Abstract: A floor system designed for use with an aircraft is provided. The aircraft comprises a cabin characterized by a first capacity defined by the number of personnel in a predetermined position which may be accommodated therein, and comprises an auxiliary fuel port. The floor system is configured to be detachably installed within the cabin and comprises one or more top panels constituting, when the floor system is installed in the aircraft, a floor of the cabin, and one or more fuel tanks disposed below the top panels and defining an internal space for containing liquid fuel there within. At least one of the fuel tanks is configured for connection to the auxiliary fuel port for supplying the fuel to the aircraft. The cabin with the floor system installed therein is characterized by a second capacity being equal to the first capacity.

Abstract: Fuel tank made of thermoplastic material comprising baffle components provided therein in the form of at least one baffle element (2) comprising at least one wall portion (4) which is clamped approximately centrally and/or at the end, so that said wall portion may perform relative movements in relation to the tank, caused by splashing movements of the fuel, at least one fastening foot being provided for the clamping, the base thereof being provided with at least one through-hole, through which the fastening foot is riveted and/or welded to the tank wall (2).

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a flexible fire-resistant and thermal resistant sheet product. Such a method comprises securing a first insulation material sheet to a first cover sheet to form a first sheet product portion including a perimeter; securing a second insulation material sheet to a second cover sheet to form a second sheet product portion including a perimeter; and securing the first sheet product portion to the second sheet product portion, at least about the perimeters thereof and such that the first insulation material sheet is disposed adjacent to the second insulation material sheet, to form the sheet product. An associated apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A liquid storage system comprising: a tank for containing a liquid, the tank enclosing a liquid storage space; and a tank liner fixedly attached to an internal surface of the tank (16). The tank liner comprises: a plurality of elements, each element having a hardness value of 2 GPa or above; and a binder material in which the plurality of elements are embedded. The elements have a higher hardness value than the binder material. A distance between a first element and the internal surface of the tank in a direction normal to the internal surface of the tank is different to a distance between a second element and the internal surface of the tank in the direction normal to the internal surface of the tank, the first element being different to the second element.

Abstract: An expandable liquid tank device is secured to a vehicle to provided externally pressurized fuel to the fuel system of the vehicle. The tank can comprise an outer bladder containing a flexible inner bladder. An end plate can secure the bladders to the vehicle. Upon depositing fuel into the flexible inner bladder, the outer bladder expands and conforms to a tank region of the vehicle. The outer bladder (a pliable material) transitions from a flexible state to a semi-rigid or substantially rigid state upon depositing fuel into the flexible inner bladder. To provide pressurized fuel to the vehicle, pressurized gas is injected between the bladders, which exert pressure against the flexible inner bladder to dispense the fuel through the end plate and to the fuel system. A method of making the tank and dispensing fuel is provided.

Abstract: A self-sealing liquid bladder having a plurality of layers including a liquid impermeable material layer that is compatible with a liquid held in the bladder and at least one sealing layer that is conformally arranged to span a surface area of the liquid impermeable material layer and that is separated from a liquid held in the bladder by the liquid impermeable layer, the sealing layer including a sealing means that, in response to a penetration of both the liquid impermeable material layer and the sealing layer, substantially seals the penetration.

Abstract: A self-sealing bladder including a liquid impermeable material layer that is compatible with a liquid held in the bladder and a plurality of flexible sealing flaps extending inwardly from the interior surface of the liquid bladder wherein, in response to a hole formed in the bladder that establishes an unwanted flow of liquid from the bladder, at least one sealing flap responds to the unwanted flow of fluid by bending towards and at least partially covering the hole.

Abstract: Stiffening structures, wing structures and methods for manufacturing stiffening structures are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a stiffening structure includes a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member, and a first rib that extends from the first longitudinal member to the second longitudinal member and is integral with the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member. The first longitudinal member has a first wall, a second wall and a joining wall that joins the first wall and second wall. The first wall, the second wall and the joining wall form a space having a trapezoidal shape.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the thermal management and regulation of electronic equipment. Microfluidic channels are utilized to actively change the aerodynamics of a surface, which may allow for the ability to change a surface texture from flat to raised, or dimpled, or from open to closed. The changing of the surface texture influences the fluid flow over or through the surface, thus allowing for thermal regulation of the surface. The thermal regulation system further controls fluid flow through an electronic device via a coating, or layer, having a plurality of active perforations thereon. The active perforations may open and close to increase and decrease the inlet of air to the system in order to help balance the back pressure in the system and redirect airflow to more sensitive system components. Active perforations may be individually opened and/or closed depending on location and system component utilization.

