Liquid-gauging systems for estimating amounts of liquid within collapsible bladders. In some embodiments, a liquid-gauging system of this disclosure includes one or more liquid-gauging sensors that each output a signal relating to an amount of liquid within a corresponding collapsible bladder. In some embodiments, each liquid-gauging sensor comprises a variable capacitor having capacitor plates located so that the spacing between the capacitor plates changes with changing amounts of liquid within the collapsible bladder. In some embodiments, each liquid-gauging sensor comprises a pressure sensor for measuring forces, such as gravitational forces, that change with changing amounts of liquid within the collapsible bladder. In some embodiments, a liquid-gauging system is configured for an aircraft or other moving vehicle and includes one or more additional sensors to adjust the estimating process to account for changes in attitude of the vehicle during use. Corresponding methods, liquid-storage systems, and collapsible bladders are also disclosed.

Liquid-gauging systems for estimating amounts of liquid within collapsible bladders. In some embodiments, a liquid-gauging system of this disclosure includes one or more liquid-gauging sensors that each output a signal relating to an amount of liquid within a corresponding collapsible bladder. In some embodiments, each liquid-gauging sensor comprises a variable capacitor having capacitor plates located so that the spacing between the capacitor plates changes with changing amounts of liquid within the collapsible bladder. In some embodiments, each liquid-gauging sensor comprises a pressure sensor for measuring forces, such as gravitational forces, that change with changing amounts of liquid within the collapsible bladder. In some embodiments, a liquid-gauging system is configured for an aircraft or other moving vehicle and includes one or more additional sensors to adjust the estimating process to account for changes in attitude of the vehicle during use. Corresponding methods, liquid-storage systems, and collapsible bladders are also disclosed.

A self-heating and self-sealing bladder comprising of a fuel and water resistant layer overlaid on a mold; an adhesive tack layer overlaid on the fuel and water resistant layer; a first fabric reinforcement layer overlaid on the adhesive tack layer; a microballoon powder, water containing microspheres, and reactive salt powders disposed in a plurality of pouches such that upon activation the microballoon powder and the reactive salt powders come in contact with the water and react to create a formulation that results in heat and expansion, thus a self-sealing capability; and, a second fabric reinforcement layer overlaid the plurality of pouches.

A self-heating and self-sealing bladder comprising of a fuel and water resistant layer overlaid on a mold; an adhesive tack layer overlaid on the fuel and water resistant layer; a first fabric reinforcement layer overlaid on the adhesive tack layer; a microballoon powder, water containing microspheres, and reactive salt powders disposed in a plurality of pouches such that upon activation the microballoon powder and the reactive salt powders come in contact with the water and react to create a formulation that results in heat and expansion, thus a self-sealing capability; and, a second fabric reinforcement layer overlaid the plurality of pouches.

A mount for a double-walled vessel includes a first support to support the mount against an outer wall of the double-walled vessel, a second support to support the mount against an inner wall of the double-walled vessel, and a flexible member connecting the first support and the second support. The first support and can be arranged at a first end of the flexible member and the second support can be arranged at a second end of the flexible member opposite to the first end. Further described are a vessel including at least one such mount as well as a vehicle including such vessel.

A mount for a double-walled vessel includes a first support to support the mount against an outer wall of the double-walled vessel, a second support to support the mount against an inner wall of the double-walled vessel, and a flexible member connecting the first support and the second support. The first support and can be arranged at a first end of the flexible member and the second support can be arranged at a second end of the flexible member opposite to the first end. Further described are a vessel including at least one such mount as well as a vehicle including such vessel.

A hydrogen tank assembly is provided for use in vehicles, such as aircraft. The hydrogen tank assembly has an inner tank wall, an outer tank wall, and an inert gas source. The inner tank wall defines a hydrogen tank volume that is surrounded by a shroud volume which is defined by the outer tank wall. The hydrogen tank volume is filled with cryogenic hydrogen and has a higher pressure than the shroud volume that is filled with an inert gas, such as helium. The counter-pressure of the inert gas prevents micro-cracks in the inner tank wall and increases the in-service life.

A hydrogen tank assembly is provided for use in vehicles, such as aircraft. The hydrogen tank assembly has an inner tank wall, an outer tank wall, and an inert gas source. The inner tank wall defines a hydrogen tank volume that is surrounded by a shroud volume which is defined by the outer tank wall. The hydrogen tank volume is filled with cryogenic hydrogen and has a higher pressure than the shroud volume that is filled with an inert gas, such as helium. The counter-pressure of the inert gas prevents micro-cracks in the inner tank wall and increases the in-service life.

An access panel to be received in an access aperture in a lower skin of a wing on an aircraft incorporates a body surrounded by a sealing flange. The body is configured to be received in the access aperture and the sealing flange is configured to be received on a sealing land surrounding the access aperture. An integral heat exchanger extends from a top surface of the body into a fuel tank in the wing to conduct heat from the fuel to an external surface of the access panel.

A cryogenic storage tank including a first metallic end piece having a first structured connection area on its outer surface, a second metallic end piece having a second structured connection area on its outer surface, a hollow body extending between the first structured connection area and the second structured area. The hollow body is formed of a fiber reinforced polymer-based composite, a first metallic clamp having a third structured connection area and a second metallic clamp having a fourth structured connection area. The hollow body is arranged between and in intimate contact with the first structured connection area of the first metallic end piece and with the third structured connection area of the first metallic clamp and is arranged between and in intimate contact with the second structured connection area of the second metallic end piece and with the fourth structured connection area of the second metallic clamp.