the first intermediate volume 1308 and the second intermediate volume 1310 are physically isolated 1606 such that the mixed resin 1303 is not dispensed from the first intermediate volume 1308 .

[0047] 1, 11, 13A-13B, 15A, and 15B1-15B2, in one or more examples, a method 1100 for in-line resin mixing includes the method 100 of FIG. 1 and proceeds from 106 to 1102, where the mixed resin 1303 is dispensed from the second intermediate volume 1310 to at least one resin molding tool 1328. In another example of the method 1100, the dispensing includes pumping the mixed resin 1303 from the second intermediate volume 1310 to at least one resin molding tool 1328. In yet another example of the method 1100, an outlet 1516 for dispensing the mixed resin 1303 from the second intermediate volume 1310 is positioned such that the mixed resin 1303 from the first intermediate volume 1308 is not dispensed through said outlet 1516. In yet another example of the method 1100 , the first intermediate volume 1308 and the second intermediate volume 1310 are physically isolated 1606 such that the mixed resin 1303 is not dispensed from the first intermediate volume 1308 .

[0048] Referring again to Figures 1, 12 and 13A-13B, in one or more examples, a method 1200 for in-line resin mixing includes the method 100 of Figure 1 and proceeds from 106 to 1202 where the mixed resin 1303 is discharged from the first intermediate volume 1308 after the mixed resin 1303 is directed to the second intermediate volume 1310.

[0049] 13A-13B, 14, 15A, 15B1-15B2, 16, and 17, by way of example, the present disclosure is directed to a mixed resin storage assembly 1300 for in-line resin mixing. FIGS. 13A and 13B disclose an example of a mixed resin storage assembly 1300 including an inlet 1302 and an intermediate container 1307. FIG. 14 discloses an example of a mixed resin storage assembly 1300 in relation to a predefined trigger event 1402. FIGS. 15A, 15B1, and 15B2 disclose an example of a mixed resin storage assembly 1300 in relation to a positioning assembly 1518. FIG. 16 discloses an example of a mixed resin storage assembly 1300 in relation to a positioning assembly 1518. FIG. 17 discloses another example of a mixed resin storage assembly 1300.

[0050] 13A-13B and 14, in one or more examples, a mixed resin storage assembly 1300 for in-line resin mixing includes an inlet 1302 and an intermediate container 1307. The intermediate container 1307 includes a first intermediate volume 1308 and a second intermediate volume 1310. The inlet 1302 is configured to receive a flow of mixed resin 1303 from a mixed resin supply subsystem 1304. The mixed resin 1303 includes a first mixed component 1305 and a second mixed component 1306. The mixed resin supply subsystem 1304 may receive the first mixed component 1305 from a first mixed component supply subsystem 1330. The mixed resin supply subsystem 1304 may receive the second mixed component 1306 from a second mixed component supply subsystem 1332. The first intermediate volume 1308 is configured to hold at least an initial portion 1309 of the mixed resin 1303. The second intermediate volume 1310 is configured to hold a remaining portion 1311 of the mixed resin 1303. The inlet 1302 and intermediate container 1307 are configured such that the mixed resin 1303 is initially directed 1410 to the first intermediate volume 1308 and subsequently directed 1412 to the second intermediate volume 1310 in response to a predetermined trigger event 1402 associated with a continuing flow 1323 of the mixed resin 1303.

[0051] In another example of the mixed resin reservoir assembly 1300, the first mixed component 1305 includes a thermosetting resin 1333, an epoxy resin 1334, a polyester resin 1336, a thermoplastic resin 1338, or any other suitable mixed components in any suitable combination.

[0052] In yet another example of the mixed resin reservoir assembly 1300, the second mixed component 1306 includes a thermoset curing agent 1340, an epoxy curing agent 1342, a polyester curing agent 1344, a hardener additive 1346, a catalyst 1348, or any other suitable mixed component in any suitable combination.

[0053] In yet another example of the mixed resin impoundment assembly 1300, the predetermined trigger event 1402 indicates that the ratio of the first mixed component 1305 to the second mixed component 1306 in the flow is within a tolerance 1404 of the predetermined threshold 1406. In a further example, prior to the predetermined trigger event 1402, the ratio of the first mixed component 1305 to the second mixed component 1306 in the flow is not within a tolerance 1404 of the predetermined threshold 1406 and is unreliable 1408.

[0054] 13A-13B, 14, and 15A, 15B1-15B2, in one or more examples of the mixed resin storage assembly 1300, the intermediate container 1307 includes a first reference surface 1502, a second reference surface 1504, a connecting wall 1506, an outer wall 1510, and an opening 1514. The second reference surface 1504 is above the first reference surface 1502. The connecting wall 1506 is between an interior 1508 of the first reference surface 1502 and an interior 1508 of the second reference surface 1504. The outer wall 1510 extends from an exterior 1512 of the first reference surface 1502 and an exterior 1512 of the second reference surface 1504 to the opening 1514 of the intermediate container 1307. In other words, the interior 1508 is relative to the intermediate container 1307 and is along the connecting wall 1506 between the first datum surface 1502 and the second datum surface 1504. Conversely, the exterior 1512 is relative to the intermediate container 1307 and is along the outer wall 1510 of the intermediate container 1307. The first intermediate volume 1308 is defined from the first datum surface 1502 upward to the second datum surface 1504. The second intermediate volume 1310 is defined from the second datum surface 1504 upward toward the opening 1514.

[0055] In another example of the mixed resin storage assembly 1300, the intermediate container 1307 also includes an outlet 1516 disposed along the outer wall 1510 for dispensing the mixed resin 1303 from the second intermediate volume 1310. The outlet 1516 is disposed above the first intermediate volume 1308 such that the mixed resin 1303 in the first intermediate volume 1308 is not dispensed through the outlet 1516 when the mixed resin 1303 is dispensed from the second intermediate volume 1310.

[0056] In yet another example, the mixed resin storage assembly 1300 also includes a positioning assembly 1518 that moves at least one of the inlet 1302 and the intermediate container 1307 from a first position 1520 where the mixed resin 1303 is directed to the first intermediate volume 1308 to a second position 1522 where the mixed resin 1303 is directed to the second intermediate volume 1310 after a predetermined trigger event 1402. In a further example, the positioning assembly 1518 is configured to expand / extend 1414 the inlet 1302 from the first position 1520 to the second position 1522 in response to the predetermined trigger event 1402. In yet another example, the positioning assembly 1518 is configured to compress / retract 1416 the inlet 1302 from the second position 1522 to the first position 1520 after the continued flow 1323 of the mixed resin 1303 to the second intermediate volume 1310 is terminated. For example, the compress / retract 1416 motion may include an extend / retract configuration. In another further example, the positioning assembly 1518 is configured to pivot 1418 the inlet 1302 from a first position 1520 to a second position 1522 in response to a predetermined trigger event 1402. In yet another further example, the positioning assembly 1518 is configured to move 1524 the intermediate container 1307 from the first position 1520 to the second position 1522 in response to a predetermined trigger event 1402.

[0057] 13A-13B, 14, 15A, 15B1-15B2, and 16, in one or more examples of the mixed resin reservoir assembly 1300, the intermediate container 1307 also includes a datum surface 1602 (see FIG. 16) and an outer wall 1510 that extends from an exterior 1512 of the datum surface 1602 to an opening 1514 of the intermediate container 1307. In this example, the intermediate container 1307 does not include the first and second datum surfaces 1502, 1504 shown in FIG. 15A.

[0058] In another example of the mixed resin storage assembly 1300, the intermediate container 1307 also includes a partition wall 1604 extending from the reference plane 1602 toward the opening 1514 of the intermediate container 1307 to physically isolate 1606 the first intermediate volume portion 1308 from the second intermediate volume portion 1310.

[0059] In yet another example, the mixed resin storage assembly 1300 also includes a positioning assembly 1518 that moves at least one of the inlet 1302 and the intermediate container 1307 from a first position 1520 where the mixed resin 1303 is directed to the first intermediate volume 1308 to a second position 1522 where the mixed resin 1303 is directed to the second intermediate volume 1310 after a predetermined trigger event 1402. In a further example, the positioning assembly 1518 is configured to expand / extend 1414 the inlet 1302 from the first position 1520 to the second position 1522 in response to the predetermined trigger event 1402. In yet another example, the positioning assembly 1518 is configured to compress / retract 1416 the inlet 1302 from the second position 1522 to the first position 1520 after the continued flow 1323 of the mixed resin 1303 to the second intermediate volume 1310 is terminated. For example, the compress / retract 1416 motion may include an extend / retract configuration. In another further example, the positioning assembly 1518 is configured to pivot 1418 the inlet 1302 from a first position 1520 to a second position 1522 in response to a predetermined trigger event 1402. In yet another further example, the positioning assembly 1518 is configured to move 1524 the intermediate container 1307 from the first position 1520 to the second position 1522 in response to a predetermined trigger event 1402.

[0060] In yet another example of the mixed resin storage assembly 1300, the intermediate container 1307 also includes an outlet 1516 disposed along the outer wall 1510 for dispensing the mixed resin 1303 from the second intermediate volume 1310. The outlet 1516 is disposed above the first intermediate volume 1308 such that the mixed resin 1303 in the first intermediate volume 1308 is not dispensed through the outlet 1516 when the mixed resin 1303 is dispensed from the second intermediate volume 1310. The first intermediate volume 1308 is defined upward from the reference plane 1602 to the outlet 1516. The second intermediate volume 1310 is defined upward from the first intermediate volume 1308 toward the opening 1514.

[0061] 13A-13B, in one or more examples of the mixed resin storage assembly 1300, the intermediate vessel 1307 also includes at least one stirring device 1312, at least one heating device 1314, a heating control system 1316, and at least one insulating device 1318. The at least one stirring device 1312 is configured to stir the mixed resin 1303 in the second intermediate volume 1310. The at least one heating device 1314 is configured to heat the mixed resin 1303 in the second intermediate volume 1310 to a predetermined temperature 1350. The heating control system 1316 is configured to control the at least one heating device 1314 to maintain the mixed resin 1303 in the second intermediate volume 1310 at the predetermined temperature 1350. At least one insulation device 1318 is configured to insulate the mixed resin 1303 within the second intermediate volume 1310 to facilitate maintaining a predetermined temperature 1350 .

[0062] In another example of the mixed resin storage assembly 1300, the at least one agitator 1312 is positioned such that agitation of the mixed resin 1303 in the second intermediate volume 1310 does not agitate the mixed resin 1303 in the first intermediate volume 1308. In yet another example of the mixed resin storage assembly 1300, the at least one heater 1314 is configured to heat the mixed resin 1303 in the first intermediate volume 1308 to a predetermined temperature 1350. In this example, the heating control system 1316 is configured to maintain the mixed resin 1303 in the first intermediate volume 1308 at the predetermined temperature 1350.

[0063] 13A-13B, 14, 15A, and 15B1-15B2, in one or more examples, the mixed resin impoundment assembly 1300 also includes at least one monitoring device 1320, a positioning control system 1322, and a positioning assembly 1518. The at least one monitoring device 1320 is configured to detect at least one parameter associated with the flow of the mixed resin 1303 to obtain at least one measurement value 1420. The positioning control system 1322 is in operative communication with the at least one monitoring device 1320 to receive the at least one measurement value 1420. The positioning control system 1322 is configured to compare the at least one measurement value 1420 to a corresponding at least one predefined threshold value 1406 associated with a predefined trigger event 1402. The positioning assembly 1518 is configured to move the inlet 1302 and intermediate container 1307 after a predefined trigger event 1402 from a first position 1520, where the mixed resin 1303 is directed to the first intermediate volume 1308, to a second position 1522, where the mixed resin 1303 is directed to the second intermediate volume 1310. The positioning control system 1322 is in operative communication with the positioning assembly 1518. The positioning control system 1322 is configured to control the movement of the positioning assembly 1518 between the first position 1520 and the second position 1522 in response to the predefined trigger event 1402.

