Of Storage Or Hazardous Area Or Fluid Handling Patents (Class 361/215)
  • Patent number: 11530633
    Abstract: A system and method of safely servicing a liquid-tight container installed in a location where flammable vapors or electrostatic shock exist, where the structure of the container is fabricated of a non-conductive material. The electrostatic charge build-up inside the container is achieved by coating the inside surface with a dissipative plastic and connecting the dissipative coating to a conductive feed-through with a metallic layer, where at least one of the metallic layer or the conductive layer extends over at least the region between a lower design fill level and an upper design fill level. The conductive feed-through is connected to a system static ground point which is isolated from electronic power supply grounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Gebhard, Adam Kempers, Jeremy Gallagher
  • Patent number: 11031198
    Abstract: An arrangement has an electrical device with two or more electrical contact points. A fluid-based reference potential connecting device is suitable for connecting the electrical contact points to a reference potential. The fluid-based reference potential connecting device has an annular fluid line which connects the contact points in series, and, when a fluid flows through the fluid line, the fluid successively wets the contact points, starting from a starting point, contact point by contact point, along a predefined flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ulrich Zahner
  • Patent number: 10926724
    Abstract: An electrostatic discharge assembly for a vehicle includes a conductive plastic tether and a pipe connector. The conductive plastic tether has a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be connected to a vehicle frame. The pipe connector is configured to connect the second end of the conductive plastic tether to a first fuel pipe of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Michael Dawe, Carson Chandler Beauchaine
  • Patent number: 10876606
    Abstract: A tensioner comprising a base, a ring engaged with the base, the ring rotatable about a center “C” within a base opening, a pulley journalled to the ring, a pivot arm pivotally engaged with the ring, a pulley journalled to the pivot arm, a torsion spring disposed between the ring and the pivot arm for urging the pivot arm, a damping assembly frictionally disposed between the base and the ring, a spring applying a normal load to the damping material, and the damping material having a resistance in the range of greater than 0? up to approximately 10,000?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Sukhdeep Singh, Sangkyu Kim, Anil Bhalla, Michael Koppeser
  • Patent number: 10766760
    Abstract: In an example, a method of supplying fuel to a fuel tank of a vehicle includes supplying, via a fuel line, fuel to a fuel tank of a vehicle at an initial rate of fuel flow, which causes an electrostatic charge to accumulate on a surface of the fuel in the fuel tank. The method also includes exposing an air medium in the fuel tank to ionizing radiation to increase a level of ionization of an air medium in the fuel tank and increase a rate of dissipation of the electrostatic charge. The method includes determining the level of ionization of the air medium in the fuel tank, and determining an increased rate of fuel flow based on a difference between the determined level of ionization and a baseline level of ionization. The method further includes supplying the fuel to the fuel tank at the increased rate of fuel flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brian Tillotson, Carol Elizabeth Anway
  • Patent number: 10111310
    Abstract: A water treatment device is provided to remove static or stray electricity from water. The device includes a pipe though which the water flows, with an electrical coil within the pipe. The coil captures or collects the electricity and transmits electricity to ground via a ground wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventor: Steven E. Sneller
  • Patent number: 9336924
    Abstract: A self-wrapping, textile sleeve for routing and protecting elongate members from exposure to abrasion, thermal and other environmental conditions and method on construction thereof. The sleeve has an elongate wall constructed from interlaced yarns having interstices between adjacent yarns. At least one of the yarns is heat formed at one temperature to form the wall as a self-wrapping wall curling about a longitudinal axis of the sleeve. The wall has an inner surface providing a generally tubular cavity in which the elongate members are received. The wall also has an outer surface with a cured layer thereon. The cured layer is cured at the one temperature at which the yarns are heat formed into their self-wrapping configuration, wherein the cured layer fills the interstices between adjunct yarns to form an impervious layer on the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Cassie Malloy, Ramesh R. Avula
  • Patent number: 9309994
    Abstract: A dielectric fitting assembly for mounting on a support includes a mounting bracket including an hollow body defining a central cavity therein and extending along a longitudinal axis; and a tubular component received within the cavity, wherein the hollow body includes an internal wall surface defining a gap between the hollow body and the tubular component, wherein the bracket includes at least one port along the hollow body, fluidly connecting with the gap, and through which adhesive can be directed into the gap between the bracket and tubular component for fixing the component to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron Joseph Buchok, Andrew Eric Mau
  • Publication number: 20150103463
    Abstract: A tank which has at least one at least partially electrically conductive container, an electric component arranged in the fuel tank, and a cover to close an opening for the electric component, the tank allowing grounding in a simple manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Karl NABERNEGG
  • Patent number: 9004453
    Abstract: A tapping fitting, particularly a flap or ball cock, with a fitting housing made from plastic for connection to a drain spigot of a plastic container for liquids, particularly an interior container of a transport and storage container, wherein the fitting housing is provided with a conductive device at least part of which is made from electrically conductive plastic for dissipating an electrostatic charge, wherein the conductive device is the conductive device has an integrally conformed earthing conductor for the electrically conductive connection of the conductive device to a ground potential and is also connected integrally with the fitting housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Protechna S.A.
