Abstract: A heat-emitting transparent plate includes a heat-emitting region that is transparent to visible light and is a region that emits heat by absorbing infrared rays. The heat-emitting region includes a meta-surface, and the meta-surface includes a plurality of meta-patterns to absorb infrared rays. A method of manufacturing a heat-emitting transparent plate includes forming a material layer on a transparent substrate and forming a plurality of patterns on the transparent substrate by patterning the material layer. The plurality of patterns include a material that is transparent to visible light and that emits heat by absorbing infrared rays, and a pitch of the plurality of patterns is less than a wavelength of the infrared rays. A heat-emitting device includes the heat-emitting transparent plate and a light source.

Abstract: A vehicle (100) comprising a plurality of wheels (106a, b) and an apparatus on a wheeled vehicle are disclosed. The vehicle, or apparatus, comprises a control system arranged to issue a signal in the event of determining that one or more wheels of the vehicle has lost, or is at risk of losing, frictional contact with a road surface (104). The vehicle, or apparatus, further comprises a gas source arranged to supply a burst of gas upon said signal being issued. At least one gas outlet (112) is connected to said gas source and is arranged to direct said burst of gas so as to clear water and/or debris from the road surface in front of at least one of the wheels.

Abstract: A deicing fluid recovery system includes a vehicle movable adjacent to an aircraft and including a holding tank configured to store deicing fluid and a receptacle configured to capture deicing fluid from the aircraft during a deicing procedure. During the deicing procedure, deicing fluid runoff from a surface of the aircraft may be captured into the receptacle and transferred from the receptacle into the holding tank. The deicing fluid runoff may be captured into the receptacle before the deicing fluid runoff contacts ground.

Abstract: In various implementations, a heat exchanger system may include one or more flow paths. At least one of the flow paths may be associated with more than one pass and/or fluid flow through the flow path may be restricted. A setting of the heat exchanger system may include associations between flow path(s) and/or pass(es). A setting for the heat exchanger system may be determined, and the heat exchanger system may be allowed to operate in the determined setting, in some implementations.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises a water storage tank (14), a heater (16), a pump (38) and an outlet duct (70) to convey heated water to a plurality of lances (24) through hoses (22). The heater (16) is arranged to heat the water in at least two successive stages (66, 67), to an intermediate and then to a final temperature, at least the second stage (67) of the heater being activated in pulses, the frequency and/or duration of the pulses being adjustable to control the resultant temperature. Foaming agent is introduced (18, 40) into the water. Upstream of each hose (22) is a diversion valve (85) connecting to a water return circuit (54) leading back to the water storage tank (14); and the water return circuit (54) includes a heat exchanger (55, 56). The heater (16) may be liquid fuelled. The apparatus can be mobile, for example on a motor-vehicle (12), and it enables a number of people to control weeds separately, using separate lances (24), from the same apparatus (10).

Abstract: A retractable surface system, which is installed within an opening in a surface and a method of installing the retractable surface system within the opening in the surface. A mat is introduced into the opening. Secured within the mat are inner piers, which include a vertical sleeve to facilitate the lowering of a retractable surface within the opening, and outer piers, which include a vertical support column with upper and lower stops, which stabilize the retractable surface in a raised or lowered position within the opening. Supporting the retractable surface in the opening is a platform. A drive motor is secured to the platform and drives one or more systems for raising and lowering the platform within the opening.

Abstract: A heat distribution system is configured to melt snow that is proximate wheels on an automobile. The heat distribution system has a heat exchanger attached to the automobile and configured to heat air flowing past the heat exchanger creating hot air. A fan is proximate the heat exchanger and configured to move the hot air. A manifold is proximate the heat exchanger and configured to receive the hot air from the fan. A first duct, a second duct, and a transverse duct are joined to the manifold. A third duct and a fourth duct are attached to the transverse duct. Each duct terminates in a nozzle. The hot air is pushed through the manifold and out the nozzles melting the snow.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning a collector surface of a solar collector. The system includes a first liquid-dispensing unit configured to deliver a first spray of liquid to the collector surface. The system also includes a brush element having a longitudinal side oriented along a first direction and disposed adjacent to the first liquid-dispensing unit. A first squeegee element is oriented along the first direction and adjacent to the brush element. The first squeegee element, the brush element, and the first liquid-dispensing unit define a first cleaning area. A second squeegee element is oriented along the first direction and separated from the first squeegee element by a gap to define a second cleaning area. The system also includes a second liquid-dispensing unit configured to deliver a second spray of liquid to the second cleaning area located between the first and second squeegees.

