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'''ILC Dover, LP''' (also known as ILC) is an engineering development and manufacturing company based in [[Frederica, Delaware]]. ILC specializes in the use of high-performance flexible materials, serving the [[aerospace manufacturer|aerospace]], [[personal protective equipment|personal protection]], and [[Pharmaceutical industry|pharmaceutical industries]]. |
'''ILC Dover, LP''' (also known as ILC) is an engineering development and manufacturing company based in [[Frederica, Delaware]]. ILC specializes in the use of high-performance flexible materials, serving the [[aerospace manufacturer|aerospace]], [[personal protective equipment|personal protection]], and [[Pharmaceutical industry|pharmaceutical industries]]. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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ILC Dover initially formed as a branch of the International Latex Corporation, the company founded in 1932 by Abram Spanel. The International Latex Corporation supported American efforts in World War II with latex products such as attack boats, life rafts, and canteens. In 1947, the International Latex Corporation split into four divisions, one of which, the Metals Division, eventually became ILC Dover.<ref>ILC Dover, [http://www.ilcdover.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=trees.treePage&p=955-255-1911 "ILC Milestones"]. Retrieved on 2011-02-01</ref><ref>Jewish Virtual Library, [http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/judaica/ejud_0002_0019_0_18940.html "Obituary, Abram Nathaniel Spanel, '' Encyclopedia Judaica''"]. Retrieved on 2011-02-01.</ref> |
ILC Dover initially formed as a branch of the International Latex Corporation, the company founded in 1932 by Abram Spanel. The International Latex Corporation supported American efforts in World War II with latex products such as attack boats, life rafts, and canteens. In 1947, the International Latex Corporation split into four divisions, one of which, the Metals Division, eventually became ILC Dover.<ref name="milestones">ILC Dover, [http://www.ilcdover.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=trees.treePage&p=955-255-1911 "ILC Milestones"]. Retrieved on 2011-02-01</ref><ref>Jewish Virtual Library, [http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/judaica/ejud_0002_0019_0_18940.html "Obituary, Abram Nathaniel Spanel, '' Encyclopedia Judaica''"]. Retrieved on 2011-02-01.</ref> |
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Located at that time in [[Dover, Delaware]], ILC's earliest work was on high-altitude pressure helmets and high-altitude pressure suits for the U.S Navy and Air Force. In 1965, ILC (then known as the Government and Industrial Division of the International Latex Corporation) was awarded the prime contract for the [[Apollo/Skylab A7L|Apollo Lunar Space Suit]].<ref>NASA Tech Briefs, [http://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/1535?task=view "Space Suit Spins"]. Retrieved on 2011-02-01.</ref> ILC successfully designed and manufactured the suit worn by astronauts in the Apollo program, including Neil Armstrong during the first moonwalk. By 1969, ILC's workforce expanded to 900 employees as it supported the space program through production of Apollo space suits and a sun shield to protect Skylab, the first U.S. space station.<ref>Bivens, Terry, [http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl/1987_507484/icl-dover-known-for-spacesuit-design.html "ICL (sic) Dover known for Spacesuit Design, ''Houston Chronicle'', 12/6/87"], Houston Chronicle Archives. Retrieved on 2011-02-01.</ref><ref |
Located at that time in [[Dover, Delaware]], ILC's earliest work was on high-altitude pressure helmets and high-altitude pressure suits for the U.S Navy and Air Force. In 1965, ILC (then known as the Government and Industrial Division of the International Latex Corporation) was awarded the prime contract for the [[Apollo/Skylab A7L|Apollo Lunar Space Suit]].<ref name="spins">NASA Tech Briefs, [http://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/1535?task=view "Space Suit Spins"]. Retrieved on 2011-02-01.</ref> ILC successfully designed and manufactured the suit worn by astronauts in the Apollo program, including Neil Armstrong during the first moonwalk. By 1969, ILC's workforce expanded to 900 employees as it supported the space program through production of Apollo space suits and a sun shield to protect Skylab, the first U.S. space station.<ref name="Bivens">Bivens, Terry, [http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl/1987_507484/icl-dover-known-for-spacesuit-design.html "ICL (sic) Dover known for Spacesuit Design, ''Houston Chronicle'', 12/6/87"], Houston Chronicle Archives. Retrieved on 2011-02-01.</ref><ref name="milestones" /> |
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[[File:M40 gasmask.jpg|thumb|M40 Gas Mask]] |
[[File:M40 gasmask.jpg|thumb|M40 Gas Mask]] |
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In 1974, the [[Skylab]] program ended, and ILC faced an immediate need to diversify their product offerings. That same year, ILC delivered its first [[aerostat]] to the U.S. Air Force for use at Cudjoe Key Air Force Station.<ref |
In 1974, the [[Skylab]] program ended, and ILC faced an immediate need to diversify their product offerings. That same year, ILC delivered its first [[aerostat]] to the U.S. Air Force for use at Cudjoe Key Air Force Station.<ref name="milestones" /> Subsequently, they entered the field of [[personal protective equipment]], paving the way for development of industrial protection suits, such as the Chemturion Suit line. In later years, their development of protective equipment expanded into type classified military [[chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear|chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN)]] masks and hood systems (for example, the M43, M40, MBU-19/P). The [[M40 Field Protective Mask|M40/M42 masks]] became the standard field mask of the U.S. Army, and, as of 2010, over two million had been produced and sold.<ref name=durantine /><ref name="Bivens" /><ref>U.S. Army Fact Files, [http://www.army.mil/factfiles/equipment/nbc/m40.html "Weapons Systems, Field Protection Mask, M40/42 Series"]. Retrieved on 2011-02-01.</ref> |
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In 1977, ILC, in conjunction with [[Hamilton Standard]], of Windsor Locks, CT, began development and manufacture of the [[Extravehicular Mobility Unit]] (EMU), the suit worn by astronauts during [[Space Shuttle]] and [[Space Station]] [[extra-vehicular activity]] (EVA). ILC continued its support of the space program, while expanding its personal protection and lighter-than-air (LTA) vehicle lines.<ref |
In 1977, ILC, in conjunction with [[Hamilton Standard]], of Windsor Locks, CT, began development and manufacture of the [[Extravehicular Mobility Unit]] (EMU), the suit worn by astronauts during [[Space Shuttle]] and [[Space Station]] [[extra-vehicular activity]] (EVA). ILC continued its support of the space program, while expanding its personal protection and lighter-than-air (LTA) vehicle lines.<ref name="spins" /><ref name="Bivens" /> |
