Abstract: An anode for cathodically-protected steel-reinforced concrete is embedded in an ion-conductive overlay on the concrete structure. The anode comprises at least one sheet of highly expanded valve metal mesh having a pattern of voids defined by a network of valve metal strands connected at a multiplicity of nodes. This provides a redundancy of current-carrying paths through the mesh which ensures effective current distribution throughout the mesh even in the event of possible breakage of a number of individual strands. The surface of the valve metal mesh carries an electrochemically active coating. At least one current distribution member is welded to the valve metal mesh. The entire area of the structure to be protected, excluding non-protected openings for obstacles and the like, is covered by a single piece of the mesh, or several pieces in close proximity with one another.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an electrically conductive valve metal mesh of extreme void fraction. More particularly the invention relates in a most important aspect to an application thereof for an electrode structure in such a way as to prevent the corrosion of steel, including reinforcing steel in concrete, by cathodic protection.

Abstract: An anode for cathodically-protected steel-reinforced concrete is embedded in an ion-conductive overlay on the concrete structure. The anode comprises at least one sheet of highly expanded valve metal mesh having a pattern of voids defined by a network of valve metal strands connected at a multiplicity of nodes. This provides a redundancy of current-carrying paths through the mesh which ensures effective current distribution throughout the mesh even in the event of possible breakage of a number of individual strands. The surface of the valve metal mesh carries an electrochemically active coating. At least one current distribution member is welded to the valve metal mesh. The entire area of the structure to be protected, excluding non-protected openings for obstacles and the like, is covered by a single piece of the mesh, or several pieces in close proximity with one another.

Abstract: An anode for cathodically-protected steel-reinforced concrete is embedded in an ion-conductive overlay on the concrete structure. The anode comprises at least one sheet of highly expanded valve metal mesh having a pattern of voids defined by a network of valve metal strands connected at a multiplicity of nodes. This provides a redundancy of current-carrying paths through the mesh which ensures effective current distribution throughout the mesh even in the event of possible breakage of a number of individual strands. The surface of the valve metal mesh carries an electrochemically active coating. At least one current distribution member is welded to the valve metal mesh. The entire area of the structure to be protected, excluding non-protected openings for obstacles and the like, is covered by a single piece of the mesh, or several pieces in close proximity with one another.

Abstract: The present invention resides in an apparatus for removing chloride ions from a reinforced concrete structure. The apparatus comprises an integrated anode assembly which includes an anode and an electrolyte, the anode being immersed in the electrolyte. The integrated anode assembly is flexible and conformable to the surface configuration of the concrete structure to which it is applied. Means are provided for removably adhering the integrated anode assembly to the concrete structure, conformed to said surface configuration, and for establishing an electric current between said anode and the reinforcement of said concrete structure.

Abstract: Cathodic protection of a reinforced concrete structure utilizes a metal anode such as a zinc anode in combination with a pressure sensitive ionically conductive hydrogel in contact with at least a portion of the surface of the anode. Preferably, the anode and ionically conductive hydrogel are flexible and supplied in roll form. The combination may further include the addition of salt to the hydrogel as well as application to the metal-hydrogel combination of Type III cement. The cathodic protection may be carried out with or without a power source.

Abstract: A seating device for aged, infirm and handicapped persons includes a passive, pivotably mounted, energy storage device laterally disposed below a seat base, and a parallelogram linkage between the seat base and a chair seat for controlling elevation and tilting motion of the seat. A lever which can be coupled at selectable points along an arc about the pivot point of the energy storage device exerts torque on the parallelogram linkage to oppose downward movement and aid upward movement. By varying the position of engagement of the energy storage device to the lever, the force exerted can be adjusted to the weight of the user.

Abstract: A temperature sensor comprising a probe, infrared fibers, super-cooled detors and their associated electronics, and a computer for determining the temperature from the output of the electronics. Photons from a heat source are collected by the infrared fibers and transmitted to the detectors where they are amplified by the electronics. A voltage is then outputted which represents measured temperature. The voltage is sampled by the computer where it is converted to temperature by use of computer algorithms.

Abstract: A catalytically-coated valve metal reference electrode is used to measure the potential of reinforcing members in concrete in a system to cathodically protect the same.

