Hot melt fastener filler

Abstract

A hot-melt fastener filler placeable within a void atop an in-place fastener countersunk within a surface such as an exposed aircraft surface. The filler includes an electrically-conductive mat fabricated of at least one ply having a plurality of non-woven electrically conductive fibers each having a core strand coated with a nickel layer, preferably coated with two additional layers of copper and nickel, and generally uniformly dispersed within a thermoplastic elastomer. Electrically conductive carbon black particulate can be distributed throughout the elastomer, and the mat preferably is fabricated of two plies oriented at 0° and 90° to each other. A pressure sensitive adhesive can be provided on one side of the sheet to thereby permit secured placement prior to completion of installation. The fastener filler allows not only regularly scheduled maintenance, but also permits quick and generally uncomplicated field-level repairs for assuring equipment availability at remote sites.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.