The Boeing Company

Kevin Darrell Pate

Darrin Michael Hansen

John Richard Porter

Russell Joe Heeter

Jeffrey Denys Morgan

Dale Winter

Theresa Nadine Ward

Michael G Anderson

Steven C Steckmyer

Daniel R Smith

Thu A Nguyen

Harry E Townsend

J Sidney Clements

Aaron T Purdy

Julie K Bennett

Ilsop Steven Yoon

Carissa Ann Pajel

Jesse Randal Wiseman

Jeffrey D Eichinger

Judson Sid Clements

Eric Richard Steele

Matthew G Chaney

Jeffrey Sutton

James F Huffaker

Alexander Chao

Megan J Hurt

Todd Michael Alberts

A method and apparatus for covering a fastener system. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises a cover. The cover is configured to be placed over a fastener system at a surface of an object in which the fastener system is installed. The cover is comprised of a number of composite materials selected such that the cover is configured to reduce an effect of an electrical discharge, which occurs around the fastener system, on an environment outside the cover.

Method and apparatus for covering a fastener system

An aircraft fuel cell seal and methods of its use. The disclosed seal takes the form of a pre-cured, partially hollow elongate member that does not subtend a complete circle, but rather leaves an elongate gap in the member that can be placed over an edge or fillet of a fuel cell. In some cases, chambers within the member may be filled with wet sealant to provide redundant protection against EME effects.

Pre-cured EME edge seal

There is provided a method for mitigating static discharge in a fuel container. The method provides a static dissipative coating having a volume resistivity of 1.0&#xd7;10&#x3a9;-m (ohm-meter) or less when measured at 40 V (volts) or less, having a surface resistivity of 1.0&#xd7;10&#x3a9;/sq (ohm per square) or less when measured at 100 V (volts) or less, having a breakdown voltage of 4000 V (volts) or less, and having a charge decay of 60 seconds or less. The method further provides applying the static dissipative coating to a surface of the fuel container to form a coated surface.

Static dissipative fuel tank coatings and methods

Apparatus for covering a fastener system

Systems and methods for discontinuously applying an insulating primer to a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) component are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for mitigating electrical surface discharges from a CFRP component includes first applying an insulating primer to a metallic component. Next, an insulating primer is applied discontinuously to the CFRP component adjacent the metallic component. The discontinuous application of the insulating primer forms a primed portions and unprimed portions. The unprimed portions are configured to enable electrostatic dissipation.

Application of insulating coating

A lightning-protected conductive composite fuel tank includes a conductive material arrayed on an outer surface to at least partially cover a fastener centerline. Through holes extend along the fastener centerline through the conductive material and the underlying fuel tank shell. These through holes are countersunk into the fuel tank shell to a depth such that a fastener in a through hole will avoid electrical continuity or communication with the conductive material on the fuel tank outer surface. The gap in the countersunk through holes, between the fastener heads and the coextensive outer surface of the fuel tank, is filled with a dielectric or nonconductive material.

Lightning protection system for aircraft composite structure

An apparatus comprises a wall, an internal structure, and a fastener. The wall has a conductive surface and a countersunk hole. The countersunk hole passes through the internal structure. The fastener has an interference fit within the countersunk hole.

Lightning protection system for an aircraft composite structure

Growing community of inventors

Kirkland, WA, United States of America

Kevin Darrell Pate