Abstract: A vehicular static eliminating device includes: a negative ion generating device; and a guide device configured to guide negative ions and release the negative ions from an emission port to a static elimination target spot which is positively charged, the guide device including: a guide member defining a passage through which to guide the negative ions, the guide member being made of a resin which is easily negatively charged in a triboelectric series; and a tip-shaped part configured to discharge, by corona discharge, negative electric charges, which have accumulated on the guide member, to the static elimination target spot, the tip-shaped part being provided in a part defining the emission port and in proximity to the static elimination target spot.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension in which joint devices are interposed in coupling parts between a vehicle body and links serving as suspension components and coupling parts between the links and a wheel support component. Self-discharge type charge eliminators are provided on a surface of a specific component, which is at least one of the vehicle body, the links, the wheel support component, or the joint devices. The charge eliminator is configured to diselectrify the specific component by changing air around the charge eliminator to a negative air ion and attracting the air ion to positive electric charge of the specific component to neutralize the specific component, to thereby decrease a charge amount of the specific component and decrease charge amounts of rubber bushes and grease in the joint devices.

Abstract: A grounding shoe is provided in a vehicle so as to face a grounding rail provided on a track. The grounding shoe includes a collector unit that has an electroconductive body; and a holding part that fixes the collector unit by holding a first end of the electroconductive body in such a manner that the electroconductive body can be energized as well as attached/detached and that is in contact with the electroconductive body.

Abstract: Provided is a coupling structure for airframe components that is capable of ensuring sufficient lightning protection capability. A conductive pattern part 40 made of a conductive material is formed around each fastener member 24 between wing surface panels 21A and 21B. The conductive pattern part 40 is formed, for example, around each of holes 21c and 21d on the plane on which the wing surface panel 21A and the wing surface panel 21B abut against each other. Then, the conductive pattern part 40 is pushed against both the wing surface panel 21A and the wing surface panel 21B by the fastening power of the fastener members 24, whereby electrical conduction between the wing surface panel 21A and the wing surface panel 21B can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a forklift and a warehouse system. The forklift includes a hoisting apparatus, a fork, and a static electricity eliminating device. The hoisting apparatus is used to maneuver the fork and the static electricity eliminating device which supplies pressurized ionized airflow toward an area located above the fork. By way of forgoing, the accumulated static electricity can he electively drained and grounded. Furthermore, the accumulated static electricity within the warehouse system can be effectively controlled and eliminated.

Abstract: A lightning protection system is provided, typically for use on an outer surface of an aircraft, which includes the use of a lightning protection sheet that includes an electrically conductive film patterned into a plurality of hill features. The lightning protection sheet may additionally include an electrically non-conductive discriminator layer over the electrically conductive film.

Abstract: A lightning protection system is provided, typically for use on an outer surface of an aircraft, which includes the use of a lightning protection sheet that includes an electrically conductive film and at least one patterned, electrically non-conductive discriminator layer.

Abstract: Provided is a coupling structure for airframe components that is capable of ensuring sufficient lightning protection capability. A conductive pattern part 40 made of a conductive material is formed around each fastener member 24 between wing surface panels 21A and 21B. The conductive pattern part 40 is formed, for example, around each of holes 21c and 21d on the plane on which the wing surface panel 21A and the wing surface panel 21B abut against each other. Then, the conductive pattern part 40 is pushed against both the wing surface panel 21A and the wing surface panel 21B by the fastening power of the fastener members 24, whereby electrical conduction between the wing surface panel 21A and the wing surface panel 21B can be achieved.

Abstract: A lightning protection system is provided, typically for use on an outer surface of an aircraft, which includes the use of a lightning protection sheet that includes an electrically conductive film and at least one patterned, electrically non-conductive discriminator layer.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a fuel cell vehicle that is made of plastic. An inner surface of flow pipes that are part of the exhaust system are coated with a conductive material. A conductive through bolt extends through the pipes to be electrically coupled to the conductive coating and chasse ground of the vehicle so that any electro-static charge build-up as a result of the flow of water vapor and exhaust gas through the pipe will be dissipated.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a fuel cell vehicle that is made of plastic. An inner surface of flow pipes that are part of the exhaust system are coated with a conductive material. A conductive through bolt extends through the pipes to be electrically coupled to the conductive coating and chasse ground of the vehicle so that any electro-static charge build-up as a result of the flow of water vapor and exhaust gas through the pipe will be dissipated.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved ESD control system for use in vehicular applications that incorporated one or more dissipative elements constructed from a blend of polypropylene and a urethane/acrylic alloy which form substantially co-continuous networks and which are suitable for injection molding operations to produce dissipative elements. The dissipative elements are then incorporated into vehicular interiors in a manner whereby a surface of the element is exposed to contact, whether incidental or deliberate, by the vehicle occupants, particularly as they are entering or exiting the vehicle, to provide controlled dissipation of electrostatic charges that have accumulated on the occupants.

