Vessel Protected (e.g., Steam Boiler, Etc.) Patents (Class 204/196.37)
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Patent number: 7897031Abstract: An apparatus, system, method and computer program product directed to controlling corrosion, particularly space weather induced corrosion, of a conductive structure in contact with a corrosive environment and coated with a semiconductive coating, where the corrosion is controlled by a controllable filter and a corresponding electronic control unit configured to process and adjust the controllable filter in response to at least one measured parameter associated with space weather effects on the conductive structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Applied Semiconductor International Ltd.Inventors: David B. Dowling, Farshad Khorrami, Joseph G. Michels, Mikhail Panasyuk
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Patent number: 7883608Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 28, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: The Patent Store LLCInventors: William Hiner, Lloyd Herbert King, Jr., James C. Keeven
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Patent number: 7875157Abstract: A composite reconstituted anode well. The composite well has a first while section and a second regenerative section. The first well section has a pre-existing anode well earthen wall, pre-existing sacrificed carbon material, pre-existing sacrificed anode materials, and pre-existing sacrificed well casing. The second regenerative section has a regenerative well casing, regenerative anodes, and regenerative carbon material. The regenerative well casing is driven into the first well section which compacts the pre-existing sacrificed carbon material, pre-existing sacrificed anode materials, and pre-existing sacrificed well casing against the pre-existing anode well earthen wall which forms a first outer section of the composite reconstituted anode well. The regenerative anodes are placed inside the regenerative well casing, and regenerative carbon material is filled inside the regenerative well casing which encases the regenerative anodes and forms the inner well section.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2008Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Moor Anode, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Loomis, Stuart Ell
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Patent number: 7807026Abstract: There is disclosed a cathodic protection system of reinforced concrete structures with discrete anodes obtained starting from a corrugated planar substrate welded to a longitudinal current collector. The anodes of the invention are particularly suitable for being installed rolled in cylinders, with their axis parallel to the current collectors, positioned inside holes made in the concrete of the structure to be protected.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Industrie De Nora SpAInventors: Michele Tettamanti, Corrado Mojana, Giorgio Pedrinelli
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Publication number: 20100243432Abstract: Provided is a humidifier (1) capable of enhancing microbicidal and antimicrobial effects of a vaporizing part therein. The humidifier (1) comprises: a humidifying filter (500) for vaporizing water; and a light irradiating part (700) for irradiating with light the vaporizing part (500) having applied thereto the water to be vaporized, and the water vaporized from the vaporizing part (500) includes silver ions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2008Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventor: Mugihei Ikemizu
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Patent number: 7749362Abstract: A method of protecting steel in concrete is disclosed. It consists of connecting the steel (6) to a discrete sacrificial anode assembly (7) comprising a base metal (1), a relatively small quantity of catalytic activating agent in contact with the base metal and a substantially inert porous layer (3) that surrounds the base metal and catalytic activating agent. The inert porous layer efficiently maintains a sustainable concentration gradient of the catalytic activating agent between the base metal and the surrounding environment as a result of the electric field across this layer. The preferred porous layer comprises a material that exhibits a net repulsion of negative ions from its pore system and the preferred catalytic activating agent comprises doubly charged sulphate ions as small electric fields maintain very high concentration gradients of these ions resulting in high concentrations at the base metal surface and insignificant concentrations at the assembly periphery.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2005Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Inventors: Gareth Glass, Adrian Roberts
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Patent number: 7704372Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 29, 2005Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Vector Corrosion Technologies Ltd.Inventors: Gareth K. Glass, Adrian C. Roberts, Nigel Davison
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Patent number: 7655116Abstract: A system for preventing erosion of metal objects in a swimming pool having chemicals therein includes a metal piece sacrificial anode, which may be of zinc. This metal piece sacrificial anode is contained within a tubular container and placed in a location along the swimming pool where it can be readily viewed. The metal piece sacrificial anode is removably supported within the container on the cover of the container, which is threadably attached to the container. The container is supported on piping through which water is supplied to the pool and to the interior of the container. The metal piece sacrificial anode is attached at one end to a an electrically conductive wire and to an electrically conductive copper wire or “bonding wire”, which runs around the pool and is attached to metal objects in the pool.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Inventor: Herb Tilsner
