US20210222384A1 - Snow and ice melting device, system and corresponding methods - Google Patents
Snow and ice melting device, system and corresponding methods Download PDFInfo
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Images
Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
- E01H5/00—Removing snow or ice from roads or like surfaces; Grading or roughening snow or ice
- E01H5/10—Removing snow or ice from roads or like surfaces; Grading or roughening snow or ice by application of heat for melting snow or ice, whether cleared or not, combined or not with clearing or removing mud or water, e.g. burners for melting in situ, heated clearing instruments; Cleaning snow by blowing or suction only
- E01H5/104—Removing devices for dislodging snow or ice; followed by melting the removed material
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
- E01H5/00—Removing snow or ice from roads or like surfaces; Grading or roughening snow or ice
- E01H5/10—Removing snow or ice from roads or like surfaces; Grading or roughening snow or ice by application of heat for melting snow or ice, whether cleared or not, combined or not with clearing or removing mud or water, e.g. burners for melting in situ, heated clearing instruments; Cleaning snow by blowing or suction only
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
- E01H5/00—Removing snow or ice from roads or like surfaces; Grading or roughening snow or ice
- E01H5/10—Removing snow or ice from roads or like surfaces; Grading or roughening snow or ice by application of heat for melting snow or ice, whether cleared or not, combined or not with clearing or removing mud or water, e.g. burners for melting in situ, heated clearing instruments; Cleaning snow by blowing or suction only
- E01H5/102—Self-contained devices for melting dislodged snow or ice, e.g. built-in melting chambers, movable melting tanks
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
- E01H5/00—Removing snow or ice from roads or like surfaces; Grading or roughening snow or ice
- E01H5/10—Removing snow or ice from roads or like surfaces; Grading or roughening snow or ice by application of heat for melting snow or ice, whether cleared or not, combined or not with clearing or removing mud or water, e.g. burners for melting in situ, heated clearing instruments; Cleaning snow by blowing or suction only
- E01H5/106—Clearing snow or ice exclusively by means of rays or streams of gas or steam, or by suction with or without melting
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
- E01H5/00—Removing snow or ice from roads or like surfaces; Grading or roughening snow or ice
- E01H5/04—Apparatus propelled by animal or engine power; Apparatus propelled by hand with driven dislodging or conveying levelling elements, conveying pneumatically for the dislodged material
- E01H5/08—Apparatus propelled by animal or engine power; Apparatus propelled by hand with driven dislodging or conveying levelling elements, conveying pneumatically for the dislodged material dislodging essentially by driven elements
- E01H5/09—Apparatus propelled by animal or engine power; Apparatus propelled by hand with driven dislodging or conveying levelling elements, conveying pneumatically for the dislodged material dislodging essentially by driven elements the elements being rotary or moving along a closed circular path, e.g. rotary cutter, digging wheels
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a device that is configured to melt at least one of snow and ice, comprising a coil formed from an elongated member having a first end and a second end, the elongated member having a surface comprising at least one of grooves, notches and pores configured to facilitate movement of liquid by capillary action. Corresponding methods and systems also are disclosed.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/675,578 filed Aug. 11, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/376,494 filed Aug. 18, 2016.
- The disclosed embodiments generally relate to a snow melting device, and more specifically to a snow melting device designed to melt snow beneath and around the device utilizing solar energy.
- Snow and ice melting devices typically comprise a system using chemicals that produce heat or lower the melting point of snow or ice or using electrically or electronically produced heat in order to melt snow and ice. As such, these systems are often used in colder climates to remove snow and ice that accumulates on surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, parking lots and the like. Also, snow and ice melting devices have been designed to eliminate the need to physically remove snow or ice from a location by shoveling, snow-blowing or plowing.
- Currently various snow and ice melting devices are on the market that utilize chemicals, electricity, or some heat exchange medium. Chemicals are corrosive, require constant reapplication and timing according to weather conditions, and frequently have a negative impact on the environment. Electrical systems can be complex and costly to install and maintain, and also may not be moved easily from one location to another. Systems which transfer solar energy from a collecting medium to a heat exchange medium in order to melt snow may be energetically inefficient. Also, both chemicals and electricity typically aid melting but not evaporation, which can cause pooling of water into large puddles which may refreeze and become hazardous. Additionally, these existing processes for melting snow and ice are relatively slow.
- Thus there is a need in the art for a product and system that address all of the above listed disadvantages while remaining light weight, easy to handle and relocate, low cost, non-corroding and high efficiency.
