Abstract: A fuel system component for a motor vehicle constructed from a polymer material to which are added stainless steel fibers to render the component electrically conductive while retaining moldability. The electrically conductive component permits charges generated by the fuel passing through the component to be dissipated to the vehicle body, thereby preventing arcing which causes erosion of the component and subsequent leaks.

Abstract: A grounding system and detection circuit comprising a dual grounding configuration having a first or primary grounding means and a second or default grounding means, and a detection circuit connected to both the first and second grounding means. The first or primary grounding means may be any conventional manual grounding system such as a grounding cable attached to the frame, body, or fuselage of an aircraft, vessel, or vehicle. The second or default grounding means is automatically attached to the aircraft, vessel, or vehicle during fueling or fuel transfer, with the detection circuit positively detecting whether the first or primary grounding means is conductively connected to that same aircraft, vessel, or vehicle. A supplemental detection circuit may be utilized to verify that the first or primary grounding means is connected to the aircraft, vessel, or vehicle prior to connection of the second or default grounding means.

Abstract: A flexible conduit having a flexible inner tube of a polymer material, a flexible coil of wire received over said inner tube, a flexible outer jacket shrunk onto the coil, and couplings inserted into the ends of both the outer jacket and inner tube. Preferably, the outer jacket is attached to both the coil and the couplings by an adhesive. Preferably, the conduit is made by extruding the inner tube, wrapping the coil of wire around the tube as it is being extruded, telescoping the outer jacket over the coil and tube, inserting the couplings, and heating the outer jacket to shrink it into firm engagement with the coil and to initiate curing of the adhesive on the interior of the outer jacket.

Abstract: Storage cabinet for discrete articles for preventing electrical charge buildup with filtering comprising a box-like housing forming an enclosure and having a rear wall. Dividing walls are provided within the enclosure for forming a plurality of cells. Each of the cells has an opening facing forwardly from the rear wall and an openable door is provided for closing the opening of the cabinet and permitting access to the cell. Shelf supports are provided within each of the cells for receiving and carrying discrete articles which are introduced into the cells through the door of the cell. A plenum wall extends vertically in the rear of the cabinet and is spaced forwardly of the rear wall of the cabinet to provide a vertically extending plenum. Spacers are provided in the cabinet for providing a freeboard space extending vertically of the cabinet to the rear of the shelf supports and forward of the plenum wall.

Abstract: A lightweight hose assembly of the type adapted for carrying fuels and other corrosive fluids. The assembly (10) includes a tubular member (11) and a pair of coupling members (20). The tubular member (11) includes an inner liner (12) of a fluorocarbon polymer. A glass fiber is braided about the exterior of the inner liner (12) to form a braided layer (13). The assembly (10) further includes an outer fluorocarbon coating (14) dispersed throughout the braided layer (13) for preventing kinking or permanent deformation of the inner liner (12). A conductive strip (16) is formed on the inner liner (12) for dissipating electrical charges accumulated in the inner liner (12). A method of making the assembly (10) comprises the steps of extruding the inner liner (12). A nonmetallic material (13) is then braided about the exterior of the liner (12). The inner liner (12) and braided layer (13) are then passed through a reservoir containing a solution of the fluorocarbon polymer.

Abstract: A storage installation capable of storing a variety of materials includes a shielded level sensing device disposed entirely externally of the container. The sensing device includes an elongated strip of metal which is associated with shielding circuitry for electrostatic protection of the strip. The sensing metal strip serves as a capacitor component in an oscillator circuit which is arranged so that the electrostatic field emanating from the sensing strip will change oscillator amplitude in proportion to the level to be sensed of material in the container. Detected changes in amplitude of the oscillator circuit produce a DC level proportional to the level of the oscillator amplitude, which in turn may be processed to indicate the level of material within the storage container.

Abstract: An improved grounding detection circuit includes an intrinsically safe circuit connected to a grounding clip for grounding vehicles and container durng the transfer and storage of combustible materials. The intrinsically safe circuit includes grounding loop for verifying that the grounding clip and the intrinsically safe circuit are grounded. The intrinsically safe circuit transmits a signal to an optoisolator when the container is grounded, and the optoisolator, in turn, transmits an energization signal to relay circuitry, to energize a relay coil. A capacitor in series with a resistor are connected across the relay coil to minimize the inductive effect of the relay coil on the optoisolator.

