Patent ID: 7048174

Claim:
An apparatus for applying a clamping force against a surface of a work piece, the apparatus comprising: first and second substantially straight elongated members, the elongated members being approximately parallel and spaced apart to define an elongated slot therebetween, the elongated members being further adapted to be positioned proximate the surface of the work piece and further adapted to be secured to substantially prevent movement of the elongated members relative to the surface; and a plurality of pressure applying devices operatively attached to the first and second substantially straight elongated members and disposed therealong, each pressure applying device including a contact member moveable relative to an associated one of the first and second elongated members and adapted to engage the surface of the work piece, and a resilient member operatively coupled between the contact member and to the associated one of the first and second elongated members, the resilient member biasing the contact member away from the elongated member to apply a clamping force to the surface of the work piece.