Engineering topics

Allen, Peter B.

Publications and source records attributed to Allen, Peter B..

5 records

NASA NTRS1996

Tapered plug foam spray apparatus

A two-component foam spray gun is readily disassembled for cleaning. It includes a body (1) with reactant (12, 14) and purge gas (16) inlet ports. A moldable valve packing (32) inside the body has a tapered conical interior surface (142), and apertures which match the reactant ports. A valve/tip (40) has a conical outer surface (48) which mates with the valve packing (32). The valve/tip (40) is held in place by a moldable packing washer (34), held at non-constant pressure by a screw (36, 38). The interior of the valve/tip (40) houses a removable mixing chamber (50). The mixing chamber (50) has direct flow orifices (60) and an auxiliary flow path (58, 60) which ameliorate pressure surges. The spray gun can be disassembled for cleaning without disturbing the seal, by removing the valve/tip (40) to the rear, thereby breaking it free of the conical packing. Rotation of the valve/tip (40) relative to the body (1) shuts off the reactant flow, and starts the purge gas flow.

Allen, Peter B.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Modifications Of A Commercial Spray Gun

Commercial spray gun modified to increase spray rate and make sprayed coats more nearly uniform. Consists of gun head and pneumatic actuator. Actuator opens valves for two chemical components, called "A" and "B," that react to produce foam. Components flow through orifices, into mixing chamber in head. Mixture then flows through control orifice to spray tip. New spray tip tapered to reduce area available for accumulation of foam and makes tip easier to clean.

Allen, Peter B.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Development of spray guns for the application of rigid foam insulation

The paper describes the activities initiated to improve the existing spray gun system used for spraying insulating foam on the External Tank of the Space Shuttle, due to the quality variations of the applied foam noted in the past. Consideration is given to the two tasks of the project: (1) investigations of possible improvements, as an interim measure, to the spray gun currently used to apply the large acreage spray-on-foam insulation and the evaluation of other commercial equipment; and (2) the design and fabrication of a new automatic spray gun. The design and operation of the currently used Binks 43 PA spray gun are described together with several new breadboard spray guns designed and fabricated and the testing procedures developed. These new guns include the Modular Automatic Foam spray gun, the Ball Valve spray gun, and the Tapered Plug Valve (TPV) gun. As a result of tests, the TPV spray gun is recommended to replace the currently used automatic spray gun.

Allen, Peter B.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Tape-Smoothing Tool For Adhesion Tests

Small tool smoothes adhesive tape uniformly to ensure consistency and repeatability of tape-peel tests of adhesion of paint to substrate. Includes resilient pad covered with tough, smooth fabric. Internal spring regulates force applied to tape.

Allen, Peter B.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Three-Position Cryogenic Actuator

Linear actuator set at one of three positions by supplying gas at suitable pressure. Designed for use as part of relief valve in system storing liquid oxygen. Stops at any of three positions, depending on pressure at supply port. Seals made of polytetrafluorethylene for low friction at low temperatures. Use of polytetrafluoroethylene and large clearances reduces friction and makes possible operating over range of temperatures from -420 to 250 degree F (-251 to 121 degree C).

Allen, Peter B.↗