Conductive tubular insert for a fuel transport system, and method

Abstract

A conductive tubular connector insert for use in a fuel conveying system to couple a first conductive polymeric tubular member to a second conductive polymeric tubular member such that electrical conductivity is insured in the system as described. The conductive tubular connector comprises: a first end having a first annular margin; a second end having a second annular margin; a first tubular body section having a first circumference; a second tubular body section having a second circumference; and an annular rib, wherein the first tubular body section is adjacent the first end and extends toward the annular rib along a longitudinal axis, and the second tubular body section extends from the annular rib toward the second end where, at a point intermediate the circumferential rib and the second end, the second tubular body section tapers radially inward forming a tapered surface terminating in a second annular margin adjacent the second end of the second tubular body section, the configuration of the conductive connector insert being such that, upon being implanted into an end of the first polymeric tubular member, the end of the first polymeric tubular structure forms a bead around the annular rib to secure the conductive connector insert therein leaving a portion of the second tubular body section extending out of the end of the first polymeric tubular member, wherein the end of the first polymeric tubular structure having the second tubular body section extending therefrom is inserted into an end of a second polymeric tubular member such that the conductive connector insert is in conductive contact with the conductive inner surface of the first polymeric tubular member and the conductive inner surface of the second polymeric tubular member to maintain conductive continuity therein.