    Inventor: Udo Schütz
  • Patent number: 8997783
    Abstract: A liquid filter housing which comprises a housing pot of two-layered configuration and a housing cover closing the housing pot. The housing pot and the housing cover mutually enclose an interior, wherein the inner layer of the housing pot facing the interior is manufactured from an electrically conductive plastic material and the outer layer of the housing pot facing away from the interior from an electrically insulating plastic material. An especially good mechanical connection is achieved between the two layers by the inner layer and the outer layer being connected to one another in a positive-locking manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jelena Zachovalova, Zdenek Frcek, Bedrich Gaidarus, Martin Krystof
  • Patent number: 9001488
    Abstract: A bonding system for a tank battery containing a flammable or combustible product being stored or conveyed, including a bonding conductor, an electrically conductive base member mounted on the tank, the electrically-conductive base member electrically connected to the bonding conductor and to ground installed within each tank and also including a flexible conductive medium with an upper end and a lower end and a plurality of fine electrically-conductive metal wires each having a proximal end and a terminal end, the proximal ends of which are intertwined with the flexible conductive medium to be in electrical connection with the electrical conductive medium, the upper end of the flexible conductive medium electrically connected with the electrically conductive base member and a plurality of static drains located proximate to the highest points of the tank battery and electrically bonded to said bonding conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Lightning Master Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce A. Kaiser, James R. Oldham, John R. Battle
  • Patent number: 8947846
    Abstract: A device for protecting piping from lightning. The piping includes tubular metal sections connected to each other by connection parts, a first portion of the connection parts being plastic material parts and a second portion of the connection parts being metal parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Alexis Courpet, Thomas Barre, Matthieu Biteau, Olivier Bourbon, Jean Marc Roques
  • Patent number: 8894014
    Abstract: A firing prevention structure of a fuel tank is provided with a double sleeve to pass through a hole formed in a rib, and a supporting structure to support a pipe to pass through the double sleeve. The supporting structure is attached to the rib. The supporting structure is provided with an insulating section which electrically insulates the pipe and the rib. The double sleeve is formed of electrically insulating material. Thus, an ignition source in the fuel tank is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Futoshi Yonezawa
  • Publication number: 20140240887
    Abstract: A charge neutralization system is provided. The charge neutralization system includes a reservoir, a plasma generator and a flow restricting transfer line. The reservoir is configured to hold matter to be ionized under pressure. The plasma generator is configured and arranged to create a neutral energy plasma on a vehicle from the matter to be ionized. The flow restricting transfer line provides a fluid communication between the reservoir and the plasma generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: John S. Canham
  • Patent number: 8817448
    Abstract: A static dissipating assembly dissipates static from a vehicle to prevent accidental ignition of flammable fumes while replenishing a fuel supply for a vehicle. The assembly includes a conductive strap having a first end and a second end. A first connector is coupled to the first end of the strap. The first connector is configured for coupling to a fuel dispensing nozzle. A second connector is coupled to the second end of the strap. The second connector is configured for coupling to a vehicle proximate a fuel port of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Eric R. Maurer
  • Publication number: 20140198425
    Abstract: A groundable fuel delivery module (1) for a fuel tank (3) is proposed. Here, the fuel delivery module (1) has a first element (5) composed of non-conductive material. Here, the first element (5) may be for example a tank flange (7) or a filter housing (9). The fuel delivery module (1) furthermore has an electrically conductive structure (11) which is designed to connect the first element (5) to a ground contact (13). Here, the electrically conductive structure (11) is sprayed onto the first element (5) for example by means of a two-component method or by means of a plasma spraying method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Beyer, Alexander Roeck, Hans-Peter Braun
  • Patent number: 8709249
    Abstract: A filter has a filter medium (10) during operation clears fluid, particularly in the form of hydraulic fluid. The filter medium (10) is made of a material such that the potential difference to the fluid to be cleaned is low. The parts of the filter medium (10) have different potentials with respect to each other and/or the fluid to be cleaned such that they cancel each other at least partially, specific dissipation is aspired, or a return of electric charge to the associated filter medium (10) is provided, using a charge equalization situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Hydac Filtertechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Schmitz, Edwin Koch, Matthias Schwender, Claudia Brocker
