US4279729A — Anode and method of construction

Claim 1

Independent Claim 70 words

A method of making a cathodic protection anode comprising the steps of extruding the anodic material into a continuous elongate body having an extruded hole extending entirely through the elongate axis thereof from one end of the anodic material to the other, and securing an electrical connector in the extruded hole on such elongate axis with an electrical lead connected to such connector, and then filling the hole with sealant.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 70 words

A method of making a cathodic protection anode comprising the steps of extruding the anodic material into a continuous elongate body having an extruded hole extending entirely through the elongate axis thereof from one end of the anodic material to the other, and securing an electrical connector in the extruded hole on such elongate axis with an electrical lead connected to such connector, and then filling the hole with sealant.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 33 words

A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said electrical connector includes a self-tapping thread and is secured in such hole by relatively rotating the extruded anodic material and the electrical connector.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 33 words

A method as set forth in claim 2 including the step of providing the connector with an anti-rotation surface by which it may be rotated or held against rotation exteriorly of the hole.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 45 words

A method as set forth in claim 3 including the step of providing the electrical connector with an electrical lead adjacent to but offset from the anti-rotation surface to avoid interference with the lead connected thereto when the connector is rotated or held against rotation.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 27 words

A method as set forth in claim 3, wherein the step of relatively rotating is obtained by holding the connector against rotation and rotating the anodic extrusion.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 37 words

A method as set forth in claim 2 including applying a predetermined torque to the connector during self-tapping both to limit the extent of tapping and to ensure the desired conductivity between the connector and anodic material.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 27 words

A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the connector is secured into the extruded hole at the approximate mid-point between the ends of the anode.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 109 words

An anode for cathodic protection systems comprising an elongated extruded one piece body of anode material having an extruded hole completely through the elongate axis thereof and having first and second axial ends, said extruded hole being formed with an enlarged diameter between said first and second axial ends forming a shoulder in said hole, an electrical connection in said hole seated in and secured against said shoulder on said elongate axis, an anode lead wire secured to said electrical connection and extending from said connection through said hole through at least one of said axial ends, and a sealant in said hole surrounding said connection and lead wire.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 109 words

An anode for cathodic protection systems comprising an elongated extruded one piece body of anode material having an extruded hole completely through the elongate axis thereof and having first and second axial ends, said extruded hole being formed with an enlarged diameter between said first and second axial ends forming a shoulder in said hole, an electrical connection in said hole seated in and secured against said shoulder on said elongate axis, an anode lead wire secured to said electrical connection and extending from said connection through said hole through at least one of said axial ends, and a sealant in said hole surrounding said connection and lead wire.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 27 words

An anode as set forth in claim 8, wherein said shoulder and electrical connection are approximately midway between said axial ends in the center of said anode.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 27 words

An anode as set forth in claim 9, wherein said shoulder forms an axial interference with said connection holding the same against axial displacement in one direction.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 27 words

An anode as set forth in claim 10, including means forming an interference between said connection and bore holding said connection against axial displacement in both directions.

Claim 14

Independent Claim 113 words

A method of making an anode for a cathodic protection system comprising the steps of extruding an elongated one piece body of anode material with an extruded hole completely through the elongate axis thereof from one axial end to the other, forming an enlarged diameter in such hole to form a shoulder between such one and such other axial end, forming an electrical connection in such hole seated in such enlarged diameter and secured against such shoulder with an anode lead wire secured thereto and extending from such connection through such hole and through such one axial end, and sealing such hole to enclose both such connection and lead wire within the anode.

Claim 15

Independent Claim 113 words

A method of making an anode for a cathodic protection system comprising the steps of extruding an elongated one piece body of anode material with an extruded hole completely through the elongate axis thereof from one axial end to the other, forming an enlarged diameter in such hole to form a shoulder between such one and such other axial end, forming an electrical connection in such hole seated in such enlarged diameter and secured against such shoulder with an anode lead wire secured thereto and extending from such connection through such hole and through such one axial end, and sealing such hole to enclose both such connection and lead wire within the anode.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 30 words

A method as set forth in claim 12, wherein such shoulder is formed approximately equidistant such one and other axial ends to be in substantially the center of the anode.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 24 words

A method as set forth in claim 13, wherein such shoulder is formed by relatively rotating such extruded anode material and a cutting tool.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 29 words

A method as set forth in claim 14, including the step of mechanically securing such connection with such shoulder to hold the same against axial displacement in either direction.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 29 words

A method as set forth in claim 12, including the step of utilizing such hole from the shoulder to the other axial end to secure such connection in place.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 139 words

