Object Protection Patents (Class 205/724)
  • Patent number: 6183624
    Abstract: Restoration of a concrete roadway is effected by application onto the upper surface of the roadway of steel sheets which are used as an anode for electrolytic transfer of ions between the anode and the reinforcing bars of the concrete as cathode. The steel sheets are placed in effect directly on top of the concrete surface so as to communicate forces from the traffic to the concrete surface without the necessity for separate support of the sheets. An intervening layer may be formed of particulate material, a very thin felt or there may be no intervening layer. The sheets can be formed by two layers of steel with the upper layer embossed and the edges offset so as to define flanges allowing the sheets to be bolted together. A covering wear layer such as asphalt can be applied on top of the sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: David W. Whitmore
  • Patent number: 6183625
    Abstract: A galvanic monitor system uses two annunciators, such like light emitting diodes, to alert a boat operator of the current status of the boat's galvanic protection system. A reference electrode is used to monitor the voltage potential at a location in the water and near the component to be protected. The voltage potential of the electrode is compared to upper and lower limits to determine if the actual sensed voltage potential is above the lower limit and below the upper limit. The two annunciators lights are used to inform the operator if the protection is proper or if the component to be protected is either being over protected or under protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Richard E. Staerzl
  • Patent number: 6120675
    Abstract: An electrochemical electrode of a tube of porous titanium suboxide with a contact connection to an electrical supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Atraverda Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Hill, Peter Charles Steele Hayfield
  • Patent number: 6103097
    Abstract: Control of lead contamination in residential water supplies is accomplished by cathodic protection of lead-containing piping and lead-containing fixtures. Specifically, a partially insulated wire is inserted into lead-containing service lateral piping. Application of a DC current to the partially insulated wire causes the wire to act as an anode and transforms the walls of the pipe into the cathode, thereby protecting against corrosion. Alternatively, a sacrificial anode is inserted into a lead-containing fixture. The electrical potential generated by corrosion of this sacrificial anode transforms the walls of the fixture into a cathode, thereby preventing corrosion. Carbonate scaling built-up prior to the initiation of cathodic protection may be removed by temporarily blocking the water pipe and introducing cleaning chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Larry L. Russell
  • Patent number: 6024861
    Abstract: In an electrically corrosion-proofing process in which the polarity of a metal member having a coating film is set at negative, the duration of setting the polarity of the metal member immersed in an aqueous solution of NaCl at negative is made discontinuous, and a positive-set duration in which the polarity of the metal member is set at positive, is interposed between a proceeding negative-set duration and a succeeding negative-set duration. The switching-over of the polarity is carried out by a polarity switch-over relay between the metal member and a DC power source. In the negative-set duration, the treatment for corrosion-proofing of the metal member is carried out, but the peeling-off of the coating film from a starting point provided by a damaged portion is produced. In the positive-set duration, an electrolytic product is produced in an exposed portion of the metal member, and the peeling-off of the coating film in the next negative-set duration is prevented by the electrolytic product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiro Takeuchi, Tadashi Imanaka
  • Patent number: 5985129
    Abstract: Methods are described for extending the service life of implantable sensors having a silver-containing anodic reference electrode maintained at a high impedance, at least one noble metal cathodic working electrode, and at least one noble metal anodic counter electrode maintained at a low impedance, particularly sensors for the in vivo detection of oxygen and/or glucose in bodily fluids. The methods described involve increasing the input impedance of the reference electrode up to a maximum for implanted circuitry and shielding said electrode, and/or alternating the operating roles of the reference and working electrodes, switching the working electrodes with counter electrodes in the circuit, reversing the polarities of the reference and working electrodes, and sequentially activating each electrode in a plurality of working and/or reference electrodes in the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: David A. Gough, Joseph Y. Lucisano
  • Patent number: 5981050
    Abstract: A multiple ply composite structure used to reinforce, seal and shape concrete structures has a first ply formed of unidirected continuous filament reinforcements which are bonded together by a thermosetting polymeric resin matrix. A second ply comprises a plurality of separately spaced protuberances, each of which is individually coated with a hardenable thermosetting polymeric resin. The hardenable thermosetting polymeric resin of the second ply bonds the first ply to the second ply by forming a concave resin meniscus which anchors each of the protuberances of the second ply to the first ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventors: Charles E. Kaempen, Charles Robert Kaempen
  • Patent number: 5954938
    Abstract: Mounting an anode on a coated surface of a metal structure exposed to the atmosphere; connecting a cathode to a main body of the metal structure; connecting the anode and the cathode to a solar battery; whereby when a defective part is generated on the coated surface of the metal structure and water film is formed on the coated surface, establishing a corrosive condition of the metal structure, a current is automatically flowed between the anode and the cathode to prevent corrosion of the metal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: TAC Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Takahashi, Yasuhiko Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5897755
