Abstract:
A solar heating panel for collecting solar heat energy and method for making same having a heat insulative substrate with a multiplicity of grooves and structural supporting ribs formed therein covered by a thin, flexible heat conductive film to form fluid conducting channels which in turn are connected to manifolds from which fluid is directed into the channels and heated fluid is removed therefrom.
Abstract:
A frame assembly including frame members (14, 14', 15, and 15') for supporting a plurality of films (31, 32, 33, and 34) in tension and in spaced relationship and for directing fluid between a pair of the films and receiving the fluid flowing from the pair of films. The frame members include an outer channel (17) and an inner spaced channel (20) with insulation (29) therebetween.
Abstract:
A solar-heat collector having a lightweight plastic frame enclosing a lightweight plastic heat exchanger and with feed and discharge manifolds connected to opposite ends of the heat exchanger. The manifolds are respectively connected to plastic feed and discharge pipes. A light-transmitting sheet covers the front of the heat exchanger, and there is heat exchange behind or beneath the heat exchanger.
Abstract:
A lightweight flat plate heat exchanger comprised of two or more essentially parallel flat plates which are formed and arranged to provide fluid flow passages between the plates. New combinations of plastic plates include the usage of transparent plastic foam and honeycomb structures. Improved shapes of flow passages include the usage of flow nozzles, flow diffusers, and jet pumps to increase fluid flow and heat transfer. The invention includes the usage of transparent plastic foam plates which are shaped to concentrate solar energy onto plastic tubes. Clear plastic tubes containing black heat transfer fluid are included. The invention includes the usage of spiral flow channels within plastic foam plates. Six different embodiments of the invention are included. Five of the embodiments could be used as efficient lightweight solar collectors.
Abstract:
A solar heat collector comprised of modular elements which may be easily assembled and disassembled without any special tools. The system is comprised of a plurality of conduits arranged in a planar fashion for collecting solar heat and joined at their ends by interlocking connectors. The interlocking connectors are elbows and tees which have interlocking male and female flanges which may be easily connected and disconnected. Additional conduits may be added as needed and the length of the conduits may be increased by use of an interlocking coupler. The interlocking nature of the conduits, connectors and couplers allows the entire system to be constructed and disassembled. The interlocking connectors form input and output manifolds through which a heat-collecting fluid may be circulated. An adapter is provided for connecting a pipe for delivering the circulating fluid. The adapter has a neck having a predetermined inner and outer diameter for use with two standard pipe sizes.
Abstract:
Apparatus for producing useful heat from solar radiation and which in the operating position is oriented in an inclined plane. The apparatus includes a coilable conduit structure which is provided with an inlet and an outlet for a flowable heat carrier medium and is formed of two elongated flexible foils, with one being colored so as to absorb solar radiation, which are sealingly connected together along their edge regions and are sealingly connected together along lines in their center regions to form a plurality of parallel flow channels which extend along the longitudinal axis of the foils, and first and second transverse flow channels which connect the respective adjacent ends of said parallel flow channels together. The first transverse flow channel, which in the operating position of the apparatus is the upper transverse flow channel, is connected with an upper region of a reservoir for the flowable heat carrier medium while the second transverse flow channel, which in the operating position is the lower transverse flow channel, is connected with a lower region of the reservoir.
Abstract:
Shingles are formed of a top sheet and a bottom sheet of plastic confining solar energy conversion means therebetween. The sheets are sealed together about a perimeter to form flanges for fastening in overlapped order to a roof. The contour of the shingles is domed to provide for better solar energy conversion efficiencies. Insulation and support members disposed along an underside of the dome sructure provide support to the assembly and insulate the roof. Decorative structure and shingles of this nature permit a roof surface which does not belie its nature as a solar heating system. The plastic sheets may either form flow passageways for a solar heatable fluid or may encompass photovoltaic cells to form unitary shingle-solar conversion structure.
Abstract:
Solar heated spa cover made from vacuum formed plastic material to form a first piece with a series of interconnected parallel U-shaped channels and a second top piece solvent or heat welded to the top of walls separating the channels. The spa water is heated by circulating water from and to the spa through the channels of the spa cover.
Abstract:
Apparatus for producing a hollow molded synthetic resin article includes a split mold having an inner molding surface with a contour conforming to the configuration of the desired article, a space between the opposing mold members of the split mold for receiving a heated parison of a thermoplastic synthetic resin in the form of a tube or two parallel-laid sheets, vacuum suction holes provided in the molding surface and the parting surfaces of the split mold, means for opening and closing the split mold, means for applying negative pressure to the vacuum suction holes, and means for blowing heated compressed air against the inside surface of that portion of the parison which corresponds to the parting surfaces in the direction facing the parting surfaces. The attachment of the parison to the parting surfaces is thereby facilitated.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for manufacturing solar heating devices of a type having bonded together sheets of thermoplastic material forming a flexible wall container for fluid to be heated. The methods and apparatus involve advancing first and second elongate indeterminate lengths of sheet material longitudinally along respective paths while heating, bonding and sealing the sheets. Specific arrangements and steps for heating, bonding, and sealing are described.