[0064] In another example of the mixed resin reservoir assembly 1300, the at least one measurement 1420 includes a flow time measurement 1422, a mixed resin viscosity measurement 1424, a mixed resin flow measurement 1426, a mixed resin volume measurement 1428, a mixed resin weight measurement 1430, a mixed resin concentration measurement 1432, or any other suitable measurement in any suitable combination. In yet another example of the mixed resin storage assembly 1300, the at least one monitoring device 1320 includes a timer that monitors the elapsed time from the start 1352 of the continued flow 1323 of mixed resin 1303, a viscometer 1358 that monitors the dynamic mixed resin pressure 1354 and mixed resin temperature 1356 associated with the flow of the mixed resin 1303, an ultrasonic sensor 1360 that measures the flow of the mixed resin 1303, a fluid sensor that detects a liquid level indicating that the first intermediate volume 1308 is full, a scale that detects a weight indicating that the first intermediate volume 1308 is full, and a refractometer 1362 that monitors the concentration of the flow of mixed resin 1303.

[0065] 13A-13B, 15A, and 15B1-15B2, in one or more examples, the mixed resin storage assembly 1300 also includes an outlet 1516 that dispenses the mixed resin 1303 from the second intermediate volume 1310 to at least one resin infusion tool 1324. In another example of the mixed resin storage assembly 1300, the outlet 1516 is configured to align with the mixed resin dispensing subsystem 1326. The mixed resin dispensing subsystem 1326 is configured to pump the mixed resin 1303 from the second intermediate volume 1310 to at least one resin infusion tool 1324. In yet another example of the mixed resin storage assembly 1300, the outlet 1516 is positioned such that the mixed resin in the first intermediate volume 1308 is not dispensed through the outlet 1516. In yet another example of the mixed resin storage assembly 1300, the first intermediate volume 1308 and the second intermediate volume 1310 are physically isolated 1606 such that the outlet 1516 is not in fluid communication with the first intermediate volume 1308.

[0066] 13A-13B, 15A, and 15B1-15B2, in one or more examples, the mixed resin storage assembly 1300 also includes an outlet 1516 that dispenses the mixed resin 1303 from the second intermediate volume 1310 to at least one resin molding tool 1328. In another example of the mixed resin storage assembly 1300, the outlet 1516 is configured to align with the mixed resin dispensing subsystem 1326. The mixed resin dispensing subsystem 1326 is configured to pump the mixed resin 1303 from the second intermediate volume 1310 to at least one resin molding tool 1328. In yet another example of the mixed resin storage assembly 1300, the outlet 1516 is positioned such that the mixed resin 1303 from the first intermediate volume 1308 is not dispensed through the outlet 1516. In yet another example of the mixed resin storage assembly 1300, the first intermediate volume 1308 and the second intermediate volume 1310 are physically isolated 1606 such that the outlet 1516 is not in fluid communication with the first intermediate volume 1308.

[0067] 13A-13B, 14, 15A, 15B1-15B2, and 16-19, by way of example, the present disclosure is directed to a system 1800 for in-line resin mixing. FIG 18 discloses an example of a system 1800 including a mixed resin supply subsystem 1304 and a mixed resin storage assembly 1300. FIG 19 discloses an example of a system 1800 including a mixed resin supply subsystem 1304, a mixed resin storage assembly 1300, and a mixed resin dispensing subsystem 1326.

[0068] 13A-13B, 14, 15A, 15B1-15B2, and 16-19, in one or more examples, a system 1800 for in-line resin mixing includes a mixed resin supply subsystem 1304 and a mixed resin storage assembly 1300. The mixed resin supply subsystem 1304 includes a first reservoir 1902, a first pump 1904, a second reservoir 1906, a second pump 1908, a three-way valve 1910, a plurality of first supply lines 1918, a plurality of second supply lines 1920, and at least one mixed resin supply line 1922. The mixed resin storage assembly 1300 includes an inlet 1302 and an intermediate container 1307.

[0069] With respect to the mixed resin supply subsystem 1304, the first reservoir 1902 is configured to hold a quantity of the first mixed component 1305. The first pump 1904 is configured to draw the first mixed component 1305 from the first reservoir 1902. The second reservoir 1906 is configured to hold a quantity of the second mixed component 1306. The second pump 1908 is configured to draw the second mixed component 1306 from the second reservoir 1906. The three-way valve 1910 includes a first inlet connection 1912, a second inlet connection 1914, and an outlet connection 1916. The three-way valve 1910 is configured to receive the first mixed component 1305 from the first pump 1904 at the first inlet connection 1912. The three-way valve 1910 is configured to receive the second mixed component 1306 from the second pump 1908 at the second inlet connection 1914. The three-way valve 1910 is configured to establish a flow of the mixed resin 1303 through the outlet connection 1916 in conjunction with the first and second pumps 1904, 1908 drawing the first and second mixed components 1305, 1306 from the first and second reservoirs 1902, 1906. A plurality of first supply lines 1918 interconnect the first reservoir 1902, the first pump 1904, and the first inlet connection 1912 of the three-way valve 1910. A plurality of second supply lines 1920 interconnect the second reservoir 1906, the second pump 1908, and the second inlet connection 1914 of the three-way valve 1910. At least one mixed resin supply line 1922 is connected to the outlet connection 1916 of the three-way valve 1910 .

[0070] With respect to the mixed resin reservoir assembly 1300, the inlet 1302 is connected to at least one mixed resin supply line 1922. The inlet 1302 is configured to receive a flow of mixed resin 1303 via the at least one mixed resin supply line 1922. The intermediate container 1307 includes a first intermediate volume 1308 and a second intermediate volume 1310. The first intermediate volume 1308 is configured to hold at least a first portion 1309 of the mixed resin 1303. The second intermediate volume 1310 is configured to hold a remaining portion 1311 of the mixed resin 1303.

[0071] In another example of the system 1800, the first pump 1904 includes a first gear pump and the second pump 1908 includes a second gear pump.

[0072] In yet another example of the system 1800, the mixed resin supply subsystem 1304 also includes an in-line mixing element 1924 between the three-way valve 1910 and the inlet 1302 of the mixed resin reservoir assembly 1300. In this example, the at least one mixed resin supply line 1922 includes a plurality of mixed resin supply lines 1922 interconnecting the three-way valve 1910, the in-line mixing element 1924, and the inlet 1302.

[0073] In yet another example of the system 1800, the mixed resin storage assembly 1300 also includes at least one agitator 1312, at least one heater 1314, a heating control system 1316, and at least one insulation device 1318. The at least one agitator 1312 is configured to agitate the mixed resin 1303 in the second intermediate volume 1310. The at least one heater 1314 is configured to heat the mixed resin 1303 in the second intermediate volume 1310 to a predetermined temperature 1350. The heating control system 1316 is configured to control the at least one heater 1314 to maintain the mixed resin 1303 in the second intermediate volume 1310 at the predetermined temperature 1350. The at least one insulation device 1318 is configured to insulate the mixed resin 1303 in the second intermediate volume 1310 to facilitate maintaining the predetermined temperature 1350. In a further example of the system 1800, the at least one heating device 1314 is configured to heat the mixed resin 1303 in the first intermediate volume 1308 to a predetermined temperature 1350. In this example, the heating control system 1316 is also configured to maintain the mixed resin 1303 in the first intermediate volume 1308 at the predetermined temperature 1350.

[0074] In yet another example of the system 1800, the mixed resin impoundment assembly 1300 also includes at least one monitoring device 1320, a positioning control system 1322, and a positioning assembly 1518. The at least one monitoring device 1320 is configured to detect at least one parameter associated with the flow of the mixed resin 1303 to obtain at least one measurement value 1420. The positioning control system 1322 is in operative communication with the at least one monitoring device 1320 to receive the at least one measurement value 1420. The positioning control system 1322 is configured to compare the at least one measurement value 1420 to a corresponding at least one predefined threshold value 1406 associated with a predefined trigger event 1402. The positioning assembly 1518 is configured to move at least one of the inlet 1302 and the intermediate container 1307 after a predefined trigger event 1402 from a first position 1520 where the mixed resin 1303 is directed to the first intermediate volume 1308 to a second position 1522 where the mixed resin 1303 is directed to the second intermediate volume 1310. The positioning control system 1322 is in operative communication with the positioning assembly 1518. The positioning control system 1322 is configured to control movement of the positioning assembly 1518 between the first position 1520 and the second position 1522 in response to the predefined trigger event 1402.

[0075] In yet another example of the system 1800, the mixed resin storage assembly 1300 also includes an outlet 1516 that dispenses the mixed resin 1303 from the second intermediate volume 1310. In a further example, the system 1800 also includes a mixed resin dispensing subsystem 1326 that receives the mixed resin 1303 from the second intermediate volume 1310 via the outlet 1516 of the mixed resin storage assembly 1300 and pumps the mixed resin 1303 from the second intermediate volume 1310 to the at least one resin infusion tool 1324 and / or the at least one resin molding tool 1328.

[0076] Referring generally to FIGS. 20, 21A-21D, 22-24, 25A-25D, 26, and 27, by way of example, the present disclosure is directed to a valve assembly 2000 for in-line resin mixing, and a system 2700 for in-line resin mixing that implements the valve assembly 2000. FIG. 20 discloses an example of the valve assembly 2000 with the outer valve body 2002, inner valve body 2010, and cover 2018 disassembled. FIGS. 21A-21D disclose four example positions of the valve assembly 2000. FIG. 22 discloses an example of the outer valve body 2002 of the valve assembly 2000. FIG. 23 discloses an example of the inner valve body 2010 of the valve assembly 2000. FIG. 24 discloses an example of a system connection of the valve assembly 2000. Figures 25A-25D disclose four example positions and example system connections for the valve assembly 2000. Figure 26 discloses another example of the valve assembly 2000 having a valve control system 2608. Figure 27 discloses one example of a system 2700 implementing the valve assembly 2000.

[0077] 20, 21A-21D, 22-24, and 25A-25D, in one or more examples, a valve assembly 2000 for in-line resin mixing includes an outer valve body 2002, an inner valve body 2010, and a cover 2018. The outer valve body 2002 includes three input ports 2004 and an output port 2006 and defines an inner cavity 2008. The inner valve body 2010 is disposed within the inner cavity 2008 and defines five flow passages 2012 extending from a periphery 2014 of the inner valve body 2010 and intersecting at a central portion 2016 of the inner valve body 2010. The cover 2018 is secured to the outer valve body 2002 to enclose the inner valve body 2010 within the inner cavity 2008.

[0078] In another example of the valve assembly 2000, the five flow paths 2012 of the inner valve body 2010, the three input ports 2004 of the outer valve body 2002, and the output port 2006 of the outer valve body 2002 are configured to establish four positions 2100, 2102, 2104, 2106 of the inner valve body 2010 relative to the outer valve body 2002. For example, the valve assembly 2000 may be referred to as a five-way valve assembly.

[0079] In a further example, the first position 2100 of the inner valve body 2010 relative to the outer valve body 2002 is configured to connect the first input port 2108 through the first flow path 2110, the second input port 2112 through the second flow path 2114, to the output port 2006 via the fifth flow path 2116. In the same example, the outer valve body 2002 is configured in the first position 2100 to block the third flow path 2118 and block the fourth flow path 2120.

[0080] In another further example, the second position 2102 of the inner valve body 2010 relative to the outer valve body 2002 is configured to connect the third input port 2122 through the third flow path 2118 to the output port 2006 via the fourth flow path 2120. In the same example, the outer valve body 2002 is configured in the second position 2102 to block the first flow path 2110, the second flow path 2114 and the fifth flow path 2116.

[0081] In yet another further example, the third position 2104 of the inner valve body 2010 relative to the outer valve body 2002 is configured to connect the first input port 2108 through the second flow path 2114 to the output port 2006 via the first flow path 2110. In the same example, the outer valve body 2002 is configured to block the third flow path 2118, the fourth flow path 2120 and the fifth flow path 2116 in the third position 2104.

