Internal Battery Patents (Class 204/196.1)
  • Patent number: 11414737
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a hardened part coated with a phosphatable coating is provided. The method includes providing a steel sheet pre-coated with a metallic coating including from 4.0 to 20.0% by weight of zinc, from 1.0 to 3.5% by weight of silicon, optionally from 1.0 to 4.0% by weight of magnesium, and optionally additional elements chosen from Pb, Ni, Zr, or Hf, the content by weight of each additional element being less than 0.3% by weight, the balance being aluminum and unavoidable impurities and residuals elements. The steel sheet is cut to obtain a blank, the blank is thermally treated at a temperature between 840 and 950° C. to obtain a fully austenitic microstructure in the steel, the blank is transferred into a press tool and hot-formed to obtain a part. The part is cooled to obtain a martensitic or martensitic-bainitic microstructure or made of at least 75% of equiaxed ferrite, from 5 to 20% of martensite and bainite in amount less than or equal to 10%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: ArcelorMittal
    Inventors: Tiago Machado Amorim, Christian Allely, Grégory Leuillier
  • Patent number: 11162153
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the manufacture of a hardened part. The method includes the provision of a steel sheet pre-coated with a metallic coating including from 2.0 to 24.0% by weight of zinc, from 1.1 to 7.0% by weight of silicon, optionally from 1.1 to 8.0% by weight of magnesium when the amount of silicon is between 1.1 and 4.0%, and optionally additional elements chosen from Pb, Ni, Zr, or Hf, the content by weight of each additional element being less than 0.3% by weight, the balance being aluminum and unavoidable impurities and residuals elements, wherein the ratio Al/Zn is above 2.9. The method further includes the cutting of the coated steel sheet to obtain a blank, the thermal treatment of the blank at a temperature between 840 and 950° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: ArcelorMittal
    Inventors: Tiago Machado Amorim, Christian Allely, Raisa Grigorieva, David Dussaussois
  • Patent number: 10921064
    Abstract: A heat storage apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a heat storage material and a member. The heat storage material forms a clathrate hydrate by cooling. The member has a surface with a plurality of holes. In the case that the lattice constant of the clathrate hydrate is denoted by L and the outside diameter of a cage included in the clathrate hydrate is denoted by D, the plurality of holes are spaced at intervals of 1L to 10L, and each of the plurality of holes has a hole diameter of 1D to 20D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hironobu Machida, Motohiro Suzuki, Shinsuke Takeguchi, Kentaro Shii
  • Patent number: 10676804
    Abstract: A steel sheet is provided with a coating providing sacrificial cathodic protection. The coating includes between 1 and 40% by weight zinc, between 0.01 and 0.4% by weight lanthanum, optionally up to 10% by weight magnesium, optionally up to 15% by weight silicon, and optionally up to 0.3% by weight, in cumulative amounts, of additional components, the remainder includes aluminum and unavoidable impurities or residual elements. A method of producing parts by hot or cold swaging and the parts which can be obtained in this way are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: ARCELORMITTAL
    Inventors: Christian Allely, Jacques Petitjean
  • Patent number: 10329673
    Abstract: A galvanic anode system for the corrosion protection of steel in concrete includes a galvanic anode material, which includes of zinc and alloys thereof, embedded in a solid electrolyte, and is characterized in that the galvanically available surface is larger, preferably at least twice as large, as the total geometrical surface of the metal anode. The galvanic anode system is also characterized in that, during operation, during which the anode disintegrates as a sacrificial anode, the galvanically active anode surface is reduced only slightly, preferably is not reduced up to at least 50%, in particular 75%, of the time during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: SIKA TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Schwarz
  • Patent number: 9267209
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for controlling the current of a sacrificial anode based on the conductivity state of the water. An unregulated current of the sacrificial anode relative to the water tank is measured and a conductivity state of the water is identified based on the measured unregulated current. A maximum current limit for the sacrificial anode is determined based on the conductivity state of the water and the current of the sacrificial anode is limited such that the current does not exceed the determined maximum current limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: A. O. SMITH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ray Oliver Knoeppel, Yao Zhen Hu, Russell Banks, Brian T. Branecky
  • Patent number: 8999137
    Abstract: A method of protecting a metal section in concrete. The method comprises the steps of providing a sacrificial anode and embedding the sacrificial anode in a porous matrix in the cavity; providing a source of DC power with positive and negative connections and electrically connecting one of the connections of the source of DC power to the metal section to be protected; electrically connecting the a sacrificial anode in series with the other connection of the source of DC power and spacing the source of DC power from the cavity and the connections to the source of DC power which comprise at least one of wires and cables; and driving an anode current density from the sacrificial anode in excess of 500 mA/m2. An apparatus of protecting a metal section in concrete is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: Gareth Kevin Glass, Adrian Charles Roberts, Nigel Davison
