U.S. patent application number 15/472857 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-04 for snow melting assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ahmed Ibrahim. Invention is credited to Ahmed Ibrahim.
Application Number | 20180282962 15/472857 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63672998 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180282962 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ibrahim; Ahmed |
October 4, 2018 |
Snow Melting Assembly
Abstract
A snow melting assembly includes a heating unit that may be
fluidly coupled to a fluid source thereby facilitating a fluid to
be delivered to the heating unit. The heating unit is in thermal
communication with the fluid when the fluid is delivered to the
heating unit. In this way the heating unit heats the fluid above a
pre-determined temperature. A spray unit is provided and the spray
unit is beneath ground. The spray unit is fluidly coupled to the
heating unit to receive the heated fluid from the heating unit. The
spray unit includes a plurality of outlets and each of the outlets
extends outwardly from the ground and is positioned adjacent to a
traffic area. The spray unit sprays the heated fluid outwardly
above the traffic area thereby facilitating the heated fluid to
melt falling snow before the falling snow collects on the traffic
area.
Inventors: |
Ibrahim; Ahmed;
(Westerville, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ibrahim; Ahmed |
Westerville |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63672998 |
Appl. No.: |
15/472857 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01H 5/106 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E01H 5/10 20060101
E01H005/10 |
Claims
1. A snow melting assembly being configured to inhibit snow from
collecting on a surface, said assembly comprising: a heating unit
being configured to be fluidly coupled to a fluid source thereby
facilitating a fluid to be delivered to said heating unit, said
heating unit being in thermal communication with the fluid when the
fluid is delivered to said heating unit wherein said heating unit
is configured to heat the fluid above a pre-determined temperature;
and a spray unit being configured to be buried beneath ground, said
spray unit being fluidly coupled to said heating unit wherein said
spray unit is configured to receive the heated fluid from said
heating unit, said spray unit including a plurality of outlets,
each of said outlets being configured to extend outwardly from the
ground and being positioned adjacent to a traffic area, said spray
unit being configured to spray the heated fluid outwardly above the
traffic area thereby facilitating the heated fluid to melt falling
snow before the falling snow collects on the traffic area, said
spray unit comprising a supply tube being configured to be buried
beneath the ground, said supply tube being configured to receive
the heated fluid, a plurality of distribution tubes, each of said
distribution tubes being configured to be buried beneath the
ground, each of said distribution tubes being fluidly coupled to
said supply tube wherein each of said distribution tubes is
configured to receive the heated fluid, each of said distribution
tubes having a distal end with respect to said supply tube, said
distal end corresponding to each of said supply tubes being
configured to be directed upwardly from the ground, and a plurality
of spray heads, each of said spray heads being fluidly coupled to
said distal end corresponding to an associated one of said
distribution tubes wherein each of said spray heads is configured
to receive the heated fluid, each of said spray heads having a
distal end with respect to said associated distribution tube, said
distal end corresponding to each of said spray heads being open
wherein each of said spray heads is configured to spray the heated
fluid into air, each of said spray heads being aligned with the
traffic area wherein each of said spray heads is configured to
spray the heated fluid over the traffic area thereby facilitating
the heated fluid to melt the snow falling over the traffic area
before the snow lands in the traffic area such that the snow is
inhibited from collecting on the traffic area.
2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said heating unit
comprising: a housing being configured to be positioned on a
support surface; and a processor being positioned within said
housing, said processor selectively generating a heat sequence and
an off sequence.
3. The assembly according to claim 2, further comprising a snow
sensor being coupled to said housing wherein said snow sensor is
configured to detect snow, said snow sensor being electrically
coupled to said processor, said processor generating said heat
sequence when said snow sensor detects snow.
4. The assembly according to claim 2, further comprising a heat
exchanger being positioned within said housing, said heat exchanger
having an input and an output, said input being configured to be
fluidly coupled to the fluid source such that the fluid is urged
through said heat exchanger and outwardly through said output.
5. The assembly according to claim 4, further comprising a
temperature sensor being positioned within said housing, said
temperature sensor being electrically coupled to said processor,
said temperature sensor being in thermal communication with said
heat exchanger to detect a temperature of said heat exchanger, said
processor selectively generating said off sequence when said
temperature sensor detects a temperature of said heat exchanger has
exceeded a trigger temperature.
6. The assembly according to claim 4, further comprising a shut off
valve being positioned within said housing, said shut off valve
being electrically coupled to said processor, said shut off valve
being fluidly coupled to said output of said heating exchanger
wherein said shut off valve inhibits the fluid from flowing
outwardly from said output when said processor generates said off
sequence.
