The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 12, 2016
Filed:
Jul. 18, 2011
Clifton P. Breay, Littleton, CO (US);
Sara D. Pfannenstiel, Thornton, CO (US);
Stephen C. Matthews, Denver, CO (US);
Edward W. S. Bryant, Winona, MN (US);
Clifton P. Breay, Littleton, CO (US);
Sara D. Pfannenstiel, Thornton, CO (US);
Stephen C. Matthews, Denver, CO (US);
Edward W. S. Bryant, Winona, MN (US);
Eaton Corporation, Cleveland, OH (US);
Abstract
The present application is directed to dielectric isolators for use in aircraft fuel systems to control lightning induced current and allow dissipation of electrostatic charge. The dielectric isolators are configured to have a high enough impedance to limit lightning currents to low levels, but low enough impedance to allow electrostatic charge to dissipate without allowing buildup. Although the dielectric isolators may develop a potential difference across the dielectric length due to the effects of lightning currents and its inherent impedance, they are configured to withstand these induced voltages without dielectric breakdown or performance degradation. In one embodiment, the dielectric isolator includes a tube constructed of a composition including a thermoplastic organic polymer (e.g., PEEK) and carbon nanotubes, and a pair of couplings attached to opposing ends of the tube. The dielectric isolator is capable of exhibiting an electrical resistance from about 10Ω to 10Ω at an applied potential of greater than 500 volts DC when measured from one coupling to the other coupling.