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Patent number: 7648623Abstract: This assembly provides a flexible method of attaching discrete sacrificial anodes to exposed steel in concrete construction to achieve an advantageous distribution of protection current. It comprises a base metal [1] that is less noble than steel, a conductor [6] connected to the base metal, a tying point [2] formed at least in part by the conductor, and a tie [4] that passes through the tying point [2] and around the steel [5]. The tie is used to physically tie the anode between steel bars prior to placing the concrete and in the process to electrically connect the anode to the steel. The tying point is open to facilitate adjusting the tie. The separation of the tie from an anode assembly with a tying point allows the tie to be selected during installation when the properties required by the application are known.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Inventor: Gareth Glass
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Patent number: 7585397Abstract: A novel cathodic protection system is provided that automatically controls and adjusts the voltage potential between an anode and a structure to protect the structure from corrosion. The cathodic protection system is self-powered, requiring no external power source or batteries. A cathodic protection circuit is configured to provide a cathodic protection current from the anode to the structure through an electrolyte. A power generation circuit is configured to generate power from a galvanic cell formed from the anode and an isolated electrode when cathodic protection is interrupted. A voltage potential control circuit is powered by the power generation circuit and is configured to (a) determine a structure-to-electrolyte reference voltage for the electrolyte and structure, and (b) adjust the cathodic protection current from the anode to the structure to maintain the reference voltage substantially the same as a set voltage.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2006Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Farwest Corrosion Control CompanyInventor: John C. Bollinger
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Patent number: 7578910Abstract: Improved deep well grounding systems of the kind used for cathodic protection of ground installations according to the invention employ a combination of materials for the casing of the central metallic anode and the backfill in the well which exhibit a degree of permeability sufficient to allow by-product gases develop in ordinary use of this system to escape, avoiding unwanted cavitation, while minimizing the migration of ground water and the attendant undesirable environmental pollution.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: SAE Inc.Inventors: D. Brien Sirola, Graham Hagens
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Publication number: 20090205951Abstract: A corrosion control system for an above-ground storage tank having a steel bottom plate comprises a sacrificial anode disposed under and spaced apart from the steel bottom plate in a backfill material, and wherein the backfill material has a pH high enough to cause a substantial passivation of the surface of the steel plate facing the sacrificial anode while substantially preventing the passivation of the sacrificial anode. In the preferred embodiment the backfill material has a pH of 10 or greater and the sacrificial anode is in the form of a plate or mesh composed of aluminum or an alloy thereof. Alternatively the sacrificial anode may be composed of zinc or an alloy thereof. The backfill material further includes soda ash, trisodium phosphate or other high alkaline chemicals to raise the pH. The backfill material also preferably includes a moisture retention material such as zeolite to maintain a minimum of moisture content of 10 percent or greater.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2008Publication date: August 20, 2009Inventor: Miki Funahashi
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Publication number: 20090188787Abstract: A sacrificial metal anode device incorporating a resistor assembly into the construction of the sacrificial anode is insertable into a metal water storage tank. The metal water storage tank designed to contain heated water is thereby protected from corrosion by the sacrificial metal anode. The sacrificial metal anode device comprising an elongated metal anode member with a metal wire core, an insulating sleeve secured over the elongated metal anode member wherein said insulating sleeve has an external wall with threads to fixedly secure a metal cap. The metal cap having threads on an internal wall to fixedly secure the insulating sleeve further including a cylindrical receptacle for receipt of an end of the elongated metal anode member and an electrical resistor assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Applicant: Dr. Bernard Closset ConsultingInventors: Bernard Closset, Klaus Geratsdorfer
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Patent number: 7540945Abstract: A device that prolongs the life of a shaving blade including a condenser, a pair of spaced apart and substantially parallel copper plates adapted to receive the shaving blade between the plates, a source of DC of 1.5V and a conductor of electricity that leads electrical energy from the source to the copper plates.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Inventor: Manuel Antonio Marquéz Salvatierra
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Patent number: 7527714Abstract: An anode is mounted to the top of a water heater tank which has a spud with external threads welded to the top thereof. The spud extends above insulation which surrounds the water tank and covers the top of the water heater. An anode rod is inserted into the water tank through the spud and has a steel core welded to a flat cylindrical steel disk which extends radially outwardly of a magnesium cylinder formed about the core. A water sealing gasket is positioned between the disk and the annular surface formed by the open end of the spud. A nut fits over the disk and engages the threads on the spud, and clamps the anode to the spud so that the threads are isolated from water in the tank, allowing easy removal of the anode after the passage of time.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2007Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Bock Water Heaters, Inc.Inventors: Mutubwa K. Kahite, Michael B. Steinhafel
