Thermal transfer method and apparatus

Abstract

Facilities and methods for providing an ice and frost free facility at or above ground level for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to, animal drinking water and surfaces at or above ground level include fluid reservoirs and conduits partially above and partially below a ground frost line with a water conduit passing through the reservoirs and conduits and with means to direct flow of fluid within the reservoirs and conduits utilizing the difference in temperatures of the earth above and below the frost line. An induced Bernoulli effect aids in the proper flow of the fluid.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to, and is a continuation in part of my presently pending application Ser. No. 09/749,224, filed Dec. 26, 2000, now ______.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] I. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention is in the general field of systems for preventing freezing of water in open basins or other substances or locations during periods of below freezing temperatures;

[0004] The invention is more particularly in the field of such systems wherein the temperature of the water or other substances in such basins or other areas or the like is maintained by use of soil temperature at a level below the frost line (the level above which soil is frozen and below which the soil is not frozen

[0005] The invention is most particularly in the fields of new, novel, unique, and useful methods for causing automatic and continuous circulation of a fluid in a basin in the soil which extends through zones both above and below the frost line, and in a method and apparatus for enhanced and expanded thermal transfer through a body of water or other substance in a basin or other container or otherwise at least a portion of the exterior of which is thermally conductive and is subjected to a circulating fluid mass which carries thermal energy from the earth to said exterior.

[0006] II. Description of the Prior Art

[0007] There have been a number of attempts to harness the thermal energy existing below the frost line to prevent water from freezing. All of the attempts have been in essentially in the same manner. All of these attempts rely on one or another method of merely mixing warmer water entering a basin, such as a livestock watering tank, at a position below the frost line, or relying upon mingling of the water throughout the entire tank or basin. Under very severe cold conditions there is a general complete stagnation of any water flow, particularly at the top of the tank.

[0008] Very cold water is heavier than less cold water. Thus, when a tank is being used to practice this general method the colder water has a tendency to descend, with warmer water rising. However, there comes a point when the opposite occurs. As the temperature of water decreases to actual freezing, the commencement of ice formation then brings that water, as ice being formed, to the top, since the ice is considerably lighter than water.

[0009] The prior art is well documented by patents and litersture. The state of the prior art can best be understood by an examination of two United States Patents:

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,928 is an example of one approach to this matter. In this approach, an elongate tank is installed into soil for a distance which carries the bottom of the tank below the frost line. The top portion of the tank is insulated about its exterior. The water itself is covered by a floating disc. The theory is that the disk can be pushed down by livestock so as to enable the animals to drink from the top of the disc. Then, when the level of the water falls, it will be replaced by an intake from a water supply which is in the soil below the frost line. This new water, will then circulate upward in the tank. This theory is proper, but it fails to take into account the fact the new water is at a temperature in equilibrium with the water in the tank below the frost line. Being a large body of water it is relatively stagnate and motionless except for those periods in which the water is actually entering, and swirling as set forth in the patent referred to. Therefore, when animals are not actively drinking, the water in the tank can freeze rather easily, with the principal inhibition to freezing at the top being the floating disc and the insulated collar. However, the floating disc can even be a detriment under some circumstance as water between the periphery of the disk and inner edge of the top of the tank is more or less prevented from moving, thus providing an excellent condition for ice formation;

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,008 is typical of another approach wherein a pumping and circulation system is provided. While this approach may be effective in preventing freezing, the cost of installation, operation, and maintenance of such systems is a tremendous drawback, and will make it impractical for many purposes. For example, in remote areas such as national forest areas, where water supplies are desired for wild animals it may not be possible to have the electrical, or other, power required to operate such systems.

[0012] Other attempts have included the use of air blowers over the top of the water, various types of heaters, various powered circulation systems, and the like.

[0013] I studied all types of material on this subject, and yet I am always led back to the basic systems described above.

[0014] My afore mentioned co-pending patent application provides excellent results under most winter conditions. However, under very severe conditions there can occasionally be some freezing of the surface water.