An anode for a cathodic protection system comprising an elongated body of anode material having spaced-apart first and second ends and a bore extending at least partially through said body from said first end to a position between said first and second ends, wherein said bore has a portion having an enlarged diameter extending from said first end to a shoulder in said bore, and a portion having a smaller diameter extending beyond said shoulder, a connector member inserted in said bore and having a self-tapping thread for cutting a thread in the surface of said smaller diameter portion of said bore upon relative rotation of said connector member and elongated body, an anode lead wire fastened to said connector member and extending from at least one of said ends, and a sealant in said bore surrounding said connector.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 139 words

An anode for a cathodic protection system comprising an elongated body of anode material having spaced-apart first and second ends and a bore extending at least partially through said body from said first end to a position between said first and second ends, wherein said bore has a portion having an enlarged diameter extending from said first end to a shoulder in said bore, and a portion having a smaller diameter extending beyond said shoulder, a connector member inserted in said bore and having a self-tapping thread for cutting a thread in the surface of said smaller diameter portion of said bore upon relative rotation of said connector member and elongated body, an anode lead wire fastened to said connector member and extending from at least one of said ends, and a sealant in said bore surrounding said connector.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 70 words

An anode in accordance with claim 17, wherein said connector member has a maximum diameter less than said enlarged diameter and greater than said smaller diameter, and a diameter at its first inserted end smaller than said smaller bore diameter, wherein said self-tapping thread is on a tapered surface of the connector member, for cutting said thread in the surface of said smaller diameter of said bore at said shoulder.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 25 words

An anode in accordance with claim 17, having means for resisting turning comprising anti-rotation surfaces on said connector member engageable by a tool during assembly.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 28 words

An anode in accordance with claim 17, wherein said connector member comprises a plug member having said lead wire extending into and being fastened to the sleeve member.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 26 words

An anode in accordance with claim 17, wherein said sealant is supplied to said bore through at least one of said ends of said elongated body.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 19 words

An anode in accordance with claim 17, wherein said position is roughly half-way between said first and second ends.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 31 words

An anode in accordance with claim 18, wherein said elongated body is extruded, and is reamed from said first end to provide said enlarged diameter portion of said bore and shoulder.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 42 words

An anode in accordance with claim 18, wherein said thread is cut into said surface of said smaller diameter portion of said bore to a predetermined extent determined by a predetermined torque applied relatively to rotate said anode and said connector member.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 44 words

An anode in accordance with claim 18, wherein said self-tapping thread extends over a portion of said connector member and terminates in a non-threaded cylindrical portion limiting the extent of the thread cut into said surface of said smaller diameter portion of said bore.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 16 words

An anode in accordance with claim 18, wherein said connector member has a truncated cone shape.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 31 words

An anode in accordance with claim 18, wherein said connector member has a flute and cutting face extending in and along the length of the exterior surface of the connector member.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 18 words

An anode in accordance with claim 19, wherein said bore extends the entire length of said elongated body.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 23 words

An anode in accordance with claim 20, wherein said lead wire is fastened to said sleeve member by crimping on said lead wire.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 17 words

An anode in accordance with claim 20, wherein said sleeve member is fastened to said plug member.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 13 words

An anode in accordance with claim 23, wherein said anode material is graphite.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 29 words

An anode in accordance with claim 25, wherein said truncated cone includes a coaxial cylinder of equal diameter as, and connecting to, the largest base of the truncated cone.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 34 words

An anode in accordance with claim 28, wherein said anti-rotation surfaces are in the form of a projection on the end of said connector member opposite that to which the lead wire is fastened.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 31 words

An anode in accordance with claim 33, including a second lead wire connected to and extending from the end of said connector member having said projection, and offset from said projection.

Claim 39

Independent Claim 134 words

A method of making an anode for a cathodic protection system comprising forming an elongated body of anode material having spaced-apart first and second ends and a bore extending at least partially through said body from said first end to a position between said first and second ends, wherein said bore is formed having an enlarged diameter extending from said first end to a shoulder in said bore, and a portion having a smaller diameter extending beyond said shoulder, connecting a lead wire to a connector member with a self-tapping thread into engagement with the surface of said smaller diameter portion of said bore, relatively rotating said body of anode material and said connector member to cut threads in said surface of said bore, and inserting sealant in said bore surrounding said connector member.

