Inventors:
Nathan Michael Kelley - Everett WA, US
John Thomas Axtell - Bellevue WA, US
James Patrick Irwin - Renton WA, US
David William Minteer - Lake Tapps WA, US
Diego A. Velasco - Seattle WA, US
Assignee:
THE BOEING COMPANY - Chicago IL
International Classification:
B64D 45/02, F17D 1/00, F16L 25/02
US Classification:
244 1 A, 285 48, 137561 R
Abstract:
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.