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[[File:Challenger Memorial Station At Meridiani Planum.jpg|thumb|left|Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity Airbag on the surface of Mars]] |
[[File:Challenger Memorial Station At Meridiani Planum.jpg|thumb|left|Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity Airbag on the surface of Mars]] |
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In 1994 and 1995, ILC was awarded contracts with the German company Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH and the [[American Blimp Corporation]] for production of envelopes for each company. Over the following decade, ILC's production of LTA vehicles continued, and in 2001, ILC, in colaboration with TCOM and Uretek, developed and manufactured the world's largest pressurized LTA vehicle for [[CargoLifter]] in Brand, Germany.<ref>Airship Blimp Resources, [http://www.myairship.com/database/ilcdover.html "ILC Dover"]. Retrieved on 2011-02-01.</ref><ref>Frembes, Linda Seid, [http://www.themanufacturer.com/us/profile/2226/ILC_Dover "ILC Dover, Weaving through Space, ''The Manufacturer''"]. Retrieved on 2011-02-01.</ref><ref |
In 1994 and 1995, ILC was awarded contracts with the German company Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH and the [[American Blimp Corporation]] for production of envelopes for each company. Over the following decade, ILC's production of LTA vehicles continued, and in 2001, ILC, in colaboration with TCOM and Uretek, developed and manufactured the world's largest pressurized LTA vehicle for [[CargoLifter]] in Brand, Germany.<ref>Airship Blimp Resources, [http://www.myairship.com/database/ilcdover.html "ILC Dover"]. Retrieved on 2011-02-01.</ref><ref>Frembes, Linda Seid, [http://www.themanufacturer.com/us/profile/2226/ILC_Dover "ILC Dover, Weaving through Space, ''The Manufacturer''"]. Retrieved on 2011-02-01.</ref><ref name="milestones" /> |
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In 1994, NASA's [[Jet Propulsion Laboratory]] contracted ILC to develop and manufacture the airbag landing system for the [[Mars Pathfinder|Mars Pathfinder Mission]], which successfully cushioned Pathfinder's landing on July 4, 1997. In 2003, ILC's airbag system enabled the safe landing of the twin rovers, [[Spirit rover|Spirit]] and [[Opportunity rover|Opportunity]], during the [[Mars Exploration Rover|Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Missions]].<ref |
In 1994, NASA's [[Jet Propulsion Laboratory]] contracted ILC to develop and manufacture the airbag landing system for the [[Mars Pathfinder|Mars Pathfinder Mission]], which successfully cushioned Pathfinder's landing on July 4, 1997. In 2003, ILC's airbag system enabled the safe landing of the twin rovers, [[Spirit rover|Spirit]] and [[Opportunity rover|Opportunity]], during the [[Mars Exploration Rover|Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Missions]].<ref name=durantine /><ref name="spins" /><ref>Space Daily, [http://www.spacedaily.com/news/mars-mera-04j.html "ILC Dover Airbags Cushion MER Spirit Landing on Mars, ''Mars Daily''"]. Retrieved on 2011-02-01.</ref> |
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| ⚫ | In the 1990s ILC entered the [[pharmaceutical industry]] with the design and production of flexible containment systems, used to improve operator safety and ensure product purity during the manufacturing processing of potent pharmaceutical agents.<ref>O'Hanlon, John, [http://www.themanufacturer.com/us/profile/3966/ILC_Dover "ILC Dover, Giant Strides, ''The Manufacturer''"]. Retrieved on 2011-02-01.</ref><ref name="spins" /> |
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| ⚫ | In the 1990s ILC entered the [[pharmaceutical industry]] with the design and production of flexible containment systems, used to improve operator safety and ensure product purity during the manufacturing processing of potent pharmaceutical agents.<ref>O'Hanlon, John, [http://www.themanufacturer.com/us/profile/3966/ILC_Dover "ILC Dover, Giant Strides, ''The Manufacturer''"]. Retrieved on 2011-02-01.</ref><ref |
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==Space suits== |
==Space suits== |
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[[File:Bull Aldrin Apollo Spacesuit.jpg|thumb|Apollo Spacesuit worn by [[Buzz Aldrin]]]] |
[[File:Bull Aldrin Apollo Spacesuit.jpg|thumb|Apollo Spacesuit worn by [[Buzz Aldrin]]]] |
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Since the beginning of the [[Apollo Program]], ILC has been the designer and producer of the space suit pressure garment for [[NASA]]. Throughout [[Apollo program|Apollo]], [[Skylab]], [[Space Shuttle]], and [[Space Station]] missions, the space suit has been required to protect astronauts from hazards faced in earth’s orbit and on the surface of the moon. These hazards include the vacuum environment of space, temperature extremes ranging from -250 degrees Fahrenheit to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, the impact of micrometeoroids and orbital debris, and [[lunar dust]]. Above the 63,000 foot threshold, spacesuits are needed to supply oxygen and to provide a pressurized environment around the body to keep body fluids in a liquid state.<ref>NASA History Program Office, [http://history.nasa.gov/spacesuits.pdf Human Space Flight, Spacesuits]. Retrieved on 2011-02-10.</ref> |
Since the beginning of the [[Apollo Program]], ILC has been the designer and producer of the space suit pressure garment for [[NASA]]. Throughout [[Apollo program|Apollo]], [[Skylab]], [[Space Shuttle]], and [[Space Station]] missions, the space suit has been required to protect astronauts from hazards faced in earth’s orbit and on the surface of the moon. These hazards include the vacuum environment of space, temperature extremes ranging from -250 degrees Fahrenheit to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, the impact of micrometeoroids and orbital debris, and [[lunar dust]]. Above the 63,000 foot threshold, spacesuits are needed to supply oxygen and to provide a pressurized environment around the body to keep body fluids in a liquid state.<ref name="NASA history">NASA History Program Office, [http://history.nasa.gov/spacesuits.pdf Human Space Flight, Spacesuits]. Retrieved on 2011-02-10.</ref> |
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===Apollo and Skylab=== |
===Apollo and Skylab=== |
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ILC began delivering spacesuits for the [[Apollo program]] in 1966. Apollo spacesuits were custom-made for each of the astronauts in the program, and for each of the twelve manned flights carried out, ILC produced fifteen suits. Three suits were made for each of the three astronauts comprising the crew (one suit for flight, one for training, one for back-up) and two suits were made for each of the three back-up crew members (one suit for flight and one for training). Twenty [[Extra-vehicular activity|extra-vehicular activities]] (EVAs) were performed during the [[Apollo program]], and ten were performed during [[Skylab]]. The Apollo suits were used for a total of 160 hours on the lunar surface.<ref |