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Patent number: 7488410Abstract: The deterioration of reinforced concrete structures by galvanic corrosion adversely affects roads, bridges, parking garages and buildings that use reinforcing steel in their construction. Galvanic cathodic protection is typically provided for such reinforced concrete structures using embedded sacrificial anodes, such as zinc, aluminum, and alloys thereof. Disclosed herein is an anode assembly (10) for cathodic protection of a reinforced concrete structure. The assembly comprises at least one sacrificial anode member (12). The anode member is covered with an ionically-conductive covering material (14) into which is bound an electrochemical activating agent at least partly covering the sacrificial anode member. One side (26) of the ionically-conductive covering material is configured to conform closely to a steel reinforcing bar. The conforming side has a non-conductive barrier (16) as an integral part of the covering material.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2005Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Inventors: John E. Bennett, Dale W. Griffis, II, Russell J. Bechkowiak
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Patent number: 7468124Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a wafer with a metal exposed through an insulator, through the use of a wet cleaning tank in concert with a feedback system on the potential difference between two leads of the wet cleaning tank. The cleaning tank has a bath in which the wafer and the two leads are immersed. The potential difference between the two leads is regulated when the feedback system detects a change in the potential across the two leads.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2006Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Nancy A. Greco, Kimberly F. Hooper, Kevin S. Petrarca
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Patent number: 7459067Abstract: A semi-permanent reference electrode for use in monitoring and measuring metals in field applications, such as cathodic protection. This electrode has an outer electrode body with a cap and porous plug. The outer electrode body is filled with a fill solution which is a saturated salt solution formed from a solid salt. The solid salt is hygroscopic with a low deliquescence point. An opening is provided in the cap to allow moisture into the outer electrode body to combine with the fill solution to maintain the saturated salt solution in the field. This saturated salt solution must maintain a constant pH for use in the semi-permanent reference electrode. A wire is used within the outer electrode body which connects to a voltmeter. This voltmeter measures the potential difference between the reference electrode and the field component of interest, which can include pipelines, storage tanks and bridges.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2004Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Darrell S. Dunn, Christopher Sean Brossia
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Patent number: 7438787Abstract: A cathodic protection system has electrodes disposed in a coolant passage of an engine filled with a conductive coolant. The electrodes are electrically insulated from the engine. A power supply device provides for a protective electric current to form from the electrodes to the engine through the coolant. The cathodic protection system reduces engine manufacturing and maintenance costs and provides an anticorrosive effect without increasing the size of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masahiro Mizuno, Yuji Tateishi, Toshiyuki Mizushima
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Patent number: 7435326Abstract: A pipe coupling for joining two electrolyte-conveying pipes of electrochemically dissimilar metals and inhibiting galvanic corrosion resulting from the dissimilarity. A tubular pipe coupling has a pair of axially spaced protection electrodes mounted to its interior wall in electrical contact with the electrolyte. A control electrode is also mounted to the interior wall of the tubular pipe coupling between one of the pipes and the pair of protection electrodes. A current sensing circuit is connected to sense the galvanic current through the control electrode. A controllably variable source of electrical current is connected to vary the current through the protection electrodes. A negative feedback control circuit receives the sensed current as a feedback signal and controls the variable source to increase the electrical current through the protection electrodes and the electrolyte so that the sensed current is reduced thereby reducing the galvanic current in the electrolyte between the pipes.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2006Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: CC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John A. Beavers, Brett Michael Tossey
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Patent number: 7431809Abstract: An electrode for a cathodic protection device that has one or more electrode bodies formed of a conductive wire. The electrode includes a pair of films made of an insulating material which are bonded to each other while sandwiching the electrode body therebetween. Preferably at least one of the pair of films is bonded to an engine body. The electrode body is exposed to the outside through one or more through-holes formed in at least one of the films. The electrode is less susceptible to short-circuiting or wire breakage when bent and is also easier to manufacture than conventional electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masahiro Mizuno, Yuji Tateishi, Toshiyuki Mizushima
