Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a shrouded conduit joint assembly that includes a joint assembly and a boot shroud. The joint assembly includes a first ferrule having a first seal, and a second ferrule having a second seal. A clamp operatively engages the first ferrule and the second ferrule. The boot shroud surrounds the joint assembly and is spaced from the joint assembly to create a leak detection space between the joint assembly and the boot shroud.

Abstract: A refueling boom is described. The refueling boom includes a non-telescoping portion configured to be coupled to a fuel tanker vehicle and a telescoping portion that is extendable and retractable relative to the non-telescoping portion. The telescoping portion includes a fuel nozzle. The refueling boom also includes a wireless communication system operable to enable wireless communication between a first location of the telescoping portion to a second location of the non-telescoping portion. The refueling boom also includes a control unit coupled to the telescoping portion. The control unit is operable to send first information to the fuel tanker vehicle via the wireless communication system and to receive second information from the fuel tanker vehicle via the wireless communication system.

Abstract: A leak detection feature for a fluid conduit. The leak detection feature facilitates the monitoring of fluid leaks at the interface of two adjoining conduit flange fittings. An embodiment of a flange fitting with a leak detection feature for a fluid conduit having an opening. The flange fitting includes a flange body around the opening of the fluid conduit, a leak detection passageway formed in the flange body, and a leak detection port formed in the flange body. The flange body has a sealing face surface configured to mate with a cooperating flange fitting, and the leak detection passageway terminates at the sealing face surface. The leak detection port is in fluid communication with the leak detection passageway, and the leak detection port is configured for fluid communication with a leak sensing apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to minimize the escape of fuel out of a fuel tank when a tank wall is penetrated by a bullet. In one embodiment, a pressure differential may be maintained between a pressure within a fuel tank cavity and another pressure outside the fuel tank cavity in order to minimize the loss of fuel upon penetration of the fuel tank. In another embodiment, a compressed rubber layer of fuel-reactive rubber may be provided which is adapted to be attached to a fuel tank wall and to swell upon contact with fuel in order to substantially seal a penetrated hole in the fuel tank wall.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods described herein provide for a boom/receiver-type aerial refueling system having a pressure regulator integrated into the system at the tanker boom nozzle. During refueling operations, pressure of the fuel at the interface between the nozzle at the distal end of the boom assembly and the fuel receptacle of the receiving aircraft is maintained by an integrated pressure regulator integrated into the nozzle or located inline of the fuel flow between the boom assembly and the nozzle. The integrated pressure regulator maintains the pressure of the fuel at the nozzle within a defined range regardless of the elevation azimuth of the boom assembly, the extended length of the telescoping extension, the temperature of the outside air or surfaces of the boom, and other factors that may affect the flow of fuel through the boom.

Abstract: A refueling boom is described. The refueling boom includes a non-telescoping portion configured to be coupled to a fuel tanker vehicle and a telescoping portion that is extendable and retractable relative to the non-telescoping portion. The telescoping portion includes a fuel nozzle. The refueling boom also includes a wireless communication system operable to enable wireless communication between a first location of the telescoping portion to a second location of the non-telescoping portion. The refueling boom also includes a control unit coupled to the telescoping portion. The control unit is operable to send first information to the fuel tanker vehicle via the wireless communication system and to receive second information from the fuel tanker vehicle via the wireless communication system.

Abstract: Fittings with redundant seals for aircraft fuel lines, fuel tanks, and other systems. A representative fitting includes a first member having a flange and a barrel. The barrel further includes a passageway. A first flange seal is positioned at a face of the flange and can be sealably coupled to a surface, for example, a tank wall. A second flange seal is disposed outwardly from the first flange seal to seal against the surface. The fitting further includes a second member positioned within the passageway of the barrel. The fitting further includes first and second barrel seals positioned between the barrel and the second member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods described herein provide for a boom/receiver-type aerial refueling system having a pressure regulator integrated into the system at the tanker boom nozzle. During refueling operations, pressure of the fuel at the interface between the nozzle at the distal end of the boom assembly and the fuel receptacle of the receiving aircraft is maintained by an integrated pressure regulator integrated into the nozzle or located inline of the fuel flow between the boom assembly and the nozzle. The integrated pressure regulator maintains the pressure of the fuel at the nozzle within a defined range regardless of the elevation azimuth of the boom assembly, the extended length of the telescoping extension, the temperature of the outside air or surfaces of the boom, and other factors that may affect the flow of fuel through the boom.

Abstract: A leak detection feature for a fluid conduit. The leak detection feature facilitates the monitoring of fluid leaks at the interface of two adjoining conduit flange fittings. An embodiment of a flange fitting with a leak detection feature for a fluid conduit having an opening. The flange fitting includes a flange body around the opening of the fluid conduit, a leak detection passageway formed in the flange body, and a leak detection port formed in the flange body. The flange body has a sealing face surface configured to mate with a cooperating flange fitting, and the leak detection passageway terminates at the sealing face surface. The leak detection port is in fluid communication with the leak detection passageway, and the leak detection port is configured for fluid communication with a leak sensing apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to minimize the escape of fuel out of a fuel tank when a tank wall is penetrated by a bullet. In one embodiment, a pressure differential may be maintained between a pressure within a fuel tank cavity and another pressure outside the fuel tank cavity in order to minimize the loss of fuel upon penetration of the fuel tank. In another embodiment, a compressed rubber layer of fuel-reactive rubber may be provided which is adapted to be attached to a fuel tank wall and to swell upon contact with fuel in order to substantially seal a penetrated hole in the fuel tank wall.