  • Patent number: 8968549
    Abstract: Cathodic protection of steel in concrete is provided by locating an anode assembly including both a sacrificial anode and an impressed current anode in contact with the concrete and providing an impressed current from a power supply to the anode. The impressed current anode forms a perforated sleeve surrounding a rod of the sacrificial anode material with an activated ionically-conductive filler material between. The system can be used without the power supply in sacrificial mode or when the power supply is connected, the impressed current anode can be powered to provide an impressed current system and/or to recharge the sacrificial anode from sacrificial anode corrosion products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Vector Corrosion Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: George Sergi, Attanayake Mudiyanselage Gamini Seneviratne, David Whitmore
  • Publication number: 20150053573
    Abstract: A method of mitigating galvanic corrosion on a vehicle is provided for use of metals with carbon containing composites. An electrically conductive material comprising a plurality of electrically conductive metallic particles and a polymer is applied to a corrosion susceptible region of an assembly having a carbon-reinforced composite and a metal. The electrically conductive material has an electrical conductivity of greater than or equal to about 1×10?4 S/m and serves as a sacrificial anode to mitigate or prevent corrosion of the metal in the assembly. Also provided are assemblies for a vehicle having reduced galvanic corrosion that include a metal component in contact with a carbon-reinforced composite, which defines a corrosion susceptible region having an electrically conductive material disposed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hamid G. Kia, William R. Rodgers
  • Publication number: 20150021200
    Abstract: A system and methods for protecting a metal surface from corrosion are provided herein. The method includes injecting particles comprising a sacrificial anodic material into a fluid proximate to the metal surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Wei Sun, Douglas J. Turner
  • Publication number: 20140262824
    Abstract: An ionic transport material is disposed relative to a substrate and configured to establish an ionic connection between the substrate and a replaceable sacrificial anode. The replaceable sacrificial anode is electrically connected to the substrate and is provided to inhibit corrosion of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Physical Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Physical Sciences, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140166474
    Abstract: A coating for a metal surface that provides excellent resistance to both electrochemical corrosion and mechanical insult is provided. The coating involves at least an inner coating that is a sacrificial anodic layer and an outer coating that is a protective dielectric material made of inorganic metal oxide. Some versions of the coating include an intermediate layer as well that serves to improve adhesion between the coatings and may provide additional galvanic protection. Although the coating can be made by a variety of methods, advanced methods of spray application are provided for making high-quality lightweight versions the coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: United States Pipe and Foundry Company, LLC
    Inventors: A. Michael HORTON, William H. Owen
  • Publication number: 20140166473
    Abstract: A coating system and a method of applying the coating system on an article. The coating system includes a sacrificial coating on a surface of the article and an erosion-resistant coating on the sacrificial coating, wherein the erosion-resistant coating comprises a layer of a polymeric material. The sacrificial coating is more anodic than the surface or the erosion-resistant coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jane Marie Lipkin, Vinod Kumar Pareek
  • Patent number: 8679303
    Abstract: A liquid heating system may comprise a metallic container and a refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube, which may be coupled to the metallic container. The refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube may include at least one open end and anodic material may be filled or refilled into the refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube through the at least one open end. The anodic material is corroded by the oxidation process at a substantially faster rate compared to the metallic container. The anodic material is refilled into the refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube through the at least one open end without removing the refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube from the metallic container or disturbing the position of the refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Airgenerate, LLC
    Inventor: Sunil Kumar Sinha
  • Publication number: 20140069803
    Abstract: A method and device for facilitating maintenance of an anode of a marine engine cooling system, the device including an anode for use with an anode plug such as, for example, an anode plug that has a detachable component with a threaded end for mounting to a threaded bore of a cooling system structure, and a connector that holds the anode, the anode having an indicator for indicating a condition of the anode which is indicative of a need to replace the anode The method permits changing the anode by removing and/or reinstalling an anode while preventing or minimizing water from exiting the cooling system of the marine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Alan McMullen
