US3945879A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for positioning modular components on a vertical or overhead surface
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1974-08-30
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Granted: 1976-03-23
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Expires: 1994-08-30
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 with respect to an invention of Fletcher James C. Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- 👤 Cyrus C. Haynie
- 👤 Samuel V. Messineo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 13:05
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04F; E04F21/00; E04F21/20; E04F21/22; B; B64; B64G; B64G1/00; B64G1/22; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T156/00; Y10T156/17; Y10T156/1702; Y10T156/1744; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/16; Y10T428/163; Y10T428/164; Y10T428/166
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
140 words
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.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
140 words
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.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said fixture has a plurality of aperture means exposing the centers of and seams between said objects for inspecting the alinement and positioning of said objects by sight and touch.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said uniform pressure means for applying a uniform pressure is a vacuum means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said vacuum means comprises a sheet of flexible material impervious to air, securing means for attaching said material to said surface forming an airtight cavity around said fixture and objects, and suction means for creating a vacuum within said airtight cavity.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said flexible material is transparent to aid in inspection of alinement and positioning of fixture and objects.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said positioning means comprises a base supporting an extensible member having a platform attached thereto.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-03-23 | 1979-09-22 | 1980-03-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-03-23 | 1983-09-22 | 1984-03-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-03-23 | 1987-09-22 | 1988-03-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |