Lightning Protection Patents (Class 174/2)
  • Patent number: 11933274
    Abstract: A wind power generation facility capable of realizing a lightning strike suppression effect while maintaining power generation efficiency by maintaining a blade shape that greatly affects power generation efficiency. An erected support column, a generator G provided at an upper portion of the support column, a hub H provided on a drive shaft that rotationally drives the generator, a plurality of blades radially provided to the hub about the drive shaft, charged bodies provided at tips of the blades, and a capacitor provided in an inner space of the hub are provided, and the capacitor includes a first electrode body that is grounded and a second electrode body that faces the first electrode body with an electrically insulating layer interposed therebetween and connected to the charged bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Lightning Suppression Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshio Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 11763958
    Abstract: Provided are a composite material structure obtained by joining composite materials with resin-impregnated reinforcing fibers, for which appropriate lightning proofing measures are taken, and a method for manufacturing the composite material structure. The composite material structure includes a first composite material, a second composite material, and a low-conductivity material. The first composite material includes a conductive first reinforcing fiber and a first resin impregnated into the first reinforcing fiber. The second composite material is integrated with the first composite material, and has a conductive second reinforcing fiber and a second resin impregnated into the second reinforcing fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiya Araki, Tomoo Takizawa, Hiroaki Yamaguchi, Toshinobu Muraki, Shunsuke Yoshino
  • Patent number: 11718994
    Abstract: An interlocking panel system for covering a base surface with interlocking panels to prevent water ingress is provided. A first panel includes a sheet-like section, a receptacle connected to the sheet-like section, a first projection and a second projection. An interlock includes an interlock hook portion and an interlock receiving portion with the interlock configured to be inserted into the receptacle of the first panel and at least one of the interlock hook portion or the receptacle preventing the interlock from being withdrawn from the first panel. A second panel includes a sheet-like portion and a second panel hook portion configured to be inserted into the interlock receiving portion and engage with the second projection of the first panel. At least one of the second panel hook portion or the second projection preventing the second panel from being withdrawn from the first panel and/or interlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Englert, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph F. Tripod
  • Patent number: 11460175
    Abstract: A reversible mounting arm that is universal in that it can be used to mount a light fixture to either a flat or curved mounting surface, such as, but not limited to, a round or rectilinear-shaped pole. More specifically, one end of the mounting arm is designed for mating with a round pole having a curved sidewall (or other curved mounting surfaces) whereas the opposing end of the mounting arm is designed for mating with poles having a flat sidewall (or other flat mounting surfaces).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC
    Inventors: Jon Eric Gibson, Eric Chang
  • Patent number: 11196239
    Abstract: A route-regulating member according to an exemplary aspect is configured to be applied to a wire harness that includes a wire, and configured to regulate a route of the wire inserted therein, the route-regulating member including: a tube; and a tube connector having a curve, to which an end of the tube is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Arakawa
  • Patent number: 11162475
    Abstract: A method of protecting a wind turbine having a set of blades, each blade having a set of loci suitable for placement of a corresponding set of lightning receptors, against lightning strikes, includes applying to each blade a coating that surrounds at least one lightning receptor locus of the set, wherein the coating comprises paint in which has been mixed a conductive powder having a concentration by weight in the coating sufficiently low as to prevent formation of a conductive path through the coating but sufficiently high as to foster ionization of air along the coated exposed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Ardura, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal E. Fine, John A. Cooney, Jr., Christopher S. Szlatenyi, Adam H. Janik, Pascal Mickelson
  • Patent number: 11165236
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for designing a lightning protection system for the exterior lightning protection of buildings and systems and to an insulated lightning arrester device related thereto. The lightning arrester of the lightning protection system is at least partly designed as an insulated electric conductor with a conductive layer or casing on the insulation, and conductive structures can be found in the respective building or the respective system, wherein the structures are potentially exposed to inductions which occur in the event of a lightning current to be arrested, and correspondingly the conductive layer on the insulated conductor together with the respective conductive structure forms a secondary loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: DEHN SE + CO KG
