With Control Responsive To Sensed Condition Patents (Class 205/725)
  • Patent number: 9005423
    Abstract: Communications systems are provided for use with an impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system having single or multiple ICCP components. A pipeline may be provided by connecting multiple pipeline sections together as an integrated pipeline where each section has an associated ICCP system. A communications signal comprising an AC signal is impressed on the pipeline and received by receivers associated with power supplies associated with each ICCP system. Upon reception of the AC signal, a controllable switch is operated within the power supplies to synchronously disconnect them from their power source and thereby enable accurate testing of the ICCP system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Cahill-O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20140251823
    Abstract: An active corrosion protection circuit for a brake disc-pad unit of a motor vehicle includes one of a metal disc and a pad adapted to selectively block the disc. A direct electric voltage source and an electric conductor connectable to the electric voltage source and one of the disc and the pad forms an electric circuit causing a monopolar current flux between the disc and the pad when the pad blocks the disc so that the action of the current is localized in a contact zone between the disc and the pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: ITT ITALIA S.r.I.
    Inventors: Diego Adolfo Santamaria Razo, Marco Travet
  • Patent number: 8652312
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring cathodic protection of a protected object that includes a probe with five segments in series. The cathodic protection is provided by a system with a power supply that impresses current onto the protected object. An anode is included with the system that is also connected to the power supply. The third and fifth segments are in electrical communication through a frangible connection; that over time galvanically corrodes to electrically isolate the third and fifth segments. The second segment, which is a permanent isolator, is set between the first and third segments. The third segment is selectively connected with the protected object. When the third segment is selectively disconnected from the protected object, measuring the potential difference between the third segment and the first segment yields a value for object polarization that is void of IR error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Darrell Raymond Catte
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 8452455
    Abstract: In a control device of a plasma processing system, a communication unit is configured to receive processing information related to a carrier of a next processing lot. A determination unit is configured to determine whether the processing information received by the communication unit has pre-treatment information related to one of the plasma processing devices. When it is determined that the processing information has the pre-treatment information by the determination unit, a generation unit is configured to generate an object for declaring execution of the pre-treatment for the carrier of a next processing lot if a desired condition of transferring of the carrier is satisfied. In addition, if the object is generated by the generation unit, a process executing control unit is configured to start the pre-treatment for the target object in the carrier of a next processing lot without any notification that the carrier reaches a destination plasma processing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hiroaki Mochizuki, Masahiro Numakura
  • Patent number: 8372260
    Abstract: A marine drive cathodic protection control circuit and method controls ohmic current from a power source to an anode according to electrical reference potential sensed by a reference electrode. The ohmic current is interrupted for an interruption interval, and reference potential is sensed during the interruption interval. The ohmic current is controlled according to reference potential sensed during the interruption interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Richard E. Staerzl, Michael M. Blackwood
  • 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: 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: 8211289
    Abstract: A method of protecting steel in concrete is disclosed. A voltage between two connections of a power supply is generated such that current can flow between a negative connection and a positive connection. In a first protection step, one of the connections of the power supply is electrically connected to the steel to be cathodically protected and a sacrificial anode is electrically connected in series with the other connection of the power supply such that the voltage generated by the power supply is added to the voltage generated between the sacrificial anode and the steel to produce a voltage greater than the voltage generated between the sacrificial anode and the steel alone. The power supply may be a cell or battery and may be combined with the sacrificial anode to form a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventors: Gareth Kevin Glass, Adrian Charles Roberts, Nigel Davison
  • Patent number: 8168059
    Abstract: A method for inhibiting corrosion in at least one required region of an elongate metal structure, comprising applying a high-frequency electromagnetic signal to the structure in a manner such that a voltage standing wave is established in the structure with a corrosion-inhibiting potential at the required region(s) of the structure. The method is advantageously applied to an oil well riser pipe, to inhibit corrosion of the external surface thereof in the vicinity of an oil production zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Hydropath Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Daniel Stefanini
  • Patent number: 8137528
    Abstract: This invention relates to protection of a metal component exposed to a corroding medium. One or more of the following are provided: cathodic protection, measuring of a condition of the component, retarding or avoiding of fouling. A sacrificial anode is used as the energy source such that the electric circuit can provide a pulsating current, voltage, automatically adapted current, or protecting potential. Germanium solid state elements are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Johannes Jacobus Maria Heselmans
