Abstract: Disclosed are a prefabricated energy pile, a construction method and a heat pump heat exchange system. The energy pile includes a pile body and a heat exchange pipeline. The pile body includes a stainless steel pipe, a metal lining pipe extending within the stainless steel pipe and a concrete pipe between the metal lining pipe and the stainless steel pipe. A heat conductor between the stainless steel pipe and the metal lining pipe is in contact connection with the stainless steel pipe and the metal lining pipe. The heat exchange pipeline includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section in communication with each other, through which a heat exchange medium flows in turn. Tops of the first pipe section and the second pipe section protrude upward out of the energy pile. The second pipe section is in contact connection with the metal lining pipe.

Abstract: A self-standing portable ice skating rink structure that does not penetrate the underlying surface and generally requires no tools or hardware for installation is provided. The ice skating rink structure includes a perimeter component and one or more tension members. The perimeter component can include one or more board holding members and/or one or more optionally interlocking side boards.

Abstract: A cooling member for a mobile ice rink includes a plurality of pipes for transporting a coolant, wherein the pipes comprise at least two sections coupled by a connector. Cooling elements are provided at the locations of the connectors.

Abstract: A system (100) and method for determining the air leakage of a space (102) in a building is disclosed. The system (100) comprises a processor (120); a source (130) of compressed air; a pressure sensor (150) configured to measure the pressure of air residing within the space (130) and to provide background pressure signals to the processor (120); a nozzle unit (140) for metering the supply of a pulse of compressed air from the source (130) and for directing the pulse into the space (102) and a source pressure sensor (132) configured to measure a transient pressure during the pulse and to provide a transient pressure signal to the processor (120), wherein the processor (120) is configured to determine the air leakage based on changes in the background pressure signals and from the transient pressure signal. This provides a more reliable and cost effective way of measuring air leakage.

Abstract: A liquid cooling system for an outdoor ice forming surface provides a geothermal heat pump that has a refrigeration circuit with a compressor that is disposed between a cold tube section and a hot tube section. An outdoor structure has an upward facing ice forming surface that is configured to retain a body of ice, where a coolant line is provided at or near the ice forming surface. A fluid pump is coupled with the coolant line and is configured to circulate liquid through the coolant line and over the cold tube section of the geothermal heat pump to dispense heat before being recirculated to the ice forming surface of the outdoor structure.

Abstract: A method includes wrapping one or more pieces of fabric around at least one piece of shape memory material. The method also includes attaching outer edges of the one or more pieces of fabric to other portions of the one or more pieces of fabric. The method further includes depositing liquid-impervious material onto the one or more pieces of fabric to form free-standing flexible walls and a floor of a containment structure. The floor is formed seamlessly with the walls. The wrapping could include attaching a bottom of the at least one piece of shape memory material to the one or more pieces of fabric at locations spaced apart from the outer edges of the one or more pieces of fabric. The wrapping could also include attaching sides of the at least one piece of shape memory material to the one or more pieces of fabric.

Abstract: A modular assembled artificial skating rink includes a refrigerating system, a plurality of liquid-supply main pipes and air-return main pipes in the same pipe line as the liquid-supply main pipes. The liquid-supply main pipes communicate with a liquid-supply header pipe. The air-return main pipes communicate with an air-return header pipe. The liquid-supply header pipe communicates with a refrigerant-fluid outlet of the refrigerating system through at least a liquid-supply standpipe. The air-return header pipe communicates with an air-recovery end of the refrigerating system through at least an air-return standpipe. Each liquid-supply main pipe is sheathed in a corresponding air-return main pipe, forming a plurality of groups of sleeve main pipes. The artificial skating rink is divided into different modular regions. Each of the regions has sleeve manifolds and ice-making pipes.