    Inventors: Ralph Brocke, Ottmar Beierl
  • Patent number: 11157905
    Abstract: A secure on-device cardholder authentication method and system. In an embodiment, a consumer's mobile device uses a mobile application to receive a user authentication request from an entity. A biometric data capture request is then transmitted to a biometric sensor of the mobile device, and a determination made that the mobile application is authorized to use an authenticator API. Next, the mobile device processor prompts the user to provide at least one form of biometric data in accordance with business rules, receives a user authentication response when the user provided biometric data matches locally stored biometric data, generates a positive user authentication response message, and transmits the positive user authentication response message to the entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Mastercard International Incorporated
    Inventors: Ashfaq Kamal, Bob Reany, Gregory D. Williamson
  • Patent number: 11082598
    Abstract: A multiple sensor endoscope system and a video processing method, wherein the system includes an endoscope having a plurality of daisy chained image sensors and a central control unit, is described. At least one daisy-chained image sensor includes a sensor array for capturing images and generating video packets from the captured images, a video compression unit configured to compress the video packets, a self-packet buffer configured to store the video packets, a serial-to-parallel de-serializer input unit configured to convert serialized input video packets to parallel data, a chain packet buffer configured to store the video packets received from previous-in-chain image sensors, an arbitration unit configured to interleave the stored video packets, and a serial output unit configured to output serially the interleaved video packets. The central control unit is configured to de-interleave the video packets and regenerate separated images as captured by the plurality of daisy chain image sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: EndoChoice, Inc.
    Inventor: Itay Sidar
  • Patent number: 10981336
    Abstract: Two composite laminates are joined together by a bondline having portions exposed to the ambient environment. The bondline contains scrim having an electrical conductivity and impedance matched to that of the laminates in order to mitigate effects of lightning strikes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Patrice K. Ackerman, Diane L. Heidlebaugh
  • Patent number: 10916928
    Abstract: A portable lightning protection system including a multi-section conductive mast assembly including at least a base mast section and a top mast section; an air terminal attachable to the top mast section; and a base assembly attachable to the base mast section via a hinge assembly, wherein the hinge assembly is configured to allow the base mast section to hinge from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position relative to the base assembly. A catenary lightning protection system including at least two lightning protection systems, each lightning protection system may include a multi-section conductive mast assembly including at least a base mast section and a top mast section; an air terminal attachable to the top mast section; a base assembly attachable to the base mast section; and may further include a catenary wire connected between the at least two lightning protection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: LBA GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Lawrence Behr
  • Patent number: 10847961
    Abstract: A lightning isolation support arm assembly for mounting an accessory unit, such as an antenna, sensor, camera, or any other suitable accessory/device, to a mast assembly of a lightning protection system. The support arm assembly may include a mast base adapter and one or more support arms attached to the mast base adapter. A portable lightning protection system including a multi-section conductive mast assembly including at least a base mast section and a top mast section; an air terminal attachable to the top mast section; a base assembly attachable to the base mast section via a hinge assembly, wherein the hinge assembly may be configured to allow the base mast section to hinge relative to the base assembly; and a support arm assembly attached to the mast assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: LBA Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Behr
  • Patent number: 10763657