  • Publication number: 20120012470
    Abstract: In one general aspect, a system can include a probe configured to be coupled to a concrete surface of a portion of concrete. The system can include a waveform generator configured to trigger flow of a current to the portion of concrete via the probe and configured to reference a potential of a reinforcing bar embedded within the concrete. The system can also include a current detector configured to detect a magnitude of the current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Paul David Bartholomew, William Spencer Guthrie, Brian Anthony Mazzeo
  • Patent number: 8080151
    Abstract: Process for the electrochemical treatment of a construction comprising a porous medium, a corrodible substance disposed in the porous medium, the construction having electrically conductive properties, comprising the application of an external electrode (3) to a surface (2) of the construction, the external electrode (3) being connected to a terminal of a generator (6), the porous medium being connected to another terminal of the generator (6), and the application of the following four phases at least once: during a first phase lasting between 12 and 360 hours, passing a negative electric current which causes anions to migrate from the porous medium to the external electrode (3) and cations to migrate from the external electrode (3) towards the porous medium, then during a second phase lasting between 2 minutes and 100 hours, interrupting the circulation of the electric current, then during a third phase lasting between 2 minutes and 24 hours, passing a positive electric current, then during a fourth phase la
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Soletanche Freyssinet
    Inventors: Christian Tourneur, Didier Keisser
  • Patent number: 8034229
    Abstract: The invention is a process for cathodic protection of electrodes wherein negative bias is applied on the electrode. The negative bias is obtained by asymmetric current pulse, which is obtained by negative phase pulsing with higher amplitude than that of the anodic phase. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by negative phase pulsing with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The asymmetric current pulse may also be obtained by negative phase pulsing with both higher amplitude and wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The invention further relates to a process for cathodic protection of electrodes, wherein negative bias is applied on the electrode, and the negative bias is obtained by asymmetric current pulse, where the asymmetric current pulse is obtained by negative phase pulsing with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The wider pulse width is obtained by pulse trains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dao Min Zhou, Amy Hines, James Singleton Little, Robert J. Greenberg
  • Patent number: 7951286
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for using an impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system that supplies an electrical current such that a metallic structure (10) has a negative voltage of between 0.5 and 1.5 Volt relative to earth to power one or more electrical appliances (5), the method comprising: —providing one or more electrical appliances (5) which each have a pair of electrical contacts (1,2); —connecting one electrical contact (1) of each electrical appliance to the structure; and —connecting the other electrical contact (2) of each electrical appliance to earth, thereby providing electrical power to each of the electrical appliances. It is preferred that the electrical appliances (5) are equipped with one or more DC-DC power converters (6) which are configured to enhance an electrical input voltage of between 0.5 and 1.5 Volt to an electrical output voltage of between 3 and 5 Volt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Sicco Dwars, Christopher Ozemoya Ubuane
  • 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: 7901546
    Abstract: The present invention includes systems, methods and apparatus for continuously, independently and in some cases remotely monitoring the operation of a current interrupter used to test a cathodic protection system, or the cathodic protection system itself, for verification of proper operation. Embodiments of the invention include electronic devices that may be temporarily attached to a current interrupter that is being used to test a cathodic protection system, or directly to the cathodic protection system itself. Embodiments of the invention monitor the activity of an interrupter by sampling the output (voltage and time) to identify the cycle(s) of the interrupter. The invention provides truly independent verification since it does not need to know in advance the sequence or cycle times of the current interrupter being monitored. The information obtained by the invention is output so that it may be provided to a user, displayed, downloaded or stored for future reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: M.C. Miller Co.
    Inventors: Melvin C. Miller, Marcelo Jakubzick, Juan Pablo Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 7901547
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical device for impeding corrosion of a metal body. The electrical device includes a driver circuit including at least one inductive component. The driver circuit is suitable for driving one or more pads coupled to the metal body so that corrosion of the metal body is impeded. A control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the driver circuit. A feedback circuit provides feedback from the driver circuit to the control circuit. The driver circuit can operate as a resonant circuit, owing to the at least one inductive component, and ballast energy applied to the pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Couplertec Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Robin Richardson
  • Patent number: 7897031
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Semiconductor International Ltd.