Claim 40

Independent Claim 134 words

A method of making an anode for a cathodic protection system comprising forming an elongated body of anode material having spaced-apart first and second ends and a bore extending at least partially through said body from said first end to a position between said first and second ends, wherein said bore is formed having an enlarged diameter extending from said first end to a shoulder in said bore, and a portion having a smaller diameter extending beyond said shoulder, connecting a lead wire to a connector member with a self-tapping thread into engagement with the surface of said smaller diameter portion of said bore, relatively rotating said body of anode material and said connector member to cut threads in said surface of said bore, and inserting sealant in said bore surrounding said connector member.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 77 words

A method of making an anode in accordance with claim 35, wherein said connector member is formed having a maximum diameter less than said enlarged diameter and greater than said smaller diameter, and a diameter at its first inserted end smaller than said smaller bore diameter, wherein said self-tapping thread is formed on a tapered surface of the connector member, for cutting said thread in the surface of said smaller diameter of said bore at said shoulder.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 54 words

The method of claim 35, further comprising the step of reaming said bore from said first end to said intermediate portion to provide an enlarged portion, and moving said connector member into said enlarged portion of said bore and said self-tapping thread into engagement with the surface of said bore in said intermediate portion.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 15 words

The method of claim 35, wherein said elongated body is extruded in a tubular form.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 33 words

The method of claim 37, wherein said self-tapping threads are tapered to increase the resistance to relative rotation of said connector member and anode body as said thread is cut in said bore.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 30 words

The method of claim 35, wherein said connector member includes a projecting sleeve, said lead wire being fastened to said connector member by crimping said sleeve on said lead wire.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method of claim 35, wherein during said rotation of said body of anode material relative to said connector member, said connector member is held stationary while said body of anode material is rotated.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 42 words

The method of claim 37, wherein said rotation of said body of anode material relative to said connector member is continued until the torque required reaches a predetermined amount at which the desired predetermined amount of thread is cut into said bore.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 70 words

The method of claim 37, wherein said self-tapping thread extends over a first portion of said connector member and terminates in a second non-threaded portion and said body of anode material is rotated relative to said connector member until said first portion of said connector member is threaded into said bore and said second non-threaded portion engages said cut thread providing a limit to said thread cut into said bore.

Claim 49

Independent Claim 95 words

A method of making a cathodic protection anode comprising the steps of extruding the anodic material into a continuous elongate body having a hole through the elongate axis thereof, securing an electrical connector into the extruded hole therethrough with an electrical lead already connected to such connector, and then filling the hole with sealants, said electrical connector including a self-tapping thread which is secured in such hole by relatively rotating the extruded anodic material and the electrical connector, and including the step of providing a shoulder in such hole into which the connector is tapped.

Claim 50

Independent Claim 95 words

A method of making a cathodic protection anode comprising the steps of extruding the anodic material into a continuous elongate body having a hole through the elongate axis thereof, securing an electrical connector into the extruded hole therethrough with an electrical lead already connected to such connector, and then filling the hole with sealants, said electrical connector including a self-tapping thread which is secured in such hole by relatively rotating the extruded anodic material and the electrical connector, and including the step of providing a shoulder in such hole into which the connector is tapped.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 29 words

A method as set forth in claim 44, including the step of providing the connector with an anti-rotation surface by which it may be rotated or held against rotation.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 45 words

A method as set forth in claim 45, including the step of providing the electrical connector with an electrical lead adjacent to but offset from the anti-rotation surface to avoid interference with the lead connected thereto when the connector is rotated or held against rotation.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 27 words

A method as set forth in claim 45, wherein the step of relatively rotating is obtained by holding the connector against rotation and rotating the anodic extrusion.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 26 words

A method as set forth in claim 44, wherein such shoulder is provided by reaming the extruded hole from one end of the extruded anodic material.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 36 words

A method as set forth in claim 44, including applying a predetermined torque to the connector during self-tapping both to limit the extent of tapping to ensure the desired conductivity between the connector and anodic material.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 24 words

A method as set forth in claim 44, wherein the connector is secured to the extruded hole at the approximate center of the anode.

Claim 57

Independent Claim 95 words

A method of making a cathodic protection anode comprising the steps of extruding the anodic material into a continuous elongate body having a hole through the elongate axis thereof, securing an electrical connector into the extruded hole therethrough with an electrical lead already connected to such connector, and then filling the hole with sealant, the electrical connector including a self-tapping thread and being secured in such hole by relatively rotating the extruded anodic material and the electrical connector, and including the step of providing a shoulder in such hole into which the connector is tapped.

Claim 58

Independent Claim 95 words

A method of making a cathodic protection anode comprising the steps of extruding the anodic material into a continuous elongate body having a hole through the elongate axis thereof, securing an electrical connector into the extruded hole therethrough with an electrical lead already connected to such connector, and then filling the hole with sealant, the electrical connector including a self-tapping thread and being secured in such hole by relatively rotating the extruded anodic material and the electrical connector, and including the step of providing a shoulder in such hole into which the connector is tapped.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 26 words

A method as set forth in claim 51, wherein such shoulder is provided by reaming the extruded hole from one end of the extruded anodic material.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1984-07-20	1985-01-19	1985-07-21	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1988-07-20	1989-01-19	1989-07-21	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1992-07-20	1993-01-19	1993-07-21	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Anode and method of construction

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