Abstract: A blade for removing snow from a road surface comprising a shield oriented to deflect the snow, a cutting edge carried on the bottom part of the shield and adjacent to a road surface when in use, and at least one fluid circuit comprising a nozzle for spreading a de-icing liquid, wherein at least the nozzle is carried by the shield or by the cutting edge to spread at least part of the de-icing liquid on the snow in an area in front of and/or beneath said cutting edge while said cutting edge compresses a layer of snow that remains on the road surface during its passage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the management of a soil pest is disclosed and which includes a source of high voltage electricity; at least one capacitor for storing the high voltage electricity; a multiplicity of electrodes inserted into a soil location having a soil pest to be managed, and an electrical switch which is controllably opened and closed so as to form a pulse of electricity which is passed through the soil location and between the electrodes so as to effect the management of the soil pest.

Abstract: A heat distribution system is configured to melt snow that is proximate wheels on an automobile. The heat distribution system has a heat exchanger attached to the automobile and configured to heat air flowing past the heat exchanger creating hot air. A fan is proximate the heat exchanger and configured to move the hot air. A manifold is proximate the heat exchanger and configured to receive the hot air from the fan. A first duct, a second duct, and a transverse duct are joined to the manifold. A third duct and a fourth duct are attached to the transverse duct. Each duct terminates in a nozzle. The hot air is pushed through the manifold and out the nozzles melting the snow.

Abstract: A piping member that is used for a moving body equipped with a fuel cell and that is configured to suppress potential troubles caused by drainage water of the fuel cell. A fuel cell vehicle includes an exhaust pipe that is a piping member configured to discharge drainage water and exhaust gas of a fuel cell. The exhaust pipe includes an extended portion, a curved portion and an opening end portion and is mounted such that the exhaust pipe opens downward on the rear side of the fuel cell vehicle. The exhaust pipe is configured such that an inner wall surface of a wall portion of the opening end portion located on the front side of the vehicle is inclined from the rear side toward the front side of the fuel cell vehicle to be extended to an opening, in the state that the exhaust pipe is mounted to the fuel cell vehicle.

Abstract: A dispenser attachment device configured to attach to a conventional snow roof rake tool having a handle, the dispenser attachment device including a reservoir compartment to store and release a de-icing material, an attachment member configured to detachably couple to the tool, and a stabilizer having an upper member and a lower member extending therefrom to stabilize the reservoir compartment when releasing the de-icing material, wherein the reservoir compartment stores the de-icing material when in a first position and dispenses the de-icing material when the reservoir compartment is rotated to a second position.

Abstract: Device to avoid the aquaplaning problem on a vehicle (10), the device being applicable at least on the drive wheels (28) of the vehicle and including a tank (12) of fluid under pressure that is connected to a plurality of fluid ejectors (26) associated with the respective wheels and suitable to shoot jets of pressurized fluid onto the road surface, and sensors (18) suitable to detect the conditions of the road surface to actuate the fluid ejectors. The fluid ejectors (26) are injector nozzles controlled by a central processing unit (CPU), which receives the signals from the sensors (18), and are operated in a manner coordinated with the physical position of the respective wheel so as to be continually oriented in the direction of travel of the same wheel.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for lowering the internal relative humidity inside of a concrete structure by applying a pressurized gas and forcing such pressurized gas into the concrete structure, in turn driving moisture in the pores of the concrete to the exterior of the structure. Pressurized gas is supplied to a network of sealed cavities extending into the face of the concrete structure, ultimately causing the gas to move into the concrete structure through pores and capillaries through the structure, in turn driving moisture in the concrete structure toward the surface. Optionally, a competitive inhibiting agent, such as lithium nitrate, may also be provided to stabilize the concrete structure against future deleterious expansions caused by moisture uptake in the existing ASR gel.