  • Patent number: 8636877
    Abstract: A sacrificial anode system and associated surface pipe system maintenance method designed to protect surface pipes and associated parts. According to a first aspect of the present invention, the sacrificial anode system is installable at an interface between a first pipe and a second pipe and comprises an insertion sleeve shaped to fit along an inner surface of the first pipe, a flange attached to the insertion sleeve and shaped to rest against an end surface of the first pipe, a sacrificial anode to be positioned within the first pipe, and a stem linking the sacrificial anode to the insertion sleeve. According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for maintaining a surface pipe system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Palmer
  • Patent number: 8608913
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing electrochemical corrosion protection to a process vessel, the apparatus comprises at least one anode in communication with the process vessel; a DC current supply being electrically coupled to the process vessel and to the at least one anode; and a potential control unit in communication with the DC current supply. The potential control unit is electrically coupled to the process vessel and to a reference electrode in communication with the process vessel. The current supplied by the DC current supply for passivating the process vessel is adjustable by the potential control unit. The process vessel may comprise at least one of duplex stainless steel and superaustenitic stainless steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Corrosion Service Company Limited
    Inventor: Winston W. Shim
  • Publication number: 20130299339
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy component has a surface region alloyed with an anodic metal to increase corrosion resistance in aqueous environments with high salinity or sulfur content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas J. Watson, Thomas J. Garosshen
  • Patent number: 8511370
    Abstract: A heat exchange system including a heat exchanger having a housing and a cooling core disposed within in the housing. The cooling core is adapted to receive a flow of a liquid cooling media. The heat exchanger includes at least one iron anode projecting into a flow path of the liquid cooling media. The heat exchange system also includes an electronic control module operatively connected to the iron anode. The electronic control module is adapted to control the selective delivery of electrical current or grounding to the iron anode in response to predetermined conditions indicating the presence of sulfide constituents in the cooling medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sridhar Deivasigamani, Herman S. Preiser
  • Publication number: 20130192996
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy component has a surface region alloyed with an anodic metal to increase corrosion resistance in aqueous environments with high salinity or sulfur content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: United Technologies Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130192982
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy component has a surface region alloyed with an anodic metal to increase corrosion resistance in aqueous environments with high salinity or sulfur content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas J. Watson, Thomas J. Garosshen
  • Publication number: 20130134054
    Abstract: The present invention includes an anodic device for reducing corrosion adapted to reduce corrosion of an object subject to corrosion having a base with a thickness and surface area, and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the base each having a thickness and surface area, wherein the device is configured to allow a current to flow between the device and the object subject to corrosion. The present invention also includes methods associated with the use of such devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: RGF Environmental Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter B. ELLIS
  • Publication number: 20130118915
    Abstract: This invention relates to a sacrificial anode, comprising: a first layer of a first material; and, a second layer of a second material which is electrically connected to the first layer, wherein the first material is more anodic with respect to a galvanic series than the second material. The invention also relates to a body including the sacrificial anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
  • Patent number: 8388816
    Abstract: The invention consists of a bunker to visually hide and structurally protect a cathodic protection rectifier located in an open field or urban areas where there is high incidence of vandalism. The bunker consists of a mobile element which contains a rectifier and an underground cavity structure. Besides hiding and protecting the rectifier from vandalism, the only part of this apparatus that is normally visible is a circular plaque at ground level, with a waterproof seal. Occasionally the rectifier is removed for maintenance and diagnostic purposes. In order to extract the mobile element it is necessary, but not enough, to have a magnetic or electromagnetic anchor with a great load capacity. The mobile element may only be extracted when the bolt lock located at the base of the cylinder is wirelessly activated. The cavity structure has radial plates calculated to dissipate the heat produced through the operation of the rectifier. All electric connections are hidden and embedded in concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Corrosion Y Proteccion Ingenieria, S.C.
