Patent ID: 9303671
Filing Date: 2016-04-05
CPC Classification: B21J,B29C,B29L,F16B,Y10T

Claim Text:
1. A method of isolating a metallic fastener from a carbon-fiber composite panel such that a galvanic reaction between the fastener and the carbon-fiber composite panel is minimized, wherein the metallic fastener includes a body portion, the method comprising: inserting the metallic fastener within an electrically isolating annular collar such that the electrically isolating annular collar is circumferentially disposed about the metallic fastener, wherein a portion of the annular collar extends beyond the body portion of the metallic fastener and wherein the metallic fastener defines a central bore extending completely through the metallic fastener; inserting the metallic fastener and electrically isolating annular collar within a hole defined by the carbon-fiber composite panel such that a portion of the metallic fastener and the portion of the annular collar extending beyond the body portion of the metallic fastener are protruding from the panel; and securing the metallic fastener to the carbon-fiber composite panel such that the annular collar separates and electrically isolates the entire metallic fastener from the carbon-fiber composite panel; wherein the central bore extending completely through the metallic fastener remains open after the securing.