[0015] I have now, conceived, and developed a system, which is now in operation, and which requires no external nor supplemental power, or the like, and which causes water in a container or other ground surface items exposed to the elements to receive a constant flow of thermal energy from the ground below the frost line through a heat transfer arrangement utilizing a circulating fluid. This will be described completely below.

[0016] None of the prior art discussed here, including, but not limited to, my inventions as described in my afore mentioned co-pending application, nor found by me anyplace, has suggested, nor anticipated, my new, unique, useful, and novel methods and apparatuses which is described in this patent application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Providing drinking water for animals is an extremely difficult and costly problem for farmers, wild life conservators, and others in cold climates. The animals must have plenty of drinking water during periods of extreme cold. Yet, available water freezes and cannot be accessed by the average range animal, wild animals, and others.

[0018] The problem in supplying water for animals under harsh conditions has resulted in many different approaches. Various means of heating drinking water, breaking surface ice, circulating pumping systems have been tried.

[0019] One approach has been to attempt to utilize the heat stored in soil below the frost line. The frost line is defined as the point below ground surface where the soil is not frozen. Below the frost line, the soil, while cold, still carries enough latent heat to prevent water from freezing.

[0020] Numerous attempts to circulate water from below the frost line have been made. In the Description of the prior art, above, I have recited the more important attempts to utilize this principle. Unfortunately, the various attempts which have been made before my present invention have been deficient, or less than practical, or not economical as previously recited under the description of the prior art.

[0021] One of the problems which has been difficult to solve is the relative stagnation of water around the periphery in a large container such as a tank large enough to allow drinking by large animals. Since the water around the periphery of the container is practically motionless ice forms rather quickly about the edges of the container. Once the ice commences to form it rather rapidly covers the entire surface. Another area of serious concern is slip and fall accidents on icy surfaces and other conditions where an ice, or frost, free surface condition is desired without the use of electrical power or the like.

[0022] Utilizing the difference in ground temperature below the frost line, a tank with a substantial portion below the frost line has a tendency to have circulation due to the tendency of very cold water near the top to become heavier than the rest of the water, and thus to sink, creating somewhat constant rising and falling currents. These naturally occurring currents, however, fail to produce enough mixing and agitation to prevent the initial formation of ice on the surface, particularly around the upper edges of a large container.

[0023] I have found that some persons working in this field have attempted to cause water entering, or already in the container to swirl. However, such attempts have generally been less than fully effective for a variety of reasons. Among others, the problems in causing effective swirling usually require some sort of power. The power is generally not available, or available only at a very high cost, in the areas in which animal drinking water is required.

[0024] Some attempts at causing swirling have been directed to specially shaped water intake pipes and the like. These attempts are very limited in that water is not constantly entering animal drinking containers. Also, the float valves commonly used for controlling the intake of water can easily become fouled or impaired due to the cold and other factors.

[0025] Other attempts to assist in preventing ice formation have included blowing heated air over the surface of the water. Once again, such an approach generally fails due to the lack of appropriate power and due to the excessive cost.

[0026] I have finally conceived and perfected a unique, novel, and useful system, which has now been operating a sufficient length of time to be thoroughly proven, by which I can maintain animal drinking containers and other items without formation of ice throughout extremely adverse weather conditions and without any external power or other assistance.

[0027] As set forth in my afore mentioned co-pending application I have previously accomplished this by unique mechanical structures in which I channel cold water at the uppermost level in an open tank into a definable stream and direct warmer water within the tank into a restricted zone about the periphery of an open edge of a drinking container. I have discovered that, among other innovations, I can create a Bernoulli effect by a proper mounting of a pipe within a tank, as detailed below.

[0028] In my method and apparatus as set forth in my afore referenced co=pending application I have been able to provide an economical solution to this old and troublesome problem of maintaining proper drinking water availability for animals, even in remote and harsh circumstances. Also, by using diaphragm valves in an usual manner I have avoided fouling and mis-functioning of intake water systems. However, I have found that under the very most severe winter weather even my methods and apparatuses may not prevent some freezing, particularly about the perimeters of devices employing my previous inventions. Additionally I have found that I can provide ice and frost free areas at or above ground level by utilizing the principles disclosed here.