- A first embodiment described herein is a snow and ice melting device comprising multiple spiral shaped coils, each comprising a notched, grooved or porous surface that facilitates capillary action and thus evaporation of melt water, and a pitch geometry that enables placement within close proximity to other coils, and a tether configured to fasten the individual spiral shaped coils together.
- A second embodiment described herein is a device configured to melt at least one of snow and ice, comprising multiple spiral shaped coils, each having an axis, each coil having a notched, grooved or porous outer surface that facilitates capillary action wherein the liquid moves by capillary action against gravity, and thus evaporates melt water, and a tether configured to fasten multiple coils in a fixed configuration. The fixed configuration comprises one of a first configuration with the respective axes being side-by-side and parallel to one another, and a second configuration with the respective axes extending radially relative to one another.
- A third embodiment is a method of melting at least one of snow and ice. The method comprises forming a coil comprising an elongated member having a first end and a second end, with the elongated member being formed from a material that absorbs radiant solar energy. The coil has an outer surface comprising at least one of grooves, notches, and pores configured to facilitate movement of liquid by capillary action. The method further includes fastening the coil to at least one other coil having a similar configuration using a tether, and placing the connected coils in contact with snow and/or ice.
- Another embodiment described herein is a snow and ice melting device that comprises a spiral shaped coil comprising a taper, wherein the taper increases the individual rotational ability of the device to work itself down into a pile of snow or ice rather than sitting on the surface, a notched, grooved or porous surface that facilitates capillary action and thus evaporation of melt water, and a pitch geometry that enables placement within close proximity to other coils.
- Another embodiment described herein is a device configured to melt at least one of snow and ice, comprising a coil formed from an elongated member having a first end and a second end, the elongated member having a surface comprising at least one of grooves, notches and pores configured to facilitate movement of liquid by capillary action.
- A further embodiment is a method of melting at least one of snow and ice, comprising forming a coil comprising an elongated member having a first end and a second end, the elongated member being formed from a material that absorbs radiant solar energy, and having a surface comprising at least one of grooves, notches and pores configured to facilitate movement of liquid by capillary action, connecting the coil to at least one other coil having a similar configuration, and placing the connected coils in contact with at least one of snow and ice.
- The present disclosure will be better understood by those skilled in the pertinent art by referencing the accompanying drawings, where like elements are numbered alike in the several figures, in which:
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a three-dimensional rendering of a spiral coil according to a first embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a front view of a three-dimensional rendering of the coil showing capillary geometry. -
FIG. 3 shows perspective view of the capillary geometry of the coil. -
FIG. 4 shows a close-up perspective view of the capillary geometry of the spiral coil. -
FIG. 5 shows is a close-up end view of the coil in cross section, showing capillary geometry. -
FIG. 6 is a close-up view of a second embodiment of a coil. -
FIG. 7 shows a close-up view of the porous surface and hollow core of a third embodiment of a coil, which can be extruded. -
FIG. 8 shows a side view and dimensions of the fourth embodiment of the coil. -
FIG. 9 shows a side view and variable pitch of a fifth embodiment of a coil. -
FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the fifth embodiment that shows how solar energy is efficiently absorbed by the coil and converted to heat used to melt proximal snow and ice. -
FIG. 11 is a partial schematic view of a sixth embodiment that shows how the translocation and capillary action of the coil increases evaporation efficiency. -
FIG. 12 shows a flat circular assembly of multiple individual coils tethered together. -
FIG. 13 shows an alternating parallel assembly of multiple individual coils tethered together. - Sustained temperatures above 32 degrees Fahrenheit are generally required to melt snow and ice. Even during winter months in cold climates, the sun creates a sufficient amount of energy required to achieve this. However, due to the Albedo effect, 90 percent of that energy is reflected by snow and ice, rather than being absorbed. Thus, snow remains intact even after exposure to bright sunlight.
- In one embodiment, the device can interrupt the Albedo effect by enabling absorption of radiant solar energy and direct conversion to thermal energy. The device then conducts thermal energy to the surrounding snow and ice, more efficiently melting it. The resulting melt water is then drawn upwards onto the surface of the device not in contact with the ground by capillary action, where it can then evaporate.
- In embodiments, the device comprises a spiral shaped coil to melt snow and ice. The cross-sectional shape of the spiral coil is not limited to a circular-shaped spiral. It can be oval, rectangular, triangular or can have other possible geometries.
