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: Valves for annular conduits and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A fluid transmission system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a first conduit having a first wall aligned with a flow direction in the first conduit and a second conduit disposed annularly around the first conduit with a second wall aligned with the flow direction. An access channel can be positioned to have an aperture in fluid communication with the first conduit and can be isolated from fluid communication with the second conduit. A valve element can be positioned in fluid communication with the access channel and can be movable between a first position and a second position, with the valve element being positioned to allow a first amount of flow through the access channel when in the first position and being positioned to allow no flow or a second amount of flow less than the first amount of flow through the access channel when in the second position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for illumination of aerial refueling hoses are disclosed. In one embodiment, a conduit for transferring a flowable material includes a wall member. A plurality of optical fibers arc at least one of formed within an outer layer of the wall member and disposed on an outer surface of the wall member. A light emitted by the optical fibers illuminates the conduit. In an alternate aspect, the optical fibers may be replaced with a luminescent outer portion. The luminescent outer portion may include an electromagnetic substance, a phosphor substance, an ultraviolet-energized material, or any other suitable material.

Abstract: A shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus is provided that includes at least one outer conduit and at least one inner conduit disposed within the outer conduit. Preferably, the shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus further includes at least one shrouded end fitting disposed at an end of the shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus and at least one support member engaged with the inner and outer conduits. The shrouded end fitting allows the shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus to be engaged with an additional shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus. The support member allows for the transfer of loads from the inner and/or outer conduits to one or more components external to the shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus. Accordingly, the shrouded-fluid conducting apparatus may be used to transport fuel through an aircraft “ignition zone” in an FAA-compliant manner.

Abstract: A shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus is provided that includes at least one outer conduit and at least one inner conduit disposed within the outer conduit. Preferably, the shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus further includes at least one shrouded end fitting disposed at an end of the shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus and at least one support member engaged with the inner and outer conduits. The shrouded end fitting allows the shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus to be engaged with an additional shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus. The support member allows for the transfer of loads from the inner and/or outer conduits to one or more components external to the shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus. Accordingly, the shrouded-fluid conducting apparatus may be used to transport fuel through an aircraft “ignition zone” in an FAA-compliant manner.