Abstract: A fluid handling apparatus having a casing constructed of a conductive corrosion resistant plastic material formed from acetal resin impregnated with conductive stainless steel wool. When grounded through use of a convenient bonding strap, the apparatus eliminates the buildup of electrostatic charge which may occur in combustible fluid transfer.

Abstract: An electroconductive composite tube assembly is provided. The assembly includes a metal end member having at least one cylindrical wall. A tube main body of PTFE and having an outer circumferential surface is further provided. The outer circumferential surface of the tube main body is disposed in engagement with an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical wall of the metal end member. An electroconductive tube formed from a heat-shrinkable resin is disposed over the cylindrical wall of the metal end member and over the outer circumferential surface of the tube main body. The electroconductive tube is heat-shrunk into laminated engagement with both the cylindrical wall of the metal end member and with the outer circumferential surface of the tube main body to enable efficient grounding of the electrostatic charges developed in the composite tube.

Abstract: A fuel filter for a motor vehicle includes a housing made of a base Nylon 12 material to which are added stainless steel fibers to render the housing electrically conductive while retaining moldability. The electrically conductive housing permits charges generated by the fuel passing through the filtering media to be dissipated to the vehicle body, thereby preventing erosion of the housing and subsequent leaks.

Abstract: Provided is a flexible reinforced hose (50) having an inner core tube (2) for conveying fluids surrounded by two layers of tensioned fibrous reinforcement layer (4, 8) between which is disposed a spirally wound flexible polymeric tape (6) which is unbonded to either of the reinforcement layers and free to move relative thereto under flexing and pressure pulsing conditions and which is adapted to prevent moisture from pentrating core tube (2) from outside of hose (50). Other preferred embodiments include hose (60) in which a flexible polymeric tape (12) is applied longitudinally and hose (70) where the tape is a flexible polymeric metal composite tape (20) as well as hose (32) in which the reinforcement layers (32, 36) are oppositely helically wound.

Abstract: A portable ground fault detector for use on tanker trucks to provide visual and audible warning of unsafe conditions. Closing of a grounding circuit operating at low voltage permits energizing of a circuit to show safe grounding conditions and interruption of continuity of the grounding circuit provides visual and audible warning of unsafe conditions.

Abstract: A pipe liner for lining an underground pipe is disclosed, which mainly consists of an electrically conductive flexible tube impregnated with a thermosetting resin, and conductive wires, and is characterized in that the thermosetting resin is hardened by means of electric heating of the electrically conductive flexible tube on which the conductive wires are laid.

Abstract: A safety harness for use with an electrostatic spray paint gun is disclosed which fits over the feed tube and the barrel of a standard electrostatic spray gun and acts both to protect the hand of the spray gun operator from an electrostatic discharge and to provide an indication of the electrostatic operation of the spray gun. A T-shaped safety shield made of non-conductive material is placed over the portions of the spray gun which may develop an electrostatic charge thereon, and is held onto the spray gun by mating strips of material. Located on the inner surface of the safety shield is a thin sheet of conductive foil which acts to channel the discharge through a wire to illuminate an indicator light located remote from the spray gun in a highly visible position.

Abstract: A tube for the circulation of a flammable fluid, adapted to be mounted in a structure, made at least partially of electrically insulating material, capable of being subjected to electrical disturbances of atmospheric origin. Tube (3) comprises two endpieces (5) for joining made of electrically conductive material and a body (6). Tube body (6), of which at least the inner surface is electrically conductive over the major part of its length, presents at least one electrically insulating section (10). The tube particularly applicable as fuel conduits for aircraft.

Abstract: A bonding jumper is mounted on one facing surface of first and second coupling means which are threadably interconnected. The bonding jumper has a plurality of resilient detent members for bearing against the facing surface of the other coupling means to establish a redundant electrical bond between the first and second coupling means when the facing surfaces are axially drawn toward each other. A plurality of recesses is provided in the second surface for coating with the detent means to yieldably resist opposing relative rotation in the unthreading direction.

