Electric power and data communications within a fuel tank and across a wall of the fuel tank using resistive non-metallic wire and an optical hybrid fuel height sensor

US11305884B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Andrew M. Robb · Everett, US
• John Everett Groat · Snohomish, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 31, 2019
• Grant date: Apr 19, 2022
• Expiry date: Oct 31, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01F23/80
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A system for power and data communications within a fuel tank and across a wall of the fuel tank includes an optical hybrid fuel height sensor and a sealed connector extending through a wall of the fuel tank. The system also includes an electric power connection between the optical hybrid fuel height sensor and the sealed connector. The electric power connection includes a resistive non-metallic wire. The system also includes a sealed optical connector extending through the wall of the fuel tank. The system further includes an internal data communications connection between the optical hybrid fuel height sensor and the sealed optical connector. The internal data communications connection includes an optical signal out connection.