    Abstract: A portable lightning protection system including a multi-section conductive mast assembly including at least a base mast section and a top mast section; an air terminal attachable to the top mast section; and a base assembly attachable to the base mast section via a hinge assembly, wherein the hinge assembly may be configured to allow the base mast section to hinge relative to the base assembly. A catenary lightning protection system including at least two lightning protection systems, each lightning protection system may include a multi-section conductive mast assembly including at least a base mast section and a top mast section; an air terminal attachable to the top mast section; a base assembly attachable to the base mast section; and may further include a catenary wire connected between the at least two lightning protection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: LBA Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Behr
  • Patent number: 10458123
    Abstract: A composite siding panel mountable on an exterior wall of a building includes a backing member and a siding member attached to the backing member, wherein the first side edge of the siding member overhangs the first side edge of the backing member, and the second side edge of the siding member is aligned with or positioned contiguously with the second side edge of the backing member. An adhesive coating joins the front face of the backing member to the rear face of the siding member. The adhesive coating runs substantially from the first side edge of the backing member to the second side edge thereof. The backing member can be composed of closed-cell expanded foam or wire-fabricated foam, and the siding member can be formed from vinyl, polypropylene, aluminum, steel, fiberglass, engineered wood, or fiber cement. A siding assembly including a plurality of composite siding panels adjacently mountable on an exterior wall of a building is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Progressive Foam Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick M. Culpepper, Ryan Beach
  • Patent number: 10454251
    Abstract: A disconnector device for a surge arrester is provided. The disconnector device includes: a housing encompassing a cavity; a disconnector provided inside the cavity, having a first terminal connectable to the surge arrester, a second terminal connectable to ground, a movable member provided at the second terminal and being fitted to the cross section of the cavity, and a disconnector cartridge. The member is movably arranged such in the housing that once the disconnector operates, the movable member is propelled inside the cavity towards an end of the cavity. The housing has ventilation openings connecting the cavity to an outside of the disconnector device for releasing gases from the operating disconnector cartridge. These ventilation openings are dimensioned such that no particles of harmful size that are potentially capable of igniting a fire can pass the ventilation openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Remo Mugwyler, Nicola Gariboldi, Joel Antelo
  • Patent number: 10358839
    Abstract: A cross-bracing arrangement is provided for bracing between two hollow structural poles. The bracing arrangement provides for pivoting between the cross-brace and each of the hollow structural poles, for adjustment of the effective length of the cross-brace, and for angular adjustment of one end of the cross-brace relative to the other end of the cross-brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Diaaeldin Mohamed, Anthony J. Hansen, Tony Schuler, Shannon R. Eggert
  • Patent number: 10239636
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a panel made of composite material incorporating a lightning protection arrangement which comprises strips with a conductive layer. The method comprises a step of laying the strips in an automated manner, the strips having a width of less than 20 mm and being distributed in a first set of mutually parallel strips that are laid in a first laying direction and a second set of mutually parallel strips that are laid in a second laying direction that intersects the first laying direction. A panel made of composite material manufactured by way of this method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Cyrille Collart, Richard Murillo
  • Patent number: 10205228
    Abstract: A system for emitting and/or receiving electromagnetic waves embedded in an aircraft, the aircraft including an emitting and/or receiving device for emitting and/or receiving electrical signals, a radome having an electrically insulating protective envelope (12), on which at least one lightning arrester strip (21) is arranged, the radome being attached to a metal frame of the aircraft (30), a first part of the at least one lightning arrester strip is electrically connected to the metal frame of the aircraft, a second part of the at least one lightning arrester strip is connected to the emitting and/or receiving device via a metal element (35) of a predetermined shape, the at least one lightning arrester strip forming an antenna and a part of the metal element (35) is placed at a predetermined distance (d) from a part of the metal frame of the aircraft (30) for forming a capacitive link between the metal element and the metal frame of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Christophe Bernus, Jean Redon, Nathalie Esteve, Cécile Poret, Andrei Bulancea
  • Patent number: 10199812
