Abstract An electrical apparatus and method for eliminating the fouling of boat bottoms and the like by marine growth. The underwater surface is sheathed with strips of a metal such as stainless steel. An electric current is passed between adjacent strips or areas, preferably for short periods of time on a regular ''''maintenance'''' schedule, e.g., 30 amperes per square foot for a few seconds every two days. The sheathing may be of 0.020'''' stainless steel in 3-inch wide strips spaced 0.1'''' apart. Test panels in sea water are found to remain clean and bright after six months immersion when so energized, while identical panels to which no current is applied become heavily fouled. Ions produced by electrolysis close to the sheathed surface move at relatively high velocities, and are found to kill the small organisms that settle on the surface. No persistent toxic chemicals such as mercury compounds are released into the water, and only minute quantities of dead organic matter are released at any one time.
Inventors
👤 A Yeiser
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-10-26 21:31
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63B; B63B59/00; B63B59/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein all said electrode areas are in the form of parallel strips of sheet metal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 2, wherein alternate strips are electrically connected together to form two groups, and said current is applied between said groups.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, wherein all said electrode areas are in the form of parallel strips of sheet stainless steel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1, wherein all said electrode areas are in the form of parallel strips of sheet copper having a layer of stainless steel on their exposed outer surfaces.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1, comprising the following additional step: applying said current between the succeeding adjoining pairs of said electrode areas in sequence.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, comprising the additional step of connecting a capacitor, to said electrode areas to provide current pulses.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said current is applied in successive pulses of opposite polarity.