Patents by Inventor Clifton P. Breay
Clifton P. Breay has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9797535Abstract: A bonding clip is provided in combination with a fluid conduit coupling that interconnects fluid conveying members. The bonding clip conducts electrical charge across the coupling to prevent buildup of electrostatic charges in the coupling. In one aspect of the invention, it may be considered a bonding clip. In another aspect, it may be considered the combination including the bonding clip and coupler. The invention also includes a method for dissipating electrostatic charge across a coupling used to interconnect fluid conveying members. In a preferred embodiment of the bonding clip, it includes a continuous flexible wire element mounted exteriorly of the coupling. The bonding clip is formed in a shape to connect the facing flanges of adjacent fluid conveying lines connected by the coupler, and to pass over the coupler with a defined gap separating a bridge portion of the clip from exterior surfaces of the coupler.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Richard Lowell Statler, III, Clifton P. Breay
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Patent number: 9791076Abstract: A swage visual indicator for a fluid coupling is disclosed and related methods. The swage visual indicator is achieved by a non-destructive visual indication of a swaging process by one or more swage apertures formed through a flange filled with an indicator material. The swage apertures communicate with swaging grooves of the fluid conveying components being joined. As the swaging process is conducted, the swaging grooves are filled with material from one of the fluid conveying components, and the indicator material within the aperture(s) is therefore displaced in a direction toward the exposed exterior surface of the flange. According to a successful swaging process, the indicator material is displaced to a degree such that the indicator material is visible by the unaided eye of an inspector.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Jon Wallace Neal, Robert Charles Shown, Clifton P. Breay
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Patent number: 9618148Abstract: The invention comprises dielectric isolators for use in aircraft fuel systems to control lightning induced current and allow dissipation of electrostatic charge. The dielectric isolators are configured to have a high enough impedance to limit lightning currents to low levels, but low enough impedance to allow electrostatic charge to dissipate without allowing buildup. Although the dielectric isolators may develop a potential difference across the dielectric length due to the effects of lightning currents and its inherent impedance, they are configured to withstand these induced voltages without dielectric breakdown or performance degradation. In one embodiment, the dielectric isolator includes a tube constructed of a composition including a thermoplastic organic polymer (e.g., PEEK) and carbon nanotubes, and a pair of fittings attached to opposing ends of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Clifton P. Breay, Sara D. Pfannenstiel, Stephen C. Matthews, Edward W. S. Bryant
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Patent number: 9470352Abstract: The composite tube comprises a tubular arrangement of knitted fiber having plurality of interlocking loops. The knitted pattern allows for variable electrical, mechanical and geometrical options. A matrix material is applied over the knitted fiber pattern and is allowed to cure. The matrix material may be applied by a vacuum bag molding process. The flexible knitted reinforcing layer allows use of an inflatable bladder to hold the reinforcing layer in the desired shape, thereby facilitating tube constructions of varying shapes and diameters. Continuous application of the matrix material avoids overlapping seams that are prone to delamination. Identification and labeling of the composite tube may be achieved with distinguishing knitted patterns having different types and colors of knitted fibers within the knitted reinforcing layer. A clear or translucent matrix material enables viewing of the underlying knitted patterns.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Nicholas Clancy Schooley, David Ethan Maretich, Jon Wallace Neal, Richard L. Statler, III, Clifton P. Breay
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Patent number: 9366365Abstract: The composite tube comprises a tubular arrangement of knitted fiber characterized by a plurality of interlocking loops. The tubular knitted pattern allows for variable electrical, mechanical and geometrical tube options. A matrix material is applied over the knitted fiber pattern and is allowed to cure. The matrix material may include a combination of resin and epoxy constituents. The matrix material may be applied by a vacuum bag molding process. The flexible knitted reinforcing layer allows use of an inflatable bladder to hold the reinforcing layer in the desired shape, thereby facilitating tube constructions of varying shapes and diameters. Continuous application of the matrix material avoids overlapping seams that are prone to delamination. Methods are provided for reinforcing the composite tube construction including one or more folded layers of knitted fiber, a reinforcing wrap made of knitted fiber, and an inflatable balloon element in combination with a layer(s) of knitted fiber.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Andreas Manfred Gauckler, Joseph Brice Diller, Richard L. Statler, III, David Ethan Maretich, Nicholas Clancy Schooley, Clifton P. Breay