    Abstract: A shielded conductive path (Wa) includes: a shielding pipe that encloses first and second electrical wires together; a first insertion path that is formed inside the shielding pipe and into which the first electrical wire is inserted; a second insertion path that is formed inside the shielding pipe, is separated from the first insertion path by a partition wall, and into which the second electrical wire is inserted; and a shielding tube that includes at least a portion of a flexible shielding member that is tubular. The shielding tube is connected to an end portion of the first insertion path so as to prevent the first and second electrical wires from being affected by electromagnetic noise therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignees: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshio Mizutani
  • Patent number: 10051767
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for covering a fastener system. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises a cover. The cover is configured to be placed over a fastener system at a surface of an object in which the fastener system is installed. The cover is comprised of a number of composite materials selected such that the cover is configured to reduce an effect of an electrical discharge, which occurs around the fastener system, on an environment outside the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ilsop Steven Yoon, Kevin Darrell Pate, Carissa Ann Pajel, Todd Michael Alberts, Darrin Michael Hansen
  • Patent number: 9983615
    Abstract: A splitter cord for use with a power pedestal including a plurality of receptacles, the splitter cord includes a plurality of branch circuits each having a first end including a connector structured to electrically connect to one of the plurality of receptacles, a second end electrically connected to a common node, and a current regulator electrically connected between the first and second ends and being structured to control current flowing through said branch circuit such that current exiting said one receptacle is substantially equal to current entering said one receptacle, and a stem circuit having a first end including a connector structured to electrically connect to a device or vehicle receptacle and a second end electrically connected to the common node. A sum of currents flowing through the plurality of branch circuits is equal to current flowing through the stem circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Chris Emmons Drueke, Jeffery Scott Kuykendall, Paul David Seff, Jason Demetrios Easton
  • Patent number: 9912137
    Abstract: A multilayer composite structure with integrated fastener-to-conductive layer surface lightning protection interconnection employs a conductive layer with an inner surface and a plurality of chamfered recesses forming countersinks in an outer surface. A carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composite layer is disposed on the inner surface of the conductive layer and conforms to the surface shape. A plurality of holes extend through the plurality of chamfered recesses in the conductive layer and the adjoining CFRP composite layer in a manner such that the conductive layer defines a countersink portion extending into the openings of the plurality of holes. The chamfered recesses in the conductive layer provides an electrically conductive surface area that contacts conductive countersunk fasteners installed within the plurality of holes to enable current sharing between groups of neighboring fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Quynhgiao Le, Jeffrey Denys Morgan, Robert B. Greegor, Brent A. Whiting
  • Patent number: 9885197
    Abstract: A lightning protection and safety rail system comprising a number of bases, vertical posts, horizontal rails, caps, mounting brackets, and lightning cables. The bases anchor the system to an elevated surface. The vertical posts extend upward from the bases. The horizontal rails extend between the vertical rails. The caps are positioned at tops of the vertical posts. The lightning cables are connected to the caps via the mounting brackets and are configured to be connected to an electrical ground. Lightning current travels from the caps, through the lightning cables, and to the electrical ground. Lightning current may also pass through the horizontal rails to a lightning cable attached to another cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth Ray Pettlon, II, Kristopher Aaron Pettlon
  • Patent number: 9820367
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the passive initiation and release of incident energy-dissipating material from locations on an incident energy target surface as a counter measure response for the protection of a platform. The response is activated over a predetermined area or areas on an incident energy target surface in response to an incident directed energy sensed on a target surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark J. Clemen, Jr., Alan F. Stewart, John R. Hull, Keith J. Davis
  • Patent number: 9728948
    Abstract: A lightning protector device for laying on a structure that is to be protected the device comprises: a surface coating including at least one conductive paint layer. A plurality of electrically conductive elements is arranged in spaced-apart manner on the structure, and the elements are in contact with the conductive paint layer. A protective coating is arranged on the surface coating and comprises a material that is thermally insulating and electrically conductive. The protective coating covers the electrically conductive elements in part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: HERAKLES