  • Patent number: 8654499
    Abstract: A pipe connector is disclosed, comprising two connector elements, arranged for interconnection of two pipes, wherein one or both of the connector elements is formed from electrically resistive material so as to provide electrical resistance between the connected pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventors: David Petit, Anthony Bryant
  • Publication number: 20130279062
    Abstract: A recording apparatus performing recording with a recording head mounted on a carriage capable of scanning with respect to a recording medium includes a circuit board provided on the carriage; a sheet metal member disposed on an upper surface of the carriage; a flexible wiring member which is disposed to draw around an outer surface of the carriage and makes the circuit board and an apparatus body side to be electrically connected; and a grounding spring which is disposed on the carriage and grounds the sheet metal member to the apparatus body side, wherein the grounding spring serves as a fixing member which fixes the flexible wiring member to the carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideyuki Kataoka
  • Patent number: 8562027
    Abstract: A fuel piping connection device for aircraft includes a male end fitting and a female end fitting that are configured to engage one another. The male and female end fittings are made of a resistive material that is an insulating material loaded with conducting fibers. Each of the male and female end fittings is configured to be bonded to a radial outer wall at an extremity of a respective tube in the fuel piping or to a radial outer wall at an extremity of a respective piping connector. Each of the male and female end fittings includes an inwardly projecting shoulder configured to engage with an axial end surface of the respective tube in the fuel piping or with an axial end surface of the respective piping connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Thomas Barre, Matthieu Biteau, Olivier Bourbon, Alexis Courpet, Jean-Marc Roques, Cedric Sable
  • Publication number: 20130182363
    Abstract: To eliminate charges accumulated inside a wall structure of a resin vessel 2, which is sterilized by an electron beam irradiator 16, an ionizer 134 disposed outside a filler 112 emits to the outer surface of the resin vessel 2 with negative ions having the same polarity as that of charges accumulated in the wall section of the resin vessel 2, while conveying the resin vessel 2 sterilized by the electron beam irradiator 16 to the filler 112, by which liquid fills the resin vessel 2. A filling nozzle 132 is connected to ground, and an ion flowing path is formed through a liquid column La filling the interior of the resin vessel 2 from the filling nozzle 132.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Toshiya KOBAYASHI, Mitsuomi NARITA, Tomohiko SUGIMORI, Tsunehiko YOKOI, Yukinobu NISHINO, Masami HAYASHI, Takashi KADOYA, Tokuo NISHI, Yukihiro YAMAMOTO, Takuya ONISHI, Takahiro KIDA, Kouichi MURATA
  • Publication number: 20130176656
    Abstract: A bonding system for a tank battery containing a flammable or combustible product being stored or conveyed, including a bonding conductor, an electrically conductive base member mounted on the tank, the electrically-conductive base member electrically connected to the bonding conductor and to ground installed within each tank and also including a flexible conductive medium with an upper end and a lower end and a plurality of fine electrically-conductive metal wires each having a proximal end and a terminal end, the proximal ends of which are intertwined with the flexible conductive medium to be in electrical connection with the electrical conductive medium, the upper end of the flexible conductive medium electrically connected with the electrically conductive base member and a plurality of static drains located proximate to the highest points of the tank battery and electrically bonded to said bonding conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Lightning Master Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce A. Kaisser, James R. Oldham, John R. Battle
  • Patent number: 8477471
    Abstract: A tapping armature having an armature housing is made from plastic for liquid transport and storage containers, which are equipped with a plastic inner container having a filling port and a drain port for connection of the tapping armature, an outer casing made from metal mesh or sheet metal, and a pallet-like base made from metal. The tapping armature with the filling port of the armature housing is screwed to a connecting flange designed as a threaded flange and made from an electrically non-conductive plastic material, which is welded to the drain port of the inner container. The connecting flange of the armature housing is connected to the base of the outer casing of the transport and storage container via an grounding lead made from an electrically conductive plastic material. The connecting flange and the grounding lead are produced in two production steps with an injection molding machine according to 2K technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Protechna S.A.
