Abstract: A polar end ring mechanism for use with composite pressure vessels. The end ring is designed to support a pressure vessel during its formation via filament winding. The end ring helps define an opening at one of the polar ends of a tank. Spikes positioned along a portion of the end ring help prevent rotation or translation of the tank during formation and provide an improved mechanical lock with the tank body. A cap may then be secured to the polar end ring after formation in order to close the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A polar end ring mechanism for use with composite pressure vessels. The end ring is designed to support a pressure vessel during its formation via filament winding. The end ring helps define an opening at one of the polar ends of a tank. Spikes positioned along a portion of the end ring help prevent rotation or translation of the tank during formation and provide an improved mechanical lock with the tank body. A cap may then be secured to the polar end ring after formation in order to close the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A plumbing adapter for use in connecting two plumbing interfaces to one another. The plumbing adapter, which is configured to move between multiple positions in order to accommodate any misalignment between the two plumbing interfaces, comprises a base frame (22) supporting an inner ring (12) and an outer ring (14), wherein the inner ring (12) inner diameter defines a first central longitudinal axis (16), wherein the outer ring (14) inner diameter defines a second central longitudinal axis (18), wherein the inner ring and the outer ring are both rotatable within the base frame such that the first central longitudinal axis (16) and the second central longitudinal axis (18) can be moved with respect to one another in order to accommodate for misalignment between the first plumbing interface and the second plumbing interface.

Abstract: A drain ball valve for an aircraft tank. Particular embodiments find use in connection with aircraft waste tanks. The drain ball valve has an upper shell that is shaped to be received within a tank drain plumbing line. The drain ball valve has a lower shell shaped to receive a funnel and/or a bellow component in order to help direct waste or other fluids exiting the tank.

Abstract: A linerless composite tank for a waste or water system on board an aerospace vehicle includes a monolithic tank body having a first composite material co-cured with a second composite material. The first composite material includes a first resin and the second composite material includes a second resin that is different from the first resin. The first composite material forms an innermost surface of the monolithic tank body defining a tank chamber of the monolithic tank body. A method of manufacturing the linerless composite tank includes providing a mold having a desired interior shape of the monolithic tank, applying the first composite material to the mold, applying the second composite material to the mold, and co-curing the first composite material with the second composite material to form the monolithic composite tank.