E01C11/26

Systems and methods for heating concrete structures

A system and method for heating concrete structures to either prevent the build-up of freezing precipitation or eliminate freezing precipitation on a top surface of the concrete structures. The system includes a heating assembly integrally formed with a concrete structure to apply thermal energy to the top surface of the concrete structure. Optionally, the heating assembly includes heating elements formed of carbon fiber tape. Following formation of the concrete structure, the heating assembly is configured for unified movement with the concrete structure. The system optionally includes a control assembly operatively coupled to the heating assembly. The control assembly selectively powers the heating assembly and can be configured for remote operation. In use, the control assembly can be selectively activated from a remote location to power the heating assembly and heat the concrete structure.

ELEVATED ROADWAY QUASI-EQUILIBRIUM SUPPORT SYSTEM
20230175209 · 2023-06-08 ·

Structures, systems, and methods for controlling water flow in relation to an underpass space of a road support structure are disclosed, including a method comprising receiving precipitation forecast data; receiving water volume data for water flowing toward an underpass space of a support assembly underlying a road, wherein a first culvert is positioned through the underpass space and a second culvert positioned around the support assembly configured to transfer water around the support assembly, and wherein one or more barriers are positioned to control flow of water within the first and second culvert; predicting water volume input to the underpass space based on the water volume data and the precipitation forecast data; and controlling the position of the one or more barriers to control flow of water within the first culvert and the second culvert based on the predicted water volume input.

ELEVATED ROADWAY QUASI-EQUILIBRIUM SUPPORT SYSTEM
20230175209 · 2023-06-08 ·

Structures, systems, and methods for controlling water flow in relation to an underpass space of a road support structure are disclosed, including a method comprising receiving precipitation forecast data; receiving water volume data for water flowing toward an underpass space of a support assembly underlying a road, wherein a first culvert is positioned through the underpass space and a second culvert positioned around the support assembly configured to transfer water around the support assembly, and wherein one or more barriers are positioned to control flow of water within the first and second culvert; predicting water volume input to the underpass space based on the water volume data and the precipitation forecast data; and controlling the position of the one or more barriers to control flow of water within the first culvert and the second culvert based on the predicted water volume input.

Snow Melting Apparatus
20170335523 · 2017-11-23 ·

A snow melting apparatus for melting snow on sidewalks, driveways, and other walkways is provided. The snow melting apparatus comprises a plurality of individual heating cables with the heat cables woven together to form a mesh-like covering mat and the covering mat having a top surface and a bottom surface. An outer perimeter border surrounds the covering mat. A snowfall sensor mechanism is mounted to the covering mat with the snowfall sensor mechanism detecting precipitation and automatically activating the heating cables. The top surface of the covering mat is presented for a person to walk and or stand while the bottom surface of the covering mat is capable of being positioned against the sidewalk, driveway, or other walkway. Upon activation of the heating cables, the temperature of the heating cables increases thereby heating the entire covering mat.

ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATING APPARATUS
20220052582 · 2022-02-17 · ·

An electrical power generating apparatus for generating electrical power using a generator connected directly or indirectly to a flywheel is disclosed. The apparatus comprises platforms, protrusions, generators, flywheels and other components. The platforms are configured to be laid on a surface and easily allow an object, e.g., a vehicle to traverse over the platforms. Each protrusion is configured to move downward and upward through apertures located in a top portion of the platform. The protrusions interact with reset members. The protrusions move in a linear/angle downward/downward-upward motion when the object pushes/strikes/depresses the protrusions. Each protrusion is connected in an operative manner to a shaft via a gear, and/or to a lever which is connected in an operative manner to shaft, thereby rotating the shaft by converting linear motion to rotational motion. A generator, flywheel, and gearbox can be coupled to the shaft.

UNPOWERED ANTI-FROST ANTI-HEAVE HEAT GATHERING DEVICE AND SUBGRADE THEREOF
20220307202 · 2022-09-29 ·

The invention provides an unpowered anti-frost anti-heave heat gathering device and subgrade thereof, comprising a solar heat absorber, a circulating tube, a transducer, and a heat gathering tube, wherein the solar heat absorber and the transducer are connected by the circulating tube to form a circulation loop, through which a liquid state circulating working medium flows, the solar heat absorber is configured to absorb solar energy and transfer heat to the transducer through the liquid state circulating working medium, the heat gathering tube comprises a heat absorption section and a heat release section in communication, the heat absorption section is inserted into the transducer for absorbing heat from the transducer and transferring heat to the heat release section, and the heat release section is inserted into a subgrade for heating the subgrade.

UNPOWERED ANTI-FROST ANTI-HEAVE HEAT GATHERING DEVICE AND SUBGRADE THEREOF
20220307202 · 2022-09-29 ·

The invention provides an unpowered anti-frost anti-heave heat gathering device and subgrade thereof, comprising a solar heat absorber, a circulating tube, a transducer, and a heat gathering tube, wherein the solar heat absorber and the transducer are connected by the circulating tube to form a circulation loop, through which a liquid state circulating working medium flows, the solar heat absorber is configured to absorb solar energy and transfer heat to the transducer through the liquid state circulating working medium, the heat gathering tube comprises a heat absorption section and a heat release section in communication, the heat absorption section is inserted into the transducer for absorbing heat from the transducer and transferring heat to the heat release section, and the heat release section is inserted into a subgrade for heating the subgrade.

Method for manufacturing a road pavement comprising a heat exchanger device
11371193 · 2022-06-28 · ·

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a road pavement comprising pipes of a device for a heat exchanger, comprising the following steps: a) digging a course to create grooves extending in a same direction and strips connecting the grooves, then b) laying the pipe having a crushing strength higher than 2 000N per linear metre of pipe at 100° C. into the grooves created in step a); and then c) filling the empty space left free by the pipe in the grooves with an asphalt mix having a working temperature lower than 160° C., based on: a hydrocarbon binder, at least 90% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the asphalt mix, of an aggregate fraction the elements of which have dimensions less than 10 mm, and comprising from 30% to 60% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the aggregate fraction, of sand, d) applying a surface course for a road pavement.

Method for manufacturing a road pavement comprising a heat exchanger device
11371193 · 2022-06-28 · ·

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a road pavement comprising pipes of a device for a heat exchanger, comprising the following steps: a) digging a course to create grooves extending in a same direction and strips connecting the grooves, then b) laying the pipe having a crushing strength higher than 2 000N per linear metre of pipe at 100° C. into the grooves created in step a); and then c) filling the empty space left free by the pipe in the grooves with an asphalt mix having a working temperature lower than 160° C., based on: a hydrocarbon binder, at least 90% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the asphalt mix, of an aggregate fraction the elements of which have dimensions less than 10 mm, and comprising from 30% to 60% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the aggregate fraction, of sand, d) applying a surface course for a road pavement.

Construction products and systems for providing geothermal heat
11359338 · 2022-06-14 · ·

A geothermal heat delivery system supplies geothermal heat for various residential, surface heating applications, including heating driveways, paths, sidewalks, homes, roofs, swimming pools, and commercial applications, including heating roadways, parkways, highways, airport runways, parking lots and sidewalks. The geothermal heat delivery system includes a series of heat pipes that are used to provide geothermal heat from a borehole to a structure or a surface, which can for example, melt precipitation on a road, driveway or roof, without the use of a ground source heat pump.