The Boeing Company

Kevin L Loss

David A Adkins, Ii

Joe Everet Sternberger

Mark E Howe

B Kelly Sheahan

Methods and systems for controlling fuel tank flammability control systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for use with an aircraft or other vehicle includes a flammability control system and a controller operably coupled to the flammability control system. The flammability control system can be configured to control the development of flammable vapors in a fuel tank of the vehicle. The controller can be configured to receive one or more signals relating to a condition of the fuel tank and control operation of the flammability control system at least partially in response to the one or more fuel tank condition signals. In another embodiment, the controller can be configured to receive one or more signals relating to an operational phase of the aircraft and control operation of the flammability control system at least partially in response to the one or more aircraft operation signals.

Methods and systems for controlling flammability control systems in aircraft and other vehicles

A coupling apparatus and method for coupling two duct sections together to form a joint therebetween. The apparatus includes a catcher ring component formed coextensive with the edge of one section of duct, and a catcher finger component formed coextensive with an edge of the other section of duct being coupled to form the joint. The catcher finger component includes a catcher finger which is longitudinally aligned with a flange of the catcher ring, and that protrudes inwardly into its associated section of duct. In the event of a failure of a main clamping assembly disposed over an outer periphery of the two duct sections at the joint, the catcher finger and flange engage to limit separation of the two sections of duct to only a controlled, limited degree. This protects other subassemblies and components positioned closely adjacent the duct from any damage that might result from separation of the two duct sections, including exposure to high temperature and pressurized air.

Duct separation restraint apparatus and method

A method and apparatus contains and drains leakage from fluid system piping on a mobile platform such as an aircraft. A generally U-shaped channel is formed having outwardly oriented edge flanges and either integral or attached end plates. A pair of drain connections is disposed adjacent to each end plate. A group of fluid lines including at least one flammable fluid line is loaded within the U-shaped channel. A cover plate having outwardly oriented edge flanges aligning with the U-shaped channel edge flanges is positioned over the U-shaped channel. The edge flanges of both the cover plate and the U-shaped channel are joined with a seal such that a fluid-tight assembly results. Fluid leakage from any of the group of enclosed fluid lines discharges through the pair of drain connections. One of the end plates forms a firewall connectable to an engine firewall boundary.

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Seattle, WA, United States of America

Kevin L Loss