Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for assembling an enclosure, in which the assembly includes a coil of material adapted to be uncoiled to an assembling position. The material can be prestressed to become at least transversely curved in the uncoiled assembling position. In a particular embodiment, the material is also prestressed to curve longitudinally, as the coil is unwound to form a toroidal shape. Further, the assembly can include a plurality of elements positioned within the coil, the elements having a size and shape enabling them to be adapted to be affixed to respective parts of the assembly within the enclosure in respective positions along the length of the material in the uncoiled assembling position to constitute an internal structure for the enclosure. The plurality of elements are coiled with the coil of material for permitting access to the elements for assembling them after the material is uncoiled. The enclosure is adapted to be used in space or terrestrially, on land or underwater, and can be appropriately sealed and pressurized.

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First Claim