    Inventors: Lorenzo Martinez Gómez, Lorenzo Martinez Martinez De La Escalara, Jorge Joaquin Cantó Ibañez
  • Patent number: 8372251
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a system includes a gasifier that includes a shell made of a first material exposed to a gasification region inside the gasifier and a patterned anode layer coupled to the shell inside the gasifier. The patterned anode layer is made of a second material, and the patterned anode layer is configured to protect the shell from corrosion by condensing hot gas in the gasification region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: George Albert Goller, Paul Stephen Dimascio, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner
  • Patent number: 8361286
    Abstract: An improved sacrificial galvanic anode assembly for cathodic protection of a steel reinforced concrete structure. A galvanic cathodic protection device uses an embedded sacrificial anode of metallic foam for increased reactive surface area covered with a flexible penetrating coating to provide a continuous electrolyte to keep it active. The formulated coating paste is inert to cement embedment material and is pre-applied on the anode body prior to encapsulation. An integrated conductive contact band extends from the coated anode to attachment to a reinforcement bar for establishing electrical conductively therewith within the concrete structure transferring galvanic corrosion to the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Roberto Giorgini
  • Patent number: 8361285
    Abstract: An electrochemical antifouling system for preventing fouling organisms from adhering to seawater-wetted structures includes a direct current circuit for creating an electrolytic environment in seawater, the direct current circuit having an adjustable direct current source, a lattice electrode having a single metallic component so as to provide a dimensionally stable lattice structure, the lattice electrode electrically insulated from a surface of a seawater-wetted structure, at least one corrosion-resistant counter electrode having polarity opposite to the lattice electrode and disposed at a distance therefrom, and a switching device configured to alternatively switch the lattice electrode to (a) a continuous operating mode, and (b) a temporary depletion mode, wherein the lattice electrode is disposed in a distance range from the surface of the seawater-wetted structure so that the surface lies within an area of influence of an increase in pH value of the seawater caused by electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Stiftung Alfred-Wegener-Institut fuer Polar-und Meeresforschung
    Inventors: Roland Krone, Markus Paster
  • Patent number: 8329004
    Abstract: An apparatus for protection of metallic materials from corrosion comprising an electrical power source (5) and a conductor (7) coupled to the power source. An anode (11) is electrically coupled to the conductor. The anode is configured to be secured proximal to the metallic materials to be protected from corrosion and has an exterior surface (13) formed predominantly of electrically conductive polymer and an interior filled with particulate carbonaceous material. The anode comprises a hollow cylinder (13) formed of electrically conductive polymer, the cylinder having an interior. A metallic tube (15) is secured to and in electrical communication with the interior of the cylinder. An anode conductor (17) is electrically coupled to the metallic tube and extends from the interior of the cylinder to the exterior of the cylinder for connection to the conductor coupled to the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: AEP & T, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Steven Georgia
  • Patent number: 8317996
    Abstract: A method is provided for corrosion protection in a marine construction, such as a marine surface vessel or a marine structure, the marine construction including at least one metal element and a sacrificial anode adapted to be at least partly immerged in an electrolyte in the form of water, in which the marine construction is at least partly immerged, the at least one metal element including a metal part, the sacrificial anode being provided for corrosion protection of the metal part. The method includes connecting at least one of the at least one metal element and the sacrificial anode to a DC electrical power outlet so as to allow an electric de-passivation current through an electrical circuit including the sacrificial anode, the metal element and the electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: AB Volvo Penta
    Inventors: Carl Nelvig, Petter Igede
  • Patent number: 8298397
    Abstract: A method for corrosion protection in a marine construction including a plurality of metal elements and at least one reference electrode at least partly immerged in water, the metal elements including an anode and a metal part, the anode being provided for corrosion protection of the metal part includes measuring an electric potential of the metal part with the reference electrode as a ground reference. At least one of the metal elements and at least one of the at least one reference electrode are connected to a DC electrical power outlet so as to allow an electrical regeneration current through an electrical circuit including the at least one of the metal elements, the at least one of the at least one reference electrode and the electrolyte so that the reference electrode is anodized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: AB Volvo Penta
    Inventor: Carl Nelvig
  • Patent number: 8298382
