The Boeing Company

The Boeing Corporation

Nathan Michael Kelley

James Patrick Irwin

Christopher Michael Hansom

Kevin O'brien Gaw

Kevin O'Brien Gaw

David William Minteer

John Thomas Axtell

Diego A Velasco

James P Irwin

A fuel line assembly for an aircraft comprises a ferrule assembly comprising a ferrule affixed to an isolation tube, which may be directly affixed to a fuel tube or affixed to an extension tube, which in turn, is affixed to the fuel tube. The ferrule assembly provides electrostatic discharge protection and lightning protection as the isolation tube maintains a separation distance from the ferrule and fuel tube, both of which are made from metal. The isolation tube is made from a dielectric material, but which may have conductive particles added to aid in the dissipation of an electrostatic charge. The electrical resistance through the isolation tube has a lower limit to arrest the flow of the induced lightning current through the assembly. The amount of lightning protection afforded can be configured. The ferrule assembly components may be affixed by using thermo-welding, adhesive, or mechanical pressure.

Method of installing fuel lines in an aircraft

Electrostatic discharge protected ferrule

A method and apparatus for conducting an electrical current between a first transport member and a second transport member. In one illustrative embodiment, a coupling assembly comprises a first fitting associated with a first end of a first transport member, a second fitting associated with a second end of a second transport member, and a seal. The seal is configured for placement around the first fitting and the second fitting when the first end of the first transport member is positioned relative to the second end of the second transport member. The seal is further configured to seal an interface between the first transport member and the second transport member. The seal is comprised of a material configured such that the seal has a level of conductivity within a selected range and such that a conductive pathway is formed between the first transport member and the second transport member.

Conductive coupling assembly

A mounting system for tubular structures within a wing structure provides for positioning of the tubular structure as it passes through wing ribs. The system provides for electrostatic protection from discharges between the rib and the tubular structure, and accommodates offset tubular positioning. A mounting flange is attached to an aperture in the wing rib, and the tubular structure is inserted through an aperture in the mounting flange. Once the tubular structure is positioned, a cushion mount comprising two pieces is inserted into the flange structure, holding the tubular structure in position in the mounting flange. The cushion mount may have a concentric aperture or an offset aperture to accommodate an offset positioned tubular structure in the wind rib aperture.

Electrostatic discharge protected structure pass-thru

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Everett, WA, United States of America

Nathan Michael Kelley