[0029] I have now developed a novel, unique, and useful method and apparatus which can maintain water in a drinking container in a fluid state under extremely severe winter conditions and serious sub-zero temperatures. I have accomplished this by utilizing a body of fluid shaped containers, reservoirs and conduits including portions located in the earth below the frost line and portions at or above ground level in contact with water in a basin or other substance or area. By the special configuration which is shown in the accompanying drawings and described below the fluid circulates automatically and transfers the heat of the earth below the frost line to the water in the basin or the like. Also, I have provided a source of replenishment water for the basin which is beneath the frost line and is brought up to the basin through the circulating fluid in such manner that it does not freeze before getting to the basin.

[0030] In addition to the foregoing purposes of this invention, I have gone even further with the overall thermal transfer principle I have conceived and developed. I now apply this principle to a wide variety of beneficial uses for achieving frost free areas without the use of electrical or other power. I do this be harnessing ground heat below the frost line and transferring the ground heat to the earths surface by a circulating fluid mass. Thus, I am able to create frost free areas on, or above, ground level.

[0031] It is an object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus for providing a frost free zone at, or above, ground level;

[0032] Another object of this invention to provide a method for preventing freezing of water in outdoor containers;

[0033] Another object of this invention is to cause currents to flow in defined paths in a large outdoor water container under freezing conditions such that the water does not freeze;

[0034] Another object of this invention is to create Bernoulli effect acceleration and circulation in certain areas of a drinking water tank;

[0035] Another object of this invention is prevent fouling or malfunctioning of intake water supplies in animal drinking facilities;

[0036] Another object of this invention is to provide such systems for prevention of freezing water which can be utilized in different embodiments to provide the most economical system for any given climatic condition;

[0037] Another object of this invention is to provide a fluid which circulates from a position in the earth below the frost line to a portion of a basin containing water (other device or area) at or above ground level in such manner that the fluid transfers ground heat to the water or other substance or area.

[0038] The foregoing and other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the descriptions of a preferred embodiments, which follow, in conjunction with a review of the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] FIG. 1 is a side elevation of an apparatus suitable to practice a method of this invention;

[0040] FIG. 2 is a section on 2-2 on FIG. 1;

[0041] FIG. 2A is a view as FIG. 2, but with a first alternate internal construction;

[0042] FIG. 2B is a view as FIG. 2, but with a second alternate internal construction;

[0043] FIG. 3 is a top elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0044] FIG. 4 is section on 4-4 on FIG. 2;

[0045] FIG. 5 is side elevation of an alternate apparatus suitable to practice a method of this invention;

[0046] FIG. 6 is a schematic section on 6-6 on FIG. 5 with ground level and frost line indicated;

[0047] FIG. 7 is side elevation of an alternate apparatus suitable to practice a method of this invention; and