    Inventors: David B. Dowling, Farshad Khorrami, Joseph G. Michels, Mikhail Panasyuk
  • Patent number: 7854832
    Abstract: An input terminal is electrically connected to a contact point. An anti-corrosion current supplying section is operable to supply an anti-corrosion current to the contact point through the input terminal so as to remove corrosion in the contact point. A series resistor is electrically interposed between the input terminal of the signal processing circuit and the contact point. The anti-corrosion current is supplied to the contact point through the series resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Komatsu, Keisuke Kido, Kouji Oonishi
  • Patent number: 7704371
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for identifying and managing corrosion and methods related thereto. In particular, the invention provides a system for identifying and managing the structural corrosion potential for an assembly by measuring a “Relative Corrosion Index” (“RCI”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Eric S. Meyer, Jeffrey S. Sermersheim, Stephen P. Gaydos, Ko-Wei Liu
  • Patent number: 7691252
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for cathodic protection of electrode or electrode materials wherein negative bias is applied on the electrode. the negative bias is obtained by asymmetric current pulse. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with higher amplitude. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with higher amplitude and with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The present invention further relates to a process for cathodic protection of electrode or electrode materials, wherein negative bias is applied on the electrode, wherein the negative bias is obtained by asymmetric current pulse, wherein the asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The wider pulse width is obtained by pulse trains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dao Min Zhou, Amy Hines, James Singleton Little, Robert J. Greenberg
  • Patent number: 7686936
    Abstract: A method for operating a system which inhibits the growth of marine organisms on a submerged surface causes a current to flow to one of two submerged surfaces over a time period that is selected as a function of the magnitude of the current and the area of the surface. In other words, the time period is determined as a function of the current density applied to the surface. In a particularly preferred embodiment the current density is maintained at approximately 35 milliamps per square foot and the time period is approximately four minutes. At the end of the time period, the current is reversed and a second submerged surface is polarized in a similar manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Richard E. Staerzl, Kevin R. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20100025261
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: APPLIED SEMICONDUCTOR INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventors: David B. DOWLING, Farshad Khorrami, Joseph G. Michels, Mikhail I. Panasyuk
  • Patent number: 7638032
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for cathodic protection of electrode or electrode materials wherein negative bias is applied on the electrode. the negative bias is obtained by asymmetric current pulse. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with higher amplitude. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with higher amplitude and with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The present invention further relates to a process for cathodic protection of electrode or electrode materials, wherein negative bias is applied on the electrode, wherein the negative bias is obtained by asymmetric current pulse, wherein the asymmetric current pulse is obtained by performing negative phase with wider pulse width than that of the anodic phase. The wider pulse width is obtained by pulse trains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dao Min Zhou, Amy Hines, James Singleton Little, Robert J. Greenberg
  • Patent number: 7638031
    Abstract: A method and device for protecting an aqueous system from scale precipitation by depressing scale precipitation in a bulk phase of a water supply, the device including: (a) an electrolytic cell for fluidly connecting to the system, including: (i) a tank for receiving the water supply, the tank having a copper surface forming a cathode of the cell; and (ii) an element having a zinc surface disposed within the tank, and forming an anode of the cell; (b) a controlling unit for controlling a current (I) from the power supply; and (c) a flowmeter for measuring a flow rate of the water supply, the flow rate associated with a flow rate of water into the system, wherein the controlling unit is designed to control the current according to the flow rate so as to depress the scale precipitation in the bulk phase of the water supply, and wherein the current I exceeds (1.84?A)*Q and is less than (1.84+A)*Q, wherein I is measured in amperes; Q is the total flow rate (m3/h); and A is a positive number and less than 1.05.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Elgressy Engineering Services Ltd.
    Inventor: Gabi Elgressy
  • Patent number: 7585397
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Farwest Corrosion Control Company
    Inventor: John C. Bollinger
  • 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: 7468124
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nancy A. Greco, Kimberly F. Hooper, Kevin S. Petrarca
  • Patent number: 7435326
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: CC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Beavers, Brett Michael Tossey
  • Patent number: 7410563
    Abstract: A method for preventing corrosion of a contact, includes comparing a potential of a signal line connected to the contact with a predetermined potential corresponding to the corrosion of the contact; flowing a corrosion-prevention current into the contact when a result of the comparing shows that the contact is corroded; inputting into the signal line a signal used for judging a logical value of a connection state of the contact; and in the magnitude relation, setting the predetermined potential on another side of a threshold level used in the judging of the logical value of the connection state of the contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Komatsu, Masahiko Fujimoto, Kouji Oonishi, Keisuke Kido, Junichi Sawada
  • Patent number: 7362011
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a contact from being corroded includes a power source, a signal line connected to the contact, a resistance connected to the signal line, a switching section, a comparator, and an overheat detecting section. The switching section has a switch between the power source and the signal line. An impedance of the switch is smaller than that of the resistance when the switch is turned on. The comparator compares a potential of the signal line with a predetermined potential to determine as to whether or not the contact is corroded. The comparator outputs a driving signal when the comparator concludes that the contact is corroded. The overheat detecting section detects whether or not temperature of the apparatus exceeds a predetermined temperature. The overheat detecting section decreases current flowing through the switching section when the temperature of the apparatus exceeds the predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Komatsu, Masahiko Fujimoto, Kouji Oonishi, Keisuke Kido, Junichi Sawada
  • Patent number: 7318889
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Applied Semiconductor International, Ltd.