[0082] In yet another further example, the fourth position 2106 of the inner valve body 2010 relative to the outer valve body 2002 is configured to connect the second input port 2112 to the output port 2006 via the second flow path 2114 through the fifth flow path 2116. In the same example, the outer valve body 2002 is configured to block the first flow path 2110, the third flow path 2118 and the fourth flow path 2120 in the fourth position 2106.

[0083] In yet another example of a valve assembly 2000, the three input ports 2004 of the outer valve body 2002 include a first input port 2108, a second input port 2112, and a third input port 2122. The first input port 2108 is 90 degrees counterclockwise from the output port 2006. The second input port 2112 is 90 degrees counterclockwise from the first input port 2108. The third input port 2122 is X degrees counterclockwise from the second input port 2112. The output port 2006 is Y degrees counterclockwise from the third input port 2122. In this example, (X+Y)=180 degrees and Y<90 degrees.

[0084] In yet another example of a valve assembly 2000, the five flow paths 2012 of the inner valve body 2010 include a first flow path 2110, a second flow path 2114, a third flow path 2118, a fourth flow path 2120, and a fifth flow path 2116. The first flow path 2110 is 90 degrees counterclockwise from the fifth flow path 2116. The second flow path 2114 is 90 degrees counterclockwise from the first flow path 2110. The third flow path 2118 is X degrees counterclockwise from the second flow path 2114. The fourth flow path 2120 is Y degrees counterclockwise from the third flow path 2118. The fifth flow path 2116 is X degrees counterclockwise from the fourth flow path 2120. In this example, (2X+Y)=180 degrees.

[0085] In yet another example of the valve assembly 2000, the three input ports 2004 include a first input port 2108, a second input port 2112, and a third input port 2122. The first input port 2108 is configured to connect to a first mixing component subsystem 2402 to receive the first mixing component 1305. The second input port 2112 is configured to connect to a second mixing component subsystem 2404 to receive the second mixing component 1306. The third input port 2122 is configured to connect to a solvent subsystem 2406 to receive a solvent. In this example, the output port 2006 is configured to connect to an in-line resin mixing subsystem 2408.

[0086] In a further example, the first mixed component 1305 includes at least one of a thermosetting resin 1333, an epoxy resin 1334, a polyester resin 1336, a thermoplastic resin 1338, or any other suitable mixed component in any suitable combination. In another further example, the second mixed component 1306 includes a thermosetting curing agent 1340, an epoxy curing agent 1342, a polyester curing agent 1344, a curing agent additive 1346, a catalyst 1348, or any other suitable mixed component in any suitable combination. In yet another further example, the solvent includes an isopropyl alcohol based solvent, a denatured alcohol based solvent, an acetone based solvent, a toluene based solvent, or any other suitable solvent in any suitable combination.

[0087] In yet another further example, the five flow paths 2012 of the inner valve body 2010, the three input ports 2004 of the outer valve body 2002, and the output port 2006 of the outer valve body 2002 are configured to establish four positions 2100, 2102, 2104, 2106 in which at least one flow path is aligned with at least one input port and another flow path is aligned with the output port 2006 in response to rotation of the inner valve body 2010 within the internal cavity 2008 of the outer valve body 2002.

[0088] In yet another example, the first position 2100 of the internal valve body 2010 is configured to route the first mixed component 1305 through the first flow path 2110 via the first input port 2108, route the second mixed component 1306 through the second flow path 2114 via the second input port 2112, and route the second mixed component 1306 through the fifth flow path 2116 to the output port 2006 to establish a flow of the mixed resin 1303 to the in-line resin mixing subsystem 2408. In the same example, the internal valve body 2010 is configured to block the third input port 2122 in the first position 2100.

[0089] In another further example, the second position 2102 of the internal valve body 2010 is configured to route solvent through the third flow path 2118 via the third input port 2122 and through the fourth flow path 2120 to the output port 2006 to establish a flow of solvent to the in-line resin mixing subsystem 2408. In the same example, the internal valve body 2010 is configured to block the first input port 2108 and the second input port 2112 in the second position 2102.

[0090] In yet another further example, the third position 2104 of the internal valve body 2010 is configured to route the first mixed component 1305 through the first input port 2108, through the second flow path 2114, and through the first flow path 2110 to the output port 2006 to establish a flow of the first mixed component 1305 to the in-line resin mixing subsystem 2408. In the same example, the internal valve body 2010 is configured to block the second input port 2112 and the third input port 2122 in the third position 2104.

[0091] In yet another further example, the fourth position 2106 of the internal valve body 2010 is configured to route the second mixing component 1306 through the second input port 2112, through the fifth passage 2116, and through the second passage 2114 to the output port 2006 to establish a flow of the second mixing component 1306 to the in-line resin mixing subsystem 2408. In the same example, the internal valve body 2010 is configured to block the first input port 2108 and the third input port 2122 in the fourth position 2106.

[0092] 20, 21A-21D, and 26, in one or more examples, the valve assembly 2000 also includes a valve stem 2602 that extends through the opening 2020 in the cover 2018. The valve stem 2602 is secured to the inner valve body 2010. The valve stem 2602 is configured to facilitate rotation of the inner valve body 2010 within the internal cavity 2008 of the outer valve body 2002.

[0093] In another example of the valve assembly 2000, the five flow paths 2012 of the inner valve body 2010, the three input ports 2004 of the outer valve body 2002, and the output port 2006 of the outer valve body 2002 are configured to establish four positions 2100, 2102, 2104, 2106 in which at least one flow path is aligned with at least one input port and another flow path is aligned with the output port 2006 in response to rotation of the inner valve body 2010 via the valve stem 2602 to each position.

[0094] In yet another example, the valve assembly 2000 also includes a rotary actuator 2604, a position sensor 2606, and a valve control system 2608. The rotary actuator 2604 is coupled to the valve stem 2602 and is configured to rotate the inner valve body 2010 from an initial position to a desired position relative to the four positions 2100, 2102, 2104, 2106. The position sensor 2606 is configured to detect a current position of the inner valve body 2010. The valve control system 2608 is in operative communication with the rotary actuator 2604 and the position sensor 2606. The valve control system 2608 is configured to receive a position signal from the position sensor 2606, compare the position signal to the desired position, and send a control signal to the rotary actuator 2604 to move the rotary actuator 2604 to the desired position.

[0095] In further examples, the rotary actuator 2604 may include a servo motor, a stepper motor, a variable speed electric motor, a gear box, and any other suitable rotary actuator in any suitable combination of control mechanisms.

[0096] In another further example, the position sensor 2606 includes a position encoder, a rotary potentiometer servo, a magnetic sensor, a gearbox sensor, or any other suitable position sensor in any suitable combination of sensing mechanisms.

[0097] 13A-13B, 20, 21A-21D, 24, and 27, in one or more examples, a system 2700 for in-line resin mixing includes a valve assembly 2000, a first mixing component subsystem 2402, a second mixing component subsystem 2404, a solvent subsystem 2406, and an in-line resin mixing subsystem 2408. The valve assembly 2000 includes an outer valve body 2002, an inner valve body 2010, and a cover 2018. The first mixing component subsystem 2402 is coupled to a first input port 2108 of the outer valve body 2002. The first mixing component subsystem 2402 is configured to provide a first flow of the first mixing component 1305 to the valve assembly 2000. The second mixing component subsystem 2404 is coupled to a second input port 2112 of the outer valve body 2002. The second mixed component subsystem 2404 is configured to supply a second flow of the second mixed component 1306 to the valve assembly 2000. The solvent subsystem 2406 is coupled to the third input port 2122 of the external valve body 2002. The solvent subsystem 2406 is configured to supply a third flow of solvent to the valve assembly 2000. The in-line resin mixing subsystem 2408 is coupled to the output port 2006 of the external valve body 2002. The in-line resin mixing subsystem 2408 is configured in communication with the first position 2100 of the valve assembly 2000 to receive a fourth flow of the mixed resin 1303 from the valve assembly 2000. The in-line resin mixing subsystem 2408 is also configured in communication with the second position 2102 of the valve assembly 2000 to receive a third flow of solvent.

[0098] In another example of the system 2700 , the in-line resin mixing subsystem 2408 is configured in communication with the third position 2104 of the valve assembly 2000 to receive a first flow of the first mixing component 1305 .

[0099] In yet another example of the system 2700 , the in-line resin mixing subsystem 2408 is configured in conjunction with the fourth position 2106 of the valve assembly 2000 to receive a second flow of the second mixing component 1306 .

[0100] The examples of the mixed resin reservoir assembly 1300, valve assembly 2000 and systems 1800, 2700 for in-line resin mixing may be related to or used in the context of aircraft manufacturing. Although an aircraft example is described, the examples and principles disclosed herein may be applied to other products in the aerospace industry, and other industries, such as the automotive industry, space industry, construction industry, and other design and manufacturing industries. Thus, the examples and principles disclosed herein may be applied to the use of thermosetting products in the manufacture of various types of vehicles and the construction of various types of buildings, in addition to aircraft.

[0101] The foregoing detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which show examples described by the present disclosure. Other examples having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Similar reference numbers may refer to the same features, elements, or components in different drawings. Throughout this disclosure, any of a plurality of items may be referred to individually or together and may be referred to by similar reference numbers. Also, as used herein, a feature, element, component, or step preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding a plurality of features, elements, components, or steps, unless such exclusion is expressly stated.

[0102] Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples of the subject matter according to the present disclosure that may be claimed, but are not necessarily claimed, are provided above. When an "example" is mentioned herein, it means that one or more of the features, structures, elements, components, characteristics, and / or operational steps described in connection with that example are included in at least one aspect, embodiment, and / or implementation of the subject matter according to the present disclosure. Thus, throughout this disclosure, the phrases "one example," "another example," "one or more examples," and similar language may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. Furthermore, subject matter characterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, include subject matter characterizing any other example. Also, subject matter characterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, be combined with subject matter characterizing any other example.

[0103] As used herein, a system, apparatus, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that is "configured to" perform a specified function is actually capable of performing the specified function without modification, rather than merely having the potential to perform the specified function after further modification. In other words, a system, apparatus, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that is "configured to" perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function. As used herein, "configured to" refers to existing characteristics of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that enable the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform a specified function without further modification. For purposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that is described as "configured to" perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as "adapted to" and / or "operating to" perform that function.

[0104] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. are used herein merely as labels and are not intended to impose any order, position, or hierarchy requirements on the items to which they refer, and reference to, for example, a "second" item does not require or preclude the presence of, for example, "first" or lower-numbered items and / or, for example, "third" or higher-numbered items.

[0105] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of," when used in conjunction with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only one of each item in the list may be required. For example, "at least one of item A, item B, and item C" may include, without limitation, item A, or item A and item B. This example may also include item A, item B, and item C, or item B and item C. In other examples, "at least one of" may be, without limitation, two items A, one item B, and ten items C, or four items B and seven items C, or other suitable combinations. As used herein, the term "and / or" and the " / " symbol include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0106] As used herein, the terms "coupled," "coupling," and similar terms refer to two or more elements that are joined, coupled, fixed, attached, connected, in communication, or otherwise associated with one another (e.g., mechanically, electrically, fluidly, optically, electromagnetically). In various examples, the elements may be directly or indirectly associated. As an example, element A may be directly associated with element B. As another example, element A may be indirectly associated with element B, e.g., through another element C. It will be understood that not all associations between the various disclosed elements are necessarily depicted. Thus, other couplings than those shown may exist.

[0107] As used herein, the term "approximately" refers to or describes conditions that are close to, but are not the exact described conditions, that still perform the desired function or achieve the desired result. As an example, the term "approximately" refers to conditions that are within an acceptable predetermined tolerance or precision, such as conditions within 10% of the described conditions. However, the term "approximately" does not exclude conditions that are the exact described conditions. As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to conditions that are essentially the described conditions that perform the desired function or achieve the desired result.