Abstract: A self-sealing liquid bladder having a wall including plurality of connected cells each cell having an elastic wall portion and a stiffened wall portion and at least one source of pressure associated with one or more of the plurality of cells.

Abstract: A seal-healing material that is used to form fuel tanks and other fuel containing items uses a pair of reagents disposed within multiple individual cells on either side of a polymer film with other polymer films forming the outer boundaries of each set of cells. The reagents, when mixed, chemically react to form a sealant. An elastomeric sheet is bound to each polymer film such that a fibrous material is disposed between each polymeric film and elastomeric film.

Abstract: An Anti-Ballistic Handling Case including a body having a plurality of body side walls forming a hollow interior region; a lid having a plurality of a lid side walls, wherein the lid is attached to the body and configured to cover the body portion to enclose the hollow interior region of the body; and an anti-ballistic portion disposed adjacent to at least one of the plurality of body side walls, and the plurality of lid side walls.

Abstract: A self-sealing bladder may automatically seal a puncture wound formed in a bladder wall thereof, such as due to being perforated by a projectile. Self-sealing bladders may be used in containers, such as fuel tanks, in order to prevent loss of fuel or other fluid from the container. Self-sealing bladders may contain a sealant material contained within one or more localized reservoirs formed within the bladder wall, the sealant material being pressurized within the bladder wall such that a localized reduction in pressure due to a perforation in the bladder wall causes the sealant material to migrate to the perforated site, whereupon the sealant material hardens, thereby sealing the wound. The localized reservoirs may include one or more channels and/or connecting layers extending therefrom and in fluid communication therewith, to facilitate migration of the sealant material away from the localized reservoirs and towards the perforated portion of the bladder wall.

Abstract: A stand-up package is formed to include an interior region for containing a product. The package is configured to be in an upright, standing position.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a self-sealing system comprising a visco-elastic sealant material, an enclosed multi-cell structure surrounding the visco-elastic sealant material, and an integral pressure reservoir configured to maintain positive pressure within the enclosed multi-cell structure and provide potential energy to move the visco-elastic sealant material. In one embodiment, the enclosed multi-cell structure can have first and second skins, and an outer edge configured to contain visco-elastic sealant material between first and second skins. In one embodiment, the enclosed multi-cell structure can also have a plurality of nodes configured to connect first 100 and second skins. In one embodiment, at least one of the nodes has elasticity and can function as a tension spring. In one embodiment, at least one of nodes is loaded with releasable tension to provide a portion of the potential energy to move the visco-elastic sealant material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coating system deposited onto at least a portion of a substrate comprising: an inner coating layer deposited onto at least a portion of the substrate; a viscous gel coating layer deposited onto at least a portion of the inner coating layer wherein the viscous coating layer comprises: (A) the reaction product of: (i) at least one primary amine; (ii) a monofunctional surfactant; and (iii) a liquid polybutadiene; (B) optionally, a fatty acid; and (C) optionally, a secondary swelling agent; and an outer coating layer deposited onto a least a portion of the viscous coating layer; and an outer coating layer deposited onto a least a portion of the viscous coating layer.

Abstract: Implementations and techniques for containing electrolyte leaks are generally disclosed.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for providing and using self-sealing fuel tank test fixtures. According to some embodiments disclosed herein, a self-sealing fuel tank test fixture includes a fuel cube configured for storing fuel. The fuel cube includes a front side configured to support a test sample for the test. The self-sealing fuel tank test fixtures also can include a knife valve selectively configurable from a first position in which the fuel in the fuel cube is separated from the front side and a second position in which the fuel in the fuel cube is allowed to contact the test sample.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention, a process for production of a water-absorbing article including a substrate and a coating film formed on the substrate and formed of a water-absorbing urethane resin is characterized in that: the process comprises an application step of applying a coating liquid to the substrate; the application step includes a step of supplying the coating liquid from a nozzle disposed above the substrate to a surface of the substrate conveyed horizontally; the coating liquid includes a solid matter and a solvent; the solid matter includes a mixture of a polyisocyanate, a polyol having ethylene oxide and a hydrophobic polyol; a concentration of the solid matter in the coating liquid is adjusted within a range from 5 to 30% in mass; and a viscosity of the coating liquid is adjusted within a range from 1 to 3 mPa·s.