Abstract: Refrigeration equipment with a sleeve-type collection pipe for an artificial skating rink comprising at least a refrigerating system (3), a refrigeration liquid supplying collection-pipe (1) and a return-gas collection-pipe (2). The return-gas collection-pipe (2) sheathes the refrigeration liquid supplying collection-pipe (1) along length-wise direction. The refrigeration system (3) is provided with a liquid supplying main pipe (41) and a return-gas main pipe (42) sheathed on the liquid supplying main pipe (41). Both ends of the liquid supplying main pipe (41) are respectively connected with the refrigeration liquid supplying collection-pipe (1) and the output end of the refrigeration system (3), and both ends of the return-gas main pipe (42) are respectively connected with the return-gas collection-pipe (2) and the input end of the refrigeration system (3).

Abstract: A portable ice skating rink comprising, a flexible rubber sheet having a first end and a second end wherein the first end is connected to the second end thereby forming a sidewall, wherein the sidewall is positioned on a horizontal surface to form the border of a closed geometric shape thereby defining a skating surface area, and a flexible, water-proof slip draped over and connected to the sidewalls, thereby forming a liner of a structure capable of containing a liquid inward of the sidewalls to create a skating surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating and preserving an improved, high performance outdoor frozen surface by covering a defined outdoor ground surface area with a layer of white base paper after clearing debris, litter, and other objects from the defined outdoor ground surface area. The layer of white base paper is saturated with water at near freezing or under freezing conditions to allow the water to freeze and hold the white base paper to the defined outdoor ground surface area. Thereafter, additional water is dispensed to build up a predefined thickness ice layer on the defined outdoor ground surface area.

Abstract: A display for an ice rink, comprising a first layer of ice within a peripheral boundary of the ice rink. An array of hermetically sealed, multiple individual organic light emitting diodes are positioned within the peripheral boundary on top of the first layer of ice. A second layer of ice on top of the array has an internal side facing the array and an external surface on a side opposite the internal side. A power source operatively connected to the array provides power to the individual organic light emitting diodes in the array. The multiple individual organic light emitting diodes are selectively controllable such that graphic images can be displayed by using specific organic light emitting diodes selected from among the individual organic light emitting diodes in the array and the graphic images will be visible through the external surface of the second layer of ice.

Abstract: A portable ice skating rink comprising, a flexible rubber sheet having a first end and a second end wherein the first end is connected to the second end thereby forming a sidewall, wherein the sidewall is positioned on a horizontal surface to form the border of a closed geometric shape thereby defining a skating surface area, and a flexible, water-proof slip draped over and connected to the sidewalls, thereby forming a liner of a structure capable of containing a liquid inward of the sidewalls to create a skating surface.

Abstract: An ice rink cooling facility 100 in which a cooling-pipe bank 1 having a plurality of cooling pipes 11 is arranged at the bottom part of the ice rink 10 and CO2 brine streams through the cooling pipe bank 1 so as to cool the ice rink 10, the ice rink cooling facility 100 including, but not limited to: at least one planar heat conduction member that is arranged on and over the cooling pipes 11; a CO2 circulation circuit 3 that is connected to the cooling pipes 11 so that the CO2 brine circulates in the CO2 circulation circuit 3; an ammonia refrigerating cycle in which an ammonia refrigerant circulates; and, a cascade condenser 211 in which the heat exchange is performed between the CO2 brine and the ammonia refrigerant so that the CO2 brine is cooled and re-liquefied by use of the ammonia refrigerant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing and storing ice on the sea using sub-zero cold air of the winter season, to achieve an earlier freezing period, and increasing the area and thickness of the ice layer, to suppress the melting of ice sheets and glaciers and suppress and overcome global warming as well as its side effects. The apparatus and method involve compressing cold air; injecting the compressed cold air into a storage tank; supercooling water using the injected cold air; forming an ice layer by misting the supercooled water into the sea; and increasing a thickness of the ice layer by additionally misting water onto the ice layer formed at water level.

Abstract: A CO2 refrigeration system comprising a transfer circuit for heat exchange between a supracompression circuit of CO2 refrigerant, and an evaporation circuit of CO2 refrigerant. A transfer circuit absorbs heat from the evaporation circuit, and releases heat to the supracompression circuit. The supracompression circuit comprises a compression stage in which CO2 refrigerant is compressed, a cooling stage in which the CO2 refrigerant from the compression stage releases heat, and a pressure-regulating unit in a line between the cooling stage and the evaporation heat exchanger to maintain a pressure differential therebetween. The evaporation circuit receives CO2 refrigerant having released heat in the condensation heat exchanger. The evaporation circuit comprises a condensation reservoir in which CO2 refrigerant is accumulated in a liquid state, and an evaporation stage in which the CO2 refrigerant from the condensation reservoir absorbs heat to cool an ice-playing surface.

Abstract: A snow sports apparatus (10) including: a hollow housing (12) having an internal generally cylindrical surface (12) and supported, with its axis having a major horizontal component, for rotation about said axis; and means (60) to provide on said internal generally cylindrical surface (30), a surface that, as the housing (12) is rotated, is relatively traversable downwardly on skis or a snowboard on the initial rising part (115) of the surface's travel.

Abstract: A CO2 refrigeration system comprises a CO2 circuit. In a compression stage of the circuit, CO2 refrigerant is compressed to a supracompression state. In a cooling stage, the CO2 refrigerant from the compression stage releases heat. A pressure-regulating unit in a line extending from the cooling stage to one side of a heat exchanger maintains a pressure differential. A second refrigerant cycles in a cooling circuit between a second side of the heat exchanger and an ice-playing surface. The second refrigerant absorbs heat from the ice-playing surface and releases heat to the CO2 refrigerant in the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method of creating and preserving an outdoor frozen surface by covering a defined outdoor ground surface with a layer of white base paper after clearing debris, litter, and other objects from the defined surface which may present a hazardous condition on an ice surface. The layer of white base paper is saturated with water at near freezing or under freezing conditions to allow the water to freeze and hold the white base paper to the defined outdoor ground surface. Thereafter, water is continuously dispensed under freezing conditions to build up a predefined thickness ice layer on the defined outdoor ground surface.

Abstract: A display system for ice rinks comprises a panel having at least one enclosure containing a plurality of LEDs for displaying any indicia or images etc. The panel is adapted to be placed under the ice when in use. The panel is provided with a cooling apparatus for circulating a coolant through the at least one enclosure to remove heat generated by the LEDs. In one aspect, the panel includes at least one channel, within which a plurality of light emitting diodes, LEDs, are provided. The LEDs are controlled to display any indicia or images from under the ice when the panel is in use. The panel includes a manifold system for distributing a coolant through the channels so as to dissipate any heat generated by the LED, thereby, avoiding affecting the temperature of the ice.

Abstract: An ice rink cooling facility 100 in which a cooling-pipe bank 1 having a plurality of cooling pipes 11 is arranged at the bottom part of the ice rink 10 and CO2 brine streams through the cooling pipe bank 1 so as to cool the ice rink 10, the ice rink cooling facility 100 including, but not limited to: at least one planar heat conduction member that is arranged on and over the cooling pipes 11; a CO2 circulation circuit 3 that is connected to the cooling pipes 11 so that the CO2 brine circulates in the CO2 circulation circuit 3; an ammonia refrigerating cycle in which an ammonia refrigerant circulates; and, a cascade condenser 211 in which the heat exchange is performed between the CO2 brine and the ammonia refrigerant so that the CO2 brine is cooled and re-liquefied by use of the ammonia refrigerant.

Abstract: Refrigeration equipment with a sleeve-type collection pipe for an artificial skating rink comprising at least a refrigerating system (3), a refrigeration liquid supplying collection-pipe (1) and a return-gas collection-pipe (2). The return-gas collection-pipe (2) sheathes the refrigeration liquid supplying collection-pipe (1) along length-wise direction. The refrigeration system (3) is provided with a liquid supplying main pipe (41) and a return-gas main pipe (42) sheathed on the liquid supplying main pipe (41). Both ends of the liquid supplying main pipe (41) are respectively connected with the refrigeration liquid supplying collection-pipe (1) and the output end of the refrigeration system (3), and both ends of the return-gas main pipe (42) are respectively connected with the return-gas collection-pipe (2) and the input end of the refrigeration system (3).

Abstract: A shading panel is described for shading light emitting elements of a light emitting diode display system. The shading panel defines a substantially plane panel surface having an upper border and a lower border, the shading panel comprising at least one column of at least two openings aligned according to a column direction, each opening being suitable to receive at least one light emitting element. For each pair of adjacent openings of the at least one column of openings, the shading panel comprises a first shading louver and a second shading louver, the first shading louver being positioned closer to the opening of the pair of openings closest to the upper border, the second shading louver being positioned closer to the opening of the pair of openings closest to the lower border. The height of the first shading louver is smaller than the height of the second shading louver.

Abstract: A CO2 refrigeration system comprises a condensation reservoir. CO2 refrigerant is accumulated in the reservoir. The CO2 refrigerant circulates between supracompression and evaporation loops. The supracompression loop comprises a compression stage for compression CO2 refrigerant to a supracompression state, a cooling stage in which CO2 refrigerant releases heat, and a pressure-regulating unit in a line extending from the cooling stage to the condensation reservoir. The pressure-regulating unit maintains a pressure differential between the cooling stage and the condensation reservoir. The evaporation loop comprises an evaporation stage in which CO2 refrigerant from the condensation reservoir absorbs heat in a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is connected to an ice-playing surface refrigeration circuit. A second refrigerant cycles in the ice-playing surface refrigeration circuit. The CO2 refrigerant absorbs heat from the second refrigerant in the heat exchanger. A CO2 condensation exchanger is also provided.

Abstract: A light emitting system to illuminate ice and a method for illuminating ice are disclosed herein. The system includes multiple light emitting modules that each includes a light source having at least one light emitting element and a cover having a base. The base substantially surrounds the light source. The light emitting modules may then be electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: This invention absorbs available heat from the flue gas of an existing building's heating system and heat from the sun. The heat is absorbed and stored in a heat-collecting sphere of special design. The absorbed heat collected in the sphere is transferred, by the conventional refrigeration cycle, to the heat exchanger located at the air inlet to the building heating system. The refrigerant liquid is sprayed into the collecting sphere, as it absorbs heat, it evaporates and changes into a gas. The refrigerant compressor transfers the gas from the heat-collector to the heat exchanger. The existing heater fan draws air across the heat exchanger finned coil removing heat from the refrigerant. The refrigerant gas gives up heat and is condensed. The heated air combines with the existing furnace air to heat the existing building. The refrigerant liquid from the heat exchanger is transferred to the heat-collecting sphere spray nozzles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for resurfacing ice surfaces such as ice hockey playing surfaces wherein an ice shaving blade system and an ice scooping system operate over the entire width of (or the entire length of) said playing surface.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method of creating and preserving an outdoor frozen surface by covering a defined outdoor surface with a layer of white base paper after clearing debris, litter, and other objects from the defined surface which may present a hazardous condition on an ice surface. The layer of white base paper is saturated with water at near freezing or under freezing conditions to allow the water to freeze and hold the white base paper to the defined outdoor surface. Thereafter, water is continuously dispensed under freezing conditions to build up a predefined thickness ice layer on the defined outdoor surface.

Abstract: A thermal energy recovery system for an ice making plant of an ice rink includes a refrigeration unit for generating temperatures suitable for maintaining an ice surface that generates low grade heat as a by-product. A storage tank for storing a heat transfer fluid is provided. A refrigeration loop conveys heat transfer fluid containing low grade heat from the refrigeration unit to the storage tank. A thermal energy utilization loop provides fluid communication from the storage tank to a building HVAC system. There is at least one heat pump on the thermal energy utilization output conduit adapted to take heat transfer fluid containing low grade heat and convert the low grade heat into one of high grade heat or comfort cooling for use in the building HVAC system.

Abstract: A synthetic ice surface system includes a plurality of sections of synthetic ice and a plurality of dowels. At least a portion of an outer periphery of each section of synthetic ice has one or more passages. Each of the dowels has a pair of opposing ends and one end of one or more of the dowels mates in one of the passages in one of the sections of synthetic ice. Another end of the one or more of the dowels mates in another one of the passages in another one of the sections of synthetic ice to secure the adjacent sections of synthetic ice together and form a substantially smooth ice surface. The sections of synthetic ice and the dowels are made of substantially the same material.

Abstract: A lighting device for illuminating ice has a sheet of light-transmitting film located below an ice layer and coupled to a light source. The index of refraction of the light-transmitting film is greater than that of the adjoining ice or air so that the light within the film experiences substantial internal reflection. Light is emitted from the film (and the ice surface) at emission regions that disrupt internal reflection.

Abstract: An energy management system may include a refrigeration apparatus such as may be used to form an ice rink. Heat rejected from that apparatus may be used to address heating loads elsewhere. The apparatus may include a thermal storage apparatus, such as may be charged with ice, or another phase change material. The refrigeration apparatus may then be run for the purpose of obtaining the rejected heat, with the cooling of the thermal storage material as a by-product of operation to obtain extra rejected heat. The cold reservoir then developed in the thermal storage material may be used subsequently to provide cooling to a different load, at a different time of day. The thermal storage element may be used to provide cooling to a condensor of the refrigeration apparatus, or may be placed in series with a cooling load, such as an ice sheet or refrigerated enclosure. The apparatus may be electronically controlled, may used ammonia as an operating fluid in a vapour cycle system.

Abstract: An ice hockey arena having an ice rink surrounded by tiers of spectator seats, wherein said ice rink has a playing surface above a first concrete base having a first width and a first length, a first series of cooling pipes within said first base and an insulation layer between said first base and the ground, the improvement comprising a second concrete base having a second width and a second length above said first base wherein said second width is greater than said first width; and a second series of cooling pipes within said second base. The method allows for the enlargement of a standard NHL ice playing surface to International Ice Hockey Federation width playing surface in a cost-effective manner while maintaining acceptable spectator sight lines.

Abstract: An energy management system may include a refrigeration apparatus such as may be used to form an ice rink. Heat rejected from that apparatus may be used to address heating loads elsewhere. The apparatus may include a thermal storage apparatus, such as may be charged with ice, or another phase change material. The refrigeration apparatus may then be run for the purpose of obtaining the rejected heat, with the cooling of the thermal storage material as a by-product of operation to obtain extra rejected heat. The cold reservoir then developed in the thermal storage material may be used subsequently to provide cooling to a different load, at a different time of day. The thermal storage element may be used to provide cooling to a condenser of the refrigeration apparatus, or may be placed in series with a cooling load, such as an ice sheet or refrigerated enclosure. The apparatus may be electronically controlled, may used ammonia as an operating fluid in a vapor cycle system.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system with thermal storage system for storing cooling capacity. The storage system comprises a quantity of fill material that preferably comprises water or similar liquid that is located in a cavity in the ground. The fill material may also include a bed of gravel with the pool of liquid filling the void spaces in the gravel. Sidewalls of the cavity are preferably supported primarily by the mechanical properties of the earth and the fill material. The lower boundary of the cavity is impermeable liner. A cover that blocks solar radiation and preferably with thermal insulation covers the top of the fill material. A chiller and a pump supply cooled liquid during night or other times of reduced electrical costs and liquid from the storage flows through a liquid-to-air heat exchanger during peak demand periods.