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.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of producing a lightning diverter for conducting a lightning-induced electrical current, which is to be placed on structures such as wings on wind turbines, aircraft components, radomes and the like with the purpose of lightning protection. The method comprises the steps of making a plurality of holes in a plate of an electrically conductive material, filling said holes at least partly with one or more electrically non-conductive materials, and then finally dividing the plate—preferably into strips. The lightning diverter obtained hereby consists of a layer of electrically non-conductive material with a plurality of isolated segments of electrically conductive material. The invention further relates to a diverter strip with isolated segments of concave shapes being advantageous because of the good connection between the segments and the non-conductive material.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a grounding apparatus for use with a spray device associated with a vehicle. The grounding apparatus is biased toward the ground so that a portion of the grounding apparatus makes contact with the ground even in uneven terrain. The grounding apparatus is configured to be mounted in a receiver portion of a trailer hitch. In addition, provided herein is a system for powering a spray device with a DC power source, such as an automotive battery. The system includes an oscillator coupled to a step up transformer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a conductive composite wherein at least one predetermined electrical access area of a conductive material is coated with a maskant. The conductive material is included in a composite ply lay-up which is cured and then the maskant is removed from the conductive material.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention discloses, inter alia, a rail vehicle with a wagon body and with contact devices which are connected to the wagon body and which remain in contact with at least one rail on the track side during operation of the rail vehicle, wherein the wagon body and at least one of the contact devices are connected to each other through an electrical resistance device. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the resistance device includes a greater electric resistance in a voltage region with low voltage than in a voltage region with comparatively higher voltage.

Abstract: A lightning protection appliqué incorporates a plurality of conductive plies adhesively affixed to a composite surface, at least a first one of the plies providing conductive characteristics sufficient to divert electrical energy from a lightning strike and at least a second one of the plies comprising operational circuitry. A dielectric ply is fixed to the composite surface over and completely covering at least one metal surface feature between the plurality of conductive plies and the composite surface.

Abstract: A lightning strike protection system for protecting composite structures, an improved lightning strike appliqué (LSA) for such a lightning strike protection system, and a method of protecting composite structures, such as an aircraft fuselage. The LSA is electrically connected to adjacent conductive surfaces, e.g., by a fuzz button or a wire bond inserted in the bottom of the LSA. An adjacent conductive surface may be another LSA, a lightning diverter overlay, or a current return network. Charge, e.g., from a lightning strike to the LSA, flows to the conductive layer through the electrical connector.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of producing a lightning diverter for conducting a lightning-induced electrical current, which is to be placed on structures such as wings on wind turbines, aircraft components, radomes and the like with the purpose of lightning protection. The method comprises the steps of making a plurality of holes in a plate of an electrically conductive material, filling said holes at least partly with one or more electrically non-conductive materials, and then finally dividing the plate—preferably into strips. The lightning diverter obtained hereby consists of a layer of electrically non-conductive material with a plurality of isolated segments of electrically conductive material. The invention further relates to a diverter strip with isolated segments of concave shapes being advantageous because of the good connection between the segments and the non-conductive material.

