An apparatus for coupling together tubular components is described herein. The apparatus includes a coupling assembly with a coupling device having threads and an internal groove. The coupling assembly also includes a retainer clip positionable in the internal groove. The retainer clip is biased to apply a radially outward force against the internal groove when the retainer clip is positioned in the internal groove. The coupling assembly includes a ferrule, coupleable to the coupling device, in contact with the retainer clip when coupled to the coupling device to form an electrically conductive path through the coupling device, the retainer clip, and the ferrule. The retainer clip is configured to prevent movement of the coupling device relative to the ferrule when the retainer clip has an unbiased inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the ferrule or the retainer clip is not properly inserted into the internal groove.

Apparatus for detecting an electrical insult to a gas tubing system and dissipating the energy from such insult. The system includes tubing and an injury mitigator. The tubing includes a conduit, an insulating layer, a conductive layer, and a jacket. The conduit is connected to earth ground. The conductive layer is electrically insulated from the conduit by the insulating layer. The mitigator includes an insult event detection circuit and an energy dissipation circuit, both electrically connected between the conductive layer of the tubing and ground. Insult indication is provided by a fusible link. Energy dissipation is provided by the fuse, a transient voltage suppression (TVS) device, and/or a spark gap. The TVS device has a setpoint voltage less than the breakdown voltage of the spark gap, ensuring that the TVS device actuates before the spark gap conducts.

A dielectric fitting for a pressure regulator includes a flange adapted to be disposed next to a housing of the pressure regulator, an isolator plate disposed next to the flange and adapted to be disposed between the flange and the housing, and an isolator cover disposed between the flange and the isolator plate to electrically isolate the flange from the housing.

Apparatus for detecting an electrical insult to a gas tubing system and dissipating the energy from such insult. The system includes tubing and an injury mitigator. The tubing includes a conduit, an insulating layer, a conductive layer, and a jacket. The conduit is connected to earth ground. The conductive layer is electrically insulated from the conduit by the insulating layer. The mitigator includes an insult event detection circuit and an energy dissipation circuit, both electrically connected between the conductive layer of the tubing and ground. Insult indication is provided by a fusible link. Energy dissipation is provided by the fuse, a transient voltage suppression (TVS) device, and/or a spark gap. The TVS device has a setpoint voltage less than the breakdown voltage of the spark gap, ensuring that the TVS device actuates before the spark gap conducts. In one embodiment, at least one terminating connector

An isolating flow line spool fitting, particularly for electrical isolation of above-ground steel flow lines or other pipes. Two opposing half segments are electrically separated from each other by non-conductive isolating materials. A first half segment includes a threaded male connection member, while a second half segment includes a mating threaded collar for threadedly connecting the second half segment to the first half segment, and thereby forming a fluid pressure seal.

Apparatus for detecting an electrical insult to a gas tubing system and dissipating the energy from such insult. The system includes tubing, at least one terminating connector, and an injury mitigator. The tubing includes a conduit, an insulating layer, a conductive layer, and a jacket. The conduit is connected to earth ground. The conductive layer is electrically insulated from the conduit by the insulating layer. The mitigator includes an insult event detection circuit and an energy dissipation circuit, both electrically connected between the conductive layer of the tubing and ground. Insult indication is provided by a fusible link. Energy dissipation is provided by the fuse, a transient voltage suppression (TVS) device, and/or a spark gap. The TVS device has a setpoint voltage less than the breakdown voltage of the spark gap, ensuring that the TVS device actuates before the spark gap conducts.

A quick-connect plumbing device for exemplary use in connection of an appliance, such as a water heater, to supply line of a dwelling, among other uses. Preferably, the connection creates a dielectric coupling between the appliance and supply line to disconnect electrical communication between the supply line and appliance. The device typically includes a length of rigid conduit structured to form a sweat solder connection to a cooperating solderable plumbing element at a first end, and to form a threaded connection to a cooperating threaded plumbing element at an opposite second end, with a resilient seal element being carried at the second end. The threaded connection can be formed by an internally-threaded nut axially affixed to the conduit to permit nut rotation to axially compress the seal element between the conduit and the threaded plumbing element.

Apparatus for detecting an electrical insult to a gas tubing system and dissipating the energy from such insult. The system includes tubing, at least one terminating connector, and an injury mitigator. The tubing includes a conduit, an insulating layer, a conductive layer, and a jacket. The conduit is connected to earth ground. The conductive layer is electrically insulated from the conduit by the insulating layer. The mitigator includes an insult event detection circuit and an energy dissipation circuit, both electrically connected between the conductive layer of the tubing and ground. Insult indication is provided by a fusible link. Energy dissipation is provided by the fuse, a transient voltage suppression (TVS) device, and/or a spark gap. The TVS device has a setpoint voltage less than the breakdown voltage of the spark gap, ensuring that the TVS device actuates before the spark gap conducts.

An apparatus for coupling together tubular components is described herein. The apparatus includes a coupling assembly with a coupling device having threads and an internal groove. The coupling assembly also includes a retainer clip positionable in the internal groove. The retainer clip is biased to apply a radially outward force against the internal groove when the retainer clip is positioned in the internal groove. The coupling assembly includes a ferrule, coupleable to the coupling device, in contact with the retainer clip when coupled to the coupling device to form an electrically conductive path through the coupling device, the retainer clip, and the ferrule. The retainer clip is configured to prevent movement of the coupling device relative to the ferrule when the retainer clip has an unbiased inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the ferrule or the retainer clip is not properly inserted into the internal groove.

The invention comprises 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 fittings attached to opposing ends of the tube. In another embodiment, the dielectric isolator includes a tube, an outer annular portion, and an interconnecting web, each constructed from the composition including a thermoplastic organic polymer (e.g., PEEK) and carbon nanotubes. This later embodiment is an integrally formed one-piece structure. The dielectric isolator is capable of exhibiting an electrical resistance from about 10.sup.5 to 10.sup.8 at an applied potential of greater than 500 volts DC when measured from one fitting to the other fitting.