Abstract: A current collector for pumps, filters, heater housings and the like, the collector comprising a length of conductive wire wound spirally into a sleeve or cone, the shaped length of wire being adapted for placement in an inlet or outlet port of a pump, filter, heater housing and the like with one end thereof connected by a connector to a grounded (earth) connection. The length of conductive wire can be a length of stainless steel wire.

Abstract: The invention comprises a self-proving vehicle grounding system for placing the ground of a transportation vehicle at the same voltage as the ground of a loading rack and is intended for use in conjunction with an overfill protection system. The overfill protection system comprises a sensor unit on the vehicle and a base unit on the rack for disabling the loading equipment when the sensor detects overfill. The invention comprises three parts, a controller unit coupled to the filling station ground, a grounding bolt unit which is coupled to the transportation vehicle and a multi-conductor cable. The controller unit comprises a signal generator which produces a first electrical signal and a signal detector which, when it receives a specified second electrical signal at its input, enables the pumping equipment of the filling station.

Abstract: Ion content of the air in a clean room or the like is controlled by generating positive and negative ions during alternating time periods using positive and negative high voltage generators connected to ionizing electrodes. Ion generation periods are followed by off intervals during which the ions disperse away from the electrodes before ions of opposite polarity are generated. In one aspect of the invention, each period of actuation of a high voltage generator of one polarity is followed by a momentary actuation of the high voltage generator of opposite polarity. This produces ions that are attracted to the electrode of the one polarity and then neutralize residual charge on the capacitors of the generator of the one polarity thereby assuring an abrupt termination of ion generation which can otherwise extend into the subsequent off period.

Abstract: A discharge spout on the bottom wall of a collapsible receptacle has an exterior layer which is grounded during the flow of material through the discharge spout to prevent buildup of static electric charge therein. The discharge spout is made from a metalized fabric having a lower layer of fabric. Secured to the fabric layer is an upper film layer. At least a portion of the exposed surface of the film layer is metalized or laminated with foil.

Abstract: An antistatic hose is provided, including an inner layer of insulation material having a cylindrical configuration; a first electrically conductive fiber spirally arranged within the inner layer; a second electrically conductive fiber longitudinally arranged within the inner layer and electrically connected to the first electrically conductive fiber at the crossing points therewith; a linear reinforcing member spirally wound around the external surface of the inner layer and adhered thereto; and a member for covering both the inner layer and the reinforcing member and adhered thereto. The antistatic hose is able to prevent a material conducted by the hose from being charged by static electricity and also to discharge the static electricity from the material. In addition, an anti-collapse characteristic is achieved by the spirally wound reinforcing member and the cover member strongly adhered to both the inner layer and the reinforcing member to prevent separation therebetween.

Abstract: A wire molded into the wall of a vacuum cleaner hose and having electrical conductivity through the vacuum cleaning system by metal to metal conduct and additionally being provided with a grounding cable connected to an external ground bar for dissipating any electrostatic charges built up in the vacuum cleaning system. The vacuum cleaning tools used with the system are at least partially fabricated of static discharging materials in order to further prevent static build-up in the vacuum cleaning system.

Abstract: A discharge control device for transferring accumulated electrostatic charge from containers used in spray painting, to a charge sink, comprising a housing having a hermetically sealed discharge chamber mounted inside. A first electrical contact for receiving an accumulated electrostatic charge is mounted in the discharge chamber in opposition to a reciprocating electrical contact for receiving and dissipating the accumulated charge from the first contact. The reciprocating contact is slidably mounted on the discharge chamber so that it moves between one position adjacent to or touching the first contact means and a second position spaced apart from the first contact. A first electrical conductor is connected between the first contact and the container, and a second conduction means is connected between the reciprocating contact means and the charge sink.