[0108] In the above figures 1-12, blocks may represent operations, steps, and / or portions thereof, and lines connecting various blocks do not imply a particular order or dependency of operations or portions thereof. It will be understood that not all dependencies between various disclosed operations are necessarily depicted. Figures 1-12 and the accompanying disclosure describing the operations of the disclosed methods described herein should not be construed as necessarily dictating the order in which operations should be performed. Rather, while one exemplary order is indicated, it should be understood that the order of operations may be modified where appropriate. Thus, modifications, additions, and / or omissions may be made to the illustrated operations, and certain operations may be performed in a different order or simultaneously. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all operations described necessarily need to be performed.

[0109] The above-mentioned Figures 13A-13B, 14, 15A, 15B1-15B2, 16-20, 21A-21D, 22-24, 25A-25D, 26, and 27 may represent functional elements, forms, or components thereof, and do not necessarily imply a specific structure. Therefore, modifications, additions, and / or omissions may be made to the illustrated structures. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that not all elements, forms, and / or components described and illustrated in the above-mentioned Figures 13A-13B, 14, 15A, 15B1-15B2, 16-20, 21A-21D, 22-24, 25A-25D, 26, and 27 need to be included in every example, and not all elements, forms, and / or components described herein are necessarily shown in each illustrative example. Thus, some of the elements, features, and / or components described and illustrated in Figures 13A-13B, 14, 15A, 15B1-15B2, 16-20, 21A-21D, 22-24, 25A-25D, 26, and 27 may be combined in various ways with other drawing figures and / or the accompanying disclosure, without necessarily including other features described and illustrated in Figures 13A-13B, 14, 15A, 15B1-15B2, 16-20, 21A-21D, 22-24, 25A-25D, 26, and 27, even if such combination or combinations are not explicitly exemplified herein. Similarly, additional features, not limited to the examples presented, may be combined with any or all of the features shown and described herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the schematic diagrams of the examples shown in Figures 13A-13B, 14, 15A, 15B1-15B2, 16-20, 21A-21D, 22-24, 25A-25D, 26, and 27 above are not intended to imply structural limitations with respect to the illustrative examples. Rather, one exemplary structure is indicated, but it should be understood that the structure may be modified where appropriate. Thus, modifications, additions, and / or omissions may be made to the illustrated structure.Additionally, elements, features, and / or components that serve similar, or at least substantially similar, purposes are labeled with similar numbers in each of Figures 13A-13B, 14, 15A, 15B1-15B2, 16-20, 21A-21D, 22-24, 25A-25D, 26, and 27, and such elements, features, and / or components may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each of Figures 13A-13B, 14, 15A, 15B1-15B2, 16-20, 21A-21D, 22-24, 25A-25D, 26, and 27. Similarly, not all elements, features, and / or components may be labeled in each of Figures 13A-13B, 14, 15A, 15B1-15B2, 16-20, 21A-21D, 22-24, 25A-25D, 26, and 27, and the reference numbers associated therewith may be used herein for consistency.

[0110] Furthermore, references to features, advantages, or similar language throughout this specification do not imply that all features and advantages that may be realized in the examples disclosed herein should be in any single example, or are in any single example. Rather, language referring to features and advantages is understood to mean that the particular feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example. Thus, discussion of features, advantages, and similar language used throughout this disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example.

[0111] Examples of the subject matter disclosed herein may be described in the context of an aircraft manufacturing and service method 2800 shown in FIG. 28 and an aircraft 2900 shown in FIG. 29. In one or more examples, the disclosed methods and systems for associating test data of a part under test with an end item coordinate system may be used in aircraft manufacturing. Prior to production, the service method 2800 may include specification and design of the aircraft 2900 (block 2802) and material procurement (block 2804). During production, manufacturing of components and subassemblies of the aircraft 2900 (block 2806) and system integration (block 2808) may occur. The aircraft 2900 may then be placed in service (block 2812) through certification and delivery (block 2810). In service, the aircraft 2900 may be scheduled for routine maintenance and service (block 2814). The routine maintenance and service may include modification, reconfiguration, modification, etc. of one or more systems of the aircraft 2900.

[0112] Each of the processes of maintenance method 2800 may be performed or carried out by a system integrator, a third party, and / or an operator (e.g., a customer). For purposes of this specification, a system integrator may include, without limitation, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major system subcontractors, a third party may include, without limitation, any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers, and an operator may be an airline, a leasing company, a military agency, a service organization, etc.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 29 , aircraft 2900 produced by service method 2800 may include an airframe 2902 having multiple upstream systems 2904 and an interior 2906. Examples of upstream systems 2904 include one or more of a propulsion system 2908, an electrical system 2910, a hydraulic system 2912, and an environmental system 2914. Any number of other systems may be included. Although an aerospace example is illustrated, the principles disclosed herein may be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry. Thus, in addition to aircraft 2900, the principles disclosed herein may be applied to other vehicles, such as land vehicles, sea vehicles, space vehicles, etc.

[0114] The disclosed systems and methods for associating test data of a part under test with an end item coordinate system may be used during any one or more stages of manufacturing and service method 2800. For example, components or subassemblies corresponding to manufacturing of components and subassemblies (block 2806) may be fabricated or manufactured in a similar manner as components or subassemblies produced while aircraft 2900 is in service (block 2812). Also, one or more example of the system(s), method(s), or combinations thereof may be utilized during the production stage (blocks 2806 and 2808), for example, by substantially facilitating or reducing costs of assembly of aircraft 2900. Similarly, one or more example implementations of the system or method, or combinations thereof may be utilized, for example, without limitation, while aircraft 2900 is in service (block 2812) and / or during maintenance and service (block 2814).

[0115] The described features, advantages, and characteristics of one example may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more other examples. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the examples described herein may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular example. In other examples, additional features and advantages may be recognized in a particular example that may not be present in all examples. Furthermore, while various examples of the methods 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, mixed resin reservoir assembly 1300, valve assembly 2000, and systems for in-line resin mixing 1800, 2700 have been shown and described, modifications may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading this specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.

[0116] Copyright Notice A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to (copyright or mask work) protection. The (copyright or mask work) owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any person of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but reserves all other (copyright or mask work) rights.

[0117] Copyright 2023 Boeing Research & Technology Australia Not subject to the Australian Defence Trade Controls Act 2012

