Apparatus for positioning modular components on a vertical or overhead surface
OwnerJames C. Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, with respect to an invention of Fletcher, Cyrus C. Haynie +1inventors
InventorsJames C. Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, with respect to an invention of Fletcher, Cyrus C. Haynie, Samuel V. Messineo
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Abstract
An apparatus is disclosed for holding a plurality of modular components against a surface. A fixture prepositions the components and a vacuum develops a uniform pressure which presses and holds the fixture and objects against a surface. The surface may be curved, vertical, or overhead and since local load concentrations are avoided, fragile ceramic tiles may be installed using the apparatus.
Claims6
An apparatus for supporting and positioning a plurality of objects in a preselected configuration against a curved surface comprising:
- a fixture for supporting said objects while said objects are being attached to said curved surface;
- said fixture being flexible to allow said fixture to conform to said curved surface and said fixture having a plurality of projections extending outward from said fixture for locating and maintaining said objects in a predetermined orientation and spacing as said fixture and objects conform to said curved surface;
- uniform pressure means for applying a uniform pressure to said fixture and objects;
- said uniform pressure holding said fixture and objects against said curved surface while said objects are being attached to said curved surface;
- and
- positioning means for locating said fixture and objects adjacent to said surface prior to the application of said load means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.