7. The assembly according to claim 2, further comprising a control
being coupled to said housing wherein said control is configured to
be manipulated, said control being electrically coupled to said
processor such that said control controls operational parameters of
said processor.
8. The assembly according to claim 2, further comprising a power
supply being positioned within said housing, said power supply
being electrically coupled to said processor, said power supply
being configured to be electrically coupled to a power source.
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. A snow melting assembly being configured to inhibit snow from
collecting on a surface, said assembly comprising: a heating unit
being configured to be fluidly coupled to a fluid source thereby
facilitating a fluid to be delivered to said heating unit, said
heating unit being in thermal communication with the fluid when the
fluid is delivered to said heating unit wherein said heating unit
is configured to heat the fluid above a pre-determined temperature,
said heating unit comprising: a housing being configured to be
positioned on a support surface, a processor being positioned
within said housing, said processor selectively generating a heat
sequence and an off sequence, a snow sensor being coupled to said
housing wherein said snow sensor is configured to detect snow, said
snow sensor being electrically coupled to said processor, said
processor generating said heat sequence when said snow sensor
detects snow, a heat exchanger being positioned within said
housing, said heat exchanger having an input and an output, said
input being configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid source
such that the fluid is urged through said heat exchanger and
outwardly through said output, a temperature sensor being
positioned within said housing, said temperature sensor being
electrically coupled to said processor, said temperature sensor
being in thermal communication with said heat exchanger to detect a
temperature of said heat exchanger, said processor selectively
generating said off sequence when said temperature sensor detects a
temperature of said heat exchanger has exceeded a trigger
temperature, a shut off valve being positioned within said housing,
said shut off valve being electrically coupled to said processor,
said shut off valve being fluidly coupled to said output of said
heating exchanger wherein said shut off valve inhibits the fluid
from flowing outwardly from said output when said processor
generates said off sequence, a heater being positioned within said
housing, said heater being electrically coupled to said processor
such that said processor turns said heater on when said processor
generates said heat sequence, said heater being in thermal
communication with said heat exchanger wherein said heater is
configured to heat the fluid within said heat exchanger, said
processor turning said heater off when said processor generates
said off sequence, a control being coupled to said housing wherein
said control is configured to be manipulated, said control being
electrically coupled to said processor such that said control
controls operational parameters of said processor, and a power
supply being positioned within said housing, said power supply
being electrically coupled to said processor, said power supply
being configured to be electrically coupled to a power source; and
a spray unit being configured to be buried beneath ground, said
spray unit being fluidly coupled to said heating unit wherein said
spray unit is configured to receive the heated fluid from said
heating unit, said spray unit including a plurality of outlets,
each of said outlets being configured to extend outwardly from the
ground and being positioned adjacent to a traffic area, said spray
unit being configured to spray the heated fluid outwardly above the
traffic area thereby facilitating the heated fluid to melt falling
snow before the falling snow collects on the traffic area, said
spray unit comprising: a supply tube being configured to be buried
beneath the ground, said supply tube being fluidly coupled to said
output on said heat exchanger wherein said supply tube is
configured to receive the heated fluid, a plurality of distribution
tubes, each of said distribution tubes being configured to be
buried beneath the ground, each of said distribution tubes being
fluidly coupled to said supply tube wherein each of said
distribution tubes is configured to receive the heated fluid, each
of said distribution tubes having a distal end with respect to said
supply tube, said distal end corresponding to each of said supply
tubes being configured to be directed upwardly from the ground, and
a plurality of spray heads, each of said spray heads being fluidly
coupled to said distal end corresponding to an associated one of
said distribution tubes wherein each of said spray heads is
configured to receive the heated fluid, each of said spray heads
having a distal end with respect to said associated distribution
tube, said distal end corresponding to each of said spray heads
being open wherein each of said spray heads is configured to spray
the heated fluid into air, each of said spray heads being aligned
with the traffic area wherein each of said spray heads is
configured to spray the heated fluid over the traffic area thereby
facilitating the heated fluid to melt the snow falling over the
traffic area before the snow lands in the traffic area such that
the snow is inhibited from collecting on the traffic area.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not Applicable
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC
OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM
[0004] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR JOINT
INVENTOR
[0005] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of the Invention
(2) Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed
Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98
[0006] The disclosure and prior art relates to melting devices and
more particularly pertains to a new melting device for inhibiting
snow from collecting on a traffic area.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An embodiment of the disclosure meets the needs presented
above by generally comprising a heating unit that may be fluidly
coupled to a fluid source thereby facilitating a fluid to be
delivered to the heating unit. The heating unit is in thermal
communication with the fluid when the fluid is delivered to the
heating unit. In this way the heating unit heats the fluid above a
pre-determined temperature. A spray unit is provided and the spray
unit is beneath ground. The spray unit is fluidly coupled to the
heating unit to receive the heated fluid from the heating unit. The
spray unit includes a plurality of outlets and each of the outlets
extends outwardly from the ground and is positioned adjacent to a
traffic area. The spray unit sprays the heated fluid outwardly
above the traffic area thereby facilitating the heated fluid to
melt falling snow before the falling snow collects on the traffic
area.