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FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a three-dimensional rendering of aspiral coil 100 with a generally circular-shaped cross section. Thespiral coil 100 has anexterior surface 105. In this embodiment, the spiral coil gradually decreases its radius from thebottom end 110 to thetop end 120 and forms a taper. In another embodiment, the coil can have same radius from the top to the bottom. In another embodiment, the geometry of the coil can be a spindle. In another embodiment, the geometry of the coil can be a variable pitch, as is shown inFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 2 shows a front view of thespiral coil 100 showing itscapillary geometry 102, with a dashed line representing the melt water's placement and exterior meniscus. When snow or ice melts, the melted water moves against the pull of gravity away from the ground via capillary action and will evaporate with exposure to heat and air movement. Theupper terminal end 103 of thespiral coil 100 is shown in the Figure. -
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of thecapillary geometry 102 of thespiral coil 100, with a dashed line representing the upward movement of melt water along the outer surface.FIG. 4 shows a close-up perspective view of thecapillary geometry 102 of thespiral coil 100, with alower terminal end 107 of thespiral coil 100 being shown. The coil can be porous or non-porous. -
FIG. 5 shows a close-up view of a coil cross section 104 for thespiral coil 100 showing an embodiment of acapillary geometry 102 that is facilitated by a plurality ofgrooves 106 extending along the length of thespiral coil 100 on theouter surface 105. The water layer or exterior meniscus is most obvious inside the grooves of thecoil 100 but will also be present in some degree on theouter surface 105. Movement of the water from melted snow and/or ice against gravity due to capillary action, and evaporation of the water, can be affected using various surface geometries, including notches, bands, grooves, flutes, channels, indentations, protuberances, etc. In embodiments, use of a porous material will typically improve upward movement of melt water against gravity. In embodiments, various surface texture patterns can be used on theouter surface 105 of thespiral coil 100 that facilitate upward movement and/or evaporation of the melt water. As is shown, thecoil 100 can have acentral opening 108. -
FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a close-up end view of across-section 204 of a second embodiment of aspiral coil 200. Thespiral coil 200 optionally has a notched, grooved, or otherwise texturedouter surface 206, and/or a porous outer surface. In this embodiment, thespiral coil 200 has atubular coil wall 207 and a hollow core 208 that facilitates capillary action and thus evaporation of melt water. In embodiments, thespiral coil 200 is formed by extrusion. In embodiments, the pattern of notches or grooves on the coil surface may not be as evenly spaced as thegrooves 206 shown inFIG. 6 . The pattern can be random or the notches, grooves, and/or other surface formations can be aggregated on one particular side of thespiral coil 200. One advantage of a hollow core is that less material is required to form a coil of a given length. - In embodiments, the spiral coil is formed by extrusion and subsequent shaping of a length of extruded material, such as a resin composite. In embodiments, the coil is formed by injection molding, compression molding, or an additive manufacturing technique such as 3D printing or vat polymerization.
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FIG. 7 shows a close-up photo of a third embodiment of an end of acoil 300 with a porousinner surface 306, a porousouter surface 309 and a central opening comprising ahollow core 308. In some cases, only one of theinner surface 306 and theouter surface 309 is porous. -
FIG. 8 shows a side view and dimensions of a fourth embodiment of aspiral coil 400. The size of thespiral coil 400 can vary widely to be suitable for its application in different locations. For example, when it is used to melt snow or ice in a parking lot or a back yard, the coil can have a large diameter at its lower end. When it is applied to get rid of snow or ice in a porch or on a car, it can be relative small. -
FIG. 9 shows the various dimensions that can be selected in designing aspiral coil 500. In embodiments, the length L of a spiral coil can be from about 6 inches to about 24 inches, or about 10 inches to about 20 inches, or about 12 inches to about 18 inches. In embodiments, a diameter at its widest point D1 can be from about 28 inches to about 3 inches or about 20 inches to about 8 inches, or about 18 inches to about 12 inches. The smaller end diameter D2 can be from about 0.2 inches to about 10 inches, or about 0.5 inches to about 5 inches, or about 1 inch to about 3 inches. In embodiments, the space C between two adjacent rings can be from about 0.3 inches to about 4 inches, or about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches, or about 1 inch to about 2 inches. - In some cases, the taper may increase the individual rotational ability of the device to work itself down into a pile of snow or ice rather than sitting on top of the surface. The taper variability also allows the coil to remain effective in bright, still conditions and remain uncovered in blowing snow conditions.