[0048] FIG. 8 is a schematic section on 8-8 on FIG. 7 with ground level and frost line indicated.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0049] An inventory of the items bearing reference numerals on the drawings is: 1 Numeral Item  10 apparatus suitable to practice methods of this invention  20 tank  22 closed bottom of tank  24 open top of tank  28 spacers  30 inner pipe  32 funnel  34 upper funnel lip  40 pipe support boss  42 Pointed top of pipe support boss  50 pipe support plate  52 openings in pipe support plate  54 Pipe support webs  60 water level  70 water source for replenishing water in tank  62 coldest water starting to descend  62a cold water being directed and accelerated by funnel  62b accelerated cold water nearing bottom of  62c cold water leaving pipe with Bernoulli effect  62d warmed water rising about pipe  62e warmed water flowing between funnel lip and tank edge  71 water intake conduit  72 diaphragm valve  75 diaphragm valve vent  80 ground level  90 frost line 120 tank 122 closed bottom of tank 124 open top of tank 128 spacers 130 inner pipe 132 funnel 134 upper funnel lip 140 pipe support boss 142 pointed top of pipe support boss 150 pipe support plate 152 openings in pipe support plate 154 Pipe support webs 160 water level 160a water source for replenishing water in tank 162 coldest water starting to descend 162a cold water being directed and accelerated by funnel 162b accelerated cold water nearing bottom of pipe 162c cold water leaving pipe with Bernoulli effect 162d warmed water rising about pipe 162e warmed water flowing between funnel lip and tank edge 171 water intake conduit 172 diaphragm valve 175 diaphragm valve vent 222 closed bottom of tank 224 open top of tank 228 sleeve 230 inner pipe 232 funnel 234 upper funnel lip 240 pipe support boss 242 pointed top of pipe support boss 250 pipe support plate 252 openings in pipe support plate 254 pipe support webs 260 water level 260a water source for replenishing water in tank 262 coldest water starting to descend 262a cold water being directed and accelerated by funnel 262b accelerated cold water nearing bottom of pipe 262c cold water leaving pipe with Bernoulli effect 262d warmed water rising about pipe 262e warmed water flowing between funnel lip and tank edge 271 water intake conduit 272 diaphragm valve 275 valve vent 300 sleeve surrounding tank 220 302 closure between top of tank 220 and sleeve 300 304 closure between tank 220 and sleeve 300 at frost line 310 space between tank 20 and sleeve 300 400 apparatus suitable to practice method of this invention utilizing captive body of circulating non-freezing fluid 401 ground level 402 frost line 410 water basin 411 super conductive inverted dome shaped bottom of basin 412 upper casing 413 intermediate casing 414 reservoir 415 support web 416 insulation 417 insulation 418 heat transfer chamber 419 double walled cold fluid conduit 420 fluid 421 warm fluid 420 rising in intermediate casing 422 warm fluid entering heat transfer chamber 423 chilled fluid dropping down cold fluid conduit 424 chilled fluid entering heat transfer chamber 425 heat from earth below frost line 430 livestock drinking water in water basin 410 431 fresh water intake conduit 432 fresh water intake below frost line 433 fresh water inlet into water basin 410 500 apparatus suitable to practice method of this invention utilizing captive body of circulating non-freezing fluid 501 ground level 502 frost line 511 conductive cover 512 upper casing 513 intermediate casing 514 reservoir 515 support web 516 insulation 517 insulation 518 heat transfer chamber 519 double walled cold fluid conduit 520 fluid 521 warm fluid 420 rising in intermediate casing 522 warm fluid entering heat transfer chamber 523 chilled fluid dropping down cold fluid conduit 524 chilled fluid entering heat transfer chamber 525 heat from earth below frost line

[0050] An apparatus 10 suitable to practice the method of this invention is shown in the drawings FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate two superior alternate embodiments with additional unique, novel, and useful features.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the apparatus 10 located within soil (the soil is removed from the facing side of the apparatus in order to display the apparatus clearly. The top level, or surface (ground level) 80 of the soil is indicated by the dashed (------) line 80. The frost line 90 is indicated by the broken (_______________) line 90. The distance the open top 24 of cylindrical tank 20 extends above ground level 80 will depend upon factors which may be specific for different purposes. For example, if the water is to be used as drinking water for small animals such as sheep, the distance from the top of the tank to ground level may be less than such distance for cattle or horses. This will be understood by those skilled in the art. The frost line will depend upon the weather conditions and other natural factors. The frost line will generally be out of the control of those practicing the method of this invention, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The bottom 22 of the tank will be welded, or otherwise fastened in an impervious manner, to the cylindrical tank portion 20. Water intake source 60a will normally be located well below the frost line in order to prevent freezing. Water intake conduit 71 will enter the tank 20 below the frost line.

