Inflatable rubber gland positions and holds X ray film in positive contact with inner weld areas of mainfold torus assemblies for verifying the weld quality. The gland is constructed to conform to the inside diameter of the manifold torus

Hendrickson, D. R.

Spence, T. M.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

Air Supply
ifold 
July 1966	 Brief 66-10327 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U. S. space 
program and to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public from 
the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Inflatable Holding Fixture Permits X-Rays To Be Taken of Inner Weld Areas 
I
Inflatable Rubber Gland 
The problem: 
To position and hold X-ray film in positive contact 
with inner weld areas of manifold torus assemblies for 
verifying the quality of the welds. Prior methods were 
not satisfactory because of the difficulty in achieving 
positive film contact. 
The solution: 
Development of an inflatable rubber gland (resem-
bling a section of an automobile tire inner tube) that 
conforms to the inside diameter of the manifold torus 
assembly.
How it's done: 
The X-ray film is secured to the inflatable gland 
with tape. They are then inserted into the inlet of the 
torus and positioned by a cable attached to the gland. 
The opposite end of the gland has an air hose con-
nection to accommodate a regulator and air line. 
The gland is inflated, pressing the film snugly against 
the inside weld area of the manifold torus. 
Following film exposure, the gland is deflated and 
removed. The exposed film is replaced with new 
film and the procedure is repeated until all weld 
areas have been X-rayed.
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States 	 will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19660000326 2020-03-11T17:40:23+00:00Z
Notes: 
1. This application can be used to X-ray most inner 
weld areas having an access through which an 
inflatable gland can be inserted. 
2. Inquiries concerning this innovation may be di-
rected to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
Huntsville, Alabama 35812 
Reference: B66-10327
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: T. M. Spence and D. R. Hendrickson 
of North American Aviation, Inc. 
under contract to 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
(M-FS-856) 
Brief 66-10327	 Category 03


Inflatable holding fixture permits X-rays to be taken of inner weld areas

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

NASA Technical Reports Server