Abstract: An electrically conductive structural connection employs a pass through or fastener having a first diameter. A fastener hole, with a second diameter larger than the diameter of the pass through, extends through a thickness of a structure and receives the pass through. A bushing having a diameter and a thickness to fit between the first and second diameters extends though and past the thickness of said structure. When the feedthrough is compressively secured to the structure, the bushing expands radially between the first diameter and the second diameter to maintain at least one contact point between the fastener and the structure.

Abstract: Described herein is a novel method and apparatus for preventing spark propagation from a hydraulic joint to a surrounding medium, such as a fuel source. The hydraulic joint includes a fitting and a tube. A tip seal may be placed about the edge of the hydraulic fitting or a sleeve may be placed about the joint, each resulting in an independent mechanical barrier between the joint and surrounding medium, thereby preventing spark propagation to the surrounding medium.

Abstract: A method for sealing an interface to attenuate high energy currents and voltages traveling thereacross may include forming a cover defining an inner volume shaped to enclose the interface; forming a filled sealant including a semi-rigid sealant mixed with a filler having a multiplicity of discrete particles of different composition than the semi-rigid sealant; placing the filled sealant within the inner volume; and placing the cover containing the filled sealant over the interface such that the filled sealant is adjacent the interface.

Abstract: An electrically conductive structural connection employs a pass through or fastener having a first diameter. A fastener hole, with a second diameter larger than the diameter of the pass through, extends through a thickness of a structure and receives the pass through. A bushing having a diameter and a thickness to fit between the first and second diameters extends though and past the thickness of said structure. When the feedthrough is compressively secured to the structure, the bushing expands radially between the first diameter and the second diameter to maintain at least one contact point between the fastener and the structure.

Abstract: A method for improving conductance on hydraulic fittings by incorporating a soft metal interlayer between the fitting and a hydraulic tube, wherein the soft metal interlayer is located in an area where the fitting engages the hydraulic tube upon swaging or installation under pressure.

Abstract: A seal for attenuating energy from an electrical discharge across an interface may include a cover defining an inner volume containing a filled sealant including a semi-rigid sealant mixed with a filler having a multiplicity of discrete particles of different composition than the semi-rigid sealant such that the filled sealant is adjacent the interface when the cover is placed over said interface. A method for sealing an interface may include forming a cover defining an inner volume shaped to enclose the interface, forming a filled sealant including a semi-rigid sealant mixed with a filler having a multiplicity of discrete particles of different composition than said semi-rigid sealant, placing the filled sealant within said inner volume and placing the cover containing the filled sealant over the interface such that the filled sealant is adjacent the interface.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for wirelessly measuring liquid quantity in an enclosure. According to various aspects, an incident electromagnetic wave is transmitted within a conductive enclosure. One or more rebound electromagnetic waves that correspond to the incident electromagnetic wave are received. Using the rebound electromagnetic waves, a transfer function of the rebound electromagnetic waves is measured and a quantity of liquid stored in the enclosure is calculated based on the measured transfer function.

Abstract: A fuel line assembly for an aircraft comprises a ferrule assembly comprising a ferrule affixed to an isolation tube, which may be directly affixed to a fuel tube or affixed to an extension tube, which in turn, is affixed to the fuel tube. The ferrule assembly provides electrostatic discharge protection and lightning protection as the isolation tube maintains a separation distance from the ferrule and fuel tube, both of which are made from metal. The isolation tube is made from a dielectric material, but which may have conductive particles added to aid in the dissipation of an electrostatic charge. The electrical resistance through the isolation tube has a lower limit to arrest the flow of the induced lightning current through the assembly. The amount of lightning protection afforded can be configured. The ferrule assembly components may be affixed by using thermo-welding, adhesive, or mechanical pressure.

Abstract: A seal for attenuating energy from an electrical discharge across an interface may include a cover defining an inner volume containing a filled sealant including a semi-rigid sealant mixed with a filler having a multiplicity of discrete particles of different composition than the semi-rigid sealant such that the filled sealant is adjacent the interface when the cover is placed over said interface. A method for sealing an interface may include forming a cover defining an inner volume shaped to enclose the interface, forming a filled sealant including a semi-rigid sealant mixed with a filler having a multiplicity of discrete particles of different composition than said semi-rigid sealant, placing the filled sealant within said inner volume and placing the cover containing the filled sealant over the interface such that the filled sealant is adjacent the interface.

