Helmet, Pressure Bubble, Apollo

This is an Apollo pressure helmet used by various astronauts during training sessions.The Apollo pressure helmet was a blow-molded, clear polycarbonate shell with a molded bayonet base which was bonded to the helmet neck ring. The neck ring was the male half of the suit neck-ring assembly, and there were two configurations used on Apollo suits which were not interchangable. The earlier configuration was anodized blue, with the later configuration being anodized red.A valsalva maneuver device was attached to the inner neck ring. It consisted of a rubber piece, molded to conform to the nasal openings, with an attachment mechanism and stiffeners.A feed port was attached to the side of the helmet consisting of an inner and outer halves. The inner half included a port and gate valve that permitted the insertion of a water or food probe. The valve was spring-loaded and provided an air-tight seal when the probe was removed.