    Abstract: Apparatus for connection to a metallic structure, the apparatus comprises a transformer rectifier unit operable to output a DC current for cathodic protection of a metallic structure, and a modulator unit connected to receive a DC output from the transformer rectifier unit. The modulator unit is arranged for connection to a metallic structure, and is operable to produce a modulated current which is applied to such a metallic structure when the apparatus is in use, such that the metallic structure is detectable by a wireless locating device. The modulator unit is operable to be controlled remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Abriox Limited
    Inventors: Jason Hanlon, Thomas Josef McGee
  • Patent number: 8273239
    Abstract: An electric field modifier for boosting a current output of a sacrificial anode to enhance its protective effect and direct the current output to improve current distribution in galvanic protection of steel in a concrete element exposed to air is disclosed. A cavity is formed in a concrete element and a combination comprising a sacrificial anode, an electric field modifier and an ionically conductive filler are embedded therein. The sacrificial anode is connected to the steel. The modifier comprises an element with an anode side, supporting an oxidation reaction, in electrical contact with a cathode side, supporting a reduction reaction. The cathode of the modifier faces the sacrificial anode and is separated therefrom by a filler which contains an electrolyte that connects the sacrificial anode to the cathode of the modifier. The anode of the modifier faces away from the sacrificial anode. Preferably, the reduction reaction, on the cathode of the modifier, comprises reduction of oxygen from the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventors: Gareth Kevin Glass, Adrian Charles Roberts, Nigel Davison
  • Patent number: 8268134
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a system includes a turbine engine component that includes a first material having a surface exposed to a fluid flow path and a sacrificial anode layer disposed on the surface. The sacrificial anode layer includes a second material that is electrochemically more active than the first material and the second material is configured to preferentially corrode to protect the first material from corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: George Albert Goller, Paul Stephen Dimascio, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner
  • Patent number: 8236145
    Abstract: An electrolysis prevention device, for preventing corrosion caused by electrolysis, includes a sacrificial anode made of an active metal and an anode holder supporting the sacrificial anode. The holder is adapted to fit around the inlet connection of an engine heat exchange component, such as a radiator or heater core, in such a way as to allow for a hose to be attached overtop the device. The device may be included in an originally-manufactured engine heat exchange component or may be installed later.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Frank Petrosino
  • Patent number: 8226812
    Abstract: A method in a corrosion protection system for protecting a first and a second metal part of a marine construction is provided. The method includes controlling electrical currents through electrical circuits, including respective anodes, the respective metal parts and an electrolyte, at least partly based on measured electrical potentials of the respective metal parts with an reference electrode as a ground reference. The method further includes repetitively performing the steps of controlling the electrical currents so as to be reduced or eliminated, measuring the electrical potentials while the electrical currents are maintained reduced or eliminated, and, after measuring the first and second electrical potentials, controlling the electrical currents so as to be increased or reestablished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: AB Volvo Penta
    Inventors: Carl Nelvig, Lennart Arvidsson
  • Patent number: 8163159
    Abstract: Techniques generally describe articles of enclosing manufacture and methods related to containers including a magnesium sacrificial anode for corrosion protection. Example articles of enclosing manufacture may include a liner or a rod that is configured as a sacrificial anode to protect a metallic side or end wall of the enclosing manufacture from corrosion. Other embodiments may be disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Angele Sjong
  • Patent number: 8133381
    Abstract: A method and system for protecting underground gas carrier pipes housed within an outer casing pipe in which a gas carrier pipe section disposed within an outer casing pipe section and having opposed ends is electrically isolated from a remaining gas carrier pipe section proximate each of the ends. An annular space between the gas carrier pipe section and the outer casing pipe section is filled with an electrolyte. At least one anode electrode is inserted into the annular space distal from each of the gas carrier pipe section and the outer casing pipe section and connected with a positive voltage lead of a cathodic protection rectifier. A negative voltage lead of the cathodic protection rectifier is connected to the gas carrier pipe section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventor: Daniel Allen Ersoy
  • Patent number: 8118983