    Inventors: Thierry Soulignac, Florine Bombled, Francois M. Issac, Guillaume Sierra, Philippe P. Desvergnes, Aurelien Cailler
  • Patent number: 9689418
    Abstract: A reduced-corrosion assembly includes a first and a second component joined by a fastener having a head and a body. A coating covers a section of the body. The assembly also includes a washer, a compression limiter, and a nut arranged on the first component and adapted to engage the fastener body to thereby tighten the assembly. When the assembly is tightened, the compression limiter is arranged on the fastener body between the first and second components, while the second component is arranged on the fastener body between the compression limiter and the washer. Furthermore, the washer is arranged on the fastener body between the fastener head and the second component, while the coating covers the body substantially up to where the nut engages the body such that corrosion of the assembly is limited or reduced. A vehicle employing the reduced-corrosion fastening system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: William A. Schumacher, Louis Meli, Shawn G. Quinn, Brian J. Schachermeyer, Milind S. Gandhi, David B. DeClerck
  • Patent number: 9685774
    Abstract: A lightning protection system for liquid storage tanks having floating roofs wherein lightning energy is not directed into the shell of the storage tank. The lightning protection system includes at least one low-resistance low-impedance bypass conductor cable configured for lightning related frequencies and for routing lightning energy and for bounding charges away from the shell of the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Alltec LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Bean, James Stuart Grasty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9643734
    Abstract: An electromagnetic energy protection system and method disclosed herein that includes a plurality of conductive sheets ohmically connected by conductive interconnects. The conductive interconnects can be metal formed by a metal deposition process. The metal deposition process can include a plasma deposition process. The conductive interconnects can help prevent the formation of surface deformities such as bumps that may be caused when connecting, either physically or electrically, adjacent conductive sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Marshall Burgess, Joseph A. Marshall
  • Patent number: 9614360
    Abstract: A lightning protection device for placing on a structure for protecting, and including a first coating including at least one layer of conductive paint; and a second coating deposited on the surface coating and including a material that is thermally insulating and electrically conductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: HERAKLES
    Inventors: Thierry Soulignac, Florine Bombled, Guillaume Sierra
  • Patent number: 9499983
    Abstract: Trusses comprising natural round timbers as top and bottom cords are provided. Also provided are truss and column assemblies comprising natural branched round timber columns connected to a truss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Whole Trees, LLC
    Inventor: Roald Gundersen
  • Patent number: 9484731
    Abstract: A bipolar lightning rod apparatus includes a fixation plate, a rod member configured to have one end connected to the fixation plate in a length direction thereof and charged with the electric charges of a ground, at least two insulators installed in the length direction, an electrification plate installed between adjacent insulators, electrically insulated from the rod member, and charged with electric charges having an opposite polarity to the electric charges of the ground, an electrification tube installed between the electrification plate and the insulators, electrically connected to the electrification plate, and charged with electric charges having an opposite polarity to the electric charges of the ground, and a rod cap connected to the top of the rod member and configured to induce the falling of a thunderbolt. The rod cap has an outside diameter greater than that of the insulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: THE KOREA DEVELOPMENT BANK
    Inventor: Young-Ki Chung
  • Patent number: 9465085
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a test system for high-voltage technology devices, in particular shunt reactors, as defined in the preamble of independent patent claim 1. The invention also relates to a method which can be carried out with this test system and is intended to test high-voltage technology devices according to coordinate patent claim 5. The general idea of the test system according to the invention is to provide a continuously adjustable inductance and a capacitance, which can be adjusted in discrete steps, on the secondary side of the test transformer in such a manner that said components form a series resonant circuit together with the test object in the form of an inductance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: MASCHINENFABRIK REINHAUSEN GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Hinow, Uwe Stephan, Guenther Siebert, Ralf Bergmann, Andreas Thiede
  • Patent number: 9447992
