Abstract: A drain connection is mounted in a bore in a pressure vessel. The bore has a first portion and a second portion. The drain connection includes a housing having an elongated shaft portion received in the first portion of the bore. An interconnect flange is connected at a first end of the shaft portion and a passage extends longitudinally through the shaft portion. An interconnect tube is received in the passage of the housing. The interconnect tube includes a sealing flange connected to seal against the first end of the shaft portion of the housing. A bore sealing portion is connected to extend at least partially through the second portion of the bore. A gasket is disposed between the sealing flange and the housing. A resilient seal is carried by the bore sealing portion of the interconnect tube within the second portion of the bore of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A method for securely joining together at least first and second structural elements without disrupting the contour or continuity of the surfaces of the structure or the structural elements is disclosed. The first structural element has a first hole having a counterbored section. The counterbored section has a recessed cavity therein, which is open to the counterbored section and has an upper wall that extends generally radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the first hole. The second structural element has a second hole in coaxial alignment with the first hole. A fastener, such as a bolt or stud and nut combination, is inserted into the coaxially aligned holes so that the structural elements are thereby joined and the head of the bolt or nut is recessed in the counterbored section of the first hole. A suitable castable material, e.g. aluminum, is then applied to the first hole so as to fill any remaining space in the hole, including the counterbored section and the recessed cavity.