Abstract: A method for de-icing liquid on a surface of an airplane includes supplying de-icing liquid to and through a spraying nozzle of a de-icing vehicle through a pipe that connects the nozzle with a tank assembly of the de-icing vehicle, where the liquid is delivered to the spraying nozzle as a mix of an anti-freeze liquid and additives, the anti-freeze liquid is delivered to the pipe from an anti-freeze liquid tank via a first dosage pump, and the additives are delivered from an additives tank via a second dosage pump.

Abstract: A weed or insect terminating device features a container having a valve port, a heating element, a valve core, and a biasing mechanism forcing the valve core into an extended position. An axial passage in the valve core extends through only a distal end of the valve core. A lateral passage intersects the axial passage and opens radially from the valve core. A proximal seal is provided between the valve core and valve port at a location between a proximal end of the valve core and the opening of the lateral passage. The proximal seal withdraws from sealed contact with the port in a retracted state of the valve core, while a distal seal remains intact. Heated water from the container can be dispensed through the valve port only via the lateral and axial passages of the valve core, and only when made accessible by retraction of the valve core.

Abstract: A self-retracting air compressor assembly includes a motorized pump device that drives in opposing directions. A reservoir tank is in fluid communication with the pump device and stores air pumped by the pump device. The air compressor includes a cord assembly that supplies air and electrical power from the pump device. The air compressor assembly pumps air when the motor is driving in a pumping direction, and self-retracts the cord assembly when the motor is driving in a winding direction.

Abstract: A method for utilizing heat in a plant or animal growing device includes circulating a heat transfer fluid through a circuit forming a closed fluid loop, heating the heat transfer fluid by a heat source, supplying heat from the heat transfer fluid to a first heat user which may be a thermal desalination unit, and returning at least part of the heat transfer fluid that has been cooled down. The heat transfer fluid supplies heat to at least one additional heat user serially arranged before or after the thermal desalination unit. The temperature ranges of the heat transfer fluid are within the optimal operating temperature ranges of the respective heat users in the fluid circuit. A corresponding system and greenhouse by which the method of the invention may be implemented is also described.

Abstract: The application relates to a method (100) for producing a direct flow aluminium absorber of a solar thermal collector, the absorber including an absorber plate having at least one tube for a heat transport fluid, and at least one end tube for a heat transport fluid, the at least one end tube being connected to the absorber plate. The method comprises laser welding (130) the at least one end tube to the absorber plate for producing the complete absorber to be coated by at least one layer configured to absorb light.

Abstract: A pressure reducing system for fuel gas and a natural gas dewaxing vehicle are provided. The pressure reducing system includes fuel gas pipelines which consist of successively connected a high pressure pipeline, a medium pressure pipeline and a low pressure pipeline in the flow direction of fuel gas. The tail end of the low pressure pipeline connects with a combustion apparatus. A high pressure relief valve, a high pressure air feed valve, a heat exchanger and a primary pressure reducing valve subassembly are connected on the high pressure pipeline. The heat exchanger is provided with a hot fluid inlet and a hot fluid outlet, where the hot fluid inlet connects with a hot water apparatus, and the hot fluid outlet connects with a water storage apparatus. The medium pressure pipeline is equipped with a medium pressure relief valve and a secondary pressure reducing valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing accumulated snow and/or ice from the undercarriage of a motor vehicle before it is parked in an indoor garage or parking lot includes a piping network with multiple jet/spray nozzles installed on the undercarriage and configured to direct nozzle sprays of pressurized heated antifreeze solution and nozzle jets of pressurized heated air to the perimeter areas of the undercarriage, including the wheel-wells, where snow/ice accumulation is most prevalent. Along with the network of nozzles, the undercarriage snow/ice removal apparatus includes a conductive and/or radiative heating grid covering the undercarriage perimeter areas to which the nozzle sprays and nozzle jets are directed. The undercarriage de-icing apparatus also includes multiple capacitive undercarriage icing sensors distributed throughout the de-icing areas.

Abstract: A system for cleaning precision rails of a three-dimensional object printer has been developed. The printer includes a track having a pair of precision rails positioned beneath a printing station having an ejector head configured to eject drops of material onto a substrate of a cart that moves along the rails. An air source with a duct is configured with a slot to direct an air flow onto one of the precision rails to prevent dust or other airborne particles from collecting on the precision rail.