    Inventor: David B. Dowling
  • Patent number: 7285203
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for instrumental analysis in remote locations. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling cathodic protection being applied to a metal structure having a surface disposed in an electrolytic environment comprising electrically connecting a metal coupon to the surface of the metal structure, positioning the metal coupon at a predetermined position relative to the surface of the metal structure and within the electrolytic environment, applying a cathodic protection agent to the surface of the metal structure to effect cathodic protection of the surface of the metal structure, measuring a cathodic protection indication proximate to the metal coupon, comparing the cathodic protection indication with a predetermined value, and adjusting the cathodic protection agent being applied to the surface of the metal structure in response to the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventors: Gordon I. Russell, Murray D. Stenekes
  • Patent number: 7198706
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Canadian Auto Preservation Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7189319
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Husain M. Al-Mahrous, Darrell R. Catte
  • Patent number: 7182852
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of testing a cryogenic metal tank before it is put into service, in which said method said tank (1) is filled with water and appropriate measurements are performed where necessary, the method being characterized in that the following steps are performed: filling said metal cryogenic tank (1) with sea water; and providing the bottom and side metal walls (2, 3) of said tank (1) that are constituted essentially by bare steel, with temporary cathodic protection by injecting an electric current into anodes disposed within said tank (1) once said anodes become immersed. Advantageously, a first anode array (51) is placed in the immediate vicinity of the bottom of the tank using support means (52), said support means (52) and said first anode(s) (51) preferably being removable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Saipem S.A.
    Inventor: Alphonse Boreave
  • Patent number: 7169288
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: ADC DSL Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Drapeau
  • Patent number: 7029569
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Applied Semiconductor International Ltd.
    Inventors: David B. Dowling, Farshad Khorrami
  • Patent number: 6890420
    Abstract: A semiconductor system is provided that uses semiconductive organic polymers, electronics and semiconductor technology to provide a wide array of semiconductor components and a system of preventing corrosion of a surface of a metal structure in contact with a corrosive environment involving: (a) a semiconductive organic polymer coating in conductive contact with at least part of the surface; and (b) an electronic filter for filtering corrosive noise and a method of preventing corrosion using the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Applied Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Dowling
  • Patent number: 6841059
    Abstract: A monitor for use in conjunction with a galvanic protection system for a marine vessel provides automatic and continuous monitoring of a voltage at a reference electrode of the galvanic protection system and displays the results continuously by energizing one or more of a plurality of annunciators, such as light emitting diodes. The light emitting diodes are energized in groups of one or two in order to double the effective resolution of a group of ten annunciators. The selected annunciators are energized intermittently in order to conserve electrical power while continuously and automatically running. The frequency of activation of the selected annunciators is changed whenever the voltage potential being monitored falls within a minimum range or a maximum range in order to alert the operator of a potentially catastrophe result. A lower frequency is used when the monitor voltage is not within these minimum and maximum ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Richard E. Staerzl
  • Patent number: 6811681
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Applied Semiconductor International Ltd.
    Inventors: David B. Dowling, Farshad Khorrami
  • Publication number: 20040211677
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Michael E. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20040163969
    Abstract: In a method of measuring heat flux and corrosion in a furnace, pairs of thermocouples are attached to the back side of the furnace wall. One thermocouple of each pair is attached to a tube and the second thermocouple is attached to a web connected to that tube. A temperature differential is determined for each pair at selected time intervals. A decrease in the difference between temperature differentials indicates slag on the furnace wall has melted indicating corrosion can be occurring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Bernard P. Breen, Robert A. Schrecengost
  • Publication number: 20040149594
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for estimation of general and localised corrosion penetration rates of metallic materials and objects. The invention can also be used to discriminate between general and localised corrosion. A one, two or three electrode probe having electrodes (101, 102, 103) made of the same material as the material being monitored is located in the same corrosive environment as the material being monitored. An electrochemical harmonic analysis is performed and electrochemical noise signals are monitored, and the resulting responses are analysed and compared to discriminate between general and localised corrosion attack and to determine a localised corrosion penetration rate. A law frequency sine wave is applied to the working electrode. Harmonic analysis of the electrode response provides information regarding the general corrosion rate and the stern-geary constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: David Anthony Eden
  • Publication number: 20040089559
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: APPLIED SEMICONDUCTOR INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventors: David B. Dowling, Farshad Khorrami
  • Patent number: 6551491
    Abstract: A system for preventing corrosion of a surface of a metal structure in contact with a corrosive environment comprising: (a) a semiconductive coating in conductive contact with at least part of the surface; and (b) an electronic filter for filtering corrosive noise and a method of preventing corrosion using the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Applied Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: David Dowling, Art Spivack