Multi-Purpose Interrupter for Cathodic Protection Systems

• US 20060203411A1
• Filed: 03/08/2006
• Published: 09/14/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/08/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: American Innovations, Ltd.
• Original Assignee: American Innovations, Ltd.
• Inventors: Blankenstein, Lee Steven, Devine, Michael Patrick, Fourie, Julius Wessel
• Application Number:
  US11/276,641
• Publication Number:
  US 20060203411A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/115
• CPC Class Codes: C23F 13/04 Controlling or regulating desired parameters

Abstract

A multi-purpose interrupter for interrupting the current flow from a cathodic protection rectifier. The multi-purpose interrupter may be placed within a rugged enclosure and is configured to interface with one or more relays, is configured to interface with an RMU, is configured to interface with a selector switch, and is configured to be housed within an enclosure housing the cathodic protection rectifier. Responsive to a signal from the RMU or the selector switch, the multi-purpose interrupter is configured to interrupt the current flow from the cathodic protection rectifier.

Claims

1. A multi-purpose interrupter comprising:

a first enclosure for housing internal components of said multi-purpose interrupter;

wherein said multi-purpose interrupter is configured to interface with;

one or more relays, a remote monitoring unit (RMU), and a selector switch, and wherein said multi-purpose interrupter is configured to be housed within an enclosure housing a cathodic protection rectifier; and

further wherein responsive to a signal from said RMU or said selector switch, said multi-purpose interrupter is configured to interrupt a current flow from said cathodic protection rectifier.

2. The multi-purpose interrupter of claim 1 wherein said internal components comprise:

a microprocessor;

a GPS receiver;

a user interface;

an onboard clock;

storage; and

output circuitry.

3. The multi-purpose interrupter of claim 2 wherein said user interface is configured to interface with said RMU and said output circuitry is configured to interface with said one or more relays.

4. A method for minimizing power consumption of the multi-purpose interrupter of claim 2 comprising limiting the frequency with which said onboard clock is updated.

5. The multi-purpose interrupter of claim 2 wherein said user interface comprises:

a display;

a selector switch;

a programming connector;

an RMU communication connector;

a DC power connector;

a switch output connector; and

an antenna connector.

6. The multi-purpose interrupter of claim 5 wherein said display is selected from the group consisting of an alphanumeric display and a LED display, wherein said LED display includes at least one LED configured to indicate internal settings of said multi-purpose interrupter.

7. The multi-purpose interrupter of claim 5 further comprising a keypad wherein said keypad is configured to select and activate an interruption program for said multi-purpose interrupter.

8. The multi-purpose interrupter of claim 5 wherein said selector switch is selected from the group consisting of a DIP switch, a push button switch, a rotary switch, a rocker switch, a slide switch, and a plug in jumper connector.

9. The multi-purpose interrupter of claim 5 wherein said selector switch is removable.

10. The multi-purpose interrupter of claim 1 wherein said multi-purpose interrupter is configured to be powered with low voltage DC.

11. The multi-purpose interrupter of claim 1 wherein said low voltage DC is in the range of 3V to 15V.

12. The multi-purpose interrupter of claim 1 wherein said first enclosure is configured for placement within a rugged enclosure.

13. The multi-purpose interrupter of claim 1 wherein said multi-purpose interrupter is configured to receive an interruption cycle program from said RMU.

15. The cathodic protection configuration of claim 13 wherein said interrupter input may revise all or a portion of said program.

14. A cathodic protection configuration, comprising:

a cathodic protection system including a cathodic protection rectifier having an anode and cathode;

a relay operable, in a closed position, to connect the anode to a groundbed; and

an interrupter coupled to the relay and operable to execute a program to cycle the relay between an open position and the closed position wherein the interrupter is operable in a stand alone configuration in which interrupter input is provided locally and wherein the interrupter is further operable in conjunction with a remote monitoring unit (RMU), wherein input to the interrupter is provided remotely via the RMU.