    Inventor: Udo Schuetz
  • Patent number: 8462480
    Abstract: An in-line gas ionizer has a gas inlet, an ionizing chamber, and a gas outlet, wherein at least one of the gas outlet and the ionizing chamber comprises static dissipative material which may be connected to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John Gorczyca, King K. Miller, Roger J. Peirce
  • Publication number: 20130099490
    Abstract: A method for improving conductance on hydraulic fittings by incorporating a soft metal interlayer between the fitting and a hydraulic tube, wherein the soft metal interlayer is located in an area where the fitting engages the hydraulic tube upon swaging or installation under pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Eddie Kwon, Michael E. Rorabaugh, Benjamin A. Johnson, James P. Irwin, Robert E. Fisher
  • Patent number: 8411405
    Abstract: A device 10 for electrically discharging samples of an electrically non-conductive liquid includes an electrically conductive outer member 12, an electrically conductive inner member 14 disposed within the outer member 12, an electrically conductive rod 16 with upper and lower plugs 18 and 19 secured thereto to maintain a non-conductive fluid in the device 10, non-conductive handles 20 and 22 secured to the outer and inner members 12 and 14, and an electrically conductive ground cable 26 detachably secured to the rod 16 to ultimately remove or reduce static charge in the electrically non-conductive liquid via the liquid engaging the outer member 12, inner member 14 and rod 16, which are electrically grounded via the cable 26.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventors: Michael J. Blackburn, Donald G. Flaynik, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8360117
    Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods are directed to monitoring a ground connection at a fueling facility. The system being configured to perform the method that includes measuring a vehicle ground quality. The method also includes determining a dispenser ground quality, evaluating the vehicle ground quality based on the dispenser ground quality and a threshold value, and controlling the dispensing of fuel based on the evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Masoud Hajiaghajani
  • Publication number: 20120147513
    Abstract: A portable, in-line conveyor grounding system includes an electrically conductive metal pipe having a material flow section, with an inner diameter greater than that of an inlet and outlet, and a metallic grating disposed in the material flow section. An inlet attachment device and an outlet attachment device, as well as an electrically conductive wire with a grounding clamp, is provided. An electrically insulating wrapping is wrapped about the conductive wire and electrically conductive pipe, with a section of the wire having the grounding clamp exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Carl P. Laird, Ralph W. Bardine
  • Publication number: 20120140372
    Abstract: A device 10 for electrically discharging samples of an electrically non-conductive liquid includes an electrically conductive outer member 12, an electrically conductive inner member 14 disposed within the outer member 12, an electrically conductive rod 16 with upper and lower plugs 18 and 19 secured thereto to maintain a non-conductive fluid in the device 10, non-conductive handles 20 and 22 secured to the outer and inner members 12 and 14, and an electrically conductive ground cable 26 detachably secured to the rod 16 to ultimately remove or reduce static charge in the electrically non-conductive liquid via the liquid engaging the outer member 12, inner member 14 and rod 16, which are electrically grounded via the cable 26.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Michael J. Blackburn, Donald G. Flaynik, JR.