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FIG. 9 shows variable pitch, i.e. variable spacing between rotations, of thecoil 500. The resulting pitch geometry of thecoil 500 may enable tethering and placement within close proximity to other coils in either a flat circular assembly, an alternating parallel assembly, or a combination. The pitch geometry may also increase the variability of contact with the snow surface. - The color of the coil can vary. On the one hand, radiant energy from the sun is efficiently absorbed by the dark colored coil and converted into thermal energy. This heat is conducted throughout the coil. The portion of the coil in contact with snow and ice is sufficiently and continually heated to cause melting. On the other hand, the color of the device can provide aesthetic appealing to clients. It is not limited to black.
- In embodiments, the coil's shape, geometry, size and dimensions present a constant 90 degree angle to the sun's rays which maximizes radiation absorption at low winter sun elevations.
FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing that shows how solar energy is efficiently absorbed by thecoil 500 positioned onsnow 513 and converted to heat used to melt proximal snow and ice. The incident rays ofsunlight 512 can contact thecoil 500 because multiple faces of the device are always perpendicularly exposed, despite the device's positioning or the position of the sun in the sky. This process can occur at temperatures below the freezing point of water because even low winter sun angles are maximally captured by the compound curves and spiral geometry of the invention. -
FIG. 11 is a schematic drawing that shows how the translocation and capillary action of thecoil 600 increases evaporation efficiency in one embodiment. The transition from ice and snow to liquid water occurs at the juncture between the snow and the coil and is shown byparticles 622. The transition from liquid water to water vapor occurs along the portions of the coil that are exposed to the air and is shown byparticles 620. Theportion 616 of thecoil 600 that is above the snow line 623 (the location of snow particles is shown by the cross hatch pattern 623) allows particles (water molecules) 620 to evaporate from itssurface 614. The increased wind speed found about 2-3 inches above the snow line greatly increases the evaporation efficiency and rate. Theportion 618 of thecoil 600 that is below the snow line includesparticles 622. Upon melting,particles 622 move away from theportion 618 of thecoil 600 that is below thesnow line 623 via translocation and capillary action against the force of gravity. The constant evaporation ofparticles 620 above the snow line greatly increases the rate of snow melt. - Typically, melt water refreezes, which stalls the melting process. In one embodiment, the device melts snow in between storm events and thus prevents or reduces the buildup of resulting precipitation. The rate of melting is dependent on sunlight intensity, time of exposure, the evaporative effect, humidity levels, wind speed, and density of surrounding ice and snow. Occasional readjustment of tethered assemblies or individual coils of the disclosed embodiments onto the surface of remaining snow and ice will also increase melt rate.
- In embodiments, the device may comprise a thermally conductive material. The material can be metal, thermoplastic, thermoset, ceramic, and/or otherwise filled thermoplastic or thermoset material, or other suitable thermally conductive material. In one embodiment, a thermoplastic resin polymer is used to make the device. This type of material has advantages of light weight, easy handling, and cost efficiency. The thermoplastic resin is configured as a generally spiral compound curve. In embodiments, the coil is formed from a material having a thermal conductivity of at least 2 watts per meter-Kelvin. The resin blend can be modified to maximize thermal conductivity in the range of 2-20 watts per meter-Kelvin (W/mK), or about 6 to about 16 W/mK, or about 10 to about 14 W/mK . In embodiments, the thermoplastic resin can be produced at a low cost of production by extrusion, injecting molding compression molding or similar methods, often requiring secondary thermo forming to achieve a spiral shape. In one embodiment, the surface of thermoplastic resin can be partially or completely coated by a metal. A wide selection of metal types can be used. Non-limiting examples of suitable metals include copper, silver and/or iron, and combinations thereof. Non limiting examples of suitable thermoplastic and thermoset materials include composites and copolymers formed from polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon and or polyurethane that, in some cases, have been modified to increase their thermal conductivity. Darkening pigments can be added to the bulk material, or coated on the outer surface, to increase the rate of absorption of radiant solar energy by the material. The surface exhibits hydrophilic tendencies.
- The device may consist of individual coils, or tethered assemblies consisting of a plurality of coils linked or otherwise connected together, arranged in flat circular, alternating parallel or other arrangements.