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Patent number: 7425249Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Deepwater Corrosion Services, Inc.Inventor: James N Britton
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Patent number: 7422666Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 16, 2006Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: James Richardson
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Patent number: 7422665Abstract: An anode for use in cathodic protection of steel in concrete is formed from an electrically conductive material such as zinc and an ionically conductive material which is preferably a humectant and/or has a pH greater than 12 to enhance current flow. The materials are intimately intermixed through at least a part of the anode body and compressed into the anode body with an electrical connecting lead formed into a core of the body which is wholly conductive material. Portions of the electrically conductive material are pressed into electrical contact to form a plurality of electrically conductive paths within the anode body. Many of the voids in the body are interconnected to form a plurality of ionically conductive paths through the anode body by causing the humectant to migrate through the voids. The large surface area between the ionically conductive paths and the electrically conductive paths increase significantly the contact surface area of the anode body to increase current flow.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2006Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Inventor: David Whitmore
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Patent number: 7402233Abstract: A cathodic protection system is provided for cathodically protecting an metallic substrate against corrosion, where the system comprises a sacrificial anodic material containing, but not limited to, zinc, magnesium, aluminum or a mixture of these materials, with a ceramic magnet, coupled with a plug, embedded into the sacrificial anode in such a way as to take advantage of the magnetic flux for transfer of electrons from the sacrificial anode to the object being protected, the unit is affixed to the object being protected by use of an electrically-conductive adhesive. The electrical connection may be established via the combination of the ceramic magnet and the electrically-conductive adhesive. The magnet may be magnetized in the direction of its thickness.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Inventor: Glen E. Morgan
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Patent number: 7387713Abstract: A sacrificial anode assembly operative to inhibit corrosion in the metal tank portion of a water heater includes a cylindrical metal anode member having an end retained within a tubular, electrically non-conductive plastic insulating sleeve which, in turn, is captives retained within a metal cap portion of the assembly. A resistor is received in an end surface groove of the sleeve and has a lead wire spot-welded or soldered to a core wire portion of the anode member. To prevent contact between the lead wire and the metal cap, and to protect the lead wire against vibration caused breakage at its spot weld or solder area, a U-shaped central portion of the lead wire is received in a through-opening in the resistor-supporting end of the sleeve which is covered by an annular insulating wafer formed from an electrically non-conductive material.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2005Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Ronald D. Marcelino, James S. Roden
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Patent number: 7381312Abstract: A ceramic conductor is supported by an electrically insulative support member for attachment directly to a marine propulsion drive and for use as either an anode or electrode in a corrosion prevention system. The ceramic conductor is received within a depression formed in a surface of the electrically insulative support member and the exposed surface of the ceramic conductor can be offset from or coplanar with an exposed surface of the electrically insulative support member. The ceramic conductor can comprise oxides of iridium, tantalum and titanium that are formed as a coating on a titanium substrate.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2006Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Christopher J. Misorski, Richard E. Staerzl
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Patent number: 7329336Abstract: A cathodic protection system for protecting an underwater structure includes a plurality of blocks which are capable of conforming to various structures. Each of the blocks include: a flexible wire rope, the rope constructed and arranged to pass through the center of each block in two directions, and embedded therein to fasten the blocks to each other by rows and columns; a sacrificial anode embedded in at least one of the blocks, and electrically attached inside the block to the flexible wire rope; and a connecting system electrically attached to the wire rope and to the underwater structure. Each block has a non-abrasive pad attached to it. The pad provides spacing between the block and the underwater structure. The system includes means for collecting performance data from the system. The sacrificial anode is made of a composition taken from the group comprising alloys of: zinc, aluminum, or magnesium.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: Deepwater Corrosion Services, Inc.Inventor: Jim Britton
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Patent number: 7318889Abstract: An apparatus, system, method and computer program product directed to controlling corrosion of a conductive structure in contact with a corrosive environment and electrically connected to one or more anodes, wherein the anodes are less noble than the conductive structure, where the corrosion is controlled by a controllable filter and a corresponding electronic control unit configured to process at least one stored or measured parameter, and wherein the apparatus, system and method serve to prolong the lifetime of the one or more anodes by reducing, minimizing or substantially eliminating their sacrificial character.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2005Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: Applied Semiconductor International, Ltd.Inventor: David B. Dowling