    Abstract: A geothermal system with earth grounding component for providing electrical grounding is introduced. The geothermal system includes: a geothermal component configured to perform heat exchange; wherein the geothermal component comprises at least one heat exchange tube configured to extend into an underground environment; and an earth grounding component configured to provide earth grounding for electronic equipment; wherein the earth grounding component includes at least one conductive rod coupled to and extended along the at least one heat exchange tube, and the at least one conductive rod is configured to electrically couple to a grounding interface of the electronic equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Futurewei Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly Johnson, Pedro Fernandez
  • Patent number: 9331603
    Abstract: An energy collection system may collect and use the energy generated by an electric field. Collection fibers are suspended from a support system. The support system is electrically connected to a load by a connecting wire. The collection fibers may be made of any conducting material, but graphene, carbon and graphite are preferred. Diodes may be used to restrict the backflow or loss of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ion Power Group, LLC
    Inventor: Clint McCowen
  • Patent number: 9203177
    Abstract: A shielded connector unit includes a lower shielded connector to be connected downwards to a lower positioned first instrument, an upper shielded connector to be connected sideways to a second instrument positioned above the first instrument, and a flexible conductive part made up of an electric wire which is adapted to connect the lower shielded connector to the upper shielded connector and a braid which is adapted to enclose a bare portion of the electric wire existing between a shielding shell of the lower shielded connector and a shielding shell of the upper shielded connector. The shielded connector unit further includes a hard protector that is adapted to enclose and protect the conductive part from the outside while ensuring flexibility of at least a portion of the conductive part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiro Tanaka, Hajime Kato
  • Patent number: 8998124
    Abstract: A device has a first electrically conductive component, a second electrically conductive component, and an electrically conductive nanocoating (ECN) electrically connecting the first electrically conductive component to the second electrically conductive component. An aircraft has an engine, a fuselage, and a device having a first electrically conductive component, a second electrically conductive component, and an electrically conductive nanocoating (ECN) electrically connecting the first electrically conductive component to the second electrically conductive component. A method of providing an electrical conduction path includes providing a first electrically conductive component, providing a second electrically conductive component, and decreasing an electrical resistance between the first electrically conductive component and the second electrically conductive component using an electrically conductive nanocoating (ECN).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Sottiaux, Hunter Davis
  • Patent number: 8999097
    Abstract: A fabrication method for providing a relatively smooth surface associated with lightning strike protection for composite materials joined with fasteners recessed below the surface is described. The method includes coating at least one of a head of the fastener and a preformed dielectric insert with an adhesive, inserting the preformed dielectric insert into the recess such that the adhesive engages both contours of the recess and the preformed dielectric insert, and removing any excess adhesive from the surface area of the composite material and a top surface of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kathryn Louise Gehrett, James Francis Kirchner, Kelly Lee Clark
  • Patent number: 8859895
    Abstract: A method for vertically grounding and leading down form a center of a composite pole tower includes the following steps: extending a ground down-leading wire from a center of a ground wire cross arm which is made of metal and is positioned on top of the pole tower, wherein the ground down-leading wire is vertically leaded down to the earth form the center of the composite pole tower, wherein when an lower portion of the tower body is a metal pipe, the ground down-leading wire is extended from the center of the composite material and is directly connected to the metal pipe. The method utilizes the advantage of the insulating intensity of the wall of the composite pole tower and enhances the insulating intensity of the transmission line on impact of lightning. The ground down-leading wires are prevented from short-circuiting with the tower body of the composite pole tower, so that advantage of the insulating property of the composite material of the pole towers is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: State Grid Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventors: Zhusen Sun, Qiang Zhang, Minghua Li, Zhijun Li, Ting Liu, Feng Huo, Min Dai, Kai Liu, Xiong Wu, Dingxie Gu, Peihong Zhou, Ying Lou, Zhenqiang Li, Huiwen He
  • Publication number: 20140252164