Abstract: An apparatus including piping, a junction device connected to a first opening of the piping, and a switch device configured to cause the junction device to open or close the first opening of the piping. The apparatus may further include means for attaching the piping, the junction device, and the switch device to a vehicle such that a second opening of the piping is located nearer a first tire of the vehicle than to any other tire of the vehicle, and the first opening of the piping is located nearer an engine of the vehicle than to any tire of the vehicle. The junction device may include a fan which can be activated by the switch device to cause hot air from the engine to be drawn into the piping. The junction device may further include a temperature device which monitors the temperature at the first opening of the piping.

Abstract: A system for converting solar energy to chemical energy, and, subsequently, to thermal energy includes a light-harvesting station, a storage station, and a thermal energy release station. The system may include additional stations for converting the released thermal energy to other energy forms, e.g., to electrical energy and mechanical work. At the light-harvesting station, a photochemically active first organometallic compound, e.g., a fulvalenyl diruthenium complex, is exposed to light and is photochemically converted to a second, higher-energy organometallic compound, which is then transported to a storage station. At the storage station, the high-energy organometallic compound is stored for a desired time and/or is transported to a desired location for thermal energy release.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for making a surface resistant to frost are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a mobile machine, such as hydronic surface heater designed to be transported to a potentially remote worksite and operated for an extended period of time. The machine has a fueled component, such as a burner, fueled by a fuel supply system having at least two fuel tanks that are operably connected to one another by a connection line having an electronically controlled valve therein. The valve is coupled to the machine's electrical system, such as being coupled to the output of the machine's main breaker, so as to be opened whenever the machine is operating but to be otherwise closed. The fuel supply system thus has, in effect, a single tank when the machine is running and multiple separated tanks when the machine is not running. Fuel spill risks therefore are mitigated without having to sacrifice operating time and without significantly complicating the machine's fuel supply systems or its controls.

Abstract: A deicing method includes the steps of determining a necessary quantity of heat to substantially vaporize an interfacial layer between a solid surface and a layer of ice and applying pulsed heating at the interfacial layer. The pulsed heating is applied with the determined necessary quantity of heat to substantially vaporize the interfacial layer.

Abstract: A hot beverage making device includes a boiler for heating water; a housing for accommodating the boiler and connecting element for connecting the boiler to the housing. During operation of the boiler, water is heated and water vapor bubbles are created inside the boiler. Formation of the bubbles causes varying moments about the center of mass of the boiler. The connecting element is adapted to prevent transmittal to the housing of at least a portion of the moment variations. This keeps the noise produced as a result of vibrations of the housing at an acceptable level. In particular, the connecting element is adapted to let the boiler have at least one rotational degree of freedom.

Abstract: A system and method for prevention and removal of snowpack from solar panels increases the collection efficiency of solar panels by using one or more techniques, alone or in combination including: vibrating a vibrationally isolated surface of the solar panel; flexing a flexible sheet attached to the solar panel; inducing vibrations via extenial circulation piping for detaching the snowpack from at least one solar thermal collector of a solar array; activating a heat-pipe to transfer heat from an absorber plate to the surface of the collection panel; and using a PZT to generate vibrations for detaching the snowpack from the solar panel.

Abstract: A geothermal system is provided. The geothermal system may include a superstructure with at least one geothermal concrete layer, a geothermal source, a heat exchange system, a transfer medium, a distribution system having at least one pump, and a plurality of in-feed piping circuitously connected to a plurality of return piping, both embedded within the geothermal concrete layers. The heat exchange system may bring the transfer medium into contact with the geothermal source so as to convey its heat to the transfer medium. The at least one pump may pump the transfer medium throughout the distribution system, wherein the temperature of the superstructure may be regulated. A user may operate the distribution system to provide sufficient transfer medium to cure the geothermal concrete layer at a near ideal heat of hydration.