[0008] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the disclosure in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated. There are additional features of the disclosure that
will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject
matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0009] The objects of the disclosure, along with the various
features of novelty which characterize the disclosure, are pointed
out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part
of this disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0010] The disclosure will be better understood and objects other
than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration
is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such
description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a snow melting
assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a front phantom view of a housing of an embodiment
of the disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective in-use view of an embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a back view of a housing of an embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to
FIGS. 1 through 5 thereof, a new melting device embodying the
principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and
generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be
described.
[0017] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5, the snow melting
assembly 10 generally comprises a heating unit 12 that is fluidly
coupled to a fluid source 14 thereby facilitating a fluid 16 to be
delivered to the heating unit 12. The fluid 16 may be water and the
fluid source 14 may be a municipal water outlet, a garden hose or
any other water source. The heating unit 12 is in thermal
communication with the fluid 16 when the fluid 16 is delivered to
the heating unit 12. In this way the heating heats the fluid 16
above a pre-determined temperature. The pre-determined temperature
may be the boiling point of water.
[0018] The heating unit 12 comprises a housing 18 that is
positioned on a support surface 20 and a processor 22 that is
positioned within the housing 18. The processor 22 selectively
generates a heat sequence and an off sequence. The support surface
20 may be ground or a floor in a building and the processor 22 may
be an electronic processor 22 or the like. A snow sensor 24 is
coupled to the housing 18 to detect snow. The snow sensor 24 is
electrically coupled to the processor 22 and the processor 22
generates the heat sequence when the snow sensor 24 detects snow.
The snow sensor 24 may be an electronic snow sensor 24 or the like.
The housing 18 has a top wall and the snow sensor 24 may be
positioned on the top wall.
[0019] A heat exchanger 26 is provided and the heat exchanger 26 is
positioned within the housing 18. The heat exchanger 26 has an
input 28 and an output 30; the input 28 is fluidly coupled to the
fluid source 14. Thus, the fluid 16 is selectively urged through
the heat exchanger 26 and outwardly through the output 30. The heat
exchanger 26 may be a fluid heat exchanger 26 of any conventional
design.
[0020] A temperature sensor 32 is positioned within the housing 18
and the temperature sensor 32 is electrically coupled to the
processor 22. The temperature sensor 32 is in thermal communication
with the heat exchanger 26 to detect a temperature of the heat
exchanger 26. Moreover, the processor 22 selectively generates the
off sequence when the temperature sensor 32 detects a temperature
of the heat exchanger 26 has exceeded a trigger temperature. The
temperature sensor 32 may be an electronic temperature sensor 32 or
the like and the trigger temperature may be a temperature ranging
between approximately 212.0.degree. Fahrenheit and 230.0.degree.
Fahrenheit. Additionally, the processor 22 generates the heat
sequence when the temperature sensor 32 senses that the temperature
of the fluid 16 has fallen below the trigger temperature.
[0021] A shut off valve 34 is provided and the shut off valve 34 is
positioned within the housing 18. The shut off valve 34 is
electrically coupled to the processor 22 and the shut off valve 34
is fluidly coupled to the output 30 of the heating exchanger. In
this way the shut off valve 34 inhibits the fluid 16 from flowing
outwardly from the output 30 when the processor 22 generates the
off sequence. The shut off valve 34 may be an electrically actuated
fluid valve or the like.
[0022] A heater 36 is provided and the heater 36 is positioned
within the housing 18. The heater 36 is electrically coupled to the
processor 22 and the processor 22 turns the heater 36 on when the
processor 22 generates the heat sequence. The heater 36 is in
thermal communication with the heat exchanger 26 to heat the fluid
16 in the heat exchanger 26. Moreover, the processor 22 turns the
heater 36 off when the processor 22 generates the off sequence. The
heater 36 may comprise a gas fired furnace, and electrical furnace
or any other type of heater 36. Additionally, the heater 36 may
include a fan to blow heated air across the heat exchanger 26.
