An assembly including a first pipe length and a second accommodating mechanical pipe length, said first length being assembled in said second length by means of an interface joint, that is a conductor of electric current. As it is assumed that said first length and said second length are also conductors of electric current, the joint thus provides good sealing between the first pipe length and the second pipe length in order to prevent leakages of fluid and to prevent the formation of inopportune electric arcs due, for example, to static electricity.

A fluid transfer conduit comprising: an electrically conductive tube of fibre reinforced polymer composite material which has an electrically conductive outer surface and an electrically conductive inner surface; and on at least one axial end of said conduit, a non-electrically-conductive band formed on either the outer surface or the inner surface of the electrically conductive tube. Forming a non-electrically conductive band on the end of the conduit electrically isolates the electrically conductive outer surface of the conduit from the electrically conductive metal socket into which it is to be inserted.

A method and apparatus for reducing an intensity of an electrical discharge that occurs within a fluid transport system in an aerospace vehicle. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises a transport member. The transport member is configured for use in the fluid transport system. The transport member is comprised of a material configured to reduce voltages and currents, induced in response to an electromagnetic event, along the transport member.

A method and apparatus for reducing an intensity of an electrical discharge that occurs within a fluid transport system in an aerospace vehicle. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a transport member. The transport member is configured for use in the fluid transport system. The transport member includes a material configured to reduce voltages and currents, induced in response to an electromagnetic event, along the transport member.

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.

A pipe connector for connecting a fuel line of a fuel supply for a motor vehicle engine of a motor vehicle includes an adapter piece that is connectable to the fuel line for insertion into a fuel pipe. A supporting sleeve is inserted into the adapter piece such that the supporting sleeve is configured to make electrical contact between the fuel line and the fuel pipe. The supporting sleeve has, in a subregion, a stop tab which extends out of a lateral surface plane of the supporting sleeve so as to make axial stop contact with the adapter piece.