[0052] FIG. 2 is a section on 2-2 on FIG. 1. In this case, as in FIG. 1, the apparatus is shown in the ground relative to the ground level and the frost line, but with the soil not shown in the area defined by the tank for clarity.

[0053] The cylindrical tank portion 20 is open at the top 24 and closed at the bottom 22 as previously mentioned. A pipe support boss 40 is affixed to the bottom 22 of the tank by welding or other suitable means known to those skilled in the art. The pipe support boss will be pointed at its upper end 42 in order to facilitate positioning of pipe 30. The pipe 30 rests on support plate webs 54 of the support plate 50. Openings 52 between the webs 54 provide areas for water to travel through from the interior of pipe 30 to the exterior of pipe 30 within cylindrical tank 20. The openings 52 are shown as unshaped openings in the support plate. Such unshaped openings will allow flow of water, and they will create a Bernoulli effect. As will be known to those skilled in the art, any restricted opening can create a Bernoulli effect. In a particularly effective embodiment of this invention the openings will be specially shaped (not shown, but known to those skilled in the art so that the openings will create a maximum Bernoulli effect. In creating a Bernoulli effect I aid in the effectiveness of the present invention by creating unusual speed and turbulent circulation of the warmed water from the bottom of the inner pipe upwardly into the critical area between the inner edge of the tank and the outer edge of the interior pipe funnel. This results in the warmer water maintaining more of its thermal heat as well as speeding the water circulation around the interior of the upper edge of the tank.

[0054] The top of the inner pipe 30 is formed as shown in the shape of a funnel 32 with an upstanding lip 34. The water level within tank 20 is at, or close to, the upper edge 24 of tank 20. If desired a series of spacers 28 may be utilized in order to prevent any possible wavering of the funnel and inner pipe.

[0055] A continuous flow of water within the tank takes place, powered by the temperature differential between the atmosphere and the ground above the frost line and the temperature below the frost line. I will describe the way in which the water is caused to move by my invention by picking certain positions to show the movement of the water. It will be best understood if each point described, 62, 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d, and 62e be considered to be the position of a single molecule of water which moves from the surface 60 of the water downward and subsequently upward, returning to the surface 60 and then repeating its same path. This same reasoning should be applied to the descriptions of the versions of my invention shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B and described below.

[0056] At the tank water level the water becomes its coldest 62. The coldest water increases in weight, as is known to those skilled in the art. This heavy, cold water begins to descend 62a down the inner pipe 30. This cold water continues downward within the inner pipe until it reaches the support plate 50. At this point, the Bernoulli effect of the water passing through orifices 52 speeds the water 62b-62c. This water now commences to warm and rise 62d due to heat being obtained from the ground below the frost line. At 62e there is again somewhat of a Bernoulli effect due to the constriction at 35 between the edge 34 of the funnel and the inner edge of the tank 20. At this point, the accelerating turbulent water clears any ice which may be attempting to form around the upper edge of the tank. This is a very important part of my invention. Always, in the past, when others attempted to take some sort of advantage of the latent heat in the soil below the frost line, they have utilized coils or the like to attempt to heat the water. However, such attempts do not accomplish what I have accomplished, and they do not attack the problem of ice forming around the edge of a body of water. At this point, where the water in my system is circulating around the edge, the water 62 is now, again, at its coldest and the cycle repeats.

[0057] Of course, it is necessary to replenish water which animals have consumed. Therefore, anyone working in this field finds it necessary to have a source of water into the actual livestock drinking container. This will normally be brought in below the frost line as I have done at 60a-71. The amount and level of the water is customarily controlled by a float valve, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The problem here is that the float valve will frequently fail due to ice, or other debris. I have now discovered that I can use a diaphragm valve 72 with greatly improved performance. It is generally considered that a diaphragm valve will not operate properly is such a condition. I have discovered that by venting the valve to the atmosphere I have accomplished improved reliability for water replenishment.