Abstract: A metal tube is substituted for the plastic tube commonly connected to the actuator of aerosol spray cans of contact cleaning fluid. The brass tube is electrically connected by a wire to the electronic component being sprayed. An alligator clip or banana plug at the end of the wire provides a convenient connection to the circuit board. In one embodiment, a resistor connects the brass tube to a metal button positioned on the actuator to contact the finger of a person depressing the actuator to operate the aerosol can, and the person is grounded. In another embodiment, the brass tube is grounded as well as connected to the circuit board, and the person operating the actuator is insulated from the brass tube. In either embodiment, the brass tube effectively dissipates any static electricity generated by the aerosol stream or spray to the selected ground.

Abstract: Tube ends are received at opposite ends of a bore passage in a block of an electrically non-conductive material. Ferrules encircling the tube ends are compressed to effect a fluid tight seal of the tube ends and block and effective at pressures of about 650 psi. Plates are mounted to the block ends for applying compression force to the ferrule and the plate mounting involves low reactive force in the block.

Abstract: A flexible electromagnetic pulse shielding conduit for electrical conductors which is constructed of a backshell to which is secured a flexible, sheet material tube and an electrically conductive metallic braid. The braid is located about the tube with both the braid and the tube being secured to the backshell through the use of a metallic band which is shrunk concentrically through the technique of magnetic pulse forming which thereby makes a positive secure connection between the backshell, the braid and the tube. A rubber sleeve is located about the braid which is also secured to the backshell through the technique of magnetic pulse forming which shrinks a second metallic band. The second metallic band overlaps the first metallic band.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for using a self-aligning bearing having a ball movably seated in a socket mounted in a wall of an explosion-proof enclosure and slidably receiving a shaft for transferring motion from the outside to the electrical equipment inside of the enclosure. The abutting surfaces between the ball and socket of the bearing and the ball and the shaft have minimum flame path lengths to meet minimum safety requirements for extinguishing electrical arcing passing along such abutting surfaces.

Abstract: An outlet connection device transfers motion from outside to inside an explosion proof enclosure and includes a process for using a self-aligning bearing retained in a wall of the enclosure. The self-aligning bearing has flame paths selected to meet minimum safety requirements and contains a shaft for transferring either rotary, axial or joy-stick motion into the enclosure. In a rotary transfer arrangement an electric rotary switch is connected through a blade engaging the shaft passing through the self-aligning bearing.

Abstract: The transmission system for transmitting direct current from an energy source on one side of an electrical and mechanical barrier to a load on the other side of the barrier utilizes a transformer comprising a primary core on one side of the transformer and a secondary core on the other side of the transformer. The cores are magnetically coupled selectively by moving a magnetic ferrite coupler in and out of alignment with the poles of the cores. The direct current from the energy source is converted to a time varying current by an oscillating circuit, which oscillating circuit is optically coupled to a secondary winding on the secondary core to interrupt oscillations upon the voltage in the secondary winding exceeding a preselected level.

Abstract: An article of manufacture which is a conductive floor tile for control of generation of static electricity and method of installation. The tile includes a thin, hard layer of plastic material having bonded to it a lamination which is an electrically conductive mesh screen which is bonded to the top surface lamination by an electrically conductive adhesive. The product is a tile, the tiles being adapted for being bonded to a surface adjacent to each other with electrically conductive strips positioned beneath the joints between adjacent tiles to provide electrical continuity. The method includes the fabrication of the tiles and the steps in the installation of the tiles as described by being bonded to a surface or subsurface.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner for use in industrial applications to clean debris from areas and/or equipment wherein electrostatic discharge from the vacuum cleaner to the area or equipment would be highly undesirable includes a vacuum cleaner mechanism having a vacuum inlet. A long flexible plastic vacuum hose has one end connected to a vacuum intake. The other end of the vacuum hose is attached to a pickup nozzle. An air valve and control are provided in the pickup nozzle. In accordance with the present invention, a long, continuous, electrically "floating" helical conductor is embedded in the flexible plastic vacuum hose, extending from one end to the other. The helical conductor is ungrounded, and makes no electrical contact to either the vacuum producing mechanism or to the pickup nozzle.

Abstract: An ionic material is added to a halocarbon insulating fluid used to cool high voltage equipment in order to prevent the buildup of electrtostatically generated charge. The ionic additive allows leakage of charge from the insulating fluid so as to prevent dangerously high voltage buildup while at the same time withstanding the high voltage applied to the system.

