Abstract: A hollow helicopter blade pressure check and fill system and method to use same for hollow pressurized blades is disclosed including a digital pressure sensor, a control valve, a check/fill outlet, a gas supply connector, a check valve and interconnecting tubes incorporated into a carrying case. The digital pressure sensor does not require any barometric reading or correction thereby eliminating human error. The system is used in conjunction with a conventional gas supply system connected to a hollow helicopter blade to perform accurate structure integrity and airworthiness evaluation of the blade.

Abstract: A vessel includes a body having a chamber normally containing pressurized gas and enclosed by a removable closure provided with a gas charging valve. Inadvertent disassembly of the closure when the chamber contains pressurized gas is precluded by a planar cover plate captively retained by the charging valve and normally masking tool-receiving members on the closure. Removal of the valve/cover plate unit initially releases a resilient seal carried by the inner face of the valve juxtaposed the outer face of the closure and subsequently progressively exposes to the atmosphere a gas bleeding passage formed in the attachment stem of the valve to gradually release all pressurized gas from the vessel chamber. The closure is only accessible for disassembly following complete removal of the unitary valve and cover plate after which all gas under pressure in the chamber has been relieved.