Electrically insulated fluid coupling assembly

Abstract

An electrically insulated fluid coupling assembly is provided having a female portion of the fluid coupling constructed of an electrically conductive material and having an elongated tubular stem. The assembly includes a fluid conduit having an inner liner constructed of an electrically insulating material or in some cases a low level conductive material surrounded by a layer constructed of an electrically conductive material, such as a metal braiding. An elastomeric covering is also provided around the metal braiding. The coupling stem is insertable into the inner layer of the conduit while a tubular ferrule constructed of an electrically conductive material is disposed around the stem as well as one end of the conduit. Furthermore, the ferrule compresses the conduit between the stem and the ferrule thus connecting the fluid coupling and conduit together. An electrical insulator ring has an axial portion coaxially disposed in one end of the ferrule and a radially outwardly extending portion which covers at least a portion of one axial end of the stem. The insulator ring electrically insulates the coupling from the metal braid on the fluid conduit.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.