ILC began delivering spacesuits for the [[Apollo program]] in 1966. Apollo spacesuits were custom-made for each of the astronauts in the program, and for each of the twelve manned flights carried out, ILC produced fifteen suits. Three suits were made for each of the three astronauts comprising the crew (one suit for flight, one for training, one for back-up) and two suits were made for each of the three back-up crew members (one suit for flight and one for training). Twenty [[Extra-vehicular activity|extra-vehicular activities]] (EVAs) were performed during the [[Apollo program]], and ten were performed during [[Skylab]]. The Apollo suits were used for a total of 160 hours on the lunar surface.<ref name="NASA history" /> <ref name="ILC spacesuits">ILC Dover, [http://www.ilcdover.com Spacesuits]. Retrieved on 2011-02-10.</ref> <ref name="NASA directorates">NASA, [http://www.nasa.gov/directorates/somd/reports/eva.html Directorates, Space Operations]. Retrieved on 2011-02-10.</ref> |
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===Shuttle=== |
===Shuttle=== |
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The space suit used for EVA during shuttle missions is the [[Extravehicular Mobility Unit]] (EMU), which is comprised of two parts: the space suit assembly (SSA), manufactured by ILC, and the [[Primary Life Support System|life support system]] (LSS), manufactured by Hamilton Sundstrand (previously Hamilton Standard). The SSA is made of individual components which are assembled to fit each astronaut. Since the first shuttle EVA in 1983, 216 U.S. astronauts have performed a total of 74 shuttle EVAs, combining for greater than 470 hours in space.<ref |
The space suit used for EVA during shuttle missions is the [[Extravehicular Mobility Unit]] (EMU), which is comprised of two parts: the space suit assembly (SSA), manufactured by ILC, and the [[Primary Life Support System|life support system]] (LSS), manufactured by Hamilton Sundstrand (previously Hamilton Standard). The SSA is made of individual components which are assembled to fit each astronaut. Since the first shuttle EVA in 1983, 216 U.S. astronauts have performed a total of 74 shuttle EVAs, combining for greater than 470 hours in space.<ref name="NASA history" /><ref name="ILC spacesuits" /><ref name="NASA directorates" /> |
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===International Space Station=== |
===International Space Station=== |
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The shuttle EMU was improved for use on the [[International Space Station]] (ISS). The suits for the ISS were modified to provide greater mobility, to afford better tactile capabilities of the glove, and to provide an increased operational life. As of Feb. 2011, a total of 104 EVAs on the ISS had occurred, for greater than 650 total hours in space.<ref |
The shuttle EMU was improved for use on the [[International Space Station]] (ISS). The suits for the ISS were modified to provide greater mobility, to afford better tactile capabilities of the glove, and to provide an increased operational life. As of Feb. 2011, a total of 104 EVAs on the ISS had occurred, for greater than 650 total hours in space.<ref name="ILC spacesuits" /><ref name="NASA directorates" /> |
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===Mark III=== |
===Mark III=== |
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The [[Mark III (space suit)|Mark III]] (MKIII) is an experimental suit that was designed by ILC for use on the [[International Space Station|space station]]. The suit is a combination of hard and soft elements, designed for pressurization to 8.3 [[Pounds per square inch|psi]]. Shuttle suits are pressurized to 4.3 psi, and astronauts are required to breathe pure oxygen for several hours prior to EVA to remove all dissolved nitrogen from body fluids (to prevent “[[Decompression sickness|the bends]]” upon de-pressurization). Pressurization to 8.3 psi would eliminate the need for a lengthy pre-breathing time. The MKIII has since been used in test programs that study space suit operations in the lunar and [[Mars]] surface environments.<ref |
The [[Mark III (space suit)|Mark III]] (MKIII) is an experimental suit that was designed by ILC for use on the [[International Space Station|space station]]. The suit is a combination of hard and soft elements, designed for pressurization to 8.3 [[Pounds per square inch|psi]]. Shuttle suits are pressurized to 4.3 psi, and astronauts are required to breathe pure oxygen for several hours prior to EVA to remove all dissolved nitrogen from body fluids (to prevent “[[Decompression sickness|the bends]]” upon de-pressurization). Pressurization to 8.3 psi would eliminate the need for a lengthy pre-breathing time. The MKIII has since been used in test programs that study space suit operations in the lunar and [[Mars]] surface environments.<ref name="NASA history" /><ref name="ILC spacesuits" /> |
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===Lunar and Mars suit prototype (I Suit)=== |
===Lunar and Mars suit prototype (I Suit)=== |
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The [[I-Suit]] is a lightweight experimental suit designed and manufactured by ILC to be used for high-mobility surface operations in gravity, such as on the lunar surface or on the surface of [[Mars]]. The I-suit is also being studied for use with next generation NASA launch vehicles and commercial space vehicles.<ref |
The [[I-Suit]] is a lightweight experimental suit designed and manufactured by ILC to be used for high-mobility surface operations in gravity, such as on the lunar surface or on the surface of [[Mars]]. The I-suit is also being studied for use with next generation NASA launch vehicles and commercial space vehicles.<ref name="ILC spacesuits" /> |
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==Lighter than air structures== |
==Lighter than air structures== |
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[[File:Zeppellin NT amk.JPG|thumb|left|Lighter-Than-Air]] |
[[File:Zeppellin NT amk.JPG|thumb|left|Lighter-Than-Air]] |
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Since the early 1970s, ILC has been designing and manufacturing softgoods structures for [[Aerostat|aerostats]], [[Airship|airships]], [[Blimp|blimps]], and other [[Lighter than air|lighter-than-air]] (LTA) structures. ILC is the world’s largest producer of modern aerostat and airship envelopes.<ref>ILC Dover, [http://www.ilcdover.com/Lighter-Than-Air-Structures/ Lighter-Than-Air-Structures]. Retrieved 2011-02-01.</ref><ref name=durantine>Durantine, Peter, [http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060505/LIFE/605050330/-1/NEWS01 "This Suit Was Made for Walkin', ''The News Journal'', 5/5/06"], Delaware Online. Retrieved on 2011-02-10.</ref> |