Abstract: A portable ice skating rink comprises, in a kit, a plastic sheeting, a protective band for the sheeting, and a number of rigid tubular members, flexible connectors and corrugated clips. To assemble the kit, the tubular members are connected to each other in a closed loop using the flexible connectors inserted in facing ends thereof and with corners of the loop being formed by curving some flexible connectors. The sheeting is then laid over the ground of the area enclosed by the loop while extending outwardly over and past the loop. The protective band is laid over the sheeting opposite the loop and the clips are installed thereat to secure the sheeting to the so formed frame with the clips running continuously all along the frame such as to protect the sheeting. Portions of the frame can be raised to level it and the sheeting can then be pulled.

Abstract: An indoor facility provided with a liquid refrigerant dehumidifier coil connected with the main refrigeration coils in a secondary refrigerant loop and a compressor waste heat coil coupled with the primary refrigerant loop and heating a desiccant wheel for removing further humidity from the process air stream.

Abstract: An ice maker for creating a layer of ice on a cooled surface, is disclosed. The ice maker has a source of de-gassed water, which may be de-gassed by being heated. A pump to pressurize the de-gassed water is provided and the water is passed to a sprayer hydraulically connected to the pump. The sprayer has nozzles sized and shaped to convert the pressurized water into a fine de-gassing droplet spray directed at the cooled surface. The droplets are sized to substantially freeze on contact with the cooled surface. In one embodiment a microprocessor is provided to change the volume sprayed according to the speed of the ice maker to ensure an even coat of ice is layed down.

Abstract: Method for making snow wherein snow is made within a closed environment by discharging water droplets into a body of air maintained by air conditioning means at a temperature and humidity such as to turn the water droplets into snow, falling on to a surface including coolant pipes which are covered with a layer of snow, the coolant being at a lower temperature than the air temperature such that there is a temperature gradient in the snow layer of the order of 0.1 degrees centigrade per centimetre depth, whereby during the initial part of the process a small quantity of small droplets is discharged to provide nucleating particles, and thereafter a larger quantity of droplets is discharged and whereby incoming air to be discharged into the body of air is drawn over cold surfaces.

Abstract: A ground freezing method and system which circulates refrigerated heat transfer fluid through freeze pipes in the ground at a low temperature of at least −52° C. (−62° F.) to minimize drilling for the freeze pipe installation. The heat transfer fluid is preferably aqua ammonia (ammonium hydroxide) because of its beneficial characteristics in this application. The circulating heat transfer fluid is preferably cooled by a refrigeration system that includes low and high stage cycles arranged in a cascade relationship and using ammonia or another refrigerant in the high stage refrigeration system and carbon dioxide as the refrigerant in the low stage refrigeration system.

Abstract: A ground freezing method and system which circulates refrigerated heat transfer fluid through freeze pipes in the ground at a low temperature of at least −52° C. (−62° F.) to minimize drilling for the freeze pipe installation. The heat transfer fluid is preferably aqua ammonia (ammonium hydroxide) because of its beneficial characteristics in this application. The circulating heat transfer fluid is preferably cooled by a refrigeration system that includes low and high stage cycles arranged in a cascade relationship and using ammonia or another refrigerant in the high stage refrigeration system and carbon dioxide as the refrigerant in the low stage refrigeration system.

Abstract: Integrated mini ice sheets comprise an ice skating surface. At least one divider is disposed upon the skating surface for dividing the ice skating surface into a plurality of skating areas. The divider comprises one or more panels, optionally joined, and additionally comprises common or separate air conditioning means, optionally ducted, optionally integrated with the divider, for providing chilled dried air over the ice skating surface in each skating environment created in the skating areas separated by the divider.