Abstract: A fluid conduit having a self-healing sleeve in a spaced relationship from the conduit to provide protection against leaks due to ballistic projectiles, such as small arms fire.

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: An anti-puncture, water-leak-inhibiting, self-sealing, coating structure for application selectively to inside and/or outside portions of a boat hull. The coating structure, in operative condition with respect to such a hull portion, includes a body of continuous-phase, non-water-reactive, high-elastomeric-material, and, embedded within that body, in an initially shrouded and non-exposed condition guarded nominally against any contact with external water, a distribution of water-reactive, water-imbiber beads.

Abstract: Differentially armored, vehicle fuel tank structure possessing contiguous, united and integrated, tank-wall regions including a high-puncture-risk region formed of lightweight, penetrable, non-armoring material, and joined thereto, a low-puncture-risk region formed of hardened and heavyweight, anti-penetration, armoring material. Included also is a sprayed-on, allover, tank-exterior, self-sealing, anti-fuel-leak barrier coating formed principally of a high-elastomeric material which reacts in a material-swelling manner on contact with fuel in the tank structure.

Abstract: A container that provides for control of fluid flow in the event of a failure of the container is disclosed. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a container is presented that includes a container wall; and one or more flow impeding structures coupled to the container wall, wherein at least one of the one or more flow impeding structures is a multi-sheet layer that deforms to impede flow in a failure of the container wall. In some embodiments, the multi-sheet layer includes cavities formed between individual sheets.

Abstract: A method, and a self-sealing, layer-effect, stealth-reaction liner, for sealing against fuel leakage from the wound-punctured wall of an FT synthetic liquid fuel container. The liner includes (a) an elastomeric body defined by spaced, opposite faces, formed of a material which is non-reactive to FT fuel, and (b) nominally shrouded in a region within the liner body, inwardly of the faces, a distribution of liquid-imbiber beads which react to contact with FT fuel to initiate liquid-imbibing and material-swelling actions. The method includes (a) preparing, for installation in such a container, a liner with a non-fuel-reactive, substantially continuous-material elastomeric body having opposite faces, and (b) within that body, a non-facially exposed, normally body-shrouded, central distribution of fuel-reactive liquid-imbiber beads.

Abstract: An anti-puncture-wound, self-sealing coating structure applicable to the outside surface of a liquid-container wall having a puncture-flowering propensity. The coating structure, in operative condition relative to such a wall, includes (a) an inner, puncture-response layer disposed immediately adjacent the outside surface of the wall, formed of a flower-indifferent material possessing a thickness which is greater than the expected depth of a puncture flower produced in the wall, and (b) an outer, puncture-response layer operatively associated with the inner layer, disposed upwardly adjacent the inner layer, formed, at least in part, of a high-elastomeric material possessing a self-sealing characteristic which reacts in a self-sealing manner to any puncture-produced exposure of the outer layer material to liquid leaking from the container.

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 head-pressure-variant, self-healing, anti-liquid-leak coating for the outside of an upright wall in a liquid container. This coating possesses a thickness which varies from smaller toward larger advancing downwardly along a coated container wall. Preferred embodiments of the coating include: (a) one whose overall thickness varies in a linear way; (b) another whose thickness varies in a staged/stepped manner; and (c) a third whose thickness varies in a smooth, non-linear way. In all embodiments, the coating includes plural layers having interlayer-thickness relationships which are the same throughout the coating.

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: The invention relates to a Protective multilayer bulletproof device for attachment to an outer face of a wall of a container containing a liquid selected from the group consisting of motor fuels usable in normal temperature and pressure conditions, lubricating oils, hydraulic oils and heavy hydrocarbon solvents, and such a container provided with the said device. This device comprises several layers of rubber respectively internal and more external for the wall whereof the outermost layer or at least one of the more external layers is made from cellular rubber for self-sealing a perforation of the wall by swelling in contact with the liquid, at least two of these adjacent layers being joined together by a fibrous interleaved structure.