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.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus and methodology for discharging static electricity from a vehicle which uses a discharge mechanism that does not contact the roadway (Earth) when the vehicle is in forward motion to reduce, or completely avoid, frictional wear on the discharge mechanism. In one embodiment, the displacement between the discharge mechanism and the roadway is obtained by way of wind force generated by the motion of the vehicle itself. A properly oriented and hinged windscreen attached to the conductive path discharge mechanism can be used for this purpose. Other embodiments including magnetically controlled lifting and holding devices can be used.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel cap comprises a casing body for opening/closing a filler opening of a filler neck communicating with a fuel tank; and a lid that is equipped at an upper portion of the casing body and is formed of a conductive material, and the vehicle fuel cap forms a discharge portion in the lid for discharging static charge in the lid to the filler neck, wherein the discharge portion comprises a projection form provided on an inner peripheral face of the lid opposite to an outer peripheral edge of the filler opening, and on the inner peripheral face a longitudinal groove is formed at both sides of the discharge portion and along an axial direction of the casing body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an electrostatic brush for an electrical device or a hand-held tool; and, the electrostatic brush can be eaily fabricated and contains electrostatic lines to be used with ease.

Abstract: A multiple electricity conducting wheel is fitted to a vehicle and interposed between two wheel bodies of a wheel of the vehicle, and includes first and second holding members, and a small-diameter electricity conducting roller with an axle supported with the second holding member; the first holding member contains the second holding member, and has two opposing slots, through which the axle of the roller is passed; the second holding member is biased downwards by a spring so as to ensure that the electricity conducting roller will be constantly in contact with the floor; the spring is positioned around a rod part, which is passed through tops of the first and the second holding members, and joined to a metallic hub of the vehicle wheel; thus, static electricity carried on the vehicle can travel to the floor through the electricity conducting wheel.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for use in connection with electrically grounding an automated guided vehicle. A grounding strap is suspended from the automated vehicle for contacting an electrical conductive ground device mounted to a floor along a travel path of the automated guided vehicle. In operation, the grounding strap contacts the electrically conductive ground device to electrically ground electronics used in connection with the guided vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical insulating device for a linear component forming part of a fuel system subjected to risks of possible external electrical discharges formed by a part (13) made of insulating material attached to two metal flanges (15, 17) that allow inserting the device (11) between two parts of said linear component, said part (13) being formed by a cylindrical body (21) with a castellated crown (23) on its outer side, formed by longitudinal (25) and transverse (27) segments, and said metal flanges (15, 17) having transverse projections (31, 33) facing the transverse segments (27) of the castellated crown (23) for facilitating their attachment by suitable means (39).

Abstract: A fuel gas charging portion structure of a gas fuel vehicle includes a fuel gas charging port to which a fuel charging nozzle of an external fuel charging station is to be connected, an earthing portion to which a earth wire of the fuel gas charging station to be connected, a lid which is opened or closed selectively for covering both the earthing portion and the fuel charging port, and the earthing portion further includes a plurality of members. The fuel gas charging port is at least partially covered by bringing the earthing portion into a folded state when the lid is closed, while the earthing portion is brought into a state of being connectable with the earth wire 32 from the folded state and the fuel charging nozzle 31 is brought into a state of being chargeable to the fuel gas charging port when the lid is open.

Abstract: An arrangement for protecting an electronic circuit is suggested which is mounted in a housing and is insulated relative to the housing. At least one connection is provided with which the electronic circuit is connected to a pregiven potential. A voltage-dependent resistor is introduced between the housing and the at least one connection for protecting against ESD-pulses and EMV-irradiation.

Abstract: The device is characterized by units of pairs of two friction or sliding shoes (28) and (29), running on a metal guide rail (2), each fixed to a self-guidance unit (16), by way of rollers (26) and (27), running along the guide rail. The shoes (28) and (29) from an electrical circuit with the guide rail (2), comprising a detector with a safety loop supplied by a low voltage (BT+ and BT?) generator loop through which a current flows when the electrical grounding contacts via the shoes (28) and (29) and the guide rail (2) are correct. According to the quality of the electrical contact at the shoes (27) and (28), the security loop will be open or closed, representing a potential risk or no risk. The invention is of utility to producers of public transport vehicles which run on tires and are self-guiding.

Abstract: A driver interactive system to indirectly monitor hydrogen fuel cell vehicle electrical charge potential through vehicle to ground resistance measurements, and to permit refueling only when vehicle to ground resistance does not exceed a predetermined safe level thereby reducing the possibility of a static discharge during the refill of high pressure storage tanks in hydrogen powered vehicles.

