Abstract: A tool for clamping against the interior of a chimney flue having a scissors jack mechanism for adjustably clamping into various size chimneys. A seal plate for sliding over the shaft of the clamping device and for tightly sealing against the interior chimney flue walls. A cleaning brush mechanism affixed to the end of a tubular member, sized to slide over the clamping shaft for cleaning the interior of a chimney.

Abstract: A ground heating system is provided comprising an internal combustion engine which has a shaft output and an exhaust gas stream. An electric alternator/generator is driven by the shaft output of the engine. A working fluid is provided for transferring heat to the ground. A heat exchanger receives the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine and transfers waste heat from the exhaust gas to the working fluid. An electric heating element is provided for converting some of the electric output of the generator into heat and transferring this heat to the working fluid. A pump circulates the working fluid through a ground-engaging heat exchanger.

Abstract: The object of the present invention to provide a method for thawing frozen ground for laying concrete primarily at a construction site by use of a continuous length of circulating hose placed on the frozen ground inside and/or adjacent a concrete form or over the area where the concrete will be laid, covering the circulating hose with a layer of aggregate material for insulation from cold air leaving the ends of the circulating hose protruding from the aggregate connecting the ends of the hose to a source of heated liquid to circulate warm liquid through the circulating hose to thaw the frozen ground, laying the concrete over the identified area while continuing to circulate heated liquid in the circulating hose to prevent the concrete from freezing, leaving the portion of the hose in the aggregate under the concrete by cutting the ends protruding from the aggregate, removing the remaining portions of the hose.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the curing of concrete poured under hostile ambient temperature conditions. The apparatus includes a liquid reservoir and pumping system and a number of spaced-apart tube segments overlaid into the forms for receiving the concrete with respective ends of the tubes positioned outside the concrete forms. A liquid manifold is connected to one set of tube ends and a second liquid manifold is connected to the other set of tube ends. The temperature of the liquid in the reservoir is adjusted for optimum curing of concrete, and the liquid is pumped through the tubes after the concrete has been poured; when the concrete hardens the liquid is disconnected, and the tubes are disconnected from the manifolds without removing the tubes from the hardened concrete.

Abstract: The object of the present invention to provide a method for thawing frozen ground for laying concrete primarily at a construction site by use of a continuous length of circulating hose placed on the frozen ground inside and/or adjacent a concrete form where the concrete will be laid, covering the circulating hose with a layer of aggregate material for insulation from cold air caving the ends of the circulating hose protruding from the aggregate connecting the ends of the hose to a source of heated liquid to circulate warm liquid through the circulating hose to thaw the frozen ground, laying the concrete in the concrete form while continuing to circulate heated liquid in the circulating hose to prevent the concrete from freezing, leaving the portion of the hose in the form under the concrete by cutting the ends protruding from the aggregate, removing the remaining portions of the hose.

Abstract: The probe for circulating heated water for thawing frozen ground is a portion of a mobile heating system including a plurality of hose sections. The probe includes a T-connection having a fluid inlet section, a first fluid outlet section, and a second fluid outlet section. An elongate outer tube having an ingress port is affixed to the first fluid outlet section. The elongate outer tube includes a closed penetrating end for insertion into a frozen ground surface. An inner tube is positioned inside the T-connection and the outer tube. The inner tube has an inflow end positioned proximate to the closed penetrating end and an elbow having an outflow opening positioned within the T-connection where the outflow opening is positioned proximate to the second fluid outlet section. The probe defines a perpendicular fluid-flow course which depends downwardly between the outer tube and the inner tube for entry into the inner tube proximate to the penetrating end.

Abstract: A mobile heating system for thawing frozen ground. The system includes a hot water heater, antifreeze reservoir, and pumps mounted on a mobile apparatus such as a trailer for being towed by a car or truck. A line is connectable to the heater and antifreeze reservoir and includes a plurality of elongate heater probes for being implanted in the ground, adjacent a frozen water or sewer line. Circulation of hot water through the line and probes thaw the ground. Alternatively, the probes may be used to heat building material such as bricks.