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Patent number: 7303659Abstract: Plural composite panels are aligned in multiple horizontal rows. Each composite panel includes a titanium panel (anode), an electrical insulating member and a stainless-steel band member. The titanium panels (also, stainless-steel band members) of horizontally adjacent panels overlap each other to be in face-to-face contact. The stainless-steel band members are horizontally connected at different levels to form long negative electrodes (cathode) extending in seawater-flowing direction in an inlet channel. Each stainless-steel band member is exposed to seawater through a gap between vertically adjacent composite panels.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Tokyo Energy & Systems Inc.Inventors: Shuichi Inagaki, Liang Yan, Kenji Sato, Akira Nemoto, Yoshiharu Mikami, Nobuo Yamaga, Tadahiko Oba, Makoto Gomi, Takeo Shimazaki, Kouichi Furugaki, Kenji Kaneda
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Patent number: 7285190Abstract: A corrosion guard is provided with a fitting having hose mating stubs extending from a central body, the stubs sized to be insertable in an existing hose of a cooling system as typical in an automotive or truck application. The central body incorporates a flange with a threaded bore which receives a sacrificial anode element and a grounding stud extends from the boss for electrical connection to a grounded element of the vehicle or cooling system components.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2005Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Inventor: Edgar Virgil Martin, Jr.
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Patent number: 7276144Abstract: Cathodic protection of a structure including a steel member at least partly buried in a covering layer, such as steel rebar in a concrete structure, is provided by embedding sacrificial anodes into the concrete layer at spaced positions over the layer and connecting the anodes to the rebar. The anode body is formed, by pressing together finely divided powder, flakes or fibers of a sacrificial anode material such as zinc to define a porous body having pores therein. The sacrificial anode material of the anode member is directly in contact with the covering material by being buried or inserted as a tight fit into a drilled hole so that any expansion forces therefrom would be applied to the concrete with the potential of causing cracking. The pores are arranged however such that corrosion products from corrosion of the anode body are received into the pores sufficiently to prevent expansion of the anode body to an extent which would cause cracking of the covering material.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2002Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Inventor: David Whitmore
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Patent number: 7258780Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting a structure from corrosion, according to which the apparatus includes two pivotally connected members, at least one anode device connected to at least one of the members, and a resilient component engaged with the members.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Wellstream International LimitedInventors: Helio Marins David Filho, Robert Ribeiro Braga
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Patent number: 7241374Abstract: An electrode system for preventing biofouling of a surface either is applied directly onto the surface of an aquatic vehicle or structure, if the surface is non-conducting; or is applied onto an insulating paint layer on the surface, if the surface is conducting; or is embedded in a layer of electrically non-conducting material. The electrode system includes two alternating sets of electrodes in the form of spaced, parallel strips made from any conductive material, preferably a conductive coating, the first set being provided with a number n of parallel electrodes, and the second set being provided with a number n?1 of parallel electrodes, with the positions of the electrodes of the first set alternating with the positions of the electrodes of the second set. The geometry of the electrodes is such that when the voltage is applied, the electric field radiates outwardly parallel to the surface of the structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Unitech, LLCInventors: Robert C. Boyd, Wayne B. Legrande
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Patent number: 7226532Abstract: Cathodic protection of an existing concrete structure, including a steel member at least partly buried, such as steel rebar, in the concrete structure, is provided by embedding anodes into a fresh concrete layer applied over an excavated patch and/or as a covering overlay. The anodes are embedded at spaced positions or as an array in the layer and connected to the rebar. A reinforcing layer is applied to the anode or adjacent the anode to resist expansion of the anode body tending to cause cracking of the concrete caused by the larger volume of the corrosion products relative to the anode material. Pores are provided in the anode body so as to take up the corrosion products. The reinforcing layer can be provided in the actual anode body as a closed surface surrounding the anode material inside or may be provided in the concrete as a layer on top of the anode in an array form at or near the outer surface of the concrete.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Inventor: David W. Whitmore