[0058] In FIG. 2A I have illustrated a superior version of my invention. The reference numerals for the most part are similar to those previously discussed except that they are in the 100 series. In this case the device 110 includes a cylindrical tank 120, an inner pipe 130, inner pipe support mechanism 140 tapering to a point 142, with pipe support plate 150 having support webs 154 and Bernoulli effect orifices or openings 152.

[0059] At the tank water level 160 the water 162 becomes its coldest. The coldest water increases in weight, as is known to those skilled in the art. This heavy, cold water 162a begins to descend down the inner pipe 130. The inner pipe 130 and funnel 132 are surrounded by a sleeve 128 which is connected to pipe 130 by an angular flange 127. The sleeve 128 extends down from the funnel lip 134 to a point at, or below, the frost line 90. The space 129 between the sleeve 128 and pipe 130 may be vacuumed or filled with insulating material, or merely sealed while filled with air. For maximum effect in connection with my overall system, space 129 will be vacuumed. As second best space 129 will be filled with insulation. With this insulated, double wall to the frost line, the cold water continues downward within the inner pipe with little change in temperature and weight until it reaches the frost line. Below the frost line, water fills the space between the tank 120 and pipe 130. An insignificant warming will begin to affect the water in pipe 130 from the frost line to support plate 150. At this point, the Bernoulli effect of the water passing through orifices 152 accelerates the water 162b-162c. This water now commences to warm and rise 162d due to heat being obtained from the ground below the frost line. The rising water 162d is warmed as it circulates upward until the frost line. From the frost line to the funnel lip 134 there is again somewhat of a Bernoulli effect due to the constriction at 135 between the outer surface of sleeve 128 and the inner surface of the tank 120. At this point, the affect is that the accelerating and turbulent water clears any ice which may be attempting to form around the upper edge of the tank. When the water in my system is circulating around the edge, the water 162 is now at its coldest and the cycle repeats.

[0060] A diaphragm valve 172 below the water surface 160 with vent 175 exterior of the water provides excellent water intake control.

[0061] In FIG. 2B I have illustrated another superior version of my invention. The reference numerals for the most part are similar to those previously discussed except that they are in the 200 series. In this case the device 210 includes a cylindrical tank 220, an inner pipe 230, inner pipe support mechanism 240 tapering to a point 242, with pipe support plate 250 having support webs 254 and Bernoulli effect orifices or openings 252.

[0062] At the tank water level 260 the water 262 becomes its coldest. The coldest water increases in weight, as is known to those skilled in the art. This heavy, cold water 262a begins to descend down the inner pipe 230. The inner pipe 230 and funnel 232 are surrounded by sleeve 228 which is connected to pipe 230 by a solid outer ring on the support plate 250. The space 229 between the pipes 228 and 230 may be vacuumed or filled with insulating material, or merely sealed while filled with air. As mentioned in the discussion of the version of my invention shown in FIG. 2A, for maximum effect in connection with my overall system, the space will be vacuumed or filled with insulation. With this double wall pipe, the cold water continues downward within the inner pipe with little change in temperature and weight until it is expelled out of the Bernoulli effect orifices 252 in the support plate. At this point, the Bernoulli effect on the water passing through orifices 252 accelerates the water 262b-262c. This water commences to warm and rise 262d due to heat being obtained from the ground below the frost line. The rising water 262d is warmed as it circulates upward until the frost line. From the frost line to the funnel lip 134 there is again somewhat of a Bernoulli effect due to the constriction 235 between the outer edges 234 of the funnel and sleeve 228 and the inner edge of the tank 220. The accelerating and turbulent water clears any ice which may be attempting to form around the upper edge of the tank. The water 262 in my system is now circulating around the edge, the water 262 is now at its coldest and the cycle repeats.

[0063] I use a diaphragm valve 272 below the surface with a vent 275 exterior of the water to control water intake.

[0064] The principles so far described work extremely well in practice. However, when there is unusually severe cold there may be some ice forming on portions of the water.

