Patents for fuel system safety device

Patents for fuel system safety device

Keywords: Fuel, Safety, Aircraft

Crane Aerospace and Electronics, a segment of Crane Co., has been granted two patents for its SAFEtrip Ground Fault Interrupter, a unique fuel system safety device. SAFEtrip substantially enhances fuel system safety by mitigating damage from high current ground faults and reducing the potential of fuel vapor ignition. It is compatible with the requirements of FAA's Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) that addresses Fuel Tank System Fault Tolerance Evaluation Requirements, designated SFAR 88.

It is reported that SAFEtrip can be easily retrofitted into existing aircraft fuel systems. Both “plug-and play” and stand-alone configurations are available.

The granted patents culminate 3 years of design development and testing. The patented features include integration of the GFI electronics with the power control relay; protection for AC or DC loads; and a design that requires no additional input or power source for installation. Patents addressing numerous additional features are pending.