Abstract: A lightning strike mitigation system for protecting a surface includes an inner insulating layer adjacent a surface to be protected, an outer insulating layer, and an intermediate layer formed from an electrically conductive material between the inner and outer insulating layers. The inner and outer insulating layers may be formed from an ablative insulating material containing no metal fill, an ablative insulating material containing a 15% Ni fill, or an ablative insulating material containing a 30% Ni fill. The electrically conductive material may be a mesh material or a foil material formed from an electrically conductive material or materials.

Abstract: A static discharging system includes a post having a lower end and an upper end. The lower end is selectively mounted in a ground surface adjacent to a gas pumping station such that the post extends upwardly from the ground surface. An electrically conductive plate is attached to the upper end of the post. An electrical conduit has first end electrically coupled to the plate and a second end extending into the ground surface.

Abstract: Provided are methods of manufacturing an electrostatically clean solar array panel and the products resulting from the practice of these methods. The preferred method uses an array of solar cells, each with a coverglass where the method includes machining apertures into a flat, electrically conductive sheet so that each aperture is aligned with and undersized with respect to its matched coverglass sheet and thereby fashion a front side shield with apertures (FSA). The undersized portion about each aperture of the bottom side of the FSA shield is bonded to the topside portions nearest the edges of each aperture's matched coverglass. Edge clips are attached to the front side aperture shield edges with the edge clips electrically and mechanically connecting the tops of the coverglasses to the solar panel substrate. The FSA shield, edge clips and substrate edges are bonded so as to produce a conductively grounded electrostatically clean solar array panel.

Abstract: The present invention improves on prior art apparatus and method primarily intended as lightning protection systems to be used on sailboats, particularly non-metallic hulled sailboats having one or more electrically conductive masts, by providing a temporary, easily installed electrically conductive clamping device which attaches to an electrically conductive mast in such a fashion as to not require any mechanical modification to the mast or any of its parts generally but not exclusively, in the form of machining, drilling, tapping, grinding or cutting. In the preferred embodiment, the temporary lightning protection device is comprised of at least one electrically conductive contact plate sufficiently large to offer an appropriate electrically conductive contact surface, held together on the mast generally but not exclusively by a flexible clamping device and holding straps.

Abstract: A wheeled conveyance, such as a shopping cart, a luggage cart, a utility cart, a wheel chair, a gurney, or a tricycle has a metal chassis and wheels, which support the metal chassis above a supporting surface, such as a floor surface, and which may isolate the metal chassis electrically from the supporting surface. The metal chassis is grounded to the supporting surface by an elongate, flexible member, which is made from a non-metallic, static-dissipative material, such as a polyvinyl chloride, and which is arranged to drag along the supporting surface when the wheeled conveyance is moved along the supporting surface. Each wheel has an axle, on which such wheel is rotatable, and the elongate member can be mechanically and electrically connected to the axle of one of the wheels.

Abstract: Spark-resistant structure for use with aircraft, including a sheet-shaped external element made of a composite material with an exterior face bearing an electrically conducting surface layer for dissipating lightning energy. The external element also has an interior face. The structure further includes a sheet-shaped internal element with exterior and interior faces. The interior face of the external element is least partially superimposed on the exterior face of said internal element. Each element has holes which are aligned with each other. The structure also includes a fixing structure for holding the elements together in a fixed position passing through the aligned holes and forming an alignment. The fixing structure electrically contacts the conducting surface layer. Additionally, a first electrically conducting strip is positioned under the conducting surface layer of the external element, and it extends longitudinally in a direction of the alignment of the fixing structure.

Abstract: A transportation apparatus for transporting components (240) sensitive to electrostatic discharge includes an electically conductive cart (220), an electrically conductive pad (231) coupled to the electrically conductive floor to ground the cart, an electrically conductive cable (232) coupled to the cart, and a fastening device (233) coupling the pad to the cable. The cart transports the components across an electrically conductive floor (200) from one location to another while the cart remains grounded by the electrically conductive pad.

Abstract: A cowling assembly for a vehicle comprises a general external surface having secured to or adjacent thereto, an elongate lightning diverter element which, at least when subjected to a high electric field, is electrically conductive, wherein a portion of the diverter element is arranged to project from the general external surface.

