Surface preparation device and method
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsPaul J. Cecil, Roger G. Rae, Daniel R. Healy, Elton R. Rice, Edward O. Jorgenson, Brian S. Hughey
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Abstract
To prepare a surface with a surface preparation device, an apparatus including a mount, a platform, and a suspension system is utilized. The mount supports and positions the surface preparation device. The platform moves the apparatus. The suspension system is disposed between the mount and the platform and controls an amount of force pressing the mount towards the surface. The suspension system and mount are operable to position the surface preparation device in contact with the surface.
Claims22
An apparatus for preparing a surface with a surface preparation device, the apparatus comprising:
- a mount that supports the surface preparation device;
- a wheel to move the apparatus, the wheel having a wheel height;
- a platform disposed below the wheel height;
- a joint to rotate about an axis that is perpendicular to the platform and the joint to pivot along a plane that is perpendicular to the platform, wherein the joint rotates at a level relatively below the wheel height;
- and
- a suspension system disposed in line between the mount and the joint and that applies a force pressing the mount towards the surface, the suspension system being operable to position the surface preparation device in contact with the surface.
An apparatus for preparing a surface above a floor with a surfacing device, the apparatus comprising:
- means for modulating a height of the surfacing device in response to a change in a height of the surface relative to the floor;
- means for moving the apparatus along the floor, the means for moving having a profile height measured from the floor to a relatively highest point on the means for moving;
- means for rotating the surfacing device, wherein the means for rotating is disposed relatively below the profile height;
- means for following a contour of the surface with the surfacing device;
- and
- means for controlling an amount of force exerted by the surfacing device upon the surface, wherein the amount of force is translated in line from relatively below the profile height to the surfacing device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.