Edwin W Wiggins

US Patent:

40131904, Mar 22, 1977

Filed:

Jun 27, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/483940

Inventors:

Edwin W. Wiggins - Bridgeton MO
Quentin C. Malmberg - Ferguson MO

Assignee:

McDonnell Douglas Corporation - Long Beach CA

International Classification:

B65D 124
B64D 3708

US Classification:

220 22

Abstract:

A flame arresting and explosion attenuating system particularly for use in fuel tanks and other similar structures which are designed to contain highly inflammable fluids. The tank or enclosure may be a single compartmented or it may be divided or partitioned into a plurality of individual fuel cells of compartments at least some of which communicate with one another through openings or apertures in the partitions which form them. The subject system is designed to prevent the propagation of flame supported by combustion of the fluid within the tank and to quench the flame when it tries to spread from one compartment to another and to attenuate the explosive forces generated due to ignition of fluid by allowing the forces thereof to be distributed over the total volume of the enclosure so that there is little or no likelihood of the explosion damaging the enclosure. These and other things are accomplished by the present system at low weight and volume penalties and without unduly restricting or reducing fluid flow circulation and communication between the cells. The subject system includes one or more porous members positioned at locations in the enclosure where compartments communicate and they may serve themselves to compartmentalize the container.

US Patent:

39801063, Sep 14, 1976

Filed:

Aug 22, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/606850

Inventors:

Edwin W. Wiggins - Bridgeton MO

Assignee:

McDonnell Douglas Corporation - St. Louis MO

International Classification:

F16L 914
B65D 2514
F16L 2100

US Classification:

138140

Abstract:

A conduit or other fluid containing structure includes a metal tube having end portions which are exposed for connecting purposes and a liner portion of reduced wall thickness between the end portions. An impregnated braid surrounds the liner portion for rigidifying the same. When the conduit is used as a self-sealing fuel line the thickness of the liner is such that it does not possess enough strength to take on a permanent outward deformation in the presence of the impregnated braid surrounding it, and consequently petalling does not occur. In that application the impregnated braid is surrounded by a sealant capable of swelling when contacted by the fuel, and the sealant is encircled by another impregnated braid to protect and maintain it in place.

US Patent:

40409910, Aug 9, 1977

Filed:

Dec 10, 1973

Appl. No.:

5/423152

Inventors:

Edwin W. Wiggins - Bridgeton MO
James F. Carpenter - St. Louis County MO

Assignee:

McDonnell Douglas Corporation - St. Louis MO

International Classification:

C08G 1814
B64C 334

US Classification:

260 25BD

Abstract:

This application describes a method of rejuvenating reticulated polyurethane materials, particularly those containing ester-type linkages which have been hydrolyzed after being exposed to moisture containing hydrocarbon fuel and/or highly humid environments. The process consists of treating the polyurethane with cross-linking compounds, such as diisocyanates and polyfunctional epoxy compounds.