Abstract: Adjustable fittings for attaching support members to fluid conduits, including aircraft fuel conduits, are disclosed herein. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a fluid conduit carried by an aircraft and a housing fixedly attached to the fluid conduit. The housing can include a first attachment feature having one of a projection extending outwardly from the housing or an aperture extending at least partially through the housing. The system further includes a support member having an attachment portion positioned proximate to the attachment feature. The attachment portion includes a support member aperture positioned over at least a portion of the first attachment feature. An adjustable fitting couples the support member to the housing. The adjustable fitting can include a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and an engagement portion at the second side positioned within at least a portion of the support member aperture.

Abstract: A leak detection feature for a fluid conduit. The leak detection feature facilitates the monitoring of fluid leaks at the interface of two adjoining conduit flange fittings. An embodiment of a flange fitting with a leak detection feature for a fluid conduit having an opening. The flange fitting includes a flange body around the opening of the fluid conduit, a leak detection passageway formed in the flange body, and a leak detection port formed in the flange body. The flange body has a sealing face surface configured to mate with a cooperating flange fitting, and the leak detection passageway terminates at the sealing face surface. The leak detection port is in fluid communication with the leak detection passageway, and the leak detection port is configured for fluid communication with a leak sensing apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing loads from fluid conduits, including aircraft fuel conduits. An aircraft configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a fuselage portion, a wing portion, and a fuel tank carried by least one of the fuselage portion and the wing portion. The aircraft also includes a spar carried by at least one of the fuselage portion and the wing portion. The spar includes a first spar rib and a second spar rib spaced apart from the first spar rib. The aircraft further includes a fluid conduit proximate to the spar and operably coupled to the fuel tank. A support member carrying the fluid conduit is operably coupled to the spar. The support member can be positioned to transfer at least approximately all of the axial loads from the fluid conduit to at least one of the first spar rib and the second spar rib.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to minimize the escape of fuel out of a fuel tank when a tank wall is penetrated by a bullet. In one embodiment, a pressure differential may be maintained between a pressure within a fuel tank cavity and another pressure outside the fuel tank cavity in order to minimize the loss of fuel upon penetration of the fuel tank. In another embodiment, a compressed rubber layer of fuel-reactive rubber may be provided which is adapted to be attached to a fuel tank wall and to swell upon contact with fuel in order to substantially seal a penetrated hole in the fuel tank wall.

Abstract: A method for operating an aircraft refueling system, where the aircraft refueling system has a computer system, a plurality of fuel tanks containing a fuel, a plurality of fuel pumps, a plurality of motor operated valves, and at least one refueling connection. The method may involve using the computer system to signal at least one of the motor operated valves to open; initiating a flow of the fuel to the at least one of the refueling connections using at least one of the pumps; sensing a flow condition of the fuel; signaling the flow condition to the computer system; and varying an operating quantity of the pumps in response to the flow condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing loads from fluid conduits, including aircraft fuel conduits, are disclosed. An aircraft configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a fuselage portion, a wing portion, and a fuel tank carried by least one of the fuselage portion and the wing portion. The aircraft also includes a spar carried by at least one of the fuselage portion and the wing portion. The spar includes a first spar rib and a second spar rib spaced apart from the first spar rib. The aircraft further includes a fluid conduit proximate to the spar and operably coupled to the fuel tank. A support member carrying the fluid conduit is operably coupled to the spar. The support member can be positioned to transfer at least approximately all of the axial loads from the fluid conduit to at least one of the first spar rib and the second spar rib.

Abstract: Adjustable fittings for attaching support members to fluid conduits, including aircraft fuel conduits, are disclosed herein. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a fluid conduit carried by an aircraft and a housing fixedly attached to the fluid conduit. The housing can include a first attachment feature having one of a projection extending outwardly from the housing or an aperture extending at least partially through the housing. The system further includes a support member having an attachment portion positioned proximate to the attachment feature. The attachment portion includes a support member aperture positioned over at least a portion of the first attachment feature. An adjustable fitting couples the support member to the housing. The adjustable fitting can include a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and an engagement portion at the second side positioned within at least a portion of the support member aperture.

Abstract: Fittings with redundant seals for aircraft fuel lines, fuel tanks, and other systems are disclosed. A fitting in accordance with one embodiment can be positioned adjacent to an aperture in a fuel tank wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. The fitting can include a first member having a flange and a barrel. The barrel can further include a passageway. A first flange seal can be positioned at a face of the flange and can be sealably coupled to a surface, for example, the tank wall. A second flange seal can be disposed outwardly from the first flange seal against the surface. The fitting can further include a second member (e.g., a sensor) positioned within the passageway of the barrel. The fitting can further include first and second barrel seals positioned between the barrel and the second member.

Abstract: Adjustable fittings for attaching support members to fluid conduits, including aircraft fuel conduits, are disclosed herein. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a fluid conduit carried by an aircraft and a housing fixedly attached to the fluid conduit. The housing can include a first attachment feature having one of a projection extending outwardly from the housing or an aperture extending at least partially through the housing. The system further includes a support member having an attachment portion positioned proximate to the attachment feature. The attachment portion includes a support member aperture positioned over at least a portion of the first attachment feature. An adjustable fitting couples the support member to the housing. The adjustable fitting can include a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and an engagement portion at the second side positioned within at least a portion of the support member aperture.

Abstract: A leak detection feature for a fluid conduit is provided. The leak detection feature facilitates the monitoring of fluid leaks at the interface of two adjoining conduit flange fittings. An embodiment of a flange fitting with a leak detection feature for a fluid conduit having an opening is disclosed herein. The flange fitting includes a flange body around the opening of the fluid conduit, a leak detection passageway formed in the flange body, and a leak detection port formed in the flange body. The flange body has a sealing face surface configured to mate with a cooperating flange fitting, and the leak detection passageway terminates at the sealing face surface. The leak detection port is in fluid communication with the leak detection passageway, and the leak detection port is configured for fluid communication with a leak sensing apparatus.