Abstract: A bulk, generally elastomeric and pliable, layered mat formed to permit selective trimming into size-chosen mat trims/tiles, each of which is structured to perform as a self-puncture(wound)-sealing, defined-liquid-reactive, anti-puncture-leakage coating element applicable bondedly to the outside surface of a selected wall in a container holding the defined-liquid. The mat is made by preparing it as a generally elastomeric, pliable, layered arrangement of coatings formed of self-puncture-healing, defined-liquid-reactive, anti-puncture-leakage material, or materials; and is applied for use in relation to a selected container wall by (1) trimming, from the prepared mat, one or more trims/tiles shaped for specific use on the outside surface of that wall; and (2) applying and surface-bonding the one or more trims/tiles to the outside surface of the selected wall.

Abstract: A method, and a self-sealing, layer-effect, stealth-reaction liner, for sealing against fuel leakage from the wound-punctured wall of an FT synthetic liquid fuel container. The liner includes (a) an elastomeric body defined by spaced, opposite faces, formed of a material which is non-reactive to FT fuel, and (b) nominally shrouded in a region within the liner body, inwardly of the faces, a distribution of liquid-imbiber beads which react to contact with FT fuel to initiate liquid-imbibing and material-swelling actions. The method includes (a) preparing, for installation in such a container, a liner with a non-fuel-reactive, substantially continuous-material elastomeric body having opposite faces, and (b) within that body, a non-facially exposed, normally body-shrouded, central distribution of fuel-reactive liquid-imbiber beads.

Abstract: The invention is an explosive resistant liner, located inside an enclosed space, and made from a blast resistant material. The liner is preferably constructed inside the enclosed space, consisting of lay-up, curing and assembly steps utilizing a collapsible tool. The invention is particularly applicable to blast protection for aircraft cargo holds.

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: Barrier structure placeable as a projectile-disabling, anti-liquid-leakage protective shield for the outside surface of a container designed to hold liquid of a certain nature including (a) a first-type (innermost) layer formed as an expanse of high-elastomeric material which is substantially fully self-healing via elastomeric behavior with regard to a piercing projectile wound, (b) a second-type (intermediate) layer disposed adjacent one side of the first-type layer as an expanse including a body of substantially the same high-elastomeric material in which there is contained a distribution of liquid-imbiber beads which react, and expand three-dimensionally in relation, to contact with liquid of the mentioned certain nature, and (c) a third-type (outermost) layer disposed adjacent the second-type layer, and formed as an expanse of substantially the same high-elastomeric material employed in the first- and second-type layers.

Abstract: A bulk, generally elastomeric and pliable, layered mat formed to permit selective trimming into size-chosen mat trims/tiles, each of which is structured to perform as a self-puncture(wound)-sealing, defined-liquid-reactive, anti-puncture-leakage coating element applicable bondedly to the outside surface of a selected wall in a container holding the defined-liquid. Also disclosed is a method for protecting against liquid leakage from a puncture wound in such a wall including: (a) preparing a generally elastomeric, pliable, layered coating mat of a self-puncture-healing, defined-liquid-reactive, anti-puncture-leakage material; (b) in relation to a selected container wall, selectively removing, by trimming, from the prepared mat one or more mat trims/tiles shaped for specific use on the outside surface of that wall; and (c) applying and surface-bonding the one or more trims/tiles to the outside surface of the selected wall.

Abstract: Barrier structure placeable as an anti-fuel-leak coating on the outside surface of a liquid container. This coating includes a first-type layer structure formed of a high-elongation-capable elastomer which also is capable of imbibing container leakage liquid, and of swelling in the process, and a second-type layer structure disposed adjacent one side of the first-type layer structure, composite in nature, and possessing bead-like components entrained in the same elastomer employed in first-type layer structure, with these entrained components structured also to be imbibers of leakage container liquid, and to expand on imbibing such liquid. Also disclosed is methodology which involves applying to the outside surface of such a container a coating possessing cooperative, penetration-sealing characteristics including (a) elastic elongatability before breakage within a range of about 300–400%, and (b) leakage-liquid-contact swelling, accompanied by leakage-liquid/coating contact-triggered coagulation.

Abstract: The cover member is adapted to receive a fuel-containing cell for a vehicle, such as a stock car racing vehicle, and is configured to cover and fit snugly against substantially all of the surfaces of the fuel cell. The cover member comprises a plurality of layers of penetration-resistant, synthetic material, which is lightweight but high strength, flexible and, to an extent, stretchable, so that in the event of a penetration of the fuel cell by a moving object, such as debris caused by a vehicle crash, material in the vicinity of the penetration is drawn through the opening in the fuel cell with the object, preventing contact of the object and the exposed edges of the opening in the fuel cell.