Abstract: An ice skating arena having at least a first ice rink having a first side wall of a first wall length and a second ice rink having a second side wall of a second wall length; the first side wall being parallel to the second side wall at an inter-rink distance therefrom; the first side wall comprising a first protective spectator viewing window; the second side wall comprising a second protective spectator viewing window, a ceiling extending the inter-rink distance from the first wall and the second wall along at least a portion of the first and second walls; a floor extending the inter-rink distance from the first wall and the second wall along at least a portion of the first and second walls; wherein the first side wall, the second side wall, the ceiling and the floor define therebetween a chamber comprising a climate controlled spectator viewing space. The area provides enhanced spectator comfort in a maximum unencumbered viewing manner and reduced capital cost expenditures.

Abstract: Integrated mini ice sheets comprise an ice skating surface. At least one divider is disposed upon the skating surface for dividing the ice skating surface into a plurality of skating areas. The divider comprises one or more panels, optionally joined, and additionally comprises common or separate air conditioning means, optionally ducted, optionally integrated with the divider, for providing chilled dried air over the ice skating surface in each skating environment created in the skating areas separated by the divider.

Abstract: An ice maker for creating a layer of ice on a cooled surface, is disclosed. The ice maker has a source of de-gassed water, which may be de-gassed by being heated. A pump to pressurize the de-gassed water is provided and the water is passed to a sprayer hydraulically connected to the pump. The sprayer has nozzles sized and shaped to convert the pressurized water into a fine de-gassing droplet spray directed at the cooled surface. The droplets are sized to substantially freeze on contact with the cooled surface. In one embodiment a microprocessor is provided to change the volume sprayed according to the speed of the ice maker to ensure an even coat of ice is layed down.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for preserving snow. A cooling mat device (2) is laid out on predetermined areas of a subbase (1) on which snow should be preserved. A coolant is fed to said cooling mat device via a coolant supply line (21), and the coolant is removed via a coolant return line (22).

Abstract: A kit having: a border assembly with a plurality of elongate elements that are capable of being placed against a subjacent surface to define a border around a predetermined area within which a frozen surface is to be formed; and a flexible liner that is selectively reconfigurable between a) a collapsed state and b) an operative state. The elongate elements each have an inside surface, a top edge, and an outside surface. The flexible liner has a shape and size preselected to cover a subjacent surface in the predetermined area and to be placed against the elongate elements in a predetermined manner so as to define a receptacle for a liquid that can be cooled to form a frozen surface over the predetermined area.

Abstract: An indoor ice rink facility is provided with a dehumidifier coil connected with the ice rink refrigeration coils in a secondary refrigerant loop and a reheat coil coupled with the primary refrigerant loop for maintain the ice sheet and controlling the humidity of the facility in a single system.

Abstract: A system comprises a facility for which snow is used, a snow producing unit for producing snow from water, and a collection section for collecting meltwater and supplies the collected meltwater to the snow producing unit as water used for producing snow. According to such a system, since snow is again produced from meltwater and used, artificial snow can be supplied to a facility for which artificial snow is used without using a large amount of water.

Abstract: A method of constructing a heat exchange system for a medium to be frozen, including the steps of: extruding a composition to form a reconfigurable tube; cooling the tube with the tube in a substantially straight configuration so that the tube is substantially set in the straight configuration; after cooling, reconfiguring the tube from the straight configuration; transporting the tube reconfigured from the straight configuration to a site at which the tube is to be used; and at the site placing the tube in the straight configuration and connecting the tube in a medium to be frozen so that a fluid within the tube is in heat exchange relationship with the medium to be frozen.

Abstract: An ice maker for creating a layer of ice on a cooled surface, is disclosed. The ice maker has a source of de-gassed water, which may be de-gassed by being heated. A pump to pressurize the de-gassed water is provided and the water is passed to a sprayer hydraulically connected to the pump. The sprayer has nozzles sized and shaped to convert the pressurized water into a fine de-gassing droplet spray directed at the cooled surface. The droplets are sized to substantially freeze on contact with the cooled surface. In one embodiment a microprocessor is provided to change the volume sprayed according to the speed of the ice maker to ensure an even coat of ice is layed down.