Abstract: A method for detecting exposed steel in the surface of reinforced concrete, comprising the steps of: moving an electrode across an exposed surface of said concrete; connecting said electrode to one terminal of a power source; connecting the other terminal of said power source to the reinforcement of said concrete; said power source providing a high voltage current effective to produce a spark across an air gap occurring when exposed steel is detected, said spark initiating a means to signal the occurrence of said exposed steel.

Abstract: A method of installing a coated valve metal electrode as impressed-current anode in a cathodic protection system for a steel-reinforced concrete structure comprises providing a roll of coated valve metal mesh, unrolling the mesh and installing it in conformity with the structure, fixing the mesh to the structure and embedding the mesh in an ion-conductive overlay. The mesh is a highly expanded valve metal sheet providing multiple current paths and therefore enhanced redundancy. Current distributor strips can be welded to the mesh after unrolling.

Abstract: A catalytic polymer electrode compries a current conducting polymer body forming an electrode base which is provided with catalytic valve metal particles fixed to its surface. A current conducting body of carbon filled thermoplastic polymer is heated to soften its outer surface, and the catalytic valve metal particles are pressed onto its softened surface and thereby attached to the surface of the polymer body. Such a catalytic polymer electrode used as an anode in an impressed-current cathodic protection system comprises a catalyst to provide a reduced oxygen potential. Such catalytic polymer anodes may be applied in systems for impressed current cathodic protection of reinforced concrete structures, such as bridge decks, support members, parking garages, or of buried or submerged steel structrues such as gas and oil pipelines, offshore production platforms, fuel storage tanks, well casings.

Abstract: Coiled valve metal mesh of great void fraction and lengthy dimension and having a continuum of interconnected metal strands is coated with an electrocatalytic coating from liquid composition. The coating operation proceeds by contacting the mesh with liquid coating composition while the mesh is maintained in coiled form. This highly efficient coating method is continued through a curing operation while further maintaining the coated mesh in coiled form. Pretreatment preceding coating operation, e.g., degreasing and etching, may also be accomplished without uncoiling of the mesh. The coated mesh can later be uncoiled and current distributors welded to it for use as an electrode, e.g., in cathodic protection.

Abstract: A rechargeable ambient temperature electrical storage cell utilizing an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal and sulfur electrochemical reaction pair. The cell includes an anhdyrous liquid anode separated from an anhydrous, sulfur containing catholyte by a cationic permeable partition.

Abstract: An alkali metal rechargeable battery utilizing an electrochemical reaction between an alkali or alkaline earth metal and sulfur. The metal is included in an amalgam anode.

Abstract: A battery employing an alkali metal-sulfur electrochemical reaction pair in an anhydrous ammonia electrolyte environment including an anolyte and method for suppressing formation of a bronze between the ammonia and the metal and a method for making the anolyte. The anolyte includes a bronze suppressing, conductivity enhancing salt of the alkali metal and a bronze suppressing aromatic organic dissolved in the anhydrous ammonia.

Abstract: Biofouling and scale control in conductive aqueous systems is effected on metal, preferably valve metal such as titanium, surfaces on which such fouling normally occurs by applying thereto a stable electrocatalytic coating, anodically polarizing said valve metal coating such that essentially only oxygen is evolved at the surface thereof, preferably at a rate of at least about 4.66 millimoles per square meter per hour without evolution of any chlorine. Periodic current reversal is effected to forestall biofouling upon any cathode utilized in implementing the instant invention.

Abstract: Biofouling and scale control in conductive aqueous systems is effected on metal, preferably valve metal such as titanium, surfaces on which such fouling normally occurs by applying thereto a stable electrocatalytic coating, anodically polarizing said valve metal coating such that only oxygen is evolved at the surface thereof, preferably at a rate at least about 4.66 millimoles per square meter per hour without evolution of any chlorine.

Abstract: Novel oxygen selective electrode comprising a coating on said anode consisting of delta manganese dioxide. This outer coating on the anode may be placed on the anode electrochemically by electrolyzing an acid saline solution having dissolved therein sufficient manganous chloride. Sufficient manganese dioxide is plated on said anode when the chlorine evolution essentially ceases during electrolysis.

Abstract: Novel oxygen selective electrode comprising a coating on said anode consisting of delta manganese dioxide. This outer coating on the anode may be placed on the anode electrochemically by electrolyzing an acid saline solution having dissolved therein sufficient manganous chloride. Sufficient manganese dioxide is plated on said anode when the chlorine evolution essentially ceases during electrolysis.