  • Patent number: 8182682
    Abstract: Fluid treatment elements and assemblies include a spring-biased electrical contact arrangement to dissipate electrical charge from the fluid treatment pack and/or the end caps to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Vijay Y. Rajadhyaksha, Leonard Bensch
  • Publication number: 20120103443
    Abstract: A coupling system is provided. The system comprises a first hydraulic line element that is electrically conductive at least inside, a second hydraulic line element, an electrically conductive intermediate element that projects by a first end thereof at least partially into the first hydraulic line element, a releasable fastening element configured to couple the electrically conductive intermediate element to the second hydraulic line element, and a conducting device coupled to a predetermined electric potential and connected in an electrically conductive manner to the electrically conductive intermediate element. In this way, the two hydraulic lines can be coupled in a releasable manner and dissipate electric charge that may build up in, for example, a fuel system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Andreas Franke
  • Publication number: 20120057267
    Abstract: A pipe connector is disclosed, comprising two connector elements, arranged for interconnection of two pipes, wherein one or both of the connector elements is formed from electrically resistive material so as to provide electrical resistance between the connected pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: David PETIT, Anthony BRYANT
  • Patent number: 8111497
    Abstract: A device 10 for electrically discharging samples of an electrically non-conductive liquid includes an electrically conductive outer member 12, an electrically conductive inner member 14 disposed within the outer member 12, an electrically conductive rod 16 with upper and lower plugs 18 and 19 secured thereto to maintain a non-conductive fluid in the device 10, non-conductive handles 20 and 22 secured to the outer and inner members 12 and 14, and an electrically conductive ground cable 26 detachably secured to the rod 16 to ultimately remove or reduce static charge in the electrically non-conductive liquid via the liquid engaging the outer member 12, inner member 14 and rod 16, which are electrically grounded via the cable 26.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventors: Michael J. Blackburn, Donald G. Flaynik, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7988086
    Abstract: Unsafe electric energies can exist in aircraft fuel tanks as a result of static build-up or induced currents from lightning strikes. The invention provides an aircraft fuel tank including two discharge paths for the safe discharge of electricity from the tank before it reaches levels where an arc, spark or other electric discharge, able to ignite fuel in the tank, could occur. The failure of both the discharge paths would significantly increase the risk of an ignition causing electrical discharge occurring. The tank thus also includes a circuit for monitoring the integrity of each discharge path. By having at least two discharge paths, should one discharge path fail (which failure being detected by the monitoring circuit, at least one alternative discharge path exists for the safe discharge of electrical energy from the fuel tank, until the failed discharge path is repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus UK Limited
    Inventors: Franklin George Tichborne, Kim Michael Ley
  • Patent number: 7866498
    Abstract: A liquid container (1) comprises a container body (2) with an outlet sleeve (3) having a free end (3a) defining an outlet opening, a drainage device (10) having a flange (11), and electrically conductive means (20) for discharging electrostatic charges from the container (1). The drainage device (10) comprises a tubular member (12) at least partly inserted into the outlet sleeve (3), and the electrically conductive means (20) comprise a first portion (21) interposed between the tubular member (12) of the drainage device (10) and the outlet sleeve (3) of the container body (2) and a second portion (22) connected to the first portion (21), disposed between the flange (11) and the free end (3a) of the outlet sleeve (3). The second portion (22) projects out of the drainage device (10). Particularly, the electrically conductive means are made of an electrically conductive plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Daviplast-Servicos De Consultoria, Sociedade Unipessoal Lda.