    Abstract: A corrosion inhibiting system is provided with the ability to allow both primary and secondary portions of the circuit to be used in the alternative without having the primary and secondary systems interfere with each other by operating at the same time. By incorporating a continuity controller, such as a switch or a diode to selectively disconnect the sacrificial anode from the circuit, the primary and secondary systems can both be provided on a marine vessel, but used independently from each other. In that way, the primary and secondary corrosion inhibiting systems are prevented from interfering with each other during normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin R. Anderson, Christopher J. Misorski, Gregory L. Fugar, Steven J. Gonring
  • Patent number: 8048288
    Abstract: Techniques are generally described herein for protecting food or beverage containers (e.g., cans) using impressed current protection. In various embodiments, containers may be received into at least one conductive bed, each bed having a complementary anode. The containers may then be electrically coupled to a first terminal (e.g., negative) of a power supply, and the anode may be electrically coupled to a second terminal (e.g., positive) of the power supply. Resultantly, protective current may be provided to the containers by the anode. Other embodiments may be disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Angele Sjong
  • Patent number: 7998321
    Abstract: An improved sacrificial galvanic anode assembly for cathodic protection of a steel reinforced concrete structure. A galvanic cathodic protection device uses a multi-layered embedded sacrificial anode such as zinc covered with a flexible layer of paste to provide a continuous electrolyte to keep it active. The formulated paste is inert to cement embedment material and is pre-coated on the anode body prior to encapsulation. An integrated conductive contact band extends from within the coated anode to attachment to a reinforcement bar for establishing electrical conductively therewith in the concrete structure transferring galvanic corrosion to the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Roberto Giorgini
  • Publication number: 20110180421
    Abstract: A portable device includes a substrate, a number of electronic components, and a battery having an anode and a cathode for energizing at least some of the components. The application further relates to a method of protection a portable device against corrosion and to the use of a portable device. An object of the present application is to protect selected metallic parts of a bodyworn electronic device against corrosion in a flexible and controlled manner. The problem is solved in that the portable device includes a sacrificial anode in the form of a component adapted to be surface mounted on the substrate. This has the advantage that corrosion can be contained at a specific location. The device may e.g. be used for portable listening devices, e.g. hearing aids or headsets or earphones including a part adapted for being worn at or in an ear of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Oticon A/S
    Inventor: Sune Pelle BORREGAARD
  • Patent number: 7909982
    Abstract: A single anode system used in multiple electrochemical treatments to control steel corrosion in concrete comprises a sacrificial metal that is capable of supporting high impressed anode current densities with an impressed current anode connection detail and a porous embedding material containing an electrolyte. Initially current is driven from the sacrificial metal [1] to the steel [10] using a power source [5] converting oxygen and water [14] into hydroxyl ions [15] on the steel and drawing chloride ions [16] into the porous material [2] around the anode such that corroding sites are moved from the steel to the anode restoring steel passivity and activating the anode. Cathodic prevention is then applied. This is preferably sacrificial cathodic prevention that is applied by disconnecting the power source and connecting the activated sacrificial anode directly to the steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventors: Gareth Glass, Adrian Roberts, Nigel Davison
  • Patent number: 7883608
    Abstract: A cathodic protection system wherein a metal structure is electrically connected to a sacrificial anode through a self encapsulating wire connector that can be assembled by unskilled persons and can be maintained in a protective condition around an electrical junction to enable the electrical junction to protected from an underground environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: The Patent Store LLC
    Inventors: William Hiner, Lloyd Herbert King, Jr., James C. Keeven
  • Patent number: 7704372
    Abstract: A sacrificial anode assembly for cathodically protecting and/or passivating a metal section, comprising: (a) a cell, which has an anode and a cathode arranged so as to not be in electronic contact with each other but so as to be in ionic contact with each other such that current can flow between the anode and the cathode; (b) a connector attached to the anode of the cell for electrically connecting the anode to the metal section to be cathodically protected; and (c) a sacrificial anode electrically connected in series with the cathode of the cell; wherein the cell is otherwise isolated from the environment such that current can only flow into and out of the cell via the sacrificial anode and the connector. The invention also provides a method of cathodically protecting metal in which such a sacrificial anode assembly is cathodically attached to the metal via the connector of the assembly, and a reinforced concrete structure wherein some or all of the reinforcement is cathodically protected by such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Vector Corrosion Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Gareth K. Glass, Adrian C. Roberts, Nigel Davison
