Expandable device, apparatus and assembly for pushing apart opposed surfaces

An apparatus for pushing apart spaced-apart generally parallel opposed surfaces of components, the apparatus comprising:

• at least two expandable devices, each expandable device adapted to forcibly separate the spaced apart components having generally parallel opposed surfaces defining a cavity therebetween, each of the expandable devices having a jaw assembly with a pair of opposing jaws and actuating means for opening the jaws, the actuating means including a separating member configured to be driven between the jaws so as to push apart the jaws such that the jaws are openable between a contracted configuration where the jaws are receivable in the cavity to an expanded configuration where the jaws are forced apart by the actuating means such that the outwardly directed surfaces of the jaws are engageable with the opposed surfaces and exert oppositely directed forces on the respective opposed surfaces;
• and
• wherein the apparatus further comprises a frame comprising a pair of arms, each arm for carrying at least one expandable device wherein the arms are pivotally connected such that they are openable and closable between an open configuration where the arms are adapted to engage or disengage from the cavity and a closed configuration wherein, when the apparatus is received in the cavity, the expandable devices are arranged to provide generally even pressure across the opposed surfaces to provide effective separation of the components.