Abstract: Thermal cloth for football fields, comprising: a polyvinyl chloride sheet; an electrical heating resistor cable glued on top of said polyvinyl chloride sheet according to predetermined pattern and distances; an aluminium sheet glued on top of said polyvinyl chloride sheet and of said heating resistor cable; a control system for supplying said heating resistor cable; said thermal cloth is positioned on said football field with said aluminium sheet placed upwards.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling or eradicating nematodes or other soil-borne pests having a heated metal roller having surface-mounted blades to heat the soil to a desired temperature and depth sufficient to effect control of the relevant species in the soil under the roller. The roller is heated with one or more burners firing across the surface of the roller. The apparatus further includes a heat exchanger through which the combustion products generated by the burner or burners are exhausted and in which the combustion air is preheated. In accordance with one embodiment, the heat exchanger condenses water vapor in the combustion products which water vapor, together with any water that evaporates from the soil during heating, may be captured and returned to the soil.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for preparing frozen ground for construction-type work includes using arrays of heat sources placed over the surface to be heated. The apparatus can warm the surface in preparation for the construction activity with energy penetrating into the ground affording efficient thawing of materials below 20 centimeters of depth. Heat sources used in the array can include emitted infrared radiation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a mobile machine, such as hydronic surface heater designed to be transported to a potentially remote worksite and operated for an extended period of time. The machine has a fueled component, such as a burner, fueled by a fuel supply system having at least two fuel tanks that are operably connected to one another by a connection line having an electronically controlled valve therein. The valve is coupled to the machine's electrical system, such as being coupled to the output of the machine's main breaker, so as to be opened whenever the machine is operating but to be otherwise closed. The fuel supply system thus has, in effect, a single tank when the machine is running and multiple separated tanks when the machine is not running. Fuel spill risks therefore are mitigated without having to sacrifice operating time and without significantly complicating the machine's fuel supply systems or its controls.

Abstract: A solar power ground engagement device with an ecological environmental protection function primarily consists of a tube which has a drainage function and is combined with a water accumulating box at its bottom; a power gatherer is provided at the interior of the tube which is engaged into the ground paving and goes through to the macadam beneath the paving, such that the paving would serve as a water permeable ecological paving to allow the rain accumulated on the ground to instantly permeate into the underground, and concomitantly allow the macadam to keep a high content of water to enhance generation of microbe and activation of the soil; in addition, the power gatherer in the tube can absorb the solar power to develop a condensing or heat gathering function to accomplish regulation of the integral temperature and humidity of the environment.

Abstract: A hot air welding nozzle for a hot air welding device for welding overlapping webs of sealing material. The hot air welding nozzle includes a connection for a hot air supply, a top and a bottom heat plate forming an air space, and at least one rear outlet between the top and bottom heat plate on a facing side that is oriented in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the hot air welding device, with at least one front outlet relative to the moving direction of the hot air welding device, and with air guides that extend beyond the facing sides of the heat plates, at least on the inner side.

Abstract: A high capacity snow melting apparatus has a hopper with one or a plurality of dedicated heater/blower units coupled to a plurality of commingled heat radiant conduits for contact with snow, ice and water, and manifolds connected to the conduits for additional heat exchange and to direct heated air onto snow in the hopper. Terminal sections of the conduits are elevated to an upper region of the hopper and have downwardly directed exhaust ports for substantial and efficient preheating of new snow loads. Heat exchanger passages through the heated air conduits allow water to flow in the path of heated air in the conduits to substantially increase snow and ice melting efficiency of the conduits. A water bath in the bottom of the hopper is level controlled to cover the conduits and drain water from the hopper.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a process comprising transmitting electrical power produced by a PV array to an electrolyzer and transferring heat from the PV array to the electrolyzer. The resulting process produces renewable hydrogen from solar energy at a lower cost per kg.

Abstract: A flexible heating mat is provided. The mat comprises a plurality of sections, connected to each other by arch ribs. The arch ribs form a flexible, preferably raised, ceiling and a closed space above the precipitation-covered surface. Each section comprises a tube, capable of conducting a melting substance therethrough and dissipating it through at least one jet for melting of ice and/or drying of moisture. In other embodiments, the mat comprises at least one snow-mashing member. The mat may further comprise a pump for pumping out the melt and/or recycling the melting medium. Other embodiments are provided, and each of the embodiments described herein can be used alone or in combination with one another. The method of using the mat is also described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a gas burner type combustion device called “burner” (B) projecting a mix of air and gas inflamed at the outlet of a pipe. The gas burner is fitted with a movable diffusion cone (200) whose tip (210) is located at least upstream from the flame creation zone so as to ensure the bursting of the air and gas mix, the relative displacement of the cone (200) according to the axis of diffusion defined by the flames allowing to adjust the strength of the latter.