  • Patent number: 7582195
    Abstract: An active cathodic protection system, the apparatus comprising a rectifier element with at least one electrical connection to a source of electrical current, the rectifier element associated with a direct current positive (+) output terminal for electrical connection of via an anode connector to a consumable anode, a direct current negative (?) output terminal for electrical connection via a cathode connector to the structure to be protected, grounding means for electrical grounding of the apparatus and anti-cross connection means for preventing the continuing flow of electrical current when the anode connector is associated with the negative output terminal and the cathode connector is associated with the positive output terminal. The cathodic protection system also includes a microprocessor controlled device for shutting the system if an improper current is sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Roger A. Benham
  • Patent number: 7481922
    Abstract: Fluid treatment apparatus having an alloy disk assembly comprised of a plurality of disks, each prepared from the metal elements copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and tin, which individually exhibit great propensity for reducing scale formation in flow conduits; particularly when combined together to form the fluid treatment alloy disk assembly of this disclosure. The disk assembly is housed within a suitable enclosure having passageways arranged to effect countercurrent flow through a series of apertured disks. The close proximity of the counterflowing streams within the alloy disk assembly provide unexpected advances in the art of fluid treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Edward Horton Madden
  • Publication number: 20090023804
    Abstract: To maximize and maintain the antioxidant or pro-oxidant state for foods, beverages, personal care products, cosmetics, nutritional supplements, reagents, analytical standards, medical device formulations, pharmaceutical preparations or drags, the present invention discloses methods and devices to control redox equilibrium of such preparations throughout the processing steps and storage prior to, or at, the time of administration or use. The preparations (solid or liquid form) can then be stored in a redox-controlled container, package or applicator as described in the specification. Foods, beverages, personal care products, cosmetics, nutritional supplements, reagents, analytical standards, medical device formulations, pharmaceutical preparations and drugs stored in reactive oxidation states can be activated and stabilized by electrical voltages applied with a small battery and electrodes designed into the applicator, container or package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Steven Baugh, Thomas Hnat
  • Patent number: 7425249
    Abstract: Apparatus 10 discloses a subsea monitoring station using solar cells to energize at least one electronic circuit incorporating at least one node having a determinable circuit value or other parameter test station providing a full time voltage readout, powered by the lights 16 on an ROV/AUV 14 or diver's lamp. An additional element of the apparatus is a subsea cathodic protection test station 18 incorporating a plurality of banks of solar cells 28 powering DC voltage test circuits having some form of parameter display, such as voltmeter readout 30, deriving voltage from ambient light 16 provided by outside sources, such as an ROV 14 or diver's lamp. The apparatus's cathodic protection test system includes four integral voltmeters 30 of which are powered with independent solar panels 28. The solar panels 28 are powered by artificial light 16 delivered by diver or submersible vehicle 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Deepwater Corrosion Services, Inc.
    Inventor: James N Britton
  • Publication number: 20070267290
    Abstract: A photovoltaically powered cathodic protection system for an automotive vehicle uses electrical energy arising from a photovoltaic array positioned upon an exterior surface of the vehicle, with the cathodic protection current being controlled by a controller which is also connected with an electrical storage device and with at least one electrogalvanic cell sensor. The controller and associated sensors function to assure that sufficient charge passes through conductors applied to the body of the vehicle to maintain cathodic protection on a consistent basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: James Richardson
  • Patent number: 7225863
    Abstract: To protect a plate-type heat exchanger (1) against corrosion due to the attack of sulfuric acid, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the region through which flows sulfuric acid has at least one metal cathode (16, 17) and one reference electrode (27), that at least half the metal plates (7) have an electric contact (23) which is connected with the anode (21) of an electric d.c. voltage source of variable electric voltage, that the metal cathode (16, 17) likewise is electrically connected with the d.c. voltage source, and that the d.c. voltage source belongs to a potentiostat (20) which is electrically connected with the reference electrode (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Outokumpu Oyj
    Inventors: Nikola Anastasijevic, Karl-Heinz Daum, Wolfram Schalk, Stefan Laibach