# US 2017/0282196 A1 · Clear sprayable sealant for aircraft parts and assemblies

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- Number: US 2017/0282196 A1
- Document ID: US20170282196A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 15/472,859
- Filed: 2017-03-29
- Published: 2017-10-05
- Earliest claimed: 2016-03-30
- Assignees: The Patent Well LLC
- Applicants: The Patent Well LLC
- Inventors: Kent Boomer; Chad Knight; Michael Dry; Peter Sibello; Jeff Busby
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20170282196A1

## CPC

- B05B 7/0408: {with arrangements for mixing two or more liquids}
- B05B 7/2472: {comprising several containers}
- B05C 1/02: for applying liquid or other fluent material to separate articles {(B05C1/006 takes precedence)}
- B05D 1/02: performed by spraying
- B05D 1/38: with intermediate treatment (intermediate treatment per se B05D3/00)
- B05D 3/04: by exposure to gases
- B64C 1/00: Fuselages; Constructional features common to fuselages, wings, stabilising surfaces or the like
- B64F 5/00: Designing, manufacturing, assembling, cleaning, maintaining or repairing aircraft, not otherwise provided for; Handling, transporting, testing or inspecting aircraft components, not otherwise provided for
- B05C 17/015: with pneumatically {or hydraulically} actuated piston or the like {(B05C17/00543 takes precedence)}
- B64C 2001/0081: {from metallic materials}
- C08G 2190/00: Compositions for sealing or packing joints
- C09D 175/00: Coating compositions based on polyureas or polyurethanes; Coating compositions based on derivatives of such polymers
- F16B 5/02: by means of fastening members using screw-thread ({F16B5/0004 takes precedence}; construction of screw-threaded connections F16B25/00 - F16B39/00)
- B05B: SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES (spray-mixers with nozzles B01F25/72; processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces by spraying B05D)
- B05C: APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL (spraying apparatus, atomising apparatus, nozzles B05B; plant for applying liquids or other fluent materials to objects by electrostatic spraying B05B5/08)
- B05D: PROCESSES FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL (conveying articles or workpieces through baths of liquid B65G, e.g. B65G49/02)
- B64C: AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS
- B64F: GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- C08G: MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS OBTAINED OTHERWISE THAN BY REACTIONS ONLY INVOLVING UNSATURATED CARBON-TO-CARBON BONDS
- C09D: COATING COMPOSITIONS, e.g. PAINTS, VARNISHES OR LACQUERS; FILLING PASTES; CHEMICAL PAINT OR INK REMOVERS; INKS; CORRECTING FLUIDS; WOODSTAINS; PASTES OR SOLIDS FOR COLOURING OR PRINTING; USE OF MATERIALS THEREFOR (cosmetics A61K; processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces, in general, B05D; staining wood B27K5/02; glazes or vitreous enamels C03C; natural resins, French polish, drying-oils, driers, turpentine, per se, C09F; polishing compositions other than French polish, ski waxes C09G; adhesives or use of materials as adhesives C09J; materials for sealing or packing joints or covers C09K3/10; materials for stopping leaks C09K3/12; processes for the electrolytic or electrophoretic production of coatings C25D)
- F16B: DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING (couplings for transmitting rotation F16D)

## Abstract

Applicant discloses a two part polymer mix for use in the aircraft industry that is applied with pneumatic mix and spray gun. The two part cartridge is used in the mix and spray gun so the mix is applied immediately upon mixing, but the two components are kept separated unless the gun is applying the mix. The mix cures to form a clear sealant that allows for inspection of cracks and corrosion beneath the sealant. It cures quickly so that the coated part may be further processed, for example in the assembly line during aircraft build.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A cartridge assembly for applying a sealant coating, the cartridge assembly for use in a pneumatic mix and spray gun, the cartridge assembly comprising:
a body having a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment containing a first part of a sealant mix, the second compartment containing a second part of the sealant mix, the body dimensioned to engage the mix and spray gun, the body also having a receiving port for receiving compressed gas to drive the mix; and
a mixing straw engaged to the compartments, configured to receive and combine the two parts and emit a sealant mix, under pressure, from a tip at a removed end thereof to form a clear, cure in place, sealant coating on a workpiece, the clear sealant coating being one of a polyurea, polyurethane or hybrid coating.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein the sealant mix having a dry through time of about 100 minutes or less.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The cartridge assembly of claim 2, wherein the sealant mix has a dry through time of about 40 minutes or less.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The cartridge assembly of claim 2, wherein the clear sealant coating forms a first tint within about 60-90 seconds from initial application and slowly forms a different second clear tint from the first tint in about 3-5 hours.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein the clear sealant coating is optically clear.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein the clear sealant coating is visually clear.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The cartridge assembly in claim 1, wherein the clear coating is VOC and solvent free.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The cartridge assembly in claim 1, wherein the two parts of the sealant mix are mixed 50/50 by volume.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The cartridge assembly in claim 1, wherein the sealant coating goes on the workpiece as a first color tint and gels to clear in under about 30 minutes.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The cartridge assembly in claim 1, wherein the sealant coating reaches a hardness between about 20-80 Shore “A” at 77° F. in about 3.0 hours or less.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The cartridge assembly in claim 1, wherein the sealant coating is between about 3 to 30 mil thick on the workpiece.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The cartridge assembly in claim 1, wherein the sealant coating consists essentially of a cured, two-component polyurea system.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The cartridge assembly in claim 1, wherein the sealant coating consists essentially of a cured, two-component polyurethane system.