Since the early 1970s, ILC has been designing and manufacturing softgoods structures for [[Aerostat|aerostats]], [[Airship|airships]], [[Blimp|blimps]], and other [[Lighter than air|lighter-than-air]] (LTA) structures. ILC is the world’s largest producer of modern aerostat and airship envelopes.<ref name="ILC LTA">ILC Dover, [http://www.ilcdover.com/Lighter-Than-Air-Structures/ Lighter-Than-Air-Structures]. Retrieved 2011-02-01.</ref><ref name=durantine>Durantine, Peter, [http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060505/LIFE/605050330/-1/NEWS01 "This Suit Was Made for Walkin', ''The News Journal'', 5/5/06"], Delaware Online. Retrieved on 2011-02-10.</ref> |
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===Airships and blimps=== |
===Airships and blimps=== |
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Airships and blimps are used for a variety of applications including transport and tourism; advertising; and surveillance. ILC’s airship products are used by the U.S. military, the American Blimp Corporation, and Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH (Germany).<ref |
Airships and blimps are used for a variety of applications including transport and tourism; advertising; and surveillance. ILC’s airship products are used by the U.S. military, the American Blimp Corporation, and Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH (Germany).<ref name="ILC LTA" /><ref>Bolkcom, Christopher, [http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RS21886.pdf "Potential Military Use of Airships and Aerostats," ''CRS Report for Congress'']. Retrieved on 2011-02-10.</ref> |
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===High altitude airships=== |
===High altitude airships=== |
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Since the early 1980s, ILC has been involved in the design and development of high altitude airships. The advent and growth of the cellular phone market renewed interest in the use of high altitude airships as an economical alternative to satellites. In the past decade, ILC has worked with Lockheed Martin to support several US government-funded [[High-altitude airship|high-altitude airship]] (HAA) programs to define the system for a mobile platform capable of carrying various payloads, including communications and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) sensors.<ref |
Since the early 1980s, ILC has been involved in the design and development of high altitude airships. The advent and growth of the cellular phone market renewed interest in the use of high altitude airships as an economical alternative to satellites. In the past decade, ILC has worked with Lockheed Martin to support several US government-funded [[High-altitude airship|high-altitude airship]] (HAA) programs to define the system for a mobile platform capable of carrying various payloads, including communications and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) sensors.<ref name="ILC LTA" /><ref name=browndover>Brown, Jeff, [http://www.doverpost.com/communities/dover/x1042542996/ILC-Dover-expands-work-on-terrorist-detecting-airships "ILC Dover Expands Work on Terrorist-Detecting Airships"] ''Dover Post'', Apr 20, 2010. Retrieved 2011-02-10.</ref> |
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[[File:MarfaTX.jpg|thumb|Tethered Aerostat]] |
[[File:MarfaTX.jpg|thumb|Tethered Aerostat]] |
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===Tethered surveillance aerostats=== |
===Tethered surveillance aerostats=== |
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Aerostats are typically utilized as platforms to carry surveillance radars to altitudes reaching 15,000 feet while tethered to the ground by a single tether. ILC has manufactured aerostats with volumes ranging from 56,000 to 595,000 cubic feet. The length of these aerostats ranges from 109 feet to 240 feet.<ref |
Aerostats are typically utilized as platforms to carry surveillance radars to altitudes reaching 15,000 feet while tethered to the ground by a single tether. ILC has manufactured aerostats with volumes ranging from 56,000 to 595,000 cubic feet. The length of these aerostats ranges from 109 feet to 240 feet.<ref name="ILC LTA" /><ref name=browndover /><ref name=durantine /> |
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===Heavy lift airships and balloons=== |
===Heavy lift airships and balloons=== |
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The lift generated by a helium filled LTA vehicle can allow heavy loads to be transported in an economical manner. In the early 1990s, ILC was involved in the design and manufacture of logging balloons, devices used in the northwestern U.S. and western Canada for the purpose of retrieving logs from mountainous areas inaccessible by road.<ref |
The lift generated by a helium filled LTA vehicle can allow heavy loads to be transported in an economical manner. In the early 1990s, ILC was involved in the design and manufacture of logging balloons, devices used in the northwestern U.S. and western Canada for the purpose of retrieving logs from mountainous areas inaccessible by road.<ref name="ILC LTA" /><ref name="spins" /> |
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==Personal protective equipment== |
==Personal protective equipment== |
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[[File:US Navy 030428-M-1852W-037 Hospital Corpsman John Copeck assigned to 3D Medical Battalion, Training Company, takes a break to hydrate after connecting his canteen to his gas mask.jpg|thumb|M40 gas mask]] |
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Since the mid 1970's, ILC has designed and produced products for chemical and biological protection. Currently, ILC designs and produces [[Respirator|respirators]], masks, and [[Hazmat suits|suits]] used to protect against [[Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear|chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear]] (CBRN) threats. The products are used by U.S. military troops, federal employees, scientists and health care workers. |
Since the mid 1970's, ILC has designed and produced products for chemical and biological protection. Currently, ILC designs and produces [[Respirator|respirators]], masks, and [[Hazmat suits|suits]] used to protect against [[Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear|chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear]] (CBRN) threats. The products are used by U.S. military troops, federal employees, scientists and health care workers. |
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===Masks and respirators=== |
===Masks and respirators=== |
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ILC produces powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) including the Sentinel XL CBRN PAPR, used to protect against [[Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear|CBRN]] threats, and the Sentinel HP PAPR, used to protect against [[infectious disease]]. They also produce an air purifying escape respirator (APER), the SCape CBRN, and the [[M40 Field Protective Mask|M40/42 gas mask]] used by the U.S. military.<ref>FEMA, [https://www.rkb.us/contentdetail.cfm?content_id=141292 Sentinel XL CBRN, Product Details]. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.</ref><ref>ILC Dover, [http://www.ilcdover.com/PPE-Personal-Protection-Equipment/ PPE -Personal-Protection-Equipment]. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.</ref><ref |
