Electrical connectors – With vacuum applying means. e.g. – suction cup – To urge mating connectors or contacts together
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-15
2001-04-10
Bradley, Paula (Department: 2833)
Electrical connectors
With vacuum applying means. e.g., suction cup
To urge mating connectors or contacts together
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213784
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a device for the cathodic protection of various metallic structures, and, more specifically, to non-puncturing and low-temperature physically attachable electrical connectors for the protection of metallic structures.
The invention can be used in systems for anti-corrosion cathodic protection of metallic structures, for example, underground main pipelines, as well as for electric protection of metal objects, including those of a complex shape, from external voltages.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Flammable liquids and gases are commonly stored in or transmitted through metallic structures such as tanks and pipelines, and, especially in electrolytic environments (such as soils, moisture, etc.) such metallic structures have a tendency to corrode.
One of the most deleterious forms of corrosion of metal structures occurs when these structures are exposed to the electrolytic action of a conductive environment. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that electrochemical corrosion results from the flow of current from one area of the metal structure (anodic area), through the conductive environment, to another area on the same structure (cathodic area), thereby completing the circuit of a miniature electrolytic cell. At the anodic areas, the metal is oxidized to a positive valence state and leaves the surface in ionic form, ultimately leading to pitting and other forms of gross degradation of the metal. Electrochemical corrosion is generally encountered when metal structures such as tanks and pipelines are buried in the ground or when such structures as ship hulls and off-shore platforms are submerged in sea water. In order to limit corrosive effects under these circumstances, methods for cathodic protection of metal structures have been developed which rely on an external current source or a sacrificial anode to impose a negative electrical potential on the metal structure relative to its surroundings. This is believed to effectively turn the whole structure into a cathode, thereby reducing, or eliminating, current flow from the structure to the conductive environment, and thus the corrosion associated therewith.
Cathodic protection might entail the connection of an elongated electrically conductive wire between a storage tank or transmission pipeline metallic structure and the external source of electrons. The electrons source might be an electrical generator apparatus or even simply an anodic chemical element (e.g. magnesium, zinc, etc.) having an empirical rating on the “Electromotive Force Series of Metals” (i.e. EMS) that is relatively higher than is the EMS rating for the metallic structure. However, as is appreciated in the prior art, connecting the elongate wire to a tank or pipeline metallic structure invariably necessitates the very expensive fire-prevention step of initially purging the flammable fluid prior to making a mechanical or high-temperature connection to the tank or pipeline. For example, mechanical connections deliberately puncture the tank or pipeline, and welds or chemically exothermic processes are apt to produce hairline cracks in the metallic tank or piping; in either case, the escaping flammable fluid can ignite to endanger the workers and environs.
Some examples of metallic structures which are prone to the phenomenon of spontaneous corrosion are: radiating panels embedded in floor concrete; metallic pipes embedded in or passing through masonry; and standing, fixedly mounted metallic piles. All of these metallic structures may come into contact with water or some other electrolyte. Moreover, metallic structures which are exposed to the atmosphere are also susceptible to spontaneous corrosion. For instance, eaves, gutters, motor vehicle parts etc. are all subject to this phenomenon.
Other prior art methods of connecting a cathodic protection device to a metallic structure include the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,752 (MATERIALS PROTECTION COMPANY) wherein the cathodic protection device is attached to a metallic surface by an adhesive and conductive contact is then achieved by turning a screw cap, having an electrically conductive terminal member attached thereto, in a downward direction until contact is made between the terminal member and the metallic surface.
Unlike the prior art, this invention provides cathodic protection devices that are easily and quickly connected to metallic surfaces. These devices comprise a suction cup and adhesive(s). The suction cup allows the cathodic protection device to be quickly attached to a metallic surface and, without the requirement for any other action, provides the device with sufficient residence time on the surface to allow the adhesive(s) to bond the cathodic protection device to the metallic surface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention provides an electrical connector for the cathodic protection of a metallic surface that is subject to corrosion. A layer of insulative adhesive and a layer of conductive adhesive and a suction cup are provided so as to permit the electrical connector to be adhesively secured to the metallic surface. This permits cathodic protection of the metallic surface under all corrosive conditions and provides good conductivity.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3325639 (1967-06-01), King
patent: 3411125 (1968-11-01), Hill
patent: 3783432 (1974-01-01), Biba et al.
patent: 3784952 (1974-01-01), Murray
patent: 4685752 (1987-08-01), Costar et al.
Cairoli Joseph
Hawkins Carl
Medina Luis Miguel
Bradley Paula
Gennarp Jane E.
National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
Ta Tho D.
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