Abstract: A fail-safe fluid transfer control apparatus has full redundancy in the response to various inputs such as overfill probe signals, ground detection signals, and the like. Independent microprocessor controllers independently evaluate the inputs and each output control signals to close a respective relay when the inputs indicate that fluid transfer may commence. The relays are arranged in series such that both must be closed for a fluid transfer to commence. The control signals from each controller include a static signal and an alternating signal, both of which must be properly output to close its respective relay. Each controller monitors the state of each relay, and discontinues its control signals if either relay appears to be malfunctioning. Each controller runs an different, independently written firmware program to process the detected inputs to prevent a common firmware error.

Abstract: A laminated window includes at least one rigid external substrate (5) and a sheet made of flexible plastic material (6) which is adjacent to the substrate (5). The window is equipped with an electrostatic protection circuit which is capable of dissipating the charges which have accumulated on the external sheet (7). This circuit includes conducting elements (2) which cross through at least the substrate and at least one part of the sheet made of plastic material (6). The conducting elements (2) are connected to a collector element (3) which is connected to the ground (4) and embedded in the sheet made of flexible plastic material (6).

Abstract: An elongate member is coupled by a socket at one end to the aircraft surface, whilst a tip forms its other end. The electrical resistivity of the elongate member, tip and coupling is equal to or greater than 10.sup.2 ohmmeter; and are preferably molded from a high temperature thermoplastics material having an electrical resistivity equal to or greater than 10.sup.16 ohmmeter. The plastics material is selected from the group comprising polyetherimide, polyethersulphone and polyetheretherketone. The material of the tip is provided with an embedded aligned array of carbon or silicone carbide fibers while the other parts of the discharger are loaded with carbon black or coated with the same thermoplastics material loaded with 4% by weight carbon black. The adhesive used to mount the socket has an electrical resistance between 5 to 10K ohms, while that of the socket is between 5 to 10M ohms, that of the elongate member between 20 to 100M ohms, and that of the tip is between 2 to 5 ohms.

Abstract: A device for the protection of electronic equipment placed in public locations, such as electronic gasoline pumps and automatic teller machines, from damage by electrostatic charges on the bodies of individuals. The device is based on a movable, electrically conductive surface, which normally prevents access to the electronic equipment. As the user displaces the conductive surface in order to gain access to the equipment, charges will flow from the body of the user to the conductive surface and then to a grounded structure.

Abstract: A ground-free device for removing static charges from semi-conductive or conductive bodies. The device includes a storage capacitor, a conductive contact connected to the storage capacitor, and an air capacitor connected to the storage capacitor, in which a voltage below the breakdown voltage of the air is imposed on the air capacitor, e.g., by an RC-controlled transistor oscillator circuit. The device provides high efficiency removal of static charge, e.g., from the metallic bodies of cars and aircraft.

Abstract: To eliminate interference with radio reception, static electricity generated by a vehicle tire during operation can be dissipated by the retrofit attachment of one end of a spring wire to the wheel hub with insertion of the other end through a vent opening in the wheel bearing cap to contact the end face of the wheel mounting spindle to provide a conductive path to the vehicle frame without dismantling of the bearing seal.

Abstract: An electrically heatable transparent panel (1) comprises spaced electrically conductive bus strips (2, 3) interconnected by electrically conductive heating means (4) deposited on a substrate (5) of glazing material.To reduce the visual obtrusiveness of the heating means (4) as compared with linear heating elements as conventionally used in heatable rear windows or motor vehicles, and for other purposes, the heating means comprises electrically conductive enamel deposited meshwise on the substrate, the interstices of the mesh having a maximum dimension of 10 mm or less, and substantially no individual line of mesh has a width greater than 0.5 mm.

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: An improved composite structure is disclosed for a lightning protective skin member of an aircraft vehicle surface. The skin member includes first and second graphite panels separated by a wire grid. The grid enhances the strength and elasticity of the skin member while also providing a conductive path for lightning current. Each of the graphite panels includes a plurality of graphite plies laminated with an adhesive, preferably epoxy.

Abstract: An earthed circuit for an electric railway car which is equipped with an electric circuit including an electrical apparatus for which a switching operation is performed by use of a power semiconductor device includes a first brush attached to one of the axles of the car for connecting a return circuit for the electric circuit to the ground and a second brush attached to the same axle to which the first brush is attached for connecting the car body and a box for holding the electrical apparatus to the ground. The noise current caused by the switching operation of the power semiconductor device can be effectively prevented from flowing into the rails on which the car is running.