### Claim 14 (depends on 1)

The cartridge assembly in claim 1, wherein the sealant coating consists essentially of a cured, two-component hybrid system.

### Claim 15 (depends on 1)

The cartridge assembly in claim 1, wherein the viscosity of the sealant mix prior to any gelling is between about 150 and 1500 cps.

### Claim 16 (depends on 1)

The cartridge assembly in claim 1, wherein the viscosity of the mix is 4000 cps or less as mixed and sprayed on the workpiece.

### Claim 17 (depends on 1)

The cartridge assembly in claim 1, wherein the sealant mix is sulfur free.

### Claim 18 (depends on 1)

The cartridge assembly in claim 1, wherein the mixing straw is disengageable from the body.

### Claim 19 (depends on 1)

The cartridge assembly in claim 1, wherein the sealant coating is Jet A fuel resistant.

### Claim 20 (depends on 1)

The cartridge assembly in claim 1, wherein the sealant coating is Flame Retardant under 14 CFR 25.853a, Appendix F, Part 1(A)(1)(ii) (12 second vertical burn).

### Claim 21 (depends on 1)

The cartridge assembly in claim 1, wherein the sealant mix has a specific gravity of less than 1.0.

### Claim 22 (depends on 1)

The cartridge assembly in claim 1, wherein the sealant mix displays good cohesion to the cured sealant coating.

### Claim 23

An aircraft part comprising:
an aluminum or aluminum alloy first piece, the first piece having a first piece surface;
wherein the first piece surface has a clear, elastomeric sealant coating, the sealant coating formed from a two component, room temperature, cured, fast drying, sulfur free, polyurea/polyurethane/hybrid mix.

### Claim 24 (depends on 23)

The aircraft part of claim 23, further including an aluminum or aluminum alloy second piece having an uncoated second piece surface, wherein the surfaces of the first piece and second piece comprise faying surfaces and the clear sealant coating on the first piece surface is under compression therebetween.

### Claim 25 (depends on 24)

The part of claim 24, wherein the first piece is an aircraft floorboard support surface and the second piece is a floorboard dimensioned for receipt upon the aircraft floorboard support surface.

### Claim 26 (depends on 23)

The part of claim 23, wherein the first piece is a part of an aircraft interior.

### Claim 27 (depends on 23)

The part of claim 23, wherein the first piece is a part of the exterior of an aircraft fuel tank.

### Claim 28 (depends on 23)

The part of claim 23, further including a second piece having a second aluminum piece surface, the two pieces engaged with one another.

### Claim 29 (depends on 28)

The part of claim 28, wherein the two pieces are engaged with one another with fasteners.

### Claim 30 (depends on 23)

The part of claim 23, wherein the sealant coating is mixed and applied with a brush.

### Claim 31 (depends on 23)

The part of claim 23, wherein the mix is applied with a two compartment assembly for use with a pneumatic, mix and spray gun.

### Claim 32 (depends on 23)

The part of claim 23, wherein the mix is hard dry in about 100 minutes or less at about 77° F.

### Claim 33 (depends on 23)

The part of claim 23, wherein the sealant coating is free of VOCs and solvents.

### Claim 34 (depends on 23)

The part of claim 23, wherein the mix is combined 50/50 by volume.

