The Boeing Company

Eric L Aspinall

Wan T Chee

A fire-resistant seal formed of an inner layer (20) of elastomer material that is compressible and flexible, a middle layer (22) of ceramic fiber that is fire resistant, and an outer layer (24) of elastic fabric. In the preferred embodiment, the ceramic fiber middle layer (22) totally encloses the elastomer inner layer (20), and the wear-resistant outer layer (24) totally encloses the middle layer (22) and the inner layer (20). In this particular application, the fire-resistant seal (10) has a toroidal-shaped compressible portion (12) and an integrally formed flange portion (14).

Fire-resistant seal

A tensioning assembly for applying tension to a band-type clamp includes a T-bolt having a shank portion and a T-head portion. The T-bolt is adjustably mounted to a first end of the band clamp and a keeper constructed and arranged to receive the T-head portion of the T-bolt is affixed to a second end of the band clamp. A nut threadably engages the shank portion of the T-bolt and rotation of the nut on the T-bolt draws the head to the T-bolt towards the first end of the band clamp thereby drawing with it the second end of the band clamp. An anti-rotation device is associated with the nut operably engageable with the nut to prevent its rotation. The anti-rotation device cooperates with a force-applying tool, such as a wrench, so that when the tool is placed on the nut, the anti-rotation device disengages from the nut. Preferably the tensioning assembly also includes an indicator remote from the T-bolt and operably associated with it to indicate the achievement by the T-bolt of a predetermined tension.

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Federal Way, WA, United States of America

Eric L Aspinall