Abstract: A control system for diverting/equalizing electrical potentials between two objects, for example the shell (1) of a storage tank installation and the body (10) of a tank truck/vessel, when loading flammable/explosive fluids, wherein an electrical equalizer connection (5,6,14) connects the body (10) of the tank truck via a terminal (10a) to the storage tank (1) via a terminal (1a). The terminals (1a and 10a) are part of respective control circuits comprising a low voltage source (U.sub.1 ; U.sub.2), a resistor (4; 13) and an indicator (8,9) for registering current flow and thereby controlling/blocking the connection/disconnection of a fluid pump. To check that electrical connection has in fact been established at the terminals (1a,10a), each of these is connected to a respective control circuit via separate terminals, namely a terminal (1b; 10b) on the respective bodies (1; 10) and a terminal (6a; 6b) on a busbar (6) in the equalizer connection ( 5,6,14).

Abstract: A hose article for carrying volatile fluids, which can conduct and dissipate the accumulation of static electrical charges that are associated with such volatiles, which includes an elastomeric tube and outer sleeve and at least one reinforcement layer of fiber bundles sandwiched between the tube and the cover. Sandwiched between the tube and the reinforcement layer is a nontwisted yarn of fibers of carbon that runs in a direction generally lengthwise to the axis of the tube, and at the end of the tube makes electrical contact with a staple-shaped metallic connector, which in turn electrically contacts a metallic hose coupling, leading from there to an electrical ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high impact hose coupling having a hollow body constructed of plastic, a helical restriction means to hold the hose end within the coupling body, a double locking means for locking coupling halves together, and a static electric conducting gasket to allow the conduction of static electricity within the coupling.

Abstract: A first and a second conduit section (10, 12) each have end portions (11, 13) which are covered by a dielectric insulating material (14, 22). The dielectric material (14, 22) covers an outer side surface (16, 24), an end surface (18, 26), and an inner side surface (20, 28) of each end portion (11, 13). The conduit sections are connected together at their ends to form a continuous conduit. Each section is grounded, which in combination with the dielectric material, prevents an electric spark from arcing between their ends.

Abstract: A conductive flange is set forth for a fitting such as a conduit. The flange is non-conductive including at least one strand of conductive yarn in conductive contact with the conduit and extending to the flange rim where it intersects one or several bolt holes.The flange is conductively attached to the conduit such that any static electrical charges are conducted by the yarn to the ounting bolt or bolts disposed in the bolt holes. The bolts are grounded to, in turn, ground the static charge and prevent sparking.

Abstract: A conductive flanged fitting is set forth having a conductive liner at, along and throughout the inside surface of the conduit to conduct developed static electrical charges. A portion of the liner wraps over each end of the conduit. Grounded, conductive flanges are coupled to the ends by a conductive adhesive which conducts static charges from the liner portions to the flanges and to ground.

Abstract: A plurality of metal conduits for fuel for hydraulic fluids extend through an aircraft fuel tank made of non-metallic materials such as carbon-epoxy. The conduits are attached to wall portions of the tank at spaced apart locations. The conduits are spaced apart from each other and are each spaced away from such wall portion of the tank. A dielectric insulator such as teflon or polyimide is provided on each conduit.

Abstract: To permit monitoring of tightness of a tank, particularly buried tanks for highly flammable or explosive liquids such as gasoline, flammable hydrocarbon solvents, acids, alkaline solutions and the like, and prevent formation of sparks due to electric charge of an inner liner, the inner surface of the tank has an embossed aluminum foil applied thereagainst, the inner surface of which has an epoxy layer (19) applied thereto by spraying, so that the depressions opposite the corrugations or projections (17) of the foil (15) will be filled with the epoxy. After curing, the epoxy layer (19), preferably fiber-reinforced, is tested for freedom from pores and proper thickness by standard spark induction and eddy current testing methods, and then has another resin layer, preferably epoxy, applied thereto which is made electrically conductive by additives of metal, or carbonaceous granules, flakes or fibers, such as aluminum, nickel, copper brass or of graphite.