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Publication number: 20160069495Abstract: A bonding clip is provided in combination with a fluid conduit coupling that interconnects fluid conveying members. The bonding clip conducts electrical charge across the coupling to prevent buildup of electrostatic charges in the coupling. In one aspect of the invention, it may be considered a bonding clip. In another aspect, it may be considered the combination including the bonding clip and coupler. The invention also includes a method for dissipating electrostatic charge across a coupling used to interconnect fluid conveying members. In a preferred embodiment of the bonding clip, it includes a continuous flexible wire element mounted exteriorly of the coupling. The bonding clip is formed in a shape to connect the facing flanges of adjacent fluid conveying lines connected by the coupler, and to pass over the coupler with a defined gap separating a bridge portion of the clip from exterior surfaces of the coupler.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2014Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: Richard Lowell STATLER, III, Clifton P. BREAY
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Patent number: 9234615Abstract: The present application is directed to dielectric isolators for use in aircraft fuel systems to control lightning induced current and allow dissipation of electrostatic charge. The dielectric isolators are configured to have a high enough impedance to limit lightning currents to low levels, but low enough impedance to allow electrostatic charge to dissipate without allowing buildup. Although the dielectric isolators may develop a potential difference across the dielectric length due to the effects of lightning currents and its inherent impedance, they are configured to withstand these induced voltages without dielectric breakdown or performance degradation. In one embodiment, the dielectric isolator includes a tube constructed of a composition including a thermoplastic organic polymer (e.g., PEEK) and carbon nanotubes, and a pair of couplings attached to opposing ends of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2011Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Clifton P. Breay, Sara D. Pfannenstiel, Stephen C. Matthews, Edward W. S. Bryant
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Patent number: 9136036Abstract: A thermoplastic composite material, which includes a thermoplastic, organic polymer; and a plurality of carbon nanotubes, is provided. The thermoplastic composite material exhibits a bulk volume resistivity of about 103 ?-cm (ohm cm) to 1010 ?-cm at 5,000 volts. Such thermoplastic composite materials may find utility in applications that require the thermoplastic to be capable of withstanding high voltage spikes, as would be encountered during a lightning strike.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Miller Waster MillsInventors: Edward W. S. Bryant, Clifton P. Breay
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Patent number: 9111665Abstract: An electrically tuned composite tube comprises a tubular arrangement of a knitted reinforcement layer. Selected knitted patterns provide desired density or spacing between fibers of the reinforcement layer. A mesh element is also incorporated in the tube construction to precisely control resistivity and conductivity performance characteristics by selecting the mesh element from one or more conductive or non-conductive fibers or wires. The mesh element may include a tubular arrangement of fiber or wire provided in a knitted pattern or a woven pattern. A matrix material is applied over the knitted reinforcement layer and mesh element, and is allowed to cure for a single matrix layer. Alternatively, a first tube can be constructed with only the knitted reinforcement layer and matrix material, and the mesh element is added afterwards with another layer of matrix material applied over the exterior surface of the first tube.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Andreas Manfred Gauckler, Richard L. Statler, III, Clifton P. Breay
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Publication number: 20150123394Abstract: The invention comprises dielectric isolators for use in aircraft fuel systems to control lightning induced current and allow dissipation of electrostatic charge. The dielectric isolators are configured to have a high enough impedance to limit lightning currents to low levels, but low enough impedance to allow electrostatic charge to dissipate without allowing buildup. Although the dielectric isolators may develop a potential difference across the dielectric length due to the effects of lightning currents and its inherent impedance, they are configured to withstand these induced voltages without dielectric breakdown or performance degradation. In one embodiment, the dielectric isolator includes a tube constructed of a composition including a thermoplastic organic polymer (e.g., PEEK) and carbon nanotubes, and a pair of fittings attached to opposing ends of the tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2015Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Clifton P. Breay, Sara D. Pfannenstiel, Stephen C. Matthews, Edward W.S. Bryant
