Abstract: An assembly (100) for adjusting the size of a spacesuit and/or for relieving tension applied to the spacesuit is provided in which first and second members (102,104) slide relative to one another along a longitudinal axis (106) to vary the assembly's length. The members (102,104) define a first region (116) which is internal to both members and which changes in volume as the length of the assembly is varied and a second region (118) which is external to the first member (102) and internal to the second member (104) and which also changes in volume as the length of the assembly is varied. The first and second regions (116,118) are connected to one another by a gas conducting path (120). These regions (116,118) have sealed cross-sectional areas which are substantially equal to one another. In this way, pressurization of the spacesuit produces no net sliding motion of the first and second members (102,104) along the longitudinal axis (106).

Abstract: A system for adjusting the size of a spacesuit is provided in which threaded rings of varying sizes are screwed into annular collars which are affixed to the section of the spacesuit whose size is to be adjusted. The rings and the collars include redundant interlocks designed to prevent inadvertent uncoupling of the components. In certain preferred embodiments, multi-start, centralizing, acme screw threads are used.

Abstract: A connector (10) for use in a contaminated environment is provided. The connector includes first and second couplers (13, 14) which are coupled together to produce a fluid path (148) through the connector. The outer boundaries of the fluid path define a fluid path envelope. The surfaces (126, 128) which could be contaminated and which lie within the fluid path envelope are mated against one another and then captured between a pair of O-rings (46, 122). Parts of these surfaces, as well as other surfaces (130, 132) lying outside the fluid path envelope, are flushed with fluid (142, 144) as the connector is coupled to further reduce contamination. O-rings are also used to clean contamination from parts of some of the surfaces. As a result of these contamination control procedures, the connector can be assembled in a contaminated environment without introducing contamination into the fluid stream passing through the connector.

Abstract: A valve mechanism for opening the seal on a high pressure gas cylinder, e.g., a cylinder having an internal pressure on the order of 6,000 psi, is provided. The valve includes a piston assembly which carries a cutter for puncturing the cylinder's seal. The initial puncture is performed manually. Thereafter, the escaping gas from the cylinder is used to force the piston towards the seal to complete the puncturing process.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for sealing the relatively rotatable adjoining portions of a pressurized environmental control suit for human use utilizes a pair of rotatable bearing members with an annular sealing member having a body portion and a lip portion extending from the body portion at an angle thereto. The lip portion includes an outer end portion of relatively thin cross section and a thicker portion disposed adjacent the body portion. The relatively thin outer end portion deflects in contact with the opposed surface and extends therealong to provide a seal therewith with relatively little friction. Upon conditions for extreme pressure differential, the thicker portion of the lip will be deflected to increase the amount of lip length bearing upon the surface of the opposed member to increase the sealing action.