ILC produces powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) including the Sentinel XL CBRN PAPR, used to protect against [[Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear|CBRN]] threats, and the Sentinel HP PAPR, used to protect against [[infectious disease]]. They also produce an air purifying escape respirator (APER), the SCape CBRN, and the [[M40 Field Protective Mask|M40/42 gas mask]] used by the U.S. military.<ref>FEMA, [https://www.rkb.us/contentdetail.cfm?content_id=141292 Sentinel XL CBRN, Product Details]. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.</ref><ref name="ILC PPE">ILC Dover, [http://www.ilcdover.com/PPE-Personal-Protection-Equipment/ PPE -Personal-Protection-Equipment]. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.</ref><ref name="spins" /> |
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===Protective suits=== |
===Protective suits=== |
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In the late 1970s, ILC developed a special garment, the Demilitarization Protective Ensemble (DPE), to fulfill the U.S. Army’s need for an off-the-shelf, positive pressure, totally encapsulating suit for use by maintenance personnel at a [[Chemical weapon|chemical weapons]] site. The DPE was delivered to the Army in 1979 and is still currently in daily use, with over 700 recorded entries into a “hot” environment and a perfect safety record. |
In the late 1970s, ILC developed a special garment, the Demilitarization Protective Ensemble (DPE), to fulfill the U.S. Army’s need for an off-the-shelf, positive pressure, totally encapsulating suit for use by maintenance personnel at a [[Chemical weapon|chemical weapons]] site. The DPE was delivered to the Army in 1979 and is still currently in daily use, with over 700 recorded entries into a “hot” environment and a perfect safety record. |
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From the technology used in production of the DPE, ILC developed a protective suit to be used for commercial applications. The Chemturion |
From the technology used in production of the DPE, ILC developed a protective suit to be used for commercial applications. The Chemturion is a multi-use, totally encapsulating protective suit, currently used by Public Health Canada, Boston University, USAMRIID and AI Signal Research, the Atlanta Center for Disease Control, and many industrial companies such as DuPont, Dow, and Georgia Pacific.<ref>U.S. Army Chemical Materials Agency, [http://www.cma.army.mil/fndocumentviewer.aspx?docid=003676566 Suiting up for Safety, Fact Sheet]. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.</ref><ref name="ILC PPE" /> |
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==Flexible pharmaceutical containment systems== |
==Flexible pharmaceutical containment systems== |
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ILC |
ILC designs and manufactures products that allow for flexible containment of potent pharmaceutical agents during the [[pharmaceutical drug]] manufacturing process. Such containment systems enable the safe and effective processing of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Flexible enclosure systems or specific products, such as the DoverPac, G2Pac and Continuous Liner, can be incorporated into various procedures in the manufacturing process to provide containment of potent pharmaceutical agents, protecting workers from harmful exposure and ensuring purity of the pharmaceutical agents by preventing [[contamination]]. |
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<ref |
<ref name="spins" /><ref>George, Alan, [http://www.lifescienceleader.com/index.php?option=com_jambozine&layout=article&view=page&aid=3935&Itemid=56 "Key Regulatory Considerations for Flexible Containment Systems"], ''Life Science Leader,'' Dec 2009. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.</ref><ref>Wood, James P., ed. ''Containment in the Pharmaceutical Industry'', Marcel Dekker, Inc., 2001. </ref> |
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==Space inflatables== |
==Space inflatables== |
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[[File:Pan segment1.gif|thumb|left|Pathfinder airbag on Mars]] |
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ILC designs and manufactures [[Inflatable structure|inflatable structures]] for use in [[earth orbit]], [[Moon|lunar]], and [[Timeline of Solar System exploration|planetary exploration]]. Inflatable structures have been used on a number of space missions for a variety of applications including specialized flexible containment covers ([[Hubble Space Telescope]]), [[Impact attenuator|impact attenuation]] airbag systems, and inflatable aerodynamic decelerators.<ref>NASA, [http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/fap/hyp_atmosphericentry.html Atmospheric Entry Decelerator Technologies]. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.</ref><ref>ILC Dover, [http://www.ilcdover.com/Space-Inflatables/ Space Inflatables]. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.</ref> |
ILC designs and manufactures [[Inflatable structure|inflatable structures]] for use in [[earth orbit]], [[Moon|lunar]], and [[Timeline of Solar System exploration|planetary exploration]]. Inflatable structures have been used on a number of space missions for a variety of applications including specialized flexible containment covers ([[Hubble Space Telescope]]), [[Impact attenuator|impact attenuation]] airbag systems, and inflatable aerodynamic decelerators.<ref>NASA, [http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/fap/hyp_atmosphericentry.html Atmospheric Entry Decelerator Technologies]. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.</ref><ref>ILC Dover, [http://www.ilcdover.com/Space-Inflatables/ Space Inflatables]. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.</ref> |
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===Habitats and shelters=== |
===Habitats and shelters=== |
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ILC |
ILC has developed and manufactured a variety of inflatable habitats, [[Airlock|airlocks]], and shelters for use in [[earth orbit]] and [[Moon|lunar]] / [[Timeline of Solar System exploration|planetary exploration]]. [[Inflatable space habitat|Lunar habitat projects]] include the X-Hab Lunar Habitat, the InFlex Lunar Habitat, the Toroidal Lunar Habitat, and the Expandable Lunar Habitat. ILC has also worked on the Antarctic Habitat Planetary Analog Study, the Lawrence Livermore Inflatable Space Station, and the Minimum Function Habitat.<ref>Spaminato, Phil, [http://spirit.as.utexas.edu/~fiso/telecon/Spampinato_7-28-10/Spampinato%207-28-10.pdf "Overview of ILC Dover Habitat Programs and Technology"], Future in Space (FISO) Colloquium, Jul 2010. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.</ref><ref>SpaceRef, [http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=26912 NASA, NSF, ILC Dover Inflatable Habitat Blog, Jan 2008]. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.</ref> |
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===Impact Bags=== |
===Impact Bags=== |
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For decades, ILC has worked on the design and manufacture of inflatable airbag systems. ILC’s most notable accomplishments are the [[Mars Pathfinder]] and [[Mars Exploration Rover]] (MER) airbags which helped land the [[Mars Pathfinder|Sojourner]], [[Spirit rover|Spirit]] & [[Opportunity rover|Opportunity]] rovers on the surface of [[Mars]]. In addition to planetary landing systems, ILC has designed and fabricated airbag landing systems to safely return manned and unmanned space systems to the surface of earth. This includes airbags for the [[Orion (spacecraft)|Crew Exploration Vehicle Orion]], and the Advanced Launch System.<ref |
[[File:Pathfinder Air Bags - GPN-2000-000484.jpg|thumb|The Pathfinder air bags are tested in June 1995]]For decades, ILC has worked on the design and manufacture of inflatable airbag systems. ILC’s most notable accomplishments are the [[Mars Pathfinder]] and [[Mars Exploration Rover]] (MER) airbags which helped land the [[Mars Pathfinder|Sojourner]], [[Spirit rover|Spirit]] & [[Opportunity rover|Opportunity]] rovers on the surface of [[Mars]]. In addition to planetary landing systems, ILC has designed and fabricated airbag landing systems to safely return manned and unmanned space systems to the surface of earth. This includes airbags for the [[Orion (spacecraft)|Crew Exploration Vehicle Orion]], and the Advanced Launch System.<ref name="spins" /><ref>NASA, [http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/about/history/marspbag.html Mars Pathfinder Air Bag Landing Test]. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.</ref><ref>NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, [http://marsrover.nasa.gov/spotlight/airbags01.html How to Land Softly on a Hard Planet]. Retrieved on 2011-02-01. </ref> |
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===Other=== |
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Other inflatable products with space applications include [[ballute|ballutes]] and decelerators; inflatable and deployable [[Antenna|antennas]]; [[Space sunshade|sunshields]], [[Solar sail|solar sails]] and [[Photovoltaic array|solar arrays]]; [[radiation]] shields; decoys; and planetary balloons. |
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==Engineered Inflatables== |
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ILC has produced numerous inflatable structures for military and aerospace applications. Inflatable structures are those made from high-performance flexible materials, often providing weight, size, and economic advantages over structures made from traditional metal or composite materials. Products include [[ballute|ballutes]] and decelerators; floats; munition dispensing systems; [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]] wings; [[Radome|radomes]]; and shelters. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 22:59, 11 February 2011
ILC Dover, LP (also known as ILC) is an engineering development and manufacturing company based in Frederica, Delaware. ILC specializes in the use of high-performance flexible materials, serving the aerospace, personal protection, and pharmaceutical industries.
Best known for making space suits for NASA, ILC outfitted every United States astronaut in the Apollo program, including the twelve that walked on the moon. ILC also designed and manufactured the Space Suit Assembly portion of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU), worn by astronauts during performance of extra-vehicular activity (EVA) on Space Shuttle missions and on the International Space Station.
Other ILC products include the airbag landing devices for Mars Pathfinder and Mars Exploration Rover (MER) missions; lighter-than-air vehicles, including airships, aerostats, and zeppelins; chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) masks and hood systems; and flexible powder-containment solutions for the pharmaceutical industry.
History
ILC Dover initially formed as a branch of the International Latex Corporation, the company founded in 1932 by Abram Spanel. The International Latex Corporation supported American efforts in World War II with latex products such as attack boats, life rafts, and canteens. In 1947, the International Latex Corporation split into four divisions, one of which, the Metals Division, eventually became ILC Dover.[1][2]
Located at that time in Dover, Delaware, ILC's earliest work was on high-altitude pressure helmets and high-altitude pressure suits for the U.S Navy and Air Force. In 1965, ILC (then known as the Government and Industrial Division of the International Latex Corporation) was awarded the prime contract for the Apollo Lunar Space Suit.[3] ILC successfully designed and manufactured the suit worn by astronauts in the Apollo program, including Neil Armstrong during the first moonwalk. By 1969, ILC's workforce expanded to 900 employees as it supported the space program through production of Apollo space suits and a sun shield to protect Skylab, the first U.S. space station.[4][1]
In 1974, the Skylab program ended, and ILC faced an immediate need to diversify their product offerings. That same year, ILC delivered its first aerostat to the U.S. Air Force for use at Cudjoe Key Air Force Station.[1] Subsequently, they entered the field of personal protective equipment, paving the way for development of industrial protection suits, such as the Chemturion Suit line. In later years, their development of protective equipment expanded into type classified military chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) masks and hood systems (for example, the M43, M40, MBU-19/P). The M40/M42 masks became the standard field mask of the U.S. Army, and, as of 2010, over two million had been produced and sold.[5][4][6]
In 1977, ILC, in conjunction with Hamilton Standard, of Windsor Locks, CT, began development and manufacture of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU), the suit worn by astronauts during Space Shuttle and Space Station extra-vehicular activity (EVA). ILC continued its support of the space program, while expanding its personal protection and lighter-than-air (LTA) vehicle lines.[3][4]
In 1994 and 1995, ILC was awarded contracts with the German company Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH and the American Blimp Corporation for production of envelopes for each company. Over the following decade, ILC's production of LTA vehicles continued, and in 2001, ILC, in colaboration with TCOM and Uretek, developed and manufactured the world's largest pressurized LTA vehicle for CargoLifter in Brand, Germany.[7][8][1]