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Patent number: 9022077Abstract: The composite tube comprises a tubular arrangement of knitted fiber characterized by a plurality of interlocking loops. Selected knitted patterns provide desired density or spacing between fibers. Selected fibers may include materials such as Kevlar®, carbon fiber, and combinations thereof. The tubular knitted pattern allows for variable electrical, mechanical and geometrical options. A matrix material is applied over the knitted fiber pattern and is allowed to cure. The matrix material may include a combination of resin and epoxy constituents. The matrix material may be applied by a vacuum bag molding process. Electrical and mechanical properties can also be controlled by selecting desired resin and epoxy constituents. The flexible knitted reinforcing layer allows use of an inflatable bladder to hold the reinforcing layer in the desired shape, thereby facilitating tube constructions of varying shapes and diameters.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2010Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Richard L. Statler, III, Clifton P. Breay
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Patent number: 8956556Abstract: The present application is directed to dielectric isolators for use in aircraft fuel systems to control lightning induced current and allow dissipation of electrostatic charge. The dielectric isolators are configured to have a high enough impedance to limit lightning currents to low levels, but low enough impedance to allow electrostatic charge to dissipate without allowing buildup. Although the dielectric isolators may develop a potential difference across the dielectric length due to the effects of lightning currents and its inherent impedance, they are configured to withstand these induced voltages without dielectric breakdown or performance degradation. In one embodiment, the dielectric isolator includes a tube constructed of a composition including a thermoplastic organic polymer (e.g., PEEK) and carbon nanotubes, and a pair of fittings attached to opposing ends of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Clifton P. Breay, Sara D. Pfannenstiel, Stephen C. Matthews, Edward W. S. Bryant
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Publication number: 20130284299Abstract: The composite tube comprises a tubular arrangement of knitted fiber having plurality of interlocking loops. The knitted pattern allows for variable electrical, mechanical and geometrical options. A matrix material is applied over the knitted fiber pattern and is allowed to cure. The matrix material may be applied by a vacuum bag molding process. The flexible knitted reinforcing layer allows use of an inflatable bladder to hold the reinforcing layer in the desired shape, thereby facilitating tube constructions of varying shapes and diameters. Continuous application of the matrix material avoids overlapping seams that are prone to delamination. Identification and labeling of the composite tube may be achieved with distinguishing knitted patterns having different types and colors of knitted fibers within the knitted reinforcing layer. A clear or translucent matrix material enables viewing of the underlying knitted patterns.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Nicholas Clancy Schooley, David Ethan Maretich, Jon Wallace Neal, Richard L. Statler, III, Clifton P. Breay
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Publication number: 20130284303Abstract: The composite tube comprises a tubular arrangement of knitted fiber characterized by a plurality of interlocking loops. The tubular knitted pattern allows for variable electrical, mechanical and geometrical tube options. A matrix material is applied over the knitted fiber pattern and is allowed to cure. The matrix material may include a combination of resin and epoxy constituents. The matrix material may be applied by a vacuum bag molding process. The flexible knitted reinforcing layer allows use of an inflatable bladder to hold the reinforcing layer in the desired shape, thereby facilitating tube constructions of varying shapes and diameters. Continuous application of the matrix material avoids overlapping seams that are prone to delamination. Methods are provided for reinforcing the composite tube construction including one or more folded layers of knitted fiber, a reinforcing wrap made of knitted fiber, and an inflatable balloon element in combination with a layer(s) of knitted fiber.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Andreas Manfred Gauckler, Joseph Brice Diller, Richard L. Statler, III, David Ethan Maretich, Nicholas Clancy Schooley, Clifton P. Breay
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Publication number: 20130277960Abstract: A swage visual indicator for a fluid coupling is disclosed and related methods. The swage visual indicator is achieved by a non-destructive visual indication of a swaging process by one or more swage apertures formed through a flange filled with an indicator material. The swage apertures communicate with swaging grooves of the fluid conveying components being joined. As the swaging process is conducted, the swaging grooves are filled with material from one of the fluid conveying components, and the indicator material within the aperture(s) is therefore displaced in a direction toward the exposed exterior surface of the flange. According to a successful swaging process, the indicator material is displaced to a degree such that the indicator material is visible by the unaided eye of an inspector.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Jon Wallace Neal, Robert Charles Shown, Clifton P. Breay