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Patent number: 7220342Abstract: The invention concerns a structure comprising at least one metallic surface which undergoes cathodic protection and a protective coating for said surface, said coating comprising a polymer including micro-capsules containing compounds sensitive to the electric field generated by the cathodic protection and capable of reacting in an alkaline medium to form a protective layer on the surface of the structure when it is in direct contact with a corrosive medium. The invention also concerns the coating associated with said structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Valérie Sauvant-Moynot, Sébastien Duval, Serge Gonzalez, Jacques Vallet, Jacky Grenier
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Patent number: 7211173Abstract: A marine fouling inhibiting system comprises first and second conductors which are made of a polymer matrix, such as vinyl ester, and a suspended conductor, such as graphite powder or particles. This type of conductive material is formed to provide two sections of a boat hull so that a source of electrical current can be used to reversibly cause an electric current to flow to and from the conductive coatings. The conductive coatings are electrically insulated from each other in order to force the formation of an electrical circuit which includes the two conductive coatings, the source of electrical current, and the water in which the boat hull is disposed. This results in the creation of chlorine bubbles on the conductive surfaces. Chlorine bubbles on the boat hull surfaces discourage the formation of marine growth, such as barnacles.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Richard E. Staerzl, Christopher J. Misorski, Kevin R. Anderson
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Patent number: 7198706Abstract: The present invention generally provides a method for prevention of corrosion in a metal object by inducing a surface current over the entire surface of the metal object. The surface current can be induced by direct or indirect application of electrical waveforms having AC components generated from a circuit. The metal body and the negative terminal of a source of DC voltage (battery) are grounded. The positive terminal of the source of DC voltage is connected to the electronic circuit that imparts electrical waveforms of low voltage DC to the conductive terminal connected to the metal body. Alternate methods of inducing surface currents include direct capacitor discharge through the metal body, or movement of an electromagnetic field over the metal body, or by generating an RF signal attached to a transmitting antenna such that the transmitted signal is received by the metal body.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Canadian Auto Preservation Inc.Inventor: Michael E. Lewis
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Patent number: 7189319Abstract: First and second axial current meters (ACM) are mechanically connected to a well casing just above and below a corrosive zone and a master axial current meter (MACM) is connected to the casing at the earth's surface, the MACM periodically obtaining measurements of axial current from the ACMs to determine how much cathodic protection current is to be applied to the casing to avoid corrosion.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Husain M. Al-Mahrous, Darrell R. Catte
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Patent number: 7189312Abstract: An earthing electrode assembly and method for providing a submerged electrical apparatus with an earth path, the electrode assembly having an earthing electrode, an attachment device for attaching the electrode assembly to a cable, and an insulated electrical connection for connecting the earthing electrode to the submerged electrical apparatus. The connection is formed to be of sufficient length for the submerged electrical apparatus to be protected from electrochemical effects resulting from operation of the earthing electrode.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: AlcatelInventors: Ian Gerard Watson, Philip Andrew Norman, David Lancelot Walters, Peter Worthington
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Patent number: 7186320Abstract: An anode for a cathodic protection system comprises a base portion or support structure which is shaped to receive a conductive element, or insert, within a cavity of the support structure. The conductive element is made of a polymer material, such as vinyl ester, with a conductive filler, such as graphite powder. The base is attachable to a marine vessel or other submersible component that is being protected by a cathodic protection system. The anode allows the use of a relatively inexpensive resin material with a graphite filler in place of a much more expensive platinum coated titanium element.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Richard E. Staerzl, Christopher J. Misorski
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Patent number: 7169288Abstract: Systems and methods of cathodic protection. The system includes a metallic housing, a backplane situated within the metallic housing, a cathodic protection card coupled to the backplane and a permanent anode, external to the metallic housing, coupled to the cathodic protection card through an isolated port. The cathodic protection system is powered using span power. The permanent anode and metallic housing are adapted to form a closed circuit when both come in contact with an electrolyte. The permanent anode is maintained at a higher potential than the metallic housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: ADC DSL Systems, Inc.Inventor: Richard J. Drapeau
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Patent number: 7160433Abstract: The cathodic protection system of a concrete structure (22) uses sacrificial anodes such as zinc, aluminum and alloys thereof embedded in mortar. A humectant is employed to impart high ionic conductivity to the mortar in which the anode is encapsulated. Lithium nitrate and lithium bromide and combinations thereof are preferred as the humectant. The anode (10) is surrounded by a compressive, conductive matrix (12) incorporating a void volume between 15% and 50% to accommodate the sacrificial corrosion products of the anode. A void space of at least 5% of the total volume of the anode (12) may be provided opposite to the active face of the anode. Synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, cellulose, nylon and fiberglass have been found to be useful for forming the matrix. A tie wire is used to electrically connect the anode to the reinforcing bar.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventor: John E. Bennett