Abstract: A method for improving conductance on hydraulic fittings by incorporating a soft metal interlayer between the fitting and a hydraulic tube, wherein the soft metal interlayer is located in an area where the fitting engages the hydraulic tube upon swaging or installation under pressure.

Abstract: A mounting system for tubular structures within a wing structure provides for positioning of the tubular structure as it passes through wing ribs. The system provides for electrostatic protection from discharges between the rib and the tubular structure, and accommodates offset tubular positioning. A mounting flange is attached to an aperture in the wing rib, and the tubular structure is inserted through an aperture in the mounting flange. Once the tubular structure is positioned, a cushion mount comprising two pieces is inserted into the flange structure, holding the tubular structure in position in the mounting flange. The cushion mount may have a concentric aperture or an offset aperture to accommodate an offset positioned tubular structure in the wind rib aperture.

Abstract: A method for directing electrical current to prevent sparking from the interaction between a composite structure and lightning or static electrical charge, the method including the steps of forming a hole in a composite structure; and positioning a bushing into the hole to create an interference fit between the bushing and the composite structure, wherein the bushing is formed of a material that has a coefficient of thermal expansion close to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the composite structure and the bushing provides an electrical path between a fastener disposed in the bushing and the composite structure.

Abstract: A system includes a composite structure and a bushing. The composite structure includes an opening defined therethrough. The bushing includes a cylindrical body sized to be secured within the opening in an interference fit to facilitate providing electromagnetic effects protection in the composite structure. The cylindrical body is fabricated from a conductive material.

Abstract: A bushing assembly includes a washer that includes an opening defined therethrough. A cylindrical body includes a first end that is sized to be inserted within the washer opening and an opposite second end. The cylindrical body is fabricated from a smart material that is configured to selectively expand when at least a portion of the body is positioned within the washer opening.

Abstract: Described herein is a novel method and apparatus for preventing spark propagation from a hydraulic joint to a surrounding medium, such as a fuel source. The hydraulic joint includes a fitting and a tube. A tip seal may be placed about the edge of the hydraulic fitting or a sleeve may be placed about the joint, each resulting in an independent mechanical barrier between the joint and surrounding medium, thereby preventing spark propagation to the surrounding medium.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for providing a bulkhead fitting assembly useful for aircraft, watercraft, spacecraft, architectural, or industrial applications. The assembly provides a mechanical barrier against fluid transfer from a wet side to a dry side of a bulkhead and allows electrical conduction through or from the bulkhead. The assembly includes a thermal shell for reducing heat transfer from a tube to the bulkhead.

Abstract: A rigid coupler for use in electrically isolating an electrically conductive fluid conveyance system is described. The rigid coupler includes a nonconductive liner having a first end configured to couple to a first adjoining section of the fluid conveyance system, and a second end, opposite said first end, configured to couple to a second adjoining section of the fluid conveyance system. A reinforcing structure circumscribes the nonconductive liner and is coupled to a portion of the nonconductive liner extending between the first and second ends of the nonconductive liner. The reinforcing structure includes a multi-axial braided fiber material impregnated with a matrix material. A fiber overwrap is hoop wound about at a least a portion of the reinforcing structure between the first and second ends of the nonconductive liner.

Abstract: Described is an improved axially swaged fitting for use in permanently coupling tubes together. The swaged fitting may be useful in coupling metal hydraulic lines to one another in an airplane or other applications, such as industrial hydraulic systems or other systems. According to one embodiment, the swaged fitting includes a sleeve with a hard metal surface and a swaging ring with a soft metal surface, such that during the swaging process the soft metal surface of the swaging ring is deformed.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for wirelessly measuring liquid quantity in an enclosure. According to various aspects, an incident electromagnetic wave is transmitted within a conductive enclosure. One or more rebound electromagnetic waves that correspond to the incident electromagnetic wave are received. Using the rebound electromagnetic waves, a transfer function of the rebound electromagnetic waves is measured and a quantity of liquid stored in the enclosure is calculated based on the measured transfer function.

Abstract: An electrically conductive structural connection employs a pass through or fastener having a first diameter. A fastener hole, with a second diameter larger than the diameter of the pass through, extends through a thickness of a structure and receives the pass through. A bushing having a diameter and a thickness to fit between the first and second diameters extends though and past the thickness of said structure. When the feedthrough is compressively secured to the structure, the bushing expands radially between the first diameter and the second diameter to maintain at least one contact point between the fastener and the structure.