In 1994, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contracted ILC to develop and manufacture the airbag landing system for the Mars Pathfinder Mission, which successfully cushioned Pathfinder's landing on July 4, 1997. In 2003, ILC's airbag system enabled the safe landing of the twin rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, during the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Missions.[5][3][9]
In the 1990s ILC entered the pharmaceutical industry with the design and production of flexible containment systems, used to improve operator safety and ensure product purity during the manufacturing processing of potent pharmaceutical agents.[10][3]
Space suits
Since the beginning of the Apollo Program, ILC has been the designer and producer of the space suit pressure garment for NASA. Throughout Apollo, Skylab, Space Shuttle, and Space Station missions, the space suit has been required to protect astronauts from hazards faced in earth’s orbit and on the surface of the moon. These hazards include the vacuum environment of space, temperature extremes ranging from -250 degrees Fahrenheit to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, the impact of micrometeoroids and orbital debris, and lunar dust. Above the 63,000 foot threshold, spacesuits are needed to supply oxygen and to provide a pressurized environment around the body to keep body fluids in a liquid state.[11]
Apollo and Skylab
ILC began delivering spacesuits for the Apollo program in 1966. Apollo spacesuits were custom-made for each of the astronauts in the program, and for each of the twelve manned flights carried out, ILC produced fifteen suits. Three suits were made for each of the three astronauts comprising the crew (one suit for flight, one for training, one for back-up) and two suits were made for each of the three back-up crew members (one suit for flight and one for training). Twenty extra-vehicular activities (EVAs) were performed during the Apollo program, and ten were performed during Skylab. The Apollo suits were used for a total of 160 hours on the lunar surface.[11] [12] [13]
Shuttle
The space suit used for EVA during shuttle missions is the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU), which is comprised of two parts: the space suit assembly (SSA), manufactured by ILC, and the life support system (LSS), manufactured by Hamilton Sundstrand (previously Hamilton Standard). The SSA is made of individual components which are assembled to fit each astronaut. Since the first shuttle EVA in 1983, 216 U.S. astronauts have performed a total of 74 shuttle EVAs, combining for greater than 470 hours in space.[11][12][13]
International Space Station
The shuttle EMU was improved for use on the International Space Station (ISS). The suits for the ISS were modified to provide greater mobility, to afford better tactile capabilities of the glove, and to provide an increased operational life. As of Feb. 2011, a total of 104 EVAs on the ISS had occurred, for greater than 650 total hours in space.[12][13]
Mark III
The Mark III (MKIII) is an experimental suit that was designed by ILC for use on the space station. The suit is a combination of hard and soft elements, designed for pressurization to 8.3 psi. Shuttle suits are pressurized to 4.3 psi, and astronauts are required to breathe pure oxygen for several hours prior to EVA to remove all dissolved nitrogen from body fluids (to prevent “the bends” upon de-pressurization). Pressurization to 8.3 psi would eliminate the need for a lengthy pre-breathing time. The MKIII has since been used in test programs that study space suit operations in the lunar and Mars surface environments.[11][12]
Lunar and Mars suit prototype (I Suit)
The I-Suit is a lightweight experimental suit designed and manufactured by ILC to be used for high-mobility surface operations in gravity, such as on the lunar surface or on the surface of Mars. The I-suit is also being studied for use with next generation NASA launch vehicles and commercial space vehicles.[12]
Lighter than air structures
Since the early 1970s, ILC has been designing and manufacturing softgoods structures for aerostats, airships, blimps, and other lighter-than-air (LTA) structures. ILC is the world’s largest producer of modern aerostat and airship envelopes.[14][5]
Airships and blimps
Airships and blimps are used for a variety of applications including transport and tourism; advertising; and surveillance. ILC’s airship products are used by the U.S. military, the American Blimp Corporation, and Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH (Germany).[14][15]
High altitude airships
Since the early 1980s, ILC has been involved in the design and development of high altitude airships. The advent and growth of the cellular phone market renewed interest in the use of high altitude airships as an economical alternative to satellites. In the past decade, ILC has worked with Lockheed Martin to support several US government-funded high-altitude airship (HAA) programs to define the system for a mobile platform capable of carrying various payloads, including communications and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) sensors.[14][16]
Tethered surveillance aerostats
Aerostats are typically utilized as platforms to carry surveillance radars to altitudes reaching 15,000 feet while tethered to the ground by a single tether. ILC has manufactured aerostats with volumes ranging from 56,000 to 595,000 cubic feet. The length of these aerostats ranges from 109 feet to 240 feet.[14][16][5]
Heavy lift airships and balloons
The lift generated by a helium filled LTA vehicle can allow heavy loads to be transported in an economical manner. In the early 1990s, ILC was involved in the design and manufacture of logging balloons, devices used in the northwestern U.S. and western Canada for the purpose of retrieving logs from mountainous areas inaccessible by road.[14][3]
Personal protective equipment
Since the mid 1970's, ILC has designed and produced products for chemical and biological protection. Currently, ILC designs and produces respirators, masks, and suits used to protect against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats. The products are used by U.S. military troops, federal employees, scientists and health care workers.
Masks and respirators
ILC produces powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) including the Sentinel XL CBRN PAPR, used to protect against CBRN threats, and the Sentinel HP PAPR, used to protect against infectious disease. They also produce an air purifying escape respirator (APER), the SCape CBRN, and the M40/42 gas mask used by the U.S. military.[17][18][3]
Protective suits
In the late 1970s, ILC developed a special garment, the Demilitarization Protective Ensemble (DPE), to fulfill the U.S. Army’s need for an off-the-shelf, positive pressure, totally encapsulating suit for use by maintenance personnel at a chemical weapons site. The DPE was delivered to the Army in 1979 and is still currently in daily use, with over 700 recorded entries into a “hot” environment and a perfect safety record.
