Pilot Industries, Inc.

Frederick W Woodward

Edward K Krause

Kenneth J Kuenzel

Described herein is a method of preparing a fluoropolymer composite tube comprising the steps of forming a fluoropolymer substrate, and thereafter layering and chemically bonding the fluoropolymer with a polymer layer, preferably a thermosetting or thermoplastic elastomer. The fluoropolymer substrate can be activated by subjecting the substrate to a charged gaseous atmosphere formed by electrically ionizing a gas which contacts the substrate. Thereafter, a layer of a thermosetting or thermplastic elastomer is applied to the activated fluoropolymer substrate resulting in a stronger chemical bond. The ionizing step can be described as a mixed gas plasma discharge or an electrically formed plasma. The thermosetting elastomer can, but does not have to contain a curing agent. In particular, this invention describes a fuel pipe comprised of an inner fluorocarbon layer having electrostatic discharge resistance and hydrocarbon evaporative emission resistance, and on top of and integral with the fluorocarbon layer, an outer layer of a thermosetting or thermoplastic elastomer chemically bonded to the fluorocarbon layer. Fluoropolymer layers have excellent chemical resistance.

Fluoropolymer composite tube and method of preparation

An electrically insulated fluid coupling assembly is provided having a female portion of the fluid coupling constructed of an electrically conductive material and having an elongated tubular stem. The assembly includes a fluid conduit having an inner liner constructed of an electrically insulating material or in some cases a low level conductive material surrounded by a layer constructed of an electrically conductive material, such as a metal braiding. An elastomeric covering is also provided around the metal braiding. The coupling stem is insertable into the inner layer of the conduit while a tubular ferrule constructed of an electrically conductive material is disposed around the stem as well as one end of the conduit. Furthermore, the ferrule compresses the conduit between the stem and the ferrule thus connecting the fluid coupling and conduit together. An electrical insulator ring has an axial portion coaxially disposed in one end of the ferrule and a radially outwardly extending portion which covers at least a portion of one axial end of the stem. The insulator ring electrically insulates the coupling from the metal braid on the fluid conduit.

Growing community of inventors

Dexter, MI, United States of America

Frederick W Woodward