    Abstract: A cathodic protection test station device has a terminal board integrally formed with a base plate. A removable housing locks onto the base plate and covers the terminal board and the base plate. A tab formed in the base plate extends into a recess formed in the housing defining a locking position. A tool may be inserted in an access slot formed in the housing to deflect the tab and remove the housing. A plurality of first wedge members are symmetrically disposed on a bottom surface of the base plate. The first wedge members have an inclined surface that slidably engages an inclined surface of a plurality of second wedge members. A bolt extends through the base plate and the first and second wedge members to a nut held in a non-rotating manner in the second wedge member. As the bolt rotates, the nut moves towards a head of the bolt and urges the first and second wedge members axially together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Carsonite International Corporation
    Inventors: Roger D. Star, Robert L. Dayton
  • Patent number: 5868920
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for inhibition of growth of organisms on faces of constructions (11) submerged in a liquid. In themethod, an electrically conductive structure (11) to be protected is connected as the cathode of a source (14) of direct current, or an electrically non-conductive structure (111) to be protected is first coated with an electrically conductive material (111a) and connected as the cathode of a source of direct current (14), respectively, and, as the anode (12), an anode is used that has been isolated from the structure (11) to be protected or that is placed separate from said structure, which anode is connected as the anode of the source (14) of direct current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Synton Oy
    Inventors: Ari Nylund, Martti Pulliainen, Jyrki Peltonen, Timo Laurila, Miki Turkia
  • Patent number: 5859397
    Abstract: A process for producing a photovoltaic element, said process comprising the steps of: providing a photovoltaic element comprising a lower electrode layer comprising a metallic layer comprising aluminum or an aluminum compound and a transparent and electrically conductive layer, a photoelectric conversion semiconductor layer, and a transparent electrode layer stacked in the named order on an electrically conductive surface of a substrate, and immersing said photovoltaic element in an electrolyte solution to passivate an short-circuited current path defect present in said photovoltaic element by the action of an electric field, wherein said electrolyte solution has a chlorine ion content of 0.03 mol/l or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirofumi Ichinose, Akio Hasebe, Tsutomu Murakami, Satoshi Shinkura, Yukie Ueno
  • Patent number: 5840164
    Abstract: A galvanic isolator to protect against galvanic corrosion of a submersible metal marine drive. The galvanic isolator is positioned between shore ground and boat ground to prevent the flow of destructive galvanic currents between the shore ground and the boat ground, while maintaining the safety function of neutral ground. The galvanic isolator of the invention includes a blocking element positioned between the boat ground and the shore ground that can be switched between an open and a closed state by a trigger circuit. The trigger circuit closes the blocking element when the voltage difference between the boat ground and the shore ground exceeds a threshold value, such as 1.4 volts. During operation of the galvanic isolator during the high fault current situation, power is dissipated only by the blocking element, rather than by the combination of the blocking element and the trigger device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Richard E. Staerzl
  • Patent number: 5820737
    Abstract: A marine structure submersible in seawater, such as a hull, which when electrically activated is then resistant to fouling by marine organisms. The hull is formed by a structural laminate having a core sandwiched between inner and outer skins. The outer skin which forms the exposed surface of the hull is coated with a metallic paint defining a cathodic electrode. The core is constituted by balsa wood or foam plastic modules attached to an open-mesh scrim that includes conductive fibers to create an electrical grid defining an anodic electrode that is embedded in the laminate. Impressed across the electrodes is a direct voltage to establish an electric field causing marine organisms which seek to foul the hull surface to migrate away from this surface. Alternatively, the cathodic electrode may be formed by an open-mesh scrim defining an electrical grid interposed between the core and the outer skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Henri-Armand Kohn
  • Patent number: 5820741
    Abstract: A trivalent chromium protective coating composition for zinc or a zinc plated article having an acid pH of about 3.0 to 4.0 and a process for coating the zinc or zinc plated article in which the article is contacted with the composition and trivalent chromium is deposited on the article by electrolysis and an article of zinc or zinc plate is coated with a protective trivalent chromium composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Sanchem, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Bibber
  • Patent number: 5785842
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and alternatively adjusting the electrical energy input and output of remotely located corrosion protection rectifiers on a section of a longer pipeline includes three elements. The first element is a monitoring unit which monitors electrical input, output voltage, output amperage and level of applied cathodic protection of the electrical energy provided to the pipeline by a rectifier. This data on electrical energy is then transmitted to the second element, a low-level communication satellite. The low-level communication satellite then retransmits the data to the third element, a management data center. The information received at the management data center may be monitored, recorded or transformed into adjustment signals which are then retransmitted via the low-level communication satellite back to the rectifier on the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Robert M. Speck
  • Patent number: 5772865