    Abstract: A device has a first electrically conductive component, a second electrically conductive component, and an electrically conductive nanocoating (ECN) electrically connecting the first electrically conductive component to the second electrically conductive component. An aircraft has an engine, a fuselage, and a device having a first electrically conductive component, a second electrically conductive component, and an electrically conductive nanocoating (ECN) electrically connecting the first electrically conductive component to the second electrically conductive component. A method of providing an electrical conduction path includes providing a first electrically conductive component, providing a second electrically conductive component, and decreasing an electrical resistance between the first electrically conductive component and the second electrically conductive component using an electrically conductive nanocoating (ECN).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Sottiaux, Hunter Davis
  • Patent number: 8785769
    Abstract: A method for vertically grounding and leading down form an inner side of a composite pole tower and pole tower thereof, wherein the method includes the following steps: extending an upper metal cross arm from an extended line of at least one side of a ground wire cross arm which is made of metal, vertically leading down a ground down-leading wire from a distal end of the upper metal cross arm, connecting the ground down-leading wire to the pole tower via a lower metal cross arm at a distance under a lower lead, and grounding the ground down-leading wire along a tower body of the pole tower, wherein when an lower portion of the tower body is a metal pipe, the ground down-leading wire is selectively directly connected to the metal pipe via the lower metal cross arm. The upper metal cross arm and the lower cross arm are able to provide a distance between the ground down-leading wire and the pole tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignees: Shenzhen Power Supply Burea of Guangdong Power Grid Corp., State Grid Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventors: Zhijun Li, Hanming Li, Ting Liu, Qianhu Wei, Feng Huo, Ming Zhan, Min Dai, Shicong Deng, Kai Liu, Ning Cao, Xiong Wu, Yuhua Zhang, Dingxie Gu, Weicai Zhou, Peihong Zhou, Zhenqiang Li, Ying Lou, Huiwen He
  • Patent number: 8786994
    Abstract: A configuration includes a surge arrester. The surge arrester includes first and second connecting terminals. At least one connecting terminal is connected to an electrically conductive connecting path to contact the surge arrester. The connecting path is mounted in a universally jointed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gundolf Barenthin, Erhard Pippert, Dirk Springborn, Markus Sulitze
  • Patent number: 8785768
    Abstract: A method for vertically grounding and leading down form an outer side of a composite pole tower and pole tower thereof, wherein the method includes the following steps: extending an upper metal cross arm from an extended line of at least one side of a ground wire cross arm, vertically leading down a ground down-leading wire from a distal end of the upper metal cross arm, connecting the ground down-leading wire to the pole tower via a lower metal cross arm at a distance under a lower lead, and grounding the ground down-leading wire along a tower body of the pole tower, wherein when an lower portion of the tower body is a metal pipe, the ground down-leading wire is selectively directly connected to the metal pipe via the lower metal cross arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignees: Shenzhen Power Supply Burea of Guangdong Power Grid Corp., State Grid Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventors: Hanming Li, Zhijun Li, Qianhu Wei, Ting Liu, Shicong Deng, Feng Huo, Ming Zhan, Min Dai, Weicai Zhou, Kai Liu, Yuhua Zhang, Xiong Wu, Ning Cao, Dingxie Gu, Peihong Zhou, Huiwen He, Ying Lou, Zhenqiang Li
  • Patent number: 8759692
    Abstract: A composite gasket for sealing, lightning strike protection and EMI shielding is provided. The gasket has a resilient conductive mesh sheet embedded with an elastomer gel layer. The conductive mesh is corrugated to provide a series of repeating waveforms, providing the gasket with a lower deflection force, better corrosion resistance, protection against lightning strikes and a higher EMI shielding capability. A second elastomer can be used around the edge portions of the gasket for improved abrasion resistance and increased tensile strength. A fiberglass sheet can be incorporated in the mesh for added reinforcement and support. The gaskets of the invention can be used on external aircraft components, such as external aircraft antenna mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Michael H. Bunyan, George R. Watchko, William G. Lionetta
  • Publication number: 20140096991
    Abstract: Provided is a coupling structure for airframe components that is capable of ensuring sufficient lightning protection capability. A conductive pattern part 40 made of a conductive material is formed around each fastener member 24 between wing surface panels 21A and 21B. The conductive pattern part 40 is formed, for example, around each of holes 21c and 21d on the plane on which the wing surface panel 21A and the wing surface panel 21B abut against each other. Then, the conductive pattern part 40 is pushed against both the wing surface panel 21A and the wing surface panel 21B by the fastening power of the fastener members 24, whereby electrical conduction between the wing surface panel 21A and the wing surface panel 21B can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji KAWAHARA, Hideo YAMAKOSHI, Yuichiro KAMINO, Atsuhiro IYOMASA, Toru HASHIGAMI