[0118] [Section 1] Establishing (102) a flow of a mixed resin (1303) comprising a first mixed component (1305) and a second mixed component (1306); directing (104) at least a first portion (1309) of the mixed resin (1303) into a first intermediate volume (1308); followed by a step (106) of directing a remaining portion (1311) of the mixed resin (1303) to a second intermediate volume (1310) after a predetermined trigger event (1402) for a continued flow (1323) of the mixed resin (1303); 16. A method for in-line resin mixing comprising: [Section 2] Item 10. The method of item 1, wherein the first mixed component (1305) includes at least one of a thermosetting resin (1333), an epoxy resin (1334), a polyester resin (1336), and a thermoplastic resin (1338). [Section 3] Item 10. The method of item 1, wherein the second mixed component (1306) comprises at least one of a thermoset curing agent (1340), an epoxy curing agent (1342), a polyester curing agent (1344), a hardener additive (1346), and a catalyst (1348). [Section 4] Item 1. The method of item 1, wherein the predetermined trigger event (1402) indicates that a ratio of the first mixture component (1305) to the second mixture component (1306) in the flow is within an acceptable range (1404) of a predetermined threshold (1406). [Section 5] 5. The method of claim 4, wherein prior to the predetermined trigger event (1402), the ratio of the first mixture component (1305) to the second mixture component (1306) in the flow is not within the tolerance (1404) of the predetermined threshold (1406) and is unreliable (1408). [Section 6] receiving (108) the flow of the mixed resin (1303) at an inlet (1302) that first directs (1410) the mixed resin (1303) to the first intermediate volume (1308) and then directs (1412) the mixed resin (1303) to the second intermediate volume (1310); The method of claim 1, further comprising: [Section 7] Item 7. The method of item 6, wherein an intermediate container (1307) comprises the first intermediate volume portion (1308) and the second intermediate volume portion (1310). [Section 8] The intermediate container (1307) includes a first reference surface (1502), a second reference surface (1504) above the first reference surface (1502), a connecting wall (1506) between an inside (1508) of the first reference surface (1502) and an inside (1508) of the second reference surface (1504), and a connecting wall (1506) between an outside (1512) of the first reference surface (1502) and an outside (1512) of the second reference surface (1504). and an outer wall (1510) extending to an opening (1514) of the intermediate container (1307), wherein the first intermediate volume (1308) is defined upward from the first reference plane (1502) to the second reference plane (1504), and the second intermediate volume (1310) is defined upward from the second reference plane (1504) toward the opening (1514). [Section 9] 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the intermediate container (1307) further includes an outlet (1516) arranged along the outer wall (1510) for dispensing the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume portion (1310), and the outlet (1516) is arranged above the first intermediate volume portion (1308) such that the mixed resin (1303) in the first intermediate volume portion (1308) is not dispensed through the outlet (1516) when the mixed resin (1303) is dispensed from the second intermediate volume portion (1310). [Section 10] moving (202) at least one of the inlet (1302) and the intermediate container (1307) from a first position (1520) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed to the first intermediate volume (1308) to a second position (1522) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed to the second intermediate volume (1310) after the predetermined trigger event (1402); Item 9. The method according to item 8 (200), further comprising: [Section 11] 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the inlet (1302) is configured to expand / extend (1414) from the first position (1520) to the second position (1522) in response to the predetermined trigger event (1402). [Section 12] 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the inlet (1302) is configured to compress / retract (1416) from the second position (1522) to the first position (1520) after the continued flow (1323) of the mixed resin (1303) into the second intermediate volume (1310) is terminated. [Section 13] 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the inlet (1302) is configured to pivot (1418) from the first position (1520) to the second position (1522) in response to the predetermined trigger event (1402). [Section 14] 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the intermediate container (1307) is configured to move (1524) from the first position (1520) to the second position (1522) in response to the predetermined trigger event (1402). [Section 15] Item 11. The method of item 10, wherein the intermediate container (1307) further comprises a partition wall (1604) extending from the first reference surface (1502) toward the opening (1514) of the intermediate container (1307) to physically isolate (1606) the first intermediate volume portion (1308) from the second intermediate volume portion (1310). [Section 16] Discharging (204) the mixed resin (1303) from the first intermediate volume (1308) after the mixed resin (1303) has been directed to the second intermediate volume (1310). Item 16. The method of item 15, further comprising: [Section 17] 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the intermediate container (1307) further comprises a reference surface (1602) and an outer wall (1510) extending from an exterior (1512) of the reference surface (1602) to the opening (1514) of the intermediate container (1307). [Section 18] Item 18. The method of item 17, wherein the intermediate container (1307) further comprises a partition wall (1604) extending from the reference surface (1602) toward the opening (1514) of the intermediate container (1307) to physically isolate (1606) the first intermediate volume portion (1308) from the second intermediate volume portion (1310). [Section 19] moving (302) at least one of the inlet (1302) and the intermediate container (1307) from a first position (1520) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed to the first intermediate volume (1308) to a second position (1522) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed to the second intermediate volume (1310) after the predetermined trigger event (1402); Item 19. The method according to item 18 (300), further comprising: [Section 20] 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the inlet (1302) is configured to expand / extend (1414) from the first position (1520) to the second position (1522) in response to the predetermined trigger event (1402). [Section 21] 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the inlet (1302) is configured to compress / retract (1416) from the second position (1522) to the first position (1520) after the continued flow (1323) of the mixed resin (1303) into the second intermediate volume (1310) is terminated. [Section 22] 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the inlet (1302) is configured to pivot (1418) from the first position (1520) to the second position (1522) in response to the predetermined trigger event (1402). [Section 23] 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the intermediate container (1307) is configured to move (1524) from the first position (1520) to the second position (1522) in response to the predetermined trigger event (1402). [Section 24] A step (402) of discharging the mixed resin (1303) from the first intermediate volume (1308) after the mixed resin (1303) has been directed to the second intermediate volume (1310). Item 19. The method (400) according to Item 18, further comprising: [Section 25] Item 18. The method of item 17, wherein the intermediate container (1307) further includes an outlet (1516) arranged along the outer wall (1510) for dispensing the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume portion (1310), the outlet (1516) being arranged above the first intermediate volume portion (1308) such that the mixed resin (1303) in the first intermediate volume portion (1308) is not dispensed through the outlet (1516) when the mixed resin (1303) is dispensed from the second intermediate volume portion (1310), the first intermediate volume portion (1308) being defined upward from the reference plane (1602) to the outlet (1516), and the second intermediate volume portion (1310) being defined upward from the first intermediate volume portion (1308) toward the opening (1514). [Section 26] A step (502) of agitating the mixed resin (1303) in the second intermediate volume (1310); heating (504) the mixed resin (1303) in the second intermediate volume (1310) to a predetermined temperature (1350); maintaining (506) the mixed resin (1303) in the second intermediate volume (1310) at the predetermined temperature (1350); insulating (508) the mixed resin (1303) in the second intermediate volume (1310) to facilitate maintaining the predetermined temperature (1350); The method according to item 1 (500), further comprising: [Section 27] 27. The method of claim 26, wherein at least one stirring device (1312) is positioned such that the stirring of the mixed resin (1303) in the second intermediate volume (1310) does not stir the mixed resin (1303) in the first intermediate volume (1308). [Section 28] 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the first intermediate volume portion (1308) and the second intermediate volume portion (1310) are physically isolated (1606) such that agitation of the mixed resin (1303) in the second intermediate volume portion (1310) does not agitate the mixed resin (1303) in the first intermediate volume portion (1308). [Section 29] heating (602) the mixed resin (1303) in the first intermediate volume (1308) to the predetermined temperature (1350); maintaining (604) the mixed resin (1303) in the first intermediate volume (1308) at the predetermined temperature (1350); 27. The method according to claim 26, further comprising: [Section 30] monitoring (702) a parameter associated with the flow of the mixed resin (1303) to obtain a measurement value (1420); comparing (704) the measurement (1420) to a predefined threshold (1406) associated with the predefined trigger event (1402); changing (706) the orientation of the mixed resin (1303) from the first intermediate volume (1308) to the second intermediate volume (1310) after the measured value (1420) exceeds the predetermined threshold value (1406); Item 1, further comprising: [Section 31] 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the measurements (1420) include at least one of a flow time measurement (1422), a mixed resin viscosity measurement (1424), a mixed resin flow measurement (1426), a mixed resin volume measurement (1428), a mixed resin weight measurement (1430), and a mixed resin concentration measurement (1432). [Section 32] 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the flow time measurement (1422) is based on an elapsed time measurement (1434) from the start (1352) of the continued flow (1323) of the mixed resin (1303). [Section 33] 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the predetermined threshold (1406) of the elapsed time measurement (1434) is about 30 seconds from the start (1352) of the continued flow (1323) of the mixed resin (1303). [Section 34] 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the mixed resin viscosity measurements (1424) are based on measurements (1420) of dynamic mixed resin pressure (1354) and mixed resin temperature (1356) by a viscometer (1358). [Section 35] 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the mixed resin flow measurements (1426) are based on measurements (1420) from an ultrasonic sensor (1360). [Section 36] 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the mixed resin volume measurement (1428) is based on a liquid level measurement (1436) of the first intermediate volume portion (1308). [Section 37] 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the predetermined threshold (1406) of the liquid level measurement (1436) indicates approximately 0.431 liters of mixed resin (1303) in the first intermediate volume (1308). [Section 38] 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the mixed resin weight measurement (1430) is based on the mixed resin weight measurement (1430) of the first intermediate volume portion (1308). [Section 39] 40. The method of claim 38, wherein the predetermined threshold (1406) of the mixed resin weight measurement (1430) indicates approximately 0.5 kilograms of mixed resin (1303) in the first intermediate volume (1308). [Section 40] 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the mixed resin concentration measurement (1432) is based on a concentration measurement (1432) by a refractometer (1362). [Section 41] 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the predetermined threshold (1406) of the concentration measurement (1432) indicates at least one of the first mixture component (1305) at about 2 / 3 concentration (1364) and the second mixture component (1306) at about 1 / 3 concentration (1366). [Section 42] comparing (802) said measured value (1420) to a second predetermined threshold value (1438) associated with the end of said continued flow (1323) of said mixed resin (1303) into said second intermediate volume (1310); adjusting (804) the direction of the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume (1310) to the first intermediate volume (1308) such that a next flow (1368) of the mixed resin (1303) is initially directed (1410) into the first intermediate volume (1308) after the measured value (1420) exceeds the second predetermined threshold (1438); Discharging (806) the mixed resin (1303) from the first intermediate volume (1308); Item 31. The method (800) according to Item 30, further comprising: [Section 43] 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the measurements (1420) include at least one of a mixed resin viscosity measurement (1424), a mixed resin flow measurement (1426), and a mixed resin concentration measurement (1432). [Section 44] Dispensing (902) the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume (1310) to a next stage of processing. Item 1, further comprising the method (900) of item 1. [Section 45] 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the next stage of the process includes at least one of at least one resin infusion tool (1324), at least one resin molding tool (1328), and at least one compression molding tool. [Section 46] Dispensing (1002) the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume (1310) into at least one resin injection tool (1324). The method (1000) according to item 1, further comprising: [Section 47] 47. The method of claim 46, wherein the step of dispensing includes pumping the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume (1310) to the at least one resin injection tool (1324). [Section 48] 47. The method of claim 46, wherein an outlet (1516) for the dispensing of the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume portion (1310) is positioned such that the mixed resin (1303) in the first intermediate volume portion (1308) is not dispensed through the outlet (1516). [Section 49] Item 47. The method of item 46, wherein the first intermediate volume portion (1308) and the second intermediate volume portion (1310) are physically isolated (1606) so that the mixed resin (1303) is not dispensed from the first intermediate volume portion (1308). [Section 50] Dispensing (1102) the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume (1310) into at least one resin molding tool (1328). The method (1100) according to item 1, further comprising: [Section 51] 51. The method of claim 50, wherein the dispensing step includes pumping the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume (1310) to the at least one resin molding tool (1328). [Section 52] 51. The method of claim 50, wherein an outlet (1516) for the dispensing of the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume portion (1310) is arranged such that the mixed resin (1303) from the first intermediate volume portion (1308) is not dispensed through the outlet (1516). [Section 53] Item 51. The method of item 50, wherein the first intermediate volume portion (1308) and the second intermediate volume portion (1310) are physically isolated (1606) so that the mixed resin (1303) is not dispensed from the first intermediate volume portion (1308). [Section 54] Discharging (1202) the mixed resin (1303) from the first intermediate volume (1308) after the mixed resin (1303) has been directed to the second intermediate volume (1310). Item 1, further comprising the method (1200) of item 1. [Section 55] an inlet (1302) for receiving a flow of mixed resin (1303) from a mixed resin supply subsystem (1304), the mixed resin (1303) including a first mixed component (1305) and a second mixed component (1306); an intermediate container (1307) including a first intermediate volume (1308) and a second