[0065] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate a device I have now conceived and developed which now provides a means for utilizing the ground heat beneath the frost line to provide extra protection under the most severe cold weather conditions. FIG. 5 is a side elevation of a device 400 suitable to accomplish the objects and advantages desired. FIG. 6 is a section on 6-6 of FIG. 5 and shows the elements of the device. These figures show the device without being embedded in the earth. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, in use the device will be in the earth. Ground level is indicated by the line 401 and the frost line (the point above which the earth is frozen (or will become frozen under winter conditions) and below which the earth is not frozen is indicated by the line 502. Below the frost line the earth temperature is above freezing, and heat can be extracted beneath this point.

[0066] In the methods and the apparatus pertaining to FIGS. 1 through 4 the water which circulates throughout the system is constantly being replenished. This results in intense cold water during the coldest weather. Thus, at some point there can be some surface (60, 160, and 260) freezing. In attempting to solve this problem I have now achieved a remarkable result.

[0067] I have now conceived and developed a system in which I utilize a body of fluid 420 (if the fluid is a liquid it is preferably, but not necessarily, a non-freezing liquid) which constantly circulates from the reservoir 414 through the heat transfer chamber 418 causing a constant re-warming 425 of the reservoir 414 and the fluid 420 by the ground earth 425 warmth. In this manner, the limited amount of fluid 430 in basin 410 or other substance, ground level area, or the like is maintained unfrozen or frost free by the circulation of warmed fluid 422 against the thermally conductive inverted dome 411 or other substance, ground level area, or the like.

[0068] The entire apparatus 400 and the method of operation is described as follows:

[0069] 1. A water basin 410 is normally filled with water 430. The water 430 is replenished through intake conduit 431 at 433. The intake conduit 431 receives water at 432 beneath the frost line. This replenishment drinking water is prevented from freezing by traveling in the conduit which is within the intermediate casing 413 as shown. Thus the intake conduit is prevented from freezing since it is located within the circulating fluid 420-421-422.

[0070] 2. The basin 410 has a bottom inverted dome shaped portion 411 preferably formed of material with high thermal conductivity. It will be welded, or otherwise hermitically sealed at 410a to basin shaped ring 410 which will be insulated.

[0071] 3. A body of fluid 420 receives ground heat 425 through conductive reservoir 414 and casing 413. This heat from the ground causes the fluid 420 to be warmed and rise 421 and enter the chamber 418 at 422 where it loses heat through the dome 411 and drops 423 down the center of conduit 419 re-entering 424 the reservoir. This continues so long as the earth between ground level and the frost line (which may move as the weather changes and as will be known to those skilled in the art) remains frozen.

[0072] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate a device I have now conceived and developed which provides a means for utilizing the ground heat beneath the frost line to provide a frost free (frost, snow, and ice free) and warmed zone at and above ground level. FIG. 7 is a side elevation of a device 500 suitable to accomplish the objects and advantages desired.

[0073] FIG. 8 is a section on 8-8 of FIG. 7 and shows the elements of the device. These figures show the device without being embedded in the earth. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, in use the device will be in the earth. Ground level is indicated by the line 501 and the frost line (the point above which the earth is frozen (or will become frozen under winter conditions) and below which the earth is not frozen is indicated by the line 502. Below the frost line the earth temperature is above freezing, and heat can be extracted beneath this point.

[0074] By now utilizing a body of non-freezing fluid 520 which constantly circulates from the reservoir 514 through the heat transfer zone 518 (which may be a layer of soil, a floor, concrete, or other item in contact with heat transfer chamber 518 there is a constant re-warming 525 of the reservoir 514 and the fluid 520 by the ground earth 525 warmth. In this manner, the heat transfer zone is kept unfrozen.

[0075] The entire apparatus 500 and the method of operation is described as follows:

[0076] 1. The conductive cover or the like 511 covers the upper casing 512. The cover will be connected to upper casing 512 in any manner known to those skilled in the art. If this is merely a layer of earth or the like it will be connected by mere contact such as the upper casing at its top edge being in contact with the cover (this is not shown, but will be understood by those skilled in the art). If the cover is something other than a layer of earth or the like it will be joined by means known to those skilled in the art such as welded, bolted, fastened with adhesive, integrally formed, or otherwise affixed.