    Abstract: An electrolytic conversion solution for metal surface treatment comprises (A) a vanadate or a vanadium salt of an inorganic acid and (B) an organic acid having a reducing ability, and has a pH of not less than 7. The electrolytic conversion solution can be employed in a method for electrolytic conversion treatment which comprises the steps of immersing a subject to be treated in the treating solution and then cathodically electrolyzing the subject in the solution. The electrolytic conversion solution is free of any chromate compound and permits the formation of uniform corrosion-resistant film on the surfaces of various kinds of metallic materials without impairing the working environment and causing any environmental pollution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Dipsol Chemicals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigemi Tanaka, Akira Hashimoto, Masaru Kawai, Yukihisa Toyoda
  • Patent number: 5750071
    Abstract: A method of protecting metals from corrosion by applying an alternating voltage to them, thereby reversing the metal's polarity with respect to its surroundings. Particular applications are for metals which are buried in soil or are exposed to an electrolyte. Amphoteric metals Steels, which are subject to hydrogen embrittlement when made cathodic, are also protected by polarity reversal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Mary E. Fiorino, Robert P. Frankenthal, James D. Sinclair
  • Patent number: 5674375
    Abstract: A method for detecting the presence or absence of corrosion of cathodically protected steel structures in soil and concrete in which the cathodic protection circuit is subjected to an electrochemical impedance spectroscopic analysis and the presence of corrosion is indicated by the presence of a Warburg impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: Neil G. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5665221
    Abstract: A device is placed in a container containing flowing fluid to neutralize fluid contaminants and prevent their deposition on the walls of the container. The device includes a weak electrical current generator having an electric half-cell that forms an electric circuit with the earth-grounded container via the liquid and generates electrons to neutralize the charged contaminants. The generator includes one or more cupriferous tubes containing a mixture of vegetable oil, and powders of copper, zinc, manganese, cellulose and predominantly iron. Preferably, each tube contains:vegetable oil--5.0-20.0%iron powder--50.0-80.0%copper powder--2.0-10.0%zinc powder--2.0-10.0%manganese powder--2.0-10.0%cellulose powder--2.0-15.0%trace minerals--.ltoreq.0.50%.This device may be placed in the line of flow of a deep oil well to prevent deposition of paraffin and other contaminants onto the walls of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: A Rx Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce W. Owen
  • Patent number: 5643424
    Abstract: A device and method for preventing fouling and/or corrosion of the exposed surfaces of a structure which is in contact with seawater, brackish water, fresh water, or a combination of these. The system includes using a structure having an exposed zinc-containing surface. At the exposed surface water interface a negative capacitive charge or an asymmetric alternating electrostatic is induced and maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Marine Environmental Research, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Riffe, Jack D. Carter
  • Patent number: 5630934
    Abstract: Treatment is described for acidity caused by water seeping down through a seam of acid-generating mineral such as pyrite. The pyrite oxidises through exposure to the atmosphere (as a result of mine workings). The treatment system creates an galvanic cell, using the submerged portion of the pyrite seam as the cathode, the water in the aquifer as the electrolyte, and a body of scrap iron immersed in the water as the (sacrificial) anode. Contact rods are inserted into the pyrite seam, and are connected, via a cable, to the body of scrap iron, which is placed in a nearby pond. Hydrogen ions migrate to the cathode and bubble off as hydrogen gas, raising the pH. The acid generating reactions in the pyrite seam are inhibited, and acid concentrations in the already contaminated water in the pond and in the aquifer are reduced. In an alternative, the exposed beaches of pyrite in a tailings pond are provided with grids of metal mesh or graphite in place of the inserted rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Enpar Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Ward Chesworth, Gene S. Shelp, Barry J. Shelp
  • Patent number: 5527440
    Abstract: A elongate electrode of an impressed current protection system comprises a polymeric jacket sleeve (10) that contains a particulate carbonrich filler (12) around a central elongate conductive core (4,6). The invention provides a method of repairing such an electrode that has a damaged jacket section (14), and involves securing the jacket (14) to the core (4,6) on each side of the damaged section (14), which can then be removed together with the associated filler (12). A wraparound repair sleeve (18, 20, FIG. 3) is secured to the jacket (10) on each side of the damaged section (14) and filled with a carbon-rich particulate filler (12) effect the repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: NV Raychem SA
    Inventors: Freddy L. Steeno, Christian J. H. Y. Pierre
  • Patent number: 5525208
    Abstract: A method for electric protection of a metal object, in which a long-line grounding electrode is installed in an electrolytic medium at a preset distance from the metal object to be protected and the metal object and the long-line grounding electrode are electrically connected to a current source to form a protection circuit, the metal object is polarized, while the sections of the electric connection and the geometric dimensions and/or electric parameters of the grounding electrode are so selected that the value of the current propagation constant in the protection circuit is less than or equal to 10.sup.-3 m.sup.-1. The grounding electrode has an extended central flexible metal conductor (18), an adhesive layer (20) providing an electric contect, and an envelope (19) of a slightly soluble current-conductive material based on a composition including a carbon-containing filler in an amount of 40-80 wt. %, a rubber-base polymer in an amount of 10-49.8 wt. %, a plasticizer in an amount of 9-10 wt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: N. V. Raychem S.A.
    Inventors: Vsevolod V. Pritula, Rimma V. Kudinova, Igor D. Yagmur, Alexander V. Zuev, Alexander A. Delektorsky, Anatoly E. Kornev, Jury G. Nekljudov