intermediate volume (1310), said first intermediate volume (1308) holding at least a first portion (1309) of said mixed resin (1303) and said second intermediate volume (1310) holding a remaining portion (1311) of said mixed resin (1303); Including, the inlet (1302) and the intermediate container (1307) are configured such that the mixed resin (1303) is first directed (1410) to the first intermediate volume (1308) and subsequently directed (1412) to the second intermediate volume (1310) in response to a predefined trigger event (1402) associated with a continuing flow (1323) of the mixed resin (1303); A mixed resin storage assembly (1300) for in-line resin mixing. [Section 56] Item 56. The mixed resin reservoir assembly of item 55, wherein the first mixed component (1305) comprises at least one of a thermosetting resin (1333), an epoxy resin (1334), a polyester resin (1336), and a thermoplastic resin (1338). [Section 57] Item 56. The mixed resin reservoir assembly of item 55, wherein the second mixed component (1306) comprises at least one of a thermoset hardener (1340), an epoxy hardener (1342), a polyester hardener (1344), a hardener additive (1346), and a catalyst (1348). [Section 58] Item 56. The mixed resin reservoir assembly of item 55, wherein the predetermined trigger event (1402) indicates that the ratio of the first mixed component (1305) to the second mixed component (1306) in the flow is within an acceptable range (1404) of a predetermined threshold (1406). [Section 59] Item 59. The mixed resin storage assembly of item 58, wherein prior to the predetermined trigger event (1402), the ratio of the first mixed component (1305) to the second mixed component (1306) in the flow is not within the tolerance range (1404) of the predetermined threshold (1406) and is unreliable (1408). [Section 60] The intermediate container (1307) includes a first reference surface (1502), a second reference surface (1504) above the first reference surface (1502), a connecting wall (1506) between an inside (1508) of the first reference surface (1502) and an inside (1508) of the second reference surface (1504), and a connecting wall (1506) between an outside (1512) of the first reference surface (1502) and an outside (1512) of the second reference surface (1504) and a connecting wall (1506) between the outside (1512) of the first reference surface (1502) and the ... second reference surface (1504) and a connecting wall (1506) between the outside (1512) of the first reference surface (1502) and the second reference surface (1504) and a connecting wall (1506) between the outside (1512) of the second reference surface (1504) and a connecting wall (1506) between the outside (1512) of the first reference surface (1502) and the second reference surface (1504). Item 56. The mixed resin storage assembly of item 55, further comprising an outer wall (1510) extending to an opening (1514) of the first reference plane (1307), wherein the first intermediate volume portion (1308) is defined upward from the first reference plane (1502) to the second reference plane (1504), and the second intermediate volume portion (1310) is defined upward from the second reference plane (1504) toward the opening (1514). [Section 61] Item 60. A mixed resin storage assembly as described in item 60, wherein the intermediate container (1307) further includes an outlet (1516) arranged along the outer wall (1510) for dispensing the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume portion (1310), and the outlet (1516) is arranged above the first intermediate volume portion (1308) so that the mixed resin (1303) in the first intermediate volume portion (1308) is not dispensed through the outlet (1516) when the mixed resin (1303) is dispensed from the second intermediate volume portion (1310). [Section 62] a positioning assembly (1518) that moves at least one of the inlet (1302) and the intermediate container (1307) from a first position (1520) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed toward the first intermediate volume (1308) to a second position (1522) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed toward the second intermediate volume (1310) after the predetermined trigger event (1402). Item 61. The mixed resin reservoir assembly of item 60, further comprising: [Section 63] Item 63. The mixed resin storage assembly of item 62, wherein the positioning assembly (1518) is configured to expand / extend (1414) the inlet (1302) from the first position (1520) to the second position (1522) in response to the predetermined trigger event (1402). [Section 64] Item 64. The mixed resin storage assembly of item 63, wherein the positioning assembly (1518) is configured to compress / retract (1416) the inlet (1302) from the second position (1522) to the first position (1520) after completion of the continued flow (1323) of the mixed resin (1303) into the second intermediate volume portion (1310). [Section 65] Item 63. The mixed resin storage assembly of item 62, wherein the positioning assembly (1518) is configured to pivot (1418) the inlet (1302) from the first position (1520) to the second position (1522) in response to the predetermined trigger event (1402). [Section 66] Item 63. The mixed resin storage assembly of item 62, wherein the positioning assembly (1518) is configured to move (1524) the intermediate container (1307) from the first position (1520) to the second position (1522) in response to the predetermined trigger event (1402). [Section 67] Item 56. The mixed resin storage assembly of item 55, wherein the intermediate container (1307) further comprises a reference surface (1602) and an outer wall (1510) extending from an exterior (1512) of the reference surface (1602) to an opening (1514) of the intermediate container (1307). [Section 68] Item 68. The mixed resin storage assembly of item 67, wherein the intermediate container (1307) further includes a partition wall (1604) extending from the reference surface (1602) toward the opening (1514) of the intermediate container (1307) to physically isolate (1606) the first intermediate volume portion (1308) from the second intermediate volume portion (1310). [Section 69] a positioning assembly (1518) that moves at least one of the inlet (1302) and the intermediate container (1307) from a first position (1520) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed toward the first intermediate volume (1308) to a second position (1522) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed toward the second intermediate volume (1310) after the predetermined trigger event (1402). Item 68. The mixed resin reservoir assembly of item 67, further comprising: [Section 70] Item 70. The mixed resin storage assembly of item 69, wherein the positioning assembly (1518) is configured to expand / extend (1414) the inlet (1302) from the first position (1520) to the second position (1522) in response to the predetermined trigger event (1402). [Section 71] Item 71. The mixed resin storage assembly of item 70, wherein the positioning assembly (1518) is configured to compress / retract (1416) the inlet (1302) from the second position (1522) to the first position (1520) after completion of the continued flow (1323) of the mixed resin (1303) into the second intermediate volume portion (1310). [Section 72] Item 70. The mixed resin storage assembly of item 69, wherein the positioning assembly (1518) is configured to pivot (1418) the inlet (1302) from the first position (1520) to the second position (1522) in response to the predetermined trigger event (1402). [Section 73] Item 70. The mixed resin storage assembly of item 69, wherein the positioning assembly (1518) is configured to move (1524) the intermediate container (1307) from the first position (1520) to the second position (1522) in response to the predetermined trigger event (1402). [Section 74] Item 68. The mixed resin storage assembly of item 67, wherein the intermediate container (1307) further includes an outlet (1516) arranged along the outer wall (1510) for dispensing the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume portion (1310), the outlet (1516) is arranged above the first intermediate volume portion (1308) such that the mixed resin (1303) in the first intermediate volume portion (1308) is not dispensed through the outlet (1516) when the mixed resin (1303) is dispensed from the second intermediate volume portion (1310), the first intermediate volume portion (1308) is defined upward from the reference plane (1602) to the outlet (1516), and the second intermediate volume portion (1310) is defined upward from the first intermediate volume portion (1308) toward the opening (1514). [Section 75] at least one stirring device (1312) for stirring the mixed resin (1303) in the second intermediate volume (1310); at least one heating device (1314) for heating the mixed resin (1303) in the second intermediate volume (1310) to a predetermined temperature (1350); a heating control system (1316) for controlling the at least one heating device (1314) to maintain the mixed resin (1303) in the second intermediate volume (1310) at the predetermined temperature (1350); at least one insulation device (1318) for insulating the mixed resin (1303) within the second intermediate volume (1310) to facilitate maintaining the predetermined temperature (1350); Item 56. The mixed resin reservoir assembly of item 55, further comprising: [Section 76] Item 76. The mixed resin storage assembly of item 75, wherein the at least one stirring device (1312) is positioned such that stirring of the mixed resin (1303) in the second intermediate volume portion (1310) does not stir the mixed resin (1303) in the first intermediate volume portion (1308). [Section 77] the at least one heating device (1314) is configured to heat the mixed resin (1303) in the first intermediate volume (1308) to the predetermined temperature (1350); the heating control system (1316) is configured to maintain the mixed resin (1303) in the first intermediate volume (1308) at the predetermined temperature (1350); Item 76. The mixed resin reservoir assembly of item 75. [Section 78] at least one monitoring device (1320) for detecting at least one parameter associated with said flow of said mixed resin (1303) to obtain at least one measurement (1420); a positioning control system (1322) in operative communication with the at least one monitoring device (1320) to receive the at least one measured value (1420), the positioning control system (1322) being configured to compare the at least one measured value (1420) with at least one corresponding predefined threshold value (1406) associated with the predefined trigger event (1402); a positioning assembly (1518) that moves at least one of the inlet (1302) and the intermediate container (1307) from a first position (1520) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed toward the first intermediate volume (1308) to a second position (1522) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed toward the second intermediate volume (1310) after the predetermined trigger event (1402); Further comprising: the positioning control system (1322) is in operative communication with the positioning assembly (1518), the positioning control system (1322) being configured to control movement of the positioning assembly (1518) between the first position (1520) and the second position (1522) in response to the predetermined trigger event (1402); Item 56. The mixed resin reservoir assembly of item 55. [Section 79] Item 79. The mixed resin storage assembly of item 78, wherein the at least one measurement value (1420) includes at least one of a flow time measurement value (1422), a mixed resin viscosity measurement value (1424), a mixed resin flow measurement value (1426), a mixed resin volume measurement value (1428), a mixed resin weight measurement value (1430), and a mixed resin concentration measurement value (1432). [Section 80] Item 79. The mixed resin storage assembly of item 78, wherein the at least one monitoring device (1320) includes at least one of a timer that monitors an elapsed time from the start (1352) of the continued flow (1323) of the mixed resin (1303), a viscometer (1358) that monitors a dynamic mixed resin pressure (1354) and a mixed resin temperature (1356) associated with the continued flow (1323) of the mixed resin (1303), an ultrasonic sensor (1360) that measures the continued flow (1323) of the mixed resin (1303), a fluid sensor that detects a liquid level indicating that the first intermediate volume (1308) is full, a scale that detects a weight indicating that the first intermediate volume (1308) is full, and a refractometer (1362) that monitors a concentration of the continued flow (1323) of the mixed resin (1303). [Section 81] an outlet (1516) for dispensing the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume (1310) to at least one resin infusion tool (1324); Item 56. The mixed resin reservoir assembly of item 55, further comprising: [Section 82] Item 81, a mixed resin storage assembly, wherein the outlet (1516) is configured to align with a mixed resin dispensing subsystem (1326), and the mixed resin dispensing subsystem (1326) is configured to pump the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume portion (1310) to the at least one resin injection tool (1324). [Section 83] Item 82. The mixed resin storage assembly of item 81, wherein the outlet (1516) is positioned such that the mixed resin in the first intermediate volume portion (1308) is not dispensed through the outlet (1516). [Section 84] Item 82. The mixed resin storage assembly of item 81, wherein the first intermediate volume portion (1308) and the second intermediate volume portion (1310) are physically isolated (1606) such that the outlet (1516) is not in fluid communication with the first intermediate volume portion (1308). [Section 85] an outlet (1516) for dispensing the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume (1310) to at least one resin molding tool (1328); Item 56. The mixed resin reservoir assembly of item 55, further comprising: [Section 86] The mixed resin storage assembly of item 85, wherein the outlet (1516) is configured to align with a mixed resin dispensing subsystem (1326), and the mixed resin dispensing subsystem (1326) is configured to pump the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume portion (1310) to the at least one resin molding tool (1328). [Section 87] Item 86. The mixed resin storage assembly of item 85, wherein the outlet (1516) is positioned such that the mixed resin (1303) from the first intermediate volume portion (1308) is not dispensed through the outlet (1516). [Section 88] Item 86. The mixed resin storage assembly of item 85, wherein the first intermediate volume portion (1308) and the second intermediate volume portion (1310) are physically isolated (1606) such that the outlet (1516) is not in fluid communication with the first intermediate volume portion (1308). [Section 89] 1. A system (1800) for in-line resin mixing, the system comprising: a first reservoir (1902) for holding a quantity of a first mixture component (1305); a first pump (1904) for drawing the first mixture component (1305) from the first reservoir (1902); a second reservoir (1906) for holding a quantity of a second mixture component (1306); a second pump (1908) for drawing the second mixing component (1306) from the second reservoir (1906); a three-way valve (1910) including a first inlet connection (1912), a second inlet connection (1914), and an outlet connection (1916), the three-way valve (1910) receiving the first mixed component (1305) from the first pump (1904) at the first inlet connection (1912) and receiving the second mixed component (1306) from the second pump (1908) at the second inlet connection (1914), and establishing a flow of mixed resin (1303) through the outlet connection (1916) in conjunction with the first and second pumps (1904, 1908) drawing the first and second mixed components (1305, 1306) from the first and second reservoirs (1902, 1906); a plurality of first supply lines (1918) interconnecting the first reservoir (1902), the first pump (1904), and the first inlet connection (1912) of the three-way valve (1910); a plurality of second supply lines (1920) interconnecting the second reservoir (1906), the second pump (1908), and the second inlet connection (1914) of the three-way valve (1910); at least one mixed resin supply line (1922) connected to the outlet connection (1916) of the three-way valve (1910); a mixed resin supply subsystem (1304) including: an inlet (1302) connected to the at least one mixed resin supply line (1922), the inlet (1302) receiving the flow of the mixed resin (1303) via the at least one mixed resin supply line (1922); an intermediate container (1307) including a first intermediate volume (1308) and a second intermediate volume (1310), said first intermediate volume (1308) holding at least a first portion (1309) of said mixed resin (1303) and said second intermediate volume (1310) holding a remaining portion (1311) of said mixed resin (1303); A mixed resin storage assembly (1300) including: Including, the system. [Section 90] Item 89. The system of item 89, wherein the