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Publication number: 20130277083Abstract: An electrically tuned composite tube comprises a tubular arrangement of a knitted reinforcement layer. Selected knitted patterns provide desired density or spacing between fibers of the reinforcement layer. A mesh element is also incorporated in the tube construction to precisely control resistivity and conductivity performance characteristics by selecting the mesh element from one or more conductive or non-conductive fibers or wires. The mesh element may include a tubular arrangement of fiber or wire provided in a knitted pattern or a woven pattern. A matrix material is applied over the knitted reinforcement layer and mesh element, and is allowed to cure for a single matrix layer. Alternatively, a first tube can be constructed with only the knitted reinforcement layer and matrix material, and the mesh element is added afterwards with another layer of matrix material applied over the exterior surface of the first tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Andreas Manfred Gauckler, Richard L. Statler, III, Clifton P. Breay
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Publication number: 20120168012Abstract: The composite tube comprises a tubular arrangement of knitted fiber characterized by a plurality of interlocking loops. Selected knitted patterns provide desired density or spacing between fibers. Selected fibers may include materials such as Kevlar®, carbon fiber, and combinations thereof. The tubular knitted pattern allows for variable electrical, mechanical and geometrical options. A matrix material is applied over the knitted fiber pattern and is allowed to cure. The matrix material may include a combination of resin and epoxy constituents. The matrix material may be applied by a vacuum bag molding process. Electrical and mechanical properties can also be controlled by selecting desired resin and epoxy constituents. The flexible knitted reinforcing layer allows use of an inflatable bladder to hold the reinforcing layer in the desired shape, thereby facilitating tube constructions of varying shapes and diameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2010Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventors: Richard L. Statler, III, Clifton P. Breay
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Publication number: 20120012219Abstract: The present application is directed to dielectric isolators for use in aircraft fuel systems to control lightning induced current and allow dissipation of electrostatic charge. The dielectric isolators are configured to have a high enough impedance to limit lightning currents to low levels, but low enough impedance to allow electrostatic charge to dissipate without allowing buildup. Although the dielectric isolators may develop a potential difference across the dielectric length due to the effects of lightning currents and its inherent impedance, they are configured to withstand these induced voltages without dielectric breakdown or performance degradation. In one embodiment, the dielectric isolator includes a tube constructed of a composition including a thermoplastic organic polymer (e.g., PEEK) and carbon nanotubes, and a pair of couplings attached to opposing ends of the tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: EATON CORPORATIONInventors: Clifton P. Breay, Sara D. Pfannenstiel, Stephen C. Matthews, Edward W. S. Bryant
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Patent number: 8075024Abstract: A coupling assembly for releasably interconnecting a fluid joint. The fluid joint includes confronting ends of a pair of fluid conveying members, each of which has a ferrule fixedly attached thereto, and a sleeve circumferentially surrounding the ferrules. The coupling assembly includes a pair of coupling members, a hinge assembly configured to hingedly connect the first ends of the coupling members to permit them to rotate relative to each other between an open position and a closed position where the coupling members surround the sleeve, a pair of bonding wires, each of which is coupled to a respective coupling member and configured to electrically bond the respective coupling member to the ferrules of respective fluid conveying members, and a releasable latching assembly configured to releasably secure the second ends of the coupling members together when they are in their closed position.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: David E. Wern, Clifton P. Breay, Richard L. Statler, III
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Patent number: 8003014Abstract: The present application is directed to dielectric isolators for use in aircraft fuel systems to control lightning induced current and allow dissipation of electrostatic charge. The dielectric isolators are configured to have a high enough impedance to limit lightning currents to low levels, but low enough impedance to allow electrostatic charge to dissipate without allowing buildup. Although the dielectric isolators may develop a potential difference across the dielectric length due to the effects of lightning currents and its inherent impedance, they are configured to withstand these induced voltages without dielectric breakdown or performance degradation. In one embodiment, the dielectric isolator includes a tube constructed of a composition including a thermoplastic organic polymer (e.g., PEEK) and carbon nanotubes, and a pair of couplings attached to opposing ends of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Clifton P. Breay, Sara D. Pfannenstiel, Stephen C. Matthews, Edward W. S. Bryant