From the technology used in production of the DPE, ILC developed a protective suit to be used for commercial applications. The Chemturion is a multi-use, totally encapsulating protective suit, currently used by Public Health Canada, Boston University, USAMRIID and AI Signal Research, the Atlanta Center for Disease Control, and many industrial companies such as DuPont, Dow, and Georgia Pacific.[19][18]
Flexible pharmaceutical containment systems
ILC designs and manufactures products that allow for flexible containment of potent pharmaceutical agents during the pharmaceutical drug manufacturing process. Such containment systems enable the safe and effective processing of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Flexible enclosure systems or specific products, such as the DoverPac, G2Pac and Continuous Liner, can be incorporated into various procedures in the manufacturing process to provide containment of potent pharmaceutical agents, protecting workers from harmful exposure and ensuring purity of the pharmaceutical agents by preventing contamination. [3][20][21]
Space inflatables
ILC designs and manufactures inflatable structures for use in earth orbit, lunar, and planetary exploration. Inflatable structures have been used on a number of space missions for a variety of applications including specialized flexible containment covers (Hubble Space Telescope), impact attenuation airbag systems, and inflatable aerodynamic decelerators.[22][23]
Habitats and shelters
ILC has developed and manufactured a variety of inflatable habitats, airlocks, and shelters for use in earth orbit and lunar / planetary exploration. Lunar habitat projects include the X-Hab Lunar Habitat, the InFlex Lunar Habitat, the Toroidal Lunar Habitat, and the Expandable Lunar Habitat. ILC has also worked on the Antarctic Habitat Planetary Analog Study, the Lawrence Livermore Inflatable Space Station, and the Minimum Function Habitat.[24][25]
Impact Bags
For decades, ILC has worked on the design and manufacture of inflatable airbag systems. ILC’s most notable accomplishments are the Mars Pathfinder and Mars Exploration Rover (MER) airbags which helped land the Sojourner, Spirit & Opportunity rovers on the surface of Mars. In addition to planetary landing systems, ILC has designed and fabricated airbag landing systems to safely return manned and unmanned space systems to the surface of earth. This includes airbags for the Crew Exploration Vehicle Orion, and the Advanced Launch System.[3][26][27]
Other
Other inflatable products with space applications include ballutes and decelerators; inflatable and deployable antennas; sunshields, solar sails and solar arrays; radiation shields; decoys; and planetary balloons.
Engineered Inflatables
ILC has produced numerous inflatable structures for military and aerospace applications. Inflatable structures are those made from high-performance flexible materials, often providing weight, size, and economic advantages over structures made from traditional metal or composite materials. Products include ballutes and decelerators; floats; munition dispensing systems; UAV wings; radomes; and shelters.
References
- ^ a b c d ILC Dover, "ILC Milestones". Retrieved on 2011-02-01
- ^ Jewish Virtual Library, "Obituary, Abram Nathaniel Spanel, Encyclopedia Judaica". Retrieved on 2011-02-01.
- ^ a b c d e f g h NASA Tech Briefs, "Space Suit Spins". Retrieved on 2011-02-01.
- ^ a b c Bivens, Terry, "ICL (sic) Dover known for Spacesuit Design, Houston Chronicle, 12/6/87", Houston Chronicle Archives. Retrieved on 2011-02-01.
- ^ a b c d Durantine, Peter, "This Suit Was Made for Walkin', The News Journal, 5/5/06", Delaware Online. Retrieved on 2011-02-10.
- ^ U.S. Army Fact Files, "Weapons Systems, Field Protection Mask, M40/42 Series". Retrieved on 2011-02-01.
- ^ Airship Blimp Resources, "ILC Dover". Retrieved on 2011-02-01.
- ^ Frembes, Linda Seid, "ILC Dover, Weaving through Space, The Manufacturer". Retrieved on 2011-02-01.
- ^ Space Daily, "ILC Dover Airbags Cushion MER Spirit Landing on Mars, Mars Daily". Retrieved on 2011-02-01.
- ^ O'Hanlon, John, "ILC Dover, Giant Strides, The Manufacturer". Retrieved on 2011-02-01.
- ^ a b c d NASA History Program Office, Human Space Flight, Spacesuits. Retrieved on 2011-02-10.
- ^ a b c d e ILC Dover, Spacesuits. Retrieved on 2011-02-10.
- ^ a b c NASA, Directorates, Space Operations. Retrieved on 2011-02-10.
- ^ a b c d e ILC Dover, Lighter-Than-Air-Structures. Retrieved 2011-02-01.
- ^ Bolkcom, Christopher, "Potential Military Use of Airships and Aerostats," CRS Report for Congress. Retrieved on 2011-02-10.
- ^ a b Brown, Jeff, "ILC Dover Expands Work on Terrorist-Detecting Airships" Dover Post, Apr 20, 2010. Retrieved 2011-02-10.
- ^ FEMA, Sentinel XL CBRN, Product Details. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.
- ^ a b ILC Dover, PPE -Personal-Protection-Equipment. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.
- ^ U.S. Army Chemical Materials Agency, Suiting up for Safety, Fact Sheet. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.
- ^ George, Alan, "Key Regulatory Considerations for Flexible Containment Systems", Life Science Leader, Dec 2009. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.
- ^ Wood, James P., ed. Containment in the Pharmaceutical Industry, Marcel Dekker, Inc., 2001.
- ^ NASA, Atmospheric Entry Decelerator Technologies. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.
- ^ ILC Dover, Space Inflatables. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.
- ^ Spaminato, Phil, "Overview of ILC Dover Habitat Programs and Technology", Future in Space (FISO) Colloquium, Jul 2010. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.
- ^ SpaceRef, NASA, NSF, ILC Dover Inflatable Habitat Blog, Jan 2008. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.
- ^ NASA, Mars Pathfinder Air Bag Landing Test. Retrieved on 2011-02-11.
- ^ NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, How to Land Softly on a Hard Planet. Retrieved on 2011-02-01.