### Claim 35 (depends on 23)

The part of claim 23, wherein the mix goes on the first piece surface as a first color tint and gels to clear in under about 30 minutes.

### Claim 36 (depends on 23)

The part of claim 23, wherein the sealant coating has peel strength between about 5 and about 35 pounds per inch width.

### Claim 37 (depends on 23)

The part of claim 23, wherein the sealant coating has a hardness between about 20-80 Shore “A” at 77° F.

### Claim 38 (depends on 23)

The part of claim 23, wherein the sealant coating is between about 3 to 30 mil thick on the first piece surface.

### Claim 39 (depends on 23)

The part of claim 23, wherein the sealant coating comprises multiple sealant coating layers, each layer formed by a separate pass of a pneumatic, two part, mix and spray gun.

### Claim 40 (depends on 23)

The part of claim 23, wherein the sealant coating consists essentially of a cured, two-component polyurea mix.

### Claim 41 (depends on 23)

The part of claim 23, wherein the sealant coating consists essentially of a cured, two-component polyurethane mix.

### Claim 42 (depends on 23)

The part of claim 23, wherein the sealant coating consists essentially of hybrid mix.

### Claim 43 (depends on 23)

The part of claim 23, wherein the aluminum or aluminum alloy first piece comprises a dry, unprimed aluminum alloy.

### Claim 44 (depends on 23)

The part of claim 23, wherein the viscosity of the mix prior to gel is between about 150 and 1500 cps.

### Claim 45 (depends on 23)

The part of claim 23, wherein the sealant coating reaches a hardness between about 20-80 Shore “A” at 77° F. in about 3.0 hours or less.

### Claim 46

An aircraft part for use on the interior of an aircraft, the aircraft part comprising:
a first piece and a second piece, each piece having a piece surface;
wherein at least one piece surface has a clear, elastomeric, VOC-free sealant coating, the sealant coating formed from one of a two component polyurea/polyurethane/hybrid mix, with a fast hard dry time of less than about 30 minutes, the sealant coating with a peel strength between about 5 and 30 piw and a cured hardness of between about 20-80 Shore “A” at 77° F., and a thickness of between about 3 to 30 mil.

### Claim 47 (depends on 46)

The aircraft part of claim 46, wherein the dry hard time is less than about 30 minutes.

### Claim 48 (depends on 46)

The aircraft part of claim 46, wherein the first piece and the second piece are parts of a fuel tank assembly.

### Claim 49 (depends on 48)

The aircraft part of claim 48, wherein the sealant coating is Jet A fuel resilient.

### Claim 50 (depends on 46)

The aircraft part of claim 46, wherein the first piece and the second piece are parts of a floorboard assembly.

### Claim 51

A method for coating an aircraft part with a sealant, comprising the steps of:
providing a pneumatic, mix and spray gun with a mixing straw and two chambers, a first chamber having a first mix component and a separate second chamber having a second mix component, the mix and spray gun configured to mix and emit a spray of atomized, uncured mix from the tip of a mixing nozzle;
first applying to a first section of a first workpiece a first layer of uncured mix; and
allowing the uncured mix to cure to form a clear sealant coating, the sealant coating one of a polyurea, a polyurethane or hybrid coating.

### Claim 52 (depends on 51)

The method of claim 51, wherein the allowing step takes about 100 minutes or less at 77° F. for the mix to reach dry hard.

### Claim 53 (depends on 51)

The method of claim 51, wherein the allowing step takes about 30 minutes or less at 77° F.

### Claim 54 (depends on 51)

The method of claim 51, wherein the first applying step is airless or air assisted.

### Claim 55 (depends on 51)

The method of claim 51, wherein the mix of the layer of the first applying step is mixed 50/50 by volume.

### Claim 56 (depends on 51)

The method of claim 51, further including second applying to the first layer a second layer of uncured mix.

### Claim 57

A two component cartridge for engaging a pneumatic mix and coat spray gun for use with assembly and maintenance of aircraft, the two component cartridge comprising:
a body comprising a first compartment having a first mix part, a second compartment having a second mix part, wherein the first and second mix parts combine in the mixing straw to form a polyurea/polyurethane/hybrid fast drying VOC and sulfur-free mix that cures to form a clear, elastomeric, sealant coating; and
a mixing straw, engaging the two compartments and disengageable from the body and having multiple dividers for mixing the two components and emitting, under pressure, the mixed components from a tip thereof.