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Patent number: 7138038Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a collapsible pod for providing cathodic protection to a preferred structure 12. The present invention 10 has a top frame 20 and a bottom frame 22 with a plurality of folding leg segments 24 positioned therebetween. The leg segments are comprised of the anode material having a pivot 30 positioned at each distal end. Also extending between the top 20 and bottom 22 frame is the folded retaining means 28 that prevents random deployment of the structure. To expand the structure the folded retaining means 28 is disengaged whereby the top 20 and bottom 22 frame are spaced apart by the segmented leg elements 24. Also shown are stabilizers 26 and a rest channel 32 for the upper anode. Also disclosed is a lock bracket 34 forming a dual pivot point 30 for each leg segment 24. The lock bracket 34 provides means whereby each leg segment 24 lays in communication with each other adding rigidity to the folded structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2004Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Inventors: James N Britton, William Jamrok, Michael Dolfay
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Patent number: 7074305Abstract: The present invention is directed at a pipeline support for reducing corrosion on a pipeline surface comprising support fill material, a case for housing the support fill material; wherein when a cathodic protective current contacts the support, the current flows through the support to the pipeline surface to reduce corrosion on the surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2003Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Inventor: Geoff Weyman Connors
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Patent number: 7048510Abstract: A propeller spinner (5) for a marine propeller (1) having multiple propeller blades (2) attached to a propeller hub (3) that is adapted for attachment to a propeller shaft (4) and includes a sacrificial anodic material for protecting the propeller shaft (4) and/or propeller hub (3) from corrosion. There is included a hollow spinner cone (6) made of a non-anodic material and the spinner cone (6) has at least one perforation in its outer peripheral surface. An anodic insert body (9) that is made of the sacrificial anodic material constitutes an insert body (9) that is substantially contained within the hollow spinner cone (6). The insert body (9) has at least one radical protrusion (10) extending at least partially through said perforation (7) in the spinner cone (6).Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: AB Volvo PentaInventor: Benny Hedlund
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Patent number: 7029569Abstract: An apparatus, system, method and computer program product directed to controlling corrosion of a conductive structure in contact with a corrosive environment and coated with a semiconductive coating, where the corrosion is controlled by a controllable filter and a corresponding electronic control unit configured to process at least one stored or measured parameter.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2004Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Applied Semiconductor International Ltd.Inventors: David B. Dowling, Farshad Khorrami
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Patent number: 6998031Abstract: An electrode comprises an elongate hollow tube made of porous titanium suboxide the inside wall of which is contacted at spaced apart locations by an electrical conductor so that the current is substantially uniformly distributed along the length of the electrode.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2000Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Atraverda LimitedInventor: Andrew Hill
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Patent number: 6955746Abstract: A corrosion-inhibited system for providing a utility service to a plurality of consumers includes a plurality of metallic utility service structures, each utility service structure having components buried in a common electrolyte and electrically connected to each other through an electrical utility service connected to an electric utility supply common to each of the consumers in the plurality of consumers. The system further includes a single protection apparatus including at least one anode in physical contact with the common electrolyte. The system further includes a conductor physically connecting the single protection apparatus to only one of the utility service structures.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Inventor: Jim Yule
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Patent number: 6932891Abstract: An apparatus for indicating when a predetermined portion of a sacrificial anode has been corroded comprises a detector embedded within the interior of the sacrificial anode initially at a predetermined distance from an exposed exterior surface of the sacrificial anode. The detector detects the absence of sacrificial anode material when the predetermined portion has corroded and generates a detection signal. A monitoring system communicates with the detector for receiving detection signals and generates an indicator signal when a detection signal is received. An indicator in communication with the monitoring system receives indicator signals and generates an alarm when an indicator signal is received.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2004Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Performance Metals, Inc.Inventors: Martin Wigg, Henry Leipert, James Elder, Kelvin P. Dixon