first pump (1904) comprises a first gear pump and the second pump (1908) comprises a second gear pump. [Section 91] The mixed resin supply subsystem (1304) includes: an in-line mixing element (1924) between the three-way valve (1910) and the inlet (1302) of the mixed resin reservoir assembly (1300); Further comprising: the at least one mixed resin supply line (1922) includes a plurality of mixed resin supply lines (1922) interconnecting the three-way valve (1910), the in-line mixing element (1924), and the inlet (1302); Item 89. The system according to item 89. [Section 92] The mixed resin storage assembly (1300) comprises: at least one stirring device (1312) for stirring the mixed resin (1303) in the second intermediate volume (1310); at least one heating device (1314) for heating the mixed resin (1303) in the second intermediate volume (1310) to a predetermined temperature (1350); a heating control system (1316) for controlling the at least one heating device (1314) to maintain the mixed resin (1303) in the second intermediate volume (1310) at the predetermined temperature (1350); at least one insulation device (1318) for insulating the mixed resin (1303) within the second intermediate volume (1310) to facilitate maintaining the predetermined temperature (1350); Item 90. The system of item 89, further comprising: [Section 93] the at least one heating device (1314) is configured to heat the mixed resin (1303) in the first intermediate volume (1308) to the predetermined temperature (1350); the heating control system (1316) is configured to maintain the mixed resin (1303) in the first intermediate volume (1308) at the predetermined temperature (1350); Item 93. The system according to item 92. [Section 94] The mixed resin storage assembly (1300) comprises: at least one monitoring device (1320) for detecting at least one parameter associated with said flow of said mixed resin (1303) to obtain at least one measurement (1420); a positioning control system (1322) in operative communication with the at least one monitoring device (1320) to receive the at least one measured value (1420), the positioning control system (1322) being configured to compare the at least one measured value (1420) with at least one corresponding predefined threshold value (1406) associated with a predefined trigger event (1402); a positioning assembly (1518) that moves at least one of the inlet (1302) and the intermediate container (1307) from a first position (1520) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed toward the first intermediate volume (1308) to a second position (1522) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed toward the second intermediate volume (1310) after the predetermined trigger event (1402); Further comprising: the positioning control system (1322) is in operative communication with the positioning assembly (1518), the positioning control system (1322) being configured to control movement of the positioning assembly (1518) between the first position (1520) and the second position (1522) in response to the predetermined trigger event (1402); Item 89. The system according to item 89. [Section 95] The mixed resin storage assembly (1300) comprises: an outlet (1516) for dispensing the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume (1310); Item 90. The system of item 89, further comprising: [Section 96] a mixed resin dispensing subsystem (1326) that receives the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume (1310) via the outlet (1516) of the mixed resin storage assembly (1300) and pumps the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume (1310) to at least one resin injection tool (1324) and / or at least one resin molding tool (1328); Item 96. The system of item 95, further comprising: [Section 97] an outer valve body (2002) including three input ports (2004) and an output port (2006) and defining an internal cavity (2008); an inner valve body (2010) disposed within said inner cavity (2008), the inner valve body (2010) defining five flow passages (2012) extending from a periphery (2014) of the inner valve body (2010) and intersecting at a central portion (2016) of the inner valve body (2010); a cover (2018) secured to the outer valve body (2002) to enclose the inner valve body (2010) within the inner cavity (2008); A valve assembly for in-line resin mixing (2000). [Section 98] Item 98. The valve assembly of item 97, wherein the five flow paths (2012) of the inner valve body (2010), the three input ports (2004) of the outer valve body (2002), and the output port (2006) of the outer valve body (2002) are configured to establish four positions (2100, 2102, 2104, 2106) of the inner valve body (2010) relative to the outer valve body (2002). [Section 99] Item 99. A valve assembly as described in item 98, wherein a first position (2100) of the inner valve body (2010) relative to the outer valve body (2002) is configured to connect a first input port (2108) through a first flow path (2110), a second input port (2112) through a second flow path (2114), and to the output port (2006) via a fifth flow path (2116). [Section 100] Item 99. A valve assembly as described in Item 99, wherein the outer valve body (2002) is configured to block a third flow path (2118) and block a fourth flow path (2120) in the first position (2100). [Section 101] Item 99. A valve assembly as described in item 98, wherein the second position (2102) of the inner valve body (2010) relative to the outer valve body (2002) is configured to connect a third input port (2122) through a third flow path (2118) and via a fourth flow path (2120) to the output port (2006). [Section 102] Item 102. A valve assembly as described in Item 101, wherein the outer valve body (2002) is configured to block the first flow path (2110), the second flow path (2114) and the fifth flow path (2116) in the second position (2102). [Section 103] Item 99. The valve assembly of item 98, wherein a third position (2104) of the inner valve body (2010) relative to the outer valve body (2002) is configured to connect a first input port (2108) through a second flow path (2114) and via a first flow path (2110) to the output port (2006). [Section 104] Item 104. The valve assembly of item 103, wherein the outer valve body (2002) is configured to block the third flow path (2118), the fourth flow path (2120) and the fifth flow path (2116) in the third position (2104). [Section 105] Item 99. The valve assembly of item 98, wherein a fourth position (2106) of the inner valve body (2010) relative to the outer valve body (2002) is configured to connect a second input port (2112) through a fifth flow path (2116) and via a second flow path (2114) to the output port (2006). [Section 106] Item 106. A valve assembly as described in Item 105, wherein the outer valve body (2002) is configured to block the first flow path (2110), the third flow path (2118) and the fourth flow path (2120) in the fourth position (2106). [Section 107] Item 98. The valve assembly of item 97, wherein the three input ports (2004) of the outer valve body (2002) include a first input port (2108), a second input port (2112), and a third input port (2122), wherein the first input port (2108) is 90 degrees counterclockwise from the output port (2006), the second input port (2112) is 90 degrees counterclockwise from the first input port (2108), the third input port (2122) is X degrees counterclockwise from the second input port (2112), and the output port (2006) is Y degrees counterclockwise from the third input port (2122), where (X+Y)=180 degrees and Y<90 degrees. [Section 108] The five flow paths (2012) of the inner valve body (2010) include a first flow path (2110), a second flow path (2114), a third flow path (2118), a fourth flow path (2120), and a fifth flow path (2116), the first flow path (2110) being 90 degrees counterclockwise from the fifth flow path (2116), and the second flow path (2114) being 90 degrees counterclockwise from the first flow path (2110). Item 98. The valve assembly of item 97, wherein the third flow path (2118) is 90 degrees counterclockwise from the second flow path (2114), the fourth flow path (2120) is Y degrees counterclockwise from the third flow path (2118), and the fifth flow path (2116) is X degrees counterclockwise from the fourth flow path (2120), where (2X+Y)=180 degrees. [Section 109] Item 98. The valve assembly of item 97, wherein the three input ports (2004) include a first input port (2108) that connects to a first mixing component subsystem (2402) to receive a first mixing component (1305), a second input port (2112) that connects to a second mixing component subsystem (2404) to receive a second mixing component (1306), and a third input port (2122) that connects to a solvent subsystem (2406) to receive a solvent, and the output port (2006) is configured to connect to an inline resin mixing subsystem (2408). [Section 110] Item 109. The valve assembly of item 109, wherein the first mixed component (1305) includes at least one of a thermosetting resin (1333), an epoxy resin (1334), a polyester resin (1336), and a thermoplastic resin (1338). [Section 111] Item 109. The valve assembly of item 109, wherein the second mixed component (1306) includes at least one of a thermosetting curing agent (1340), an epoxy curing agent (1342), a polyester curing agent (1344), a curing agent additive (1346), and a catalyst (1348). [Section 112] Item 110. The valve assembly of item 109, wherein the solvent comprises at least one of an isopropyl alcohol-based solvent, a denatured alcohol-based solvent, an acetone-based solvent, and a toluene-based solvent. [Section 113] Item 109. The valve assembly of item 109, wherein the five flow paths (2012) of the inner valve body (2010), the three input ports (2004) of the outer valve body (2002), and the output port (2006) of the outer valve body (2002) are configured to establish four positions (2100, 2102, 2104, 2106) in which at least one flow path is aligned with at least one input port and another flow path is aligned with the output port (2006) in response to rotation of the inner valve body (2010) within the inner cavity (2008) of the outer valve body (2002). [Section 114] Item 113, a valve assembly as described in Item 113, wherein the first position (2100) of the internal valve body (2010) is configured to route the first mixing component (1305) through a first flow path (2110) via a first input port (2108), route the second mixing component (1306) through a second flow path (2114) via a second input port (2112), and route the second mixing component (1306) through a fifth flow path (2116) to the output port (2006) to establish a flow of mixed resin (1303) to the in-line resin mixing subsystem (2408). [Section 115] Item 115. The valve assembly of item 114, wherein the inner valve body (2010) is configured to block the third input port (2122) in the first position (2100). [Section 116] Item 113, a valve assembly as described in Item 113, wherein the second position (2102) of the internal valve body (2010) is configured to route the solvent through a third flow path (2118) via a third input port (2122) and through a fourth flow path (2120) to the output port (2006) to establish a flow of the solvent to the inline resin mixing subsystem (2408). [Section 117] Item 117. The valve assembly of item 116, wherein the inner valve body (2010) is configured to block the first input port (2108) and the second input port (2112) in the second position (2102). [Section 118] Item 113, a valve assembly as described in Item 113, wherein the third position (2104) of the internal valve body (2010) is configured to route the first mixing component (1305) through a first input port (2108), through a second flow path (2114), and through a first flow path (2110) to the output port (2006) to establish a flow of the first mixing component (1305) to the in-line resin mixing subsystem (2408). [Section 119] Item 119. The valve assembly of item 118, wherein the inner valve body (2010) is configured to block the second input port (2112) and the third input port (2122) in the third position (2104). [Section 120] Item 113, a valve assembly as described in Item 113, wherein a fourth position (2106) of the internal valve body (2010) is configured to route the second mixing component (1306) through a fifth flow path (2116) via a second input port (2112) and through a second flow path (2114) to the output port (2006) to establish a flow of the second mixing component (1306) to the in-line resin mixing subsystem (2408). [Section 121] Item 121. The valve assembly of item 120, wherein the inner valve body (2010) is configured to block the first input port (2108) and the third input port (2122) in the fourth position (2106). [Section 122] a valve stem (2602) extending through an opening (2020) in the cover (2018) and secured to the inner valve body (2010), the valve stem (2602) facilitating rotation of the inner valve body (2010) within the inner cavity (2008) of the outer valve body (2002); Item 98. The valve assembly of item 97, further comprising: [Section 123] Item 123. A valve assembly as described in Item 122, wherein the five flow paths (2012) of the inner valve body 2010, the three input ports (2004) of the outer valve body (2002), and the output port (2006) of the outer valve body (2002) are configured to establish four positions (2100, 2102, 2104, 2106) in which at least one flow path is aligned with at least one input port and another flow path is aligned with the output port (2006) in response to rotation of the inner valve body (2010) via the valve stem (2602) to each position. [Section 124] a rotary actuator (2604) coupled to the valve stem (2602) for rotating the inner valve body (2010) from an initial position to a desired position relative to the four positions (2100, 2102, 2104, 2106); a position sensor (2606) for detecting a current position of the inner valve body (2010); a valve control system (2608) in operative communication with the rotary actuator (2604) and the position sensor (2606), receiving a position signal from the position sensor (2606), comparing the position signal to the desired position, and sending a control signal to the rotary actuator (2604) to move the rotary actuator (2604) to the desired position; Item 123. The valve assembly of item 122, further comprising: [Section 125] Item 125. The valve assembly of item 124, wherein the rotary actuator (2604) includes at least one of a servo motor, a stepper motor, a variable speed electric motor, and a gear box. [Section 126] Item 125. The valve assembly of item 124, wherein the position sensor (2606) includes at least one of a position encoder, a rotary potentiometer servo, a magnetic sensor, and a gearbox sensor. [Section 127] 1. A system for in-line resin mixing (2700), comprising: A valve assembly (2000) including the outer valve body (2002), the inner valve body (2010) and the cover (2018) according to item 97; a first mixing component subsystem (2402) coupled to a first input port (2108) of the outer valve body (2002) for supplying a first flow of a first mixing component (1305) to the valve assembly (2000); a second mixing component subsystem (2404) coupled to a second input port (2112) of the outer valve body (2002) for supplying a second flow of a second mixing component (1306) to the valve assembly (2000); a solvent subsystem (2406) coupled to a third input port (2122) of the outer valve body (2002) and configured to supply a third flow of solvent to the valve assembly (2000); an in-line resin mixing subsystem (2408) coupled to the output port (2006) of the external valve body (2002), in communication with a first position (2100) of the valve assembly (2000) to receive a fourth flow of mixed resin (1303) from the valve assembly (2000) and in communication with a second position (2102) of the valve assembly (2000) to receive the third flow of the solvent; Including, the system. [Section 128] Item 128. The system of item 127, wherein the inline resin mixing subsystem (2408) is configured to interface with a third position (2104) of the valve assembly (2000) to receive the first flow of the first mixing component (1305). [Section 129] Item 128. The system of item 127, wherein the inline resin mixing subsystem (2408) is configured to interface with a fourth position (2106) of the valve assembly (2000) to receive the second flow of the second mixing component (1306). [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1300 Mixed Resin Reservoir Assembly 1302 Inlet 1303 Mixed resin 1304 Mixed Resin Supply Subsystem 1305 First Mixture Component 1306 Second Mixture Component 1307 Intermediate container 1308 First intermediate volume 1309 First part of mixed resin 1310 Second intermediate volume 1311 Remaining part of mixed resin 1312 Stirring device(s) 1314 Heating device(s) 1316 Heating Control System 1318 (one or more) insulation devices 1320 Monitoring device(s) 1322 Positioning control system 1323 Continuous flow of mixed resin 1324 Resin injection tool(s) 1326 Mixed Resin Dispensing Subsystem 1328 (one or more) plastic molding tools 1330 First Mixing Component Supply Subsystem 1332 Second Mixing Component Supply Subsystem 1360 Ultrasonic Sensor 1362 Refractometer

