Patent ID: 7029255

Claim:
Apparatus for repairing a flaw in a surface in a repair operation, which apparatus comprises: a housing adapted to engage the surface at commencement of the repair operation, a repair seal located on the housing for sealing throughout the repair operation between the housing and around the flaw to be repaired to define between the surface and the housing a repair space over the flaw, first vacuum means communicating with the repair space for applying a partial vacuum to the repair space, second vacuum means for applying an enhanced vacuum to the repair space, and a reservoir for supplying repair liquid to the repair space, such that the repair seal is in contact with the surface to be repaired throughout the repair operation, wherein at least one of the first or second vacuum means includes a piston located in a bore in the housing, the bore in communication with the repair space such that movement of the piston along the bore increases evacuation of the repair space.