Portable non-gravitational positive pressure generator and method of use
AssigneeRaytheon E-Systems, Inc.
InventorJ. H. Chung
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for applying non-gravitational pressure to a surface includes a frame structure having a longitudinal axis, a pair of connecting members coupled to the frame structure along parallel axes normal to the longitudinal axis of the frame structure, vacuum fasteners coupled to the connecting members to secure the frame structure on an underlying surface, a vacuum pump mounted on the frame structure for activating the vacuum fasteners and a positive pressure pump mounted on the frame structure for inflating a collapsible diaphragm to apply pressure to the underlying surface. The apparatus is useful for applying doublers to aircraft components to repair localized damage.
Claims5
A method of repairing a damaged area of a surface including the steps of:
- applying a patch to the damaged area;
- positioning a frame structure having a longitudinal axis, a pair of adjustable transverse connecting members and a pair of vacuum fasteners on each transverse connecting member for securing the frame to the surface surrounding the damaged area;
- adjusting the transverse connecting members along the longitudinal axis of the frame;
- adjusting the vacuum fasteners along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the frame in positions adjacent to the damaged area;
- evacuating the vacuum fasteners to secure the frame to the surface surrounding the damaged area in a desired position;
- and
- inflating a collapsible diaphragm positioned between the frame and the patch to apply pressure to the patch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.