Patent · US Expired

Multi-layer conduit

US6170535A · kind A · utility

16Cited by
7References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 12, 1999
Grant dateJan 9, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 12, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16L2011/047
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A conduit for use as a filler pipe for transferring hydrocarbon containing fuels such as gasoline from an inlet point to a storage tank which is to be blow molded comprises a plurality of layers. The innermost layer is made from electrically conductive high density polyethylene and serves to bleed off static electricity generated during the fuel filling process. At least one of the other layers of the conduit comprises barrier material which inhibits the passage of hydrocarbon vapours through the walls of said conduit as hydrocarbon containing fuels flow along the conduit. Advantageously, the conduit may include a mounting tab intermediate the ends, the tab having a web portion which is electrically connected to the inner conductive layer to assist in locating the fuel filler conduit and providing additional conduct of static electrically to the vehicle body or frame. A process for manufacturing such multi-layer conduit comprises simultaneously extruding a multiplicity of layers through a multiple head extruder. Advantageously, a tab as desired may be formed by pinching the extruded parison after initially blowing the parison and before finally blowing the parison.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.