  • Patent number: 8674216
    Abstract: An early streamer emission terminal is disclosed. According to some embodiments, the early streamer emission terminal can create an upward propagating streamer earlier than conventional lightning protection systems and/or devices. In particular, the early streamer emission terminal can collect ground charges during an initial phase of thunderstorm development. When a thunderstorm begins to generate downward step leaders, the ambient electric field around a grounded lightning protection system can induce a current into the grounded lightning protection system. The induced current can include a flow of negative charge toward the ground, while a positive charge can be released to form an upward streamer. The construction of the early streamer emission terminal can trigger the flow of positive upward charge microseconds earlier than traditional lightning rods or other similar devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Alltec LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Bean, Woei Chiang Lee
  • Publication number: 20130213685
    Abstract: A composite structure comprising a matrix and a reinforcement. The matrix comprises a substantially nonconductive material. The reinforcement comprises a conductive material. The reinforcement is located within the matrix to form a composite layer. A portion of the reinforcement is exposed at a surface of the composite layer such that electrical conductivity of the composite layer is increased in a direction substantially perpendicular to the composite layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Kevin O'Brien Gaw
  • Patent number: 8481851
    Abstract: A variable-length lightning strike down-conductor is provided that allows for optimized ground path length, where excess down-conductor (grounding) cable is tightly coiled (e.g., as a mono-spiral coil) on a cable reel. Specifically, a primary down-conductor cable from an adjustable-length air terminal is clamped between the air terminal and the cable reel at any intermediate length, and the clamp is shunted to the ground plane (e.g., earth ground) through a second low-impedance down-conductor cable, as opposed to the high-impedance coiled down-conductor cable, thus increasing down-conductor effectiveness by reducing the impedance seen by a lightning strike to reach the ground plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: John P. Higby
  • Patent number: 8461452
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for directing a lightning current within a wind turbine. The arrangement includes a first component, a second component, a contact element and a guideway. One of the two components is arranged moveably in relation to the other. The contact element is arranged in a way that the first component is electrically connected to the second component in order to direct a lightning current within the wind turbine. The contact element is guided moveably by the guideway. According to the invention, the guideway is at least partly integrated in the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thorkil Munk-Hansen, Rune Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20130118770
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fiber composite plastic component with integrated lightning protection. The steps include, for a positive mold, automatically laying down a ribbon-form pre-preg material or dry ribbon-form reinforcing fiber strands onto the mold. Then, automatically laying down a ribbon-form lightning protection material onto the pre-preg material or the reinforcing fiber strands. For a negative mold, the steps include automatically laying down the lightning protection material on the negative mold, then automatically laying down the pre-preg material or the dry reinforcing fiber strands onto the positioned lightning protection material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventor: Airbus Operations GmbH
  • Patent number: 8436243
    Abstract: An anti-lightning system for a composite structure having an external surface liable to be subjected to an air flow, the aforementioned system including at least one electrically conducting strip and fasteners fastening the aforementioned strip to the structure, the aforementioned strip being electrically connected to an electrical earth for removing current. According the disclosed embodiments, the aforementioned strip has a shape intended to collaborate with a housing created at the aforementioned external surface so that the external surface of the strip lies flush with the aforementioned external surface of the structure, and the aforementioned fasteners include an upper part flush with the external surface of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Olivier Gattus, Charles Lambert, Jacques Fournie, Jean-Christope Loche, Mathieu Giraudineau, Gautier Destombes, Gilles Mercadier, Patrick Lieven, Damien Binaud