[0023] A control 38 is provided and the control 38 coupled to the
housing 18 thereby facilitating the control 38 to be manipulated.
The control 38 is electrically coupled to the processor 22 such
that the control 38 controls operational parameters of the
processor 22. The control 38 may include a touch screen, a
plurality of buttons or any other control commonly associated with
electronic temperature control circuitry. Additionally, the
operational parameters may include, but not be limited to,
selecting the trigger temperature, a timer and a sensitivity level
of the snow sensor 24.
[0024] A power supply 40 is provided and the power supply 40 is
positioned within the housing 18. The power supply 40 is
electrically coupled to the processor 22 and the power supply 40 is
electrically coupled to a power source 42. The power source 42 may
be an electrical power line, an electrical outlet or any other
source of electrical power.
[0025] A spray unit 44 is provided and the spray unit 44 is buried
beneath ground. The spray unit 44 is fluidly coupled to the heating
unit 12. In this way the spray unit 44 receives the heated fluid 16
from the heating unit 12. The spray unit 44 includes a plurality of
outlets 46 and each of the outlets 46 extends outwardly from the
ground. Additionally, each of the outlets 46 is positioned adjacent
to a traffic area 48. The traffic area 48 may be a sidewalk, a
driveway or other traffic area 48. The spray unit 44 sprays the
heated fluid 16 outwardly above the traffic area 48 thereby
facilitating the heated fluid 16 to melt falling snow before the
falling snow collects on the traffic area 48. In this way the spray
unit 44 reduces a need to shovel or otherwise remove the snow from
the traffic area 48.
[0026] The spray unit 44 includes a supply tube 50 that is buried
beneath the ground. The supply tube 50 is fluidly coupled to the
output 30 on the heat exchanger 26. In this way the supply tube 50
receives the heated fluid 16. A plurality of distribution tubes 52
is provided and each of the distribution tubes 52 is buried beneath
the ground. Each of the distribution tubes 52 is fluidly coupled to
the supply tube 50 to receive the heated fluid 16.
[0027] Each of the distribution tubes 52 has a distal end 54 with
respect to the supply tube 50. The distal end 54 corresponding to
each of the supply tubes 50 is directed upwardly from the ground.
The supply tube 50 and each of the distribution tubes 52 may
comprise a pre-existing sprinkler system or the like. Additionally,
the supply tube 50 and each of the distribution tubes 52 may be
installed in the ground when the heating unit 12 is installed.
[0028] A plurality of spray heads 56 is provided and each of the
spray heads 56 is fluidly coupled to the distal end 54
corresponding to an associated one of the distribution tubes 52. In
this way each of the spray heads 56 receives the heated fluid 16.
Each of the spray heads 56 has a distal end 58 with respect to the
associated distribution tube 52. The distal end 58 corresponding to
each of the spray heads 56 is open to spray the heated fluid 16
into the air. Moreover, each of the spray heads 56 is aligned with
the traffic area 48 to spray the heated fluid 16 over the traffic
area 48. In this way the heated fluid 16 melts the snow falling
over the traffic area 48 when the spray heads 56 sprays the heated
fluid 16. Thus, the snow is inhibited from collecting on the
traffic area 48. Each of the spray heads 56 may comprise a
sprinkler head of any conventional design.
[0029] In use, the inlet on the heat exchanger 26 is fluidly
coupled to the fluid source 14 and the power supply 40 is
electrically coupled to the power source 42. Additionally, the
output 30 on the heat exchanger 26 is fluidly coupled to the supply
tube 50. The control 38 is manipulated to select the operational
parameters of the processor 22. The processor 22 generates the heat
sequence when the snow sensor 24 detects the snow. The processor 22
turns the heater 36 on to heat the fluid 16 in the heat exchanger
26 to the trigger temperature. The processor 22 opens the shut off
valve 34 when the fluid 16 in the heat exchanger 26s reaches the
trigger temperature and the heated fluid 16 is sprayed outwardly
from each of the spray heads 56.
[0030] The heated fluid 16 may be converted to steam when the
ambient temperature surrounding the traffic area 48 is sufficiently
cold enough to produce snow. The heat from the heated fluid 16 and
steam is transferred to the falling snow. In this way the falling
snow is melted before the falling snow lands on the traffic area
48. The shut off valve 34 remains open until the snow sensor 24 no
longer detects that snow is falling.
[0031] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations
in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation,
assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one
skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those
illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are
intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0032] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent
document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense
to mean that items following the word are included, but items not
specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element
by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that
more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly
requires that there be only one of the elements.
* * * * *