FIGS. 12-13 show non-limiting examples of snow and ice melting systems formed from multiple coils.FIG. 12 shows one embodiment of a flatcircular assembly 722 of multipleindividual coils 700 tethered together using a wire, rope,thin cable 726, or the like. The flatcircular assembly 722 is tethered on the narrowing end. The other can be tethered as well. Each coil is free to move within the assembly. The pitch geometry enables individual coils to nestle within each other's spaces to increase surface area.FIG. 13 shows an alternatingparallel assembly 824 of multipleindividual coils 800 tethered together by linking theirterminations parallel assembly 824 is thus achieved for use on straight paths. Eachcoil 800 can also be used individually without atether 826. - The dimensions of the device can accommodate weather conditions ranging from light blowing snow to being placed on many feet of heavy, compacted snow and ice. The device is able to rest on top of the surface on which it is placed without being completely covered by falling precipitation, unlike a thin flat sheet of plastic or other material which could become buried. The device is also able to roll along a surface, so that some portion is constantly exposed to the sun. This maximal exposure of the device to the sun increases melting and evaporative activity.
- The ends of each spiral cone or coil are finished to facilitate tethering, and because of the consistent geometry, individual coils can be stacked inside one another for easy storage and shipping. The coils can be reused over several winter seasons without a decrease in functionality. In embodiments, the coil comprises an elastic spring that flattens if it is stepped on by a walker.
- It should be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, and “third”, and the like may be used herein to modify elements performing similar and/or analogous functions. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.
- While the disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A snow and ice melting device that comprises:
multiple spiral shaped coils, each having an axis, each coil having a notched, grooved or porous outer surface that facilitates capillary action and thus evaporation of melt water; and
a tether configured to fasten multiple coils in a fixed configuration comprising one of:
a first configuration with the respective axes being are side-by-side and parallel to one another, and
a second configuration with the respective axes extending radially relative to one another.
2. The snow and ice melting device of claim 1 , wherein each of the spiral shaped coils is about 6 inches to about 24 inches in length.
3. The snow and ice melting device of claim 1 , wherein the individual spiral shaped coils have a pitch geometry that enables placement within close proximity to other coils.
4. The snow and ice melting device of claim 1 , wherein each of the spiral shaped coils comprises a solid core.
5. The snow and ice melting device of claim 1 , wherein each of the spiral shaped coils comprises a hollow core.
6. The snow and ice melting device of claim 1 , wherein each of the spiral shaped coils is non-electric and non-electronic.
7. A device configured to melt at least one of snow and ice, comprising:
multiple spiral shaped coils, each having an axis, each coil having a notched, grooved or porous outer surface that facilitates capillary action wherein the liquid moves by capillary action against gravity, and thus evaporates melt water, and
a tether configured to fasten multiple coils in a fixed configuration comprising one of:
a first configuration with the respective axes being side-by-side and parallel to one another, and
a second configuration with the respective axes extending radially relative to one another.
8. The device of claim 7 , wherein the liquid is water.
9. The device of claim 7 , wherein each coil has a hollow core.
10. The device of claim 7 , wherein each coil has a solid core.
11. The device of claim 7 , wherein the outer surface of each coil comprises pores.
12. The device of claim 7 , wherein each coil is formed from a material having a thermal conductivity of at least 2 watts per meter-Kelvin.
13. The device of claim 7 , wherein each coil is formed from at least one of a thermoplastic and a thermoset material.
14. The device of claim 13 , wherein the at least one of a thermoplastic and a thermoset material is coated with, or combined with, a metal.
15. The device of claim 7 , wherein each coil is formed from, or coated with, a material that absorbs radiant solar energy.
16. The device of claim 7 , wherein each coil is non-electric and non-electronic.
17. The device of claim 7 , wherein each coil is formed from a thermoplastic or thermoset material and is non-electric and non-electronic, the tether fastens the coils in the first configuration, and each coil has a length in the range of 10 to 24 inches and a diameter in the range of 8 to 20 inches.
18. The device of claim 7 , wherein each coil is formed from a thermoplastic material partially or completely coated by a metal.
19. The device of claim 18 , wherein the thermoplastic material comprises at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, and polyurethane.
20. A method of melting at least one of snow and ice, comprising: forming a coil comprising an elongated member having a first end and a second end, the elongated member being formed from a material that absorbs radiant solar energy, the coil having an outer surface comprising at least one of grooves, notches, and pores configured to facilitate movement of liquid by capillary action, fastening the coil to at least one other coil having a similar configuration using a tether, and placing the connected coils in contact with at least one of snow and ice.
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US15/675,578 US10988904B2 (en) | 2016-08-18 | 2017-08-11 | Snow and ice melting device, system and corresponding methods |
US17/224,777 US20210222384A1 (en) | 2016-08-18 | 2021-04-07 | Snow and ice melting device, system and corresponding methods |
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US20180051432A1 (en) | 2018-02-22 |
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