Abstract: A method and system of inspecting pre-molded parts comprising sealant material are disclosed. The method includes directing a micro-focused X-ray beam through a pre-molded sealant part comprising a sealant material to produce a phase-shifted refracted X-ray beam, and detecting the refracted X-ray beam with at least one phase contrast imaging X-ray detector to produce an image of the sealant material. The system includes at least one X-ray source structured and arranged to direct a micro-focused X-ray beam through a pre-molded sealant part comprising a sealant material to produce a phase-shifted refracted X-ray beam, and at least one phase contrast imaging X-ray detector structured and arranged to detect the refracted X-ray beam to produce an image of the sealant material.

Abstract: Sealant cap assemblies comprise a cap shell having an interior volume and a recess adjacent to a bottom opening thereof, a sealant barrier ring at least partially inserted in the recess in the cap shell, and sealant located radially outside the sealant barrier ring adjacent to the bottom opening of the cap shell. The sealant barrier ring may retract into the recess in the cap shell. The sealant may be uncured or partially cured, and is prevented from flowing inside the barrier ring when the sealant cap assemblies are installed on fasteners. Methods of making and using such seal cap assemblies are disclosed. Fasteners sealed by such sealant cap assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cap (10) for sealing a mechanical fastener (200), method for making the cap, and driver and method for applying the cap is disclosed. The cap includes a shell having an exterior surface (14) and an interior surface (16) defining a cavity (18), an opening (19) extending through the shell between the interior and exterior surfaces, and a sealant (13) at least partially filling the cavity. A package and a holder for holding a plurality of cap assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: Sealant cap assemblies comprise a cap shell having an interior volume and a recess adjacent to a bottom opening thereof, a sealant barrier ring at least partially inserted in the recess in the cap shell, and sealant located radially outside the sealant barrier ring adjacent to the bottom opening of the cap shell. The sealant barrier ring may retract into the recess in the cap shell. The sealant may be uncured or partially cured, and is prevented from flowing inside the barrier ring when the sealant cap assemblies are installed on fasteners. Methods of making and using such seal cap assemblies are disclosed. Fasteners sealed by such sealant cap assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cap (10) for sealing a mechanical fastener (200), method for making the cap, and driver and method for applying the cap is disclosed. The cap includes a shell having an exterior surface (14) and an interior surface (16) defining a cavity (18), an opening (19) extending through the shell between the interior and exterior surfaces, and a sealant (13) at least partially filling the cavity. A package and a holder for holding a plurality of cap assemblies are also disclosed.