    Inventor: Virigino Cassina
  • Patent number: 7821763
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for preventing electrically induced gas fires involving gas tubing such as Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) and gas appliance connectors (GAC). Connectors for coupling the gas tubing to gas lines and appliances are affixed at each end of the tubing. These connectors are made of a conductive material. Conductive wire (i.e. mesh surrounding the gas tubing) provides a direct electrical contact between the end connectors. If an electrical charge goes to ground via the gas tubing, such as from a lightning strike or an appliance short, the current is carried between the end connectors by the conductive wire instead of the gas tubing itself, thereby preventing damage to the gas tubing from the current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Mark E. Goodson
  • Patent number: 7800883
    Abstract: A flange and hose assembly is provided for a fuel supply unit of a vehicle. The assembly includes a plastic flange 12 and an electrically conductive hose connector 16 extending from a surface of the flange and having an opening in communication with a fluid path through the flange. Discharge structure 28 is associated with the hose connector. The assembly also includes at least one hose 17 for carrying fuel. The hose has an electrically conductive inner layer 27 defining an inner diameter thereof. A portion 22 of the hose connector is received in within the inner diameter of the hose so that the portion contacts the inner layer 27 of the hose, with at least a portion of the discharge structure 28 being accessible outside of the hose. The discharge structure 28 is constructed and arranged to be electrically connected to a terminal of a wiring harness of the fuel supply unit to thereby discharge an electric load in the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthias Nederegger
  • Patent number: 7715169
    Abstract: Apparatus for electrically isolating interconnecting station nozzle and vehicle receptacle components during the refueling of high pressure gas into a vehicle tank comprising an electrically isolated vehicle tank inlet receptacle engageable with a refueling nozzle wherein the receptacle includes an assembly of mutually engageable electrically insulating media in conjunction with the vehicle receptacle mount to prevent electrical contact from the refueling nozzle to the vehicle chassis and gas tank in the refueling gas flow conduit system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventors: Steven R Mathison, Shiro Matsuo
  • Publication number: 20100039744
    Abstract: A device 10 for electrically discharging samples of an electrically non-conductive liquid includes an electrically conductive outer member 12, an electrically conductive inner member 14 disposed within the outer member 12, an electrically conductive rod 16 with upper and lower plugs 18 and 19 secured thereto to maintain a non-conductive fluid in the device 10, non-conductive handles 20 and 22 secured to the outer and inner members 12 and 14, and an electrically conductive ground cable 26 detachably secured to the rod 16 to ultimately remove or reduce static charge in the electrically non-conductive liquid via the liquid engaging the outer member 12, inner member 14 and rod 16, which are electrically grounded via the cable 26.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Michael J. Blackburn, Donald G. Flaynik, JR.
  • Patent number: 7656642
    Abstract: The invention relates to a means for preventing build-up of electrostatic potential in a fluid container during filling and/or discharging. The fluid container comprises electrical insulating materials and a valve means through which filling and/or discharging occurs. Means for reducing and/or eliminating electrical and/or electrostatic potential build-up during filling or discharging of the container is arranged in conjunction with the container walls. Such means may for example be arranged in conjunction with the valve means, reducing and/or changing the flow velocity of the fluid and/or the flow direction of the fluid during the filling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Ragasco AS
    Inventors: Rune Ulekleiv, Arild Hansen
  • Patent number: 7576966
    Abstract: A system and method for preventing sparking or arcing within a fuel tank area is provided. The method includes installing an electrical bond between a fuel access door to a fuel tank skin; isolating the fuel access door and the fuel tank skin; and installing a fuel seal between the inner side of the fuel tank skin and the fuel access door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Russell J. Heeter
  • Publication number: 20090073629
    Abstract: A grounding arrangement for an in-tank fuel system includes a fuel level sensor assembly of a fuel module comprising a conductive card body and a resister card supported on the conductive card body. The resister card includes a conductive trace in conductive contact with the conductive card body. The card body is conductively connected to a conductive fuel module component. The trace is adapted to be connected to the ground plane of a vehicle. Other traces on the resister card are in the electrical circuit of the fuel level sensor assembly. The fuel module further includes a conductive blade having a knife edge and in conductive contact with a conductive fuel module component. The knife edge cuts through the insulation of an insulated conductor to allow the knife edge to be in contact with the conductive element of the conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: TI Group Automotive Systems LLC
    Inventor: John R. Forgue
  • Publication number: 20090001078