Abstract: A carrying case for electrostatic sensitive circuit boards comprises a conductive outer shell having a lid thereto; and a conductive inner support for the circuit boards, and a switch circuit which electrically isolates the inner support from the shell when the lid of the container is closed, and which connects the inner support to the shell when the lid is opened.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing material accumulation on processing equipment caused by electrostatic charge. By proper selection of materials, the equipment is designed to automatically develop a charge of the same polarity as that on the material being processed and thereby repel the material. The selection can be based on the relationship of the materials in the Triboelectric Series. The processing equipment is also electrically insulated from discharge paths so that the charge developed will not be dissipated or require high current generation to maintain the voltage required to repel the material particles.

Abstract: Energy limiting, bidirectional signal passage, bandpass filtering, and DC isolation is provided in an intrinsically safe manner, for electrical signals coupled between various electrical equipment located both outside and within a storage tank containing highly combustible matter, for example, via apparatus including a ferrite core transformer potted within a cavity of an explosion proof housing mounted upon a wall of the tank, whereby one winding of the transformer is connected to the outside equipment, and another winding of the transformer is connected to equipment located within the tank.

Abstract: An aircraft grounding receptacle comprising a connector portion and a tubular portion. The connector portion includes an external thread and a hexagonal portion. The tubular portion includes a reduced diameter portion and a hexagonal flange. Four slots separate the tubular portion into four segments and intersect the flange at locations spaced apart from four of the six points comprising the hexagonal shape of the flange. A bore extends through the body for receiving an aircraft grounding plug and includes reduced diameter portions for mating engagement with the terminal groove of the plug.

Abstract: A fuel tank is grounded to a vehicle chassis by means including a metal filler neck portion forming a sole electrical conducting portion of the tank, a metal vent tube connected between the metal filler neck portion and a metal tank mounting bracket secured to the vehicle chassis and a ground cable or wire connected to the filler neck portion and dangling into the tank.

Abstract: In high voltage electrical equipment, improvement in the dielectric performance of an insulative conduit having a flow of liquid dielectric coolant therein is effected by providing a suitably selected low conductance path in contact with the dielectric coolant.

Abstract: Apparatus to reduce static electricity in a work zone comprises:(a) a first electrically conductive cable having tips spaced therealong to dispense positive ions in response to first voltage application to the first cable,(b) a second electrically conductive cable having tips spaced therealong to dispense negative ions in response to second voltage application to the second cable, said first and second voltages being different, and(c) spacers holding said cables at locations and separations from one another characterized in that static electricity at or proximate the work to be treated is effectively reduced to non-objectionable levels when said differential voltages are applied to the cables,(d) and the spacers spaced apart along the lengths of the cables and said tips located in association with the spacers.

Abstract: Apparatus to reduce static electricity in a work zone comprises:(a) first electrical conductor having first tips spaced therealong in a first longitudinal row to dispense positive ions in response to first voltage application to the first conductor,(b) second electrical conductor having second tips spaced therealong in a second longitudinal row to dispense negative ions in response to second voltage application to the second conductor, the first and second voltages being different, and(c) a longitudinally elongated, electrically insulative bar mounting the conductors and tips at locations and separations from one another at opposite sides of a divider plate characterized in that static electricity at or proximate the work to be treated is effectively reduced to non-objectionable levels when such differential voltages are applied to the conductors,(d) the first and second rows being parallel.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter for electrically measuring a flow rate of a fluid flowing through a measuring pipe has an insulating lining which lines the measuring pipe. A conductive powder is mixed in parts of the insulating lining. The measuring pipe is short-circuited with the fluid through the conductive powder, thereby providing a reference potential of detected current corresponding to the flow rate of the fluid.

Abstract: A flexible fluid coupling and electrical bonding device includes a sleeve elastomeric material and a wire mesh bonding strip having its central portion embedded between layers of the sleeve wall laminations, with extra length portions of the strip folded back within the sleeve either against or embedded in the inner surface of the sleeve so as to be clamped against and effect electrical bonding between metallic duct ends when joined by the device.