Abstract: A heatable container suitable for material such as bitumen. The container includes a vessel for holding a flowable material having side wall zones, end wall zones and a base wall zone. The container also includes a heating system for transferring heat to at least the base wall zone as well as a zone disposed along a central longitudinal axis of the vessel. The heating system may also included at least two internal heating ducts for conveying a heat transfer medium, wherein the ducts are disposed substantially parallel relative to the central longitudinal axis of the vessel, and are vertically and horizontally spaced apart relative to one another.

Abstract: A startup burner assembly for use in snow melting applications, and which permits initiation of snow melting without first supplying water as a coolant. The startup burner assembly comprises a fuel burner having adjustable combustion output and a nozzle to facilitate the emergence of products of combustion, and a combustion chamber having a first portion in substantially air-tight communication with the fuel burner and enclosing the nozzle and a second portion shaped and dimensioned for disposition into a snow melting receptacle or pit. The combustion chamber has a plurality of discharge holes formed at least on the second portion thereof to permit the egress of products of combustion from the fuel burner into the tank or pit, and thereby permit agitation and melting of snow loaded therein, The startup burner assembly also includes an air cooling assembly for supplying air to cool at least the first portion of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A heating system particularly adopted to prevent winter mix accumulation on boat dock roofs which is intended to be retro fitted to an existing roof structure is provided in which a panel is mounted to the an accessible second side of the roof in heat transfer relationship with the roof so as to enable the panel to transfer heat from the panel to the external facing side of the roof.

Abstract: A floor system that combines a radiant in-floor heating system with a structural floor system using heated air as an energy source and sealed floor panels as radiant bodies. Hot air circulates internally throughout the sealed floor system heating metal joists, a radiant metal sheet, the structural sub-floor, the interior floor surface and objects within the living space above. Hot air is directed from a furnace through a duct and into arranged airflow pathways within the sealed floor system before returning to the furnace via a duct for reheating. The arranged airflow pathways are created by parallel metal joists, the structural sub-floor on the top of the metal joists, an enclosed board at the bottom of the metal joists and wood rim boards. The sealed floor system is prefabricated as modular panels and delivered to the construction site.

Abstract: A wholly self-contained pond heater for use in preventing ice from forming on a pasture pond, comprising a heater assembly secured in a casing which is partially submersible in the pond. The heater assembly has a fire box from which intake and exhaust stacks extend upwardly. The stacks terminate in tips which face one another. The casing has louvers for the movement of air into and out of the casing, and an LPG fuel supply provided on the casing and connected to the heater assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle with a self-contained cooling and heating capability and a tenting feature for sheltering and controlling the temperature at a given location. Warm air is directed out of a heat chamber through a telescopic tube arrangement which may be horizontally piovoted for improved heat direction. The tube arrangement may also be vertically tipped upwardly and downwardly to maximize directional control of heat output. Heat for melting snow may thereby be directed to specific locations. The tenting arrangement provides elevated and focused heating and little heat waste.

Abstract: Ice melting apparatus having an elongated vertically disposed body member with a melting head at the lower end which is heated by a flame to melt the ice. The heat is concentrated near or within the melting head and exhaust gases are expelled through an exhaust passage. The generated heat melts a hole in the ice conforming generally to the configuration of the melting head which in most cases is circular.

Abstract: A device for welding overlapping roof membranes comprising a chassis, an air discharge chute and a flame distribution assembly communicating with the air discharge chute. The flame distribution assembly includes a gaseous fuel source inlet, a primary burner, and an ignition source. A control unit ignites the primary burner by the ignition source. The blower connected to an inlet port of the air discharge chute directs heat generated by the primary burner through an air discharge outlet for welding the overlapping roof membranes.

Abstract: Ice melting apparatus having an elongated vertically disposed body member with a melting head at the lower end which is heated by a flame to melt the ice. The heat is concentrated near or within the melting head and exhaust gases are expelled through an exhaust passage. The generated heat melts a hole in the ice conforming generally to the configuration of the melting head which in most cases is circular.