Patent · US Active

Stringer holding device

US7497921B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by

2References

35Claims

0Family size

Assignee

The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

Darrell D. Jones · Mill Creek, US
Kurtis S. Willden · Kent, US
Michael A. Lee · Kent, US
Richard B. Evans · Maple Valley, US

Key dates

Filing date	Sep 2, 2005
Grant date	Mar 3, 2009
Priority date	—
Expiry date	May 23, 2027

Classification

Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
CPC primaryB29L2031/3082
WIPO fieldOther special machines
WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus and method for securing a plurality of stringers to a mandrel during lay-up is provided, the plurality of stringers and mandrel forming a lay-up surface. The apparatus includes a vacuum source and a first vacuum attachment assembly in communication with said vacuum source to tightly secure the first vacuum attachment assembly down against the lay-up surface. A second vacuum attachment assembly is provided in communication with the vacuum source to force it tightly down against the lay-up. A flexible spacer is in rigid communication with the second vacuum attachment assembly and includes an extended end in communication with the first vacuum attachment assembly such that the flexible spacer presses one of the stringers against the mandrel.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.