Claims

1. Establishing (102) a flow of a mixed resin (1303) comprising a first mixed component (1305) and a second mixed component (1306); directing (104) at least a first portion (1309) of said mixed resin (1303) into a first intermediate volume (1308); followed by a step (106) of directing a remaining portion (1311) of said mixed resin (1303) to a second intermediate volume (1310) after a predetermined trigger event (1402) for a continued flow (1323) of said mixed resin (1303); 16. A method for in-line resin mixing comprising:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined trigger event (1402) indicates that a ratio of the first mixture component (1305) to the second mixture component (1306) in the flow is within a tolerance (1404) of a predetermined threshold (1406).

3. receiving (108) the flow of the mixed resin (1303) at an inlet (1302) that first directs (1410) the mixed resin (1303) to the first intermediate volume (1308) and subsequently directs (1412) the mixed resin (1303) to the second intermediate volume (1310); The method of claim 1 further comprising:

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein an intermediate vessel (1307) comprises the first intermediate volume (1308) and the second intermediate volume (1310).

5. The intermediate container (1307) includes a first reference surface (1502), a second reference surface (1504) above the first reference surface (1502), a connecting wall (1506) between an inside (1508) of the first reference surface (1502) and an inside (1508) of the second reference surface (1504), and a connecting wall (1506) between an outside (1512) of the first reference surface (1502) and an outside (1512) of the second reference surface (1504) and a connecting wall (1506) between the first reference surface (1502) and the second reference surface (1504). and an outer wall (1510) extending to an opening (1514) of the intermediate container (1307), wherein the first intermediate volume (1308) is defined upward from the first reference plane (1502) to the second reference plane (1504), and the second intermediate volume (1310) is defined upward from the second reference plane (1504) toward the opening (1514).

6. moving (202) at least one of the inlet (1302) and the intermediate container (1307) from a first position (1520) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed to the first intermediate volume (1308) to a second position (1522) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed to the second intermediate volume (1310) after the predetermined trigger event (1402); The method of claim 5 , further comprising:

7. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the inlet (1302) is configured to pivot (1418) from the first position (1520) to the second position (1522) in response to the predetermined trigger event (1402).

8. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the intermediate container (1307) is configured to move (1524) from the first location (1520) to the second location (1522) in response to the predetermined trigger event (1402).

9. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the intermediate container (1307) further comprises a partition (1604) extending from the first reference surface (1502) toward the opening (1514) of the intermediate container (1307) to physically isolate (1606) the first intermediate volume portion (1308) from the second intermediate volume portion (1310).

10. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the intermediate container (1307) further comprises a reference surface (1602) and an outer wall (1510) extending from an exterior (1512) of the reference surface (1602) to an opening (1514) of the intermediate container (1307).

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the intermediate container (1307) further comprises a partition (1604) extending from the reference surface (1602) toward the opening (1514) of the intermediate container (1307) to physically isolate (1606) the first intermediate volume portion (1308) from the second intermediate volume portion (1310).

12. moving (302) at least one of the inlet (1302) and the intermediate container (1307) from a first position (1520) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed to the first intermediate volume (1308) to a second position (1522) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed to the second intermediate volume (1310) after the predetermined trigger event (1402); 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

13. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the intermediate container further includes an outlet disposed along the outer wall for dispensing the mixed resin from the second intermediate volume, the outlet being disposed above the first intermediate volume such that the mixed resin in the first intermediate volume is not dispensed through the outlet when the mixed resin is dispensed from the second intermediate volume, the first intermediate volume being defined upward from the reference plane to the outlet, and the second intermediate volume being defined upward from the first intermediate volume toward the opening.

14. Agitating (502) the mixed resin (1303) in the second intermediate volume (1310); heating (504) the mixed resin (1303) in the second intermediate volume (1310) to a predetermined temperature (1350); maintaining (506) the mixed resin (1303) in the second intermediate volume (1310) at the predetermined temperature (1350); insulating (508) the mixed resin (1303) in the second intermediate volume (1310) to facilitate maintaining the predetermined temperature (1350); The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

15. monitoring (702) a parameter associated with the flow of the mixed resin (1303) to obtain a measurement value (1420); comparing (704) said measurement (1420) with a predefined threshold (1406) associated with said predefined trigger event (1402); changing (706) the orientation of the mixed resin (1303) from the first intermediate volume portion (1308) to the second intermediate volume portion (1310) after the measured value (1420) exceeds the predetermined threshold value (1406); 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the measurements (1420) include at least one of a flow time measurement (1422), a mixed resin viscosity measurement (1424), a mixed resin flow measurement (1426), a mixed resin volume measurement (1428), a mixed resin weight measurement (1430), and a mixed resin concentration measurement (1432).

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the mixed resin viscosity measurement (1424) is based on measurements (1420) of dynamic mixed resin pressure (1354) and mixed resin temperature (1356) by a viscometer (1358).

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the mixed resin flow measurements (1426) are based on measurements (1420) by an ultrasonic sensor (1360).

19. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the mixed resin volume measurement (1428) is based on a liquid level measurement (1436) of the first intermediate volume (1308).

20. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the mixed resin weight measurement (1430) is based on a mixed resin weight measurement (1430) of the first intermediate volume (1308).

21. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the mixed resin concentration measurements (1432) are based on refractometer (1362) concentration measurements (1432).

22. comparing (802) said measured value (1420) to a second predetermined threshold value (1438) associated with the end of said continued flow (1323) of said mixed resin (1303) into said second intermediate volume (1310); adjusting (804) the direction of the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume (1310) to the first intermediate volume (1308) such that a next flow (1368) of the mixed resin (1303) is initially directed (1410) into the first intermediate volume (1308) after the measured value (1420) exceeds the second predetermined threshold (1438); Discharging (806) the mixed resin (1303) from the first intermediate volume (1308); 20. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

23. Dispensing (902) the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume (1310) to a next stage of processing. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

24. Dispensing (1002) the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume (1310) into at least one resin infusion tool (1324). The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

25. Dispensing (1102) the mixed resin (1303) from the second intermediate volume (1310) into at least one resin molding tool (1328). The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

26. Discharging (1202) the mixed resin (1303) from the first intermediate volume (1308) after the mixed resin (1303) has been directed to the second intermediate volume (1310).

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

27. an inlet (1302) for receiving a flow of mixed resin (1303) from a mixed resin supply subsystem (1304), said mixed resin (1303) comprising a first mixed component (1305) and a second mixed component (1306); an intermediate container (1307) including a first intermediate volume (1308) and a second intermediate volume (1310), said first intermediate volume (1308) holding at least a first portion (1309) of said mixed resin (1303) and said second intermediate volume (1310) holding a remaining portion (1311) of said mixed resin (1303); Including, the inlet (1302) and the intermediate container (1307) are configured such that the mixed resin (1303) is initially directed (1410) to the first intermediate volume (1308) and subsequently directed (1412) to the second intermediate volume (1310) in response to a predefined trigger event (1402) associated with a continuing flow (1323) of the mixed resin (1303); Mixed resin storage assembly (1300) for in-line resin mixing.

28. 28. The mixed resin reservoir assembly of claim 27, wherein the predetermined trigger event (1402) indicates that a ratio of the first mixed component (1305) to the second mixed component (1306) in the flow is within an acceptable range (1404) of a predetermined threshold (1406).

29. The intermediate container (1307) includes a first reference surface (1502), a second reference surface (1504) above the first reference surface (1502), a connecting wall (1506) between an inside (1508) of the first reference surface (1502) and an inside (1508) of the second reference surface (1504), and a connecting wall (1506) between an outside (1512) of the first reference surface (1502) and an outside (1512) of the second reference surface (1504) and the intermediate container (1307).

28. The mixed resin reservoir assembly of claim 27, further comprising an outer wall (1510) extending to an opening (1514) of said first reference plane (1502) (1504), said first intermediate volume portion (1308) being defined upward from said first reference plane (1502) to said second reference plane (1504), and said second intermediate volume portion (1310) being defined upward from said second reference plane (1504) toward said opening (1514).

30. a positioning assembly (1518) that moves, after the predetermined trigger event (1402), at least one of the inlet (1302) and the intermediate container (1307) from a first position (1520) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed toward the first intermediate volume (1308) to a second position (1522) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed toward the second intermediate volume (1310); 30. The mixed resin impoundment assembly of claim 29, further comprising:

31. 31. The mixed resin reservoir assembly of claim 30, wherein the positioning assembly (1518) is configured to pivot (1418) the inlet (1302) from the first position (1520) to the second position (1522) in response to the predetermined trigger event (1402).

32. 31. The mixed resin storage assembly of claim 30, wherein the positioning assembly (1518) is configured to move (1524) the intermediate container (1307) from the first position (1520) to the second position (1522) in response to the predetermined trigger event (1402).

33. 28. The mixed resin reservoir assembly of claim 27, wherein the intermediate container (1307) further comprises a reference surface (1602) and an outer wall (1510) extending from an exterior (1512) of the reference surface (1602) to an opening (1514) of the intermediate container (1307).

34. 34. The mixed resin storage assembly of claim 33, wherein the intermediate container (1307) further comprises a partition wall (1604) extending from the reference surface (1602) toward the opening (1514) of the intermediate container (1307) to physically isolate (1606) the first intermediate volume portion (1308) from the second intermediate volume portion (1310).

35. a positioning assembly (1518) that moves, after the predetermined trigger event (1402), at least one of the inlet (1302) and the intermediate container (1307) from a first position (1520) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed toward the first intermediate volume (1308) to a second position (1522) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed toward the second intermediate volume (1310); 34. The mixed resin reservoir assembly of claim 33, further comprising:

36. 34. The mixed resin storage assembly of claim 33, wherein the intermediate container further includes an outlet disposed along the outer wall for dispensing the mixed resin from the second intermediate volume, the outlet being disposed above the first intermediate volume such that the mixed resin in the first intermediate volume is not dispensed through the outlet when the mixed resin is dispensed from the second intermediate volume, the first intermediate volume being defined upward from the reference plane to the outlet, and the second intermediate volume being defined upward from the first intermediate volume toward the opening.

37. at least one stirring device (1312) for stirring the mixed resin (1303) in the second intermediate volume (1310); at least one heating device (1314) for heating the mixed resin (1303) in the second intermediate volume (1310) to a predetermined temperature (1350); a heating control system (1316) for controlling the at least one heating device (1314) to maintain the mixed resin (1303) in the second intermediate volume (1310) at the predetermined temperature (1350); at least one insulation device (1318) for insulating the mixed resin (1303) in the second intermediate volume (1310) to facilitate maintaining the predetermined temperature (1350); 30. The mixed resin reservoir assembly of claim 27, further comprising:

38. at least one monitoring device (1320) for detecting at least one parameter associated with said flow of said mixed resin (1303) to obtain at least one measurement (1420); a positioning control system (1322) in operative communication with the at least one monitoring device (1320) to receive the at least one measured value (1420), the positioning control system (1322) being configured to compare the at least one measured value (1420) with at least one corresponding predefined threshold value (1406) associated with the predefined trigger event (1402); a positioning assembly (1518) that moves at least one of the inlet (1302) and the intermediate container (1307) from a first position (1520) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed to the first intermediate volume (1308) to a second position (1522) in which the mixed resin (1303) is directed to the second intermediate volume (1310) after the predetermined trigger event (1402); Further comprising: the positioning control system (1322) is in operative communication with the positioning assembly (1518), the positioning control system (1322) being configured to control movement of the positioning assembly (1518) between the first position (1520) and the second position (1522) in response to the predetermined trigger event (1402); 28. The mixed resin impoundment assembly of claim 27.

39. an outlet (1516) for dispensing said mixed resin (1303) from said second intermediate volume (1310) to at least one resin infusion tool (1324); 30. The mixed resin reservoir assembly of claim 27, further comprising:

40. an outlet (1516) for dispensing said mixed resin (1303) from said second intermediate volume (1310) to at least one resin molding tool (1328); 30. The mixed resin reservoir assembly of claim 27, further comprising:

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