Create the initial NURB/Surface that will act as your array grid and the object you wish to have repeating across the surface
Draw a series of parellel lines that will run along the Surface
Use the Parametric Map tool to apply the parallel lines along the surface. If they are applied across the surface rather than along, Undo and rotate the lines then try again.
Choose your Pick tool and set the Topological level to Segment Sequence
Hold shift to activate multi select and select each of the sequences you wish to use
Activate the Derive Segment tool (set to Join Selected Segments in Tool Options) to turn each of those segment sequences into their own object
-Check the ends to see if any are connected. If so, delete the connecting edges before proceeding.
Select the Place Along Path tool and set to the appropriate values in the Tool Options palette.
Activate the Place Along Path tool on the "repeating object," then the curves