[0077] 2. Fluid 520-521-522-523-524 will be circulating and transferring heat through the heat transfer chamber 518 to the conductive cover 511.

[0078] 3. The conductive cover could be for example a walkway or the like. Thus, the walkway or the like can be kept free of ice and snow by the circulating fluid 520-521-522-523-524.

[0079] 4. A circulating body of fluid 520 receives ground heat 525 through conductive reservoir 514 and casing 513. This heat from the ground causes the fluid 520 to be warmed and rise 521 and enter the chamber 518 at 522 where it loses heat through the cover 511 and drops 523 down the center of conduit 519 re-entering 524 the reservoir. This continues so long as the earth between ground level and the frost line (which may move as the weather changes and as will be known to those skilled in the art) remains frozen.

[0080] In all of the embodiments of this invention shown and described, there will be an advantage to having shaped openings at the points where the fluid moves from one section of the system to another (for example at the top and bottom of double walled conduits 419 and 519) in order for a Bernoulli effect to assist the flow.

[0081] In the claims which follow I may fail to claim some patentable feature or features. If I do fail to claim such a feature it will be due to inadvertence or oversight, and not due to a dedication or abandonment of such feature. In such event, upon discovering any such failure to claim, I shall immediately seek to cure such failure to claim by reissue or other appropriate remedy.

[0082] While the embodiments of this invention shown and described are fully capable of achieving the objects and advantages desired, such embodiments are for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. Cold weather heating system comprising: fluid containing and circulating means installed into the earth in such manner that at least a portion of said means is beneath a frost line; conductive means adjacent an earth surface above said fluid containing means; and means to cause thermal contact between the fluid containing and circulating means and the conductive means.

2. The cold weather heating system of claim 1 in which the fluid containing and circulating means comprises: a vertically aligned first interior conduit with means for circulation of fluid from an higher to a lower outlet; a second conduit and fluid reservoir surrounding said first conduit; and a conductive cover adjacent the higher outlet of the first conduit.

3. Cold weather water facility comprising: a watering basin tank with an inverted dome like center; a first exterior casing and reservoir containing fluid attached to said basin and located in the ground in such manner that the basin is at or above ground level and a portion of the casing and reservoir is located beneath the frost line; and a fluid conduit located within said casing and reservoir with a first end adjacent said inverted dome like center and a second end below the frost line.

4. The water facility of claim 3 in which the tank is surrounded by an insulating sleeve above the frost line.

5. Cold weather water facility comprising: a fluid reservoir means installed into ground at least partially below the frost line and partially above the frost line; fluid transfer means connecting said reservoir means to an exterior of a watering basin accessible from ground level; water source means intercommunicating from the exterior of the reservoir means beneath the frost line through said reservoir means to the interior of the tank; fluid conduit means within said reservoir means in such manner that warm fluid from the reservoir means can flow upwardly about said fluid conduit means and cold fluid can flow downwardly within said fluid conduit; and fluid means filling the reservoir means.

6. A frost free facility comprising: a fluid reservoir means containing fluid installed into the earth at least partially below a frost line and partially above the frost line; a substance at or above a ground level; thermal conductive means intercommunicating from the exterior of the reservoir means above the frost line to the substance; and conduit means within said fluid reservoir means directing an upward flow of said fluid from below the frost line and a downward flow of said fluid from above the frost line.

7. The frost free facility of claim 6 wherein the conduit means within said fluid reservoir means directing an upward flow of said fluid from below the frost line and a downward flow of said fluid from above the frost line comprises a first elongate vertically aligned conduit means within a second elongate vertically aligned conduit means.

8. The method of claim wherein means to create a Bernoulli effect is a funnel like arrangement depending from the first elongate vertically aligned conduit means toward the second vertically aligned conduit means.