    Abstract: A liquid container (1) comprises a container body (2) with an outlet sleeve (3) having a free end (3a) defining an outlet opening, a drainage device (10) having a flange (11), and electrically conductive means (20) for discharging electrostatic charges from the container (1). The drainage device (10) comprises a tubular member (12) at least partly inserted into the outlet sleeve (3), and the electrically conductive means (20) comprise a first portion (21) interposed between the tubular member (12) of the drainage device (10) and the outlet sleeve (3) of the container body (2) and a second portion (22) connected to the first portion (21), disposed between the flange (11) and the free end (3a) of the outlet sleeve (3). The second portion (22) projects out of the drainage device (10). Particularly, the electrically conductive means are made of an electrically conductive plastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Daviplast-Servicos De Consultoria, Sociedade Unipe
    Inventor: Virigino Cassina
  • Publication number: 20080297967
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a wall, an internal structure, and a fastener. The wall has a conductive surface and a countersunk hole. The countersunk hole passes through the internal structure. The fastener has an interference fit within the countersunk hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Dale B. Winter, Jeffrey D. Morgan, Steven C. Steckmyer, Kevin D. Pate, Darrin M. Hansen, John R. Porter, Jeffrey Sutton, Russell J. Heeter, James F. Huffaker
  • Patent number: 7408758
    Abstract: A fueling environment's safety is improved by adding static charge sensors to the fuel dispenser and its peripherals. The static charge sensors detect static charge proximate the fuel dispenser and provide an indication of the static charge to a threshold detector. If the static charge is above a predetermined threshold, one or more safety devices may be activated to disperse or reduce the amount of hydrocarbon vapors proximate the fuel dispenser. Reduction in the amount of hydrocarbon vapors proximate the fuel dispenser helps reduce the risk of harm from the static charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Howard M. Myers, Thomas J. Park, Benjamin T. Siler
  • Publication number: 20080043398
    Abstract: The invention relates to a means for preventing build-up of electrostatic potential in a fluid container during filling and/or discharging. The fluid container comprises electrical insulating materials and a valve means through which filling and/or discharging occurs. Means for reducing and/or eliminating electrical and/or electrostatic potential build-up during filling or discharging of the container is arranged in conjunction with the container walls. Such means may for example be arranged in conjunction with the valve means, reducing and/or changing the flow velocity of the fluid and/or the flow direction of the fluid during the filling operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: RAGASCO AS
    Inventors: Rune Ulekleiv, Arild Hansen
  • Patent number: 7246640
    Abstract: A fuel-discharge protection system is provided herein to prevent electrostatic hazard when a tank truck is discharging fuel into a reservoir. This invention mainly contains an oil-valve switch device, a driving device, and an electrostatic detection and control device. The fuel is discharged from the tank truck into the reservoir through the oil-valve switch device. The electrostatic detection and control device monitors the ground resistance and the electrostatic voltage of the tank truck during the entire process of fuel discharge. The electrostatic detection and control device, by controlling the driving device, opens the valve of the oil-valve switch device to allow fuel discharged into the reservoir only when the ground resistance and the electrostatic voltage of the tank truck are within respective safety ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Hsin-Ming Yang
  • Patent number: 7180721
    Abstract: A plastic barrel, embodied as a bung barrel or a lid barrel, is manufactured as a single-layer container or multi-layer container by extrusion blow molding. The plastic barrel has a barrel body having an inner surface and an outer surface. The barrel body has sections integrated into the barrel body, wherein the sections are made of electrically conducting plastic material and form electric connections between the inner surface and the outer surface of the barrel body so that electric charges of the interior of the barrel can be dissipated to the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Schütz GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Udo Schütz
  • Patent number: 7151657
    Abstract: A transport and storage container for liquids has a pallet-shaped support frame made of metal or an electrically conducting plastic material and an exchangeable inner container made of plastic material, supported on the support frame and being of a multi-layer or single-layer configuration provided with a permanently antistatic outer layer. The inner container is a cubic or a parallelepipedal container with four sidewalls, a top and a bottom, an upper closable fill socket, and a tapping fixture. An outer jacket surrounds the inner container and is made of grade bars of metal or sheet metal. An outlet socket, for receiving the tapping fixture, is made of electrically conducting plastic material and connected to the permanently antistatic outer layer of the inner plastic container. In another configuration, the tapping fixture is made of electrically conducting plastic material and has an intake socket connected to the permanently antistatic outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Protechna S.A.
    Inventor: Udo Schütz