US4479163A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Integral lightning protection system for composite aircraft skins
Assignee: Boeing Co
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Filing: 1982-09-30
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Granted: 1984-10-23
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Expires: 2002-09-30
Abstract
Abstract Method and structures for enhancing the conductivity of graphite composite materials for lightning protection and prevention of attachment of lightning to fasteners. The integral lightning protection system for composite aircraft skins, including skins with fasteners penetrating into fuel tanks, utilizes nickel-plated graphite fibers (24) which are woven into the outer layer of fabric of the structural component (10) requiring protection.
Inventors
- 👤 Engbert T. Bannink, Jr.
- 👤 Glenn O. Olson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 17:31
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16B; F16B33/00; F16B33/004; B; B64; B64D; B64D45/00; B64D45/02; H; H05; H05F; H05F3/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
An integral lightning protection system for an aircraft graphite epoxy structure having a fastener inserted therein, said fastener including a head portion facing an outer surface portion of said aircraft graphite epoxy structure, said integral lightning protection system comprising: a nickel-plated graphite fiber fabric ply extending along said outer surface portion of said graphite epoxy structure, said nickel-plated graphite fiber fabric ply further extending over said head portion of said fastener; and, a dielectric layer disposed intermediate said nickel-plated graphite fiber fabric ply and said head portion of said fastener.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
An integral lightning protection system for an aircraft graphite epoxy structure having a fastener inserted therein, said fastener including a head portion facing an outer surface portion of said aircraft graphite epoxy structure, said integral lightning protection system comprising: a nickel-plated graphite fiber fabric ply extending along said outer surface portion of said graphite epoxy structure, said nickel-plated graphite fiber fabric ply further extending over said head portion of said fastener; and, a dielectric layer disposed intermediate said nickel-plated graphite fiber fabric ply and said head portion of said fastener.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention according to claim 1 wherein less than 100 percent of the fiber tows in both the warp and fill direction of said graphite fiber fabric ply are nickel plated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention according to claim 1 wherein a glass fiber insert is disposed around the shaft portion of said fastener.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3755713A
Cited
US3989984A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-10-23 | 1988-04-23 | 1988-10-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-10-23 | 1992-04-23 | 1992-10-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-10-23 | 1996-04-23 | 1996-10-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |