Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02757089 2011-11-07
SNOW-LUTIONS
Field of Invention
This invention relates to a method and system of distributing a fluid onto a
selected surface
comprising: a sprinkler system having a sprinkler head; structure for
distributing the fluid through
the sprinkler system where the sprinkler head has a first and second aperture
for applying de-
icing fluid in the winter and summer nutrients during the summer.
Background to the Invention
Many homeowners and businesses have sprinkler systems for irrigating lawns,
vegetation,
plants, vegetables and the like. Many of these irrigation systems comprise of
a sprinkler system
which is located underground having a plurality of sprinkler heads that pop up
under the
pressure of water applied by a pumping system. These sprinkler system and
others have
controllers which in many cases comprise of programmable units or computers to
apply water
on a desired area or surface at a selected interval. In other cases, sensors
are utilized to
monitor environmental conditions and activate the sprinkler systems at a
selected interval under
selected conditions.
Furthermore, there have been a variety of de-icing systems that have
heretofore been designed
in order to attempt to clear selected surfaces from the accumulation of snow
or ice. Such
systems are utilized so as to minimize human effort which may in certain
circumstances lead to
health conditions due to the age of the individual trying to clear the snow or
ice. In other cases
the de-icing systems are relied upon to quickly respond to conditions such as
clearing of paths,
driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, airplane runways, bridges, or the like.
For example, United States Published Application US2006/0204647 Al describes a
system and
method to deice or remove snow or ice accumulated on a surface which comprises
a weather
sensor, control means, a compressor containing a de-icing agent, a heater to
heat the agent, a
second de-icing agent stored in a second storage tank to communicate with a
compressor, and
means for distributing the de-icing agent through one or more zones, each zone
including a
sprinkler head and piping, When air temperature is below freezing and humidity
exceeds 99% a
control means causes a de-icing agent to be heated and the heated agent
distributed through a
zone. The second agent is distributed through the zone, and then the
pressurized gas purges
the zone of residual agents.
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Moreoever, United States Patent No. 7,588,195 illustrates a de-icing apparatus
which may
include a reservoir containing a de-icing agent, a distribution network, and
at least a first nozzle
for de-icing a surface, such as a sidewalk. In one embodiment at least one or
more of the
reservoir or distribution network is located underground and at least one or
more of the
reservoir, distribution network, and nozzle is operatively fixed with respect
to the associated
surface. The apparatus may further be provided with pumping means for pumping
the de-icing
agent through the apparatus.
United States Patent No. 7,658,333 relates to an irrigation system comprising
sprinkler heads
with an electronically configurable spray pattern, moisture sensors and a
controller. Based on
input signals from the moisture sensors, the controller dynamically configures
the spray pattern
of the sprinkler head to allow more water to fall on areas that need to be
watered and less water
to fall on areas that do not require additional water.
Furthermore, United States Patent No. 4,676,918 relates to an antifreeze
composition and
preparation for making surfaces free of snow and ice comprising an amount of
20-90% by
weight of a waste concentrate of alcohol distilling industry, having a dry
substance content of
200-750 g/kg in admixture with 20-80% by weight of water and optionally with
additives.
It is an object of this invention to provide an improved de-icing system and
method and sprinkler
heads then compared with the prior art. It is also an object of this invention
to provide a system
and method having a dual summer and winter operation as required during
selected time
intervals.
There is a need to reduce manual labour, snow blowers, tractors, trucks,
ploughs, shovels and
brooms and other equipment commonly used in the removal of ice and snow from
residential
and pubic sidewalks, roads, highways, driveways, parking lots, shopping,
centres, bridges,
airport runways and flat roofs. There is a need to reduce the need for hoses,
portable water
sprinklers and carrying utensils in relation to fertilizing and watering
plants and lawns. It is an
object of the invention to reduce injuries, heart attacks, back pain, damage
to roads and
property and CO2 emissions.
It is an aspect of this invention to provide a method of distributing a fluid
onto a selected surface
comprising: a sprinkler system having a sprinkler head, a network of pipes and
pumps for
distributing the fluid through the sprinkler system; a sprinkler head having a
first and second
aperture. The first aperture comprises a mist aperture and the second aperture
comprises a
directional spray aperture. In one embodiment, the distributed fluid comprises
calcium acetate
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or potassium acetate to be applied to a first surface comprising a driveway,
asphalt, sidewalk,
parking lot, plane runway, bridge, or the like. The de-icing fluid is directed
and distributed to the
first selected surface for a selected time interval.
In another embodiment, the distributed fluid comprises liquid fertilizing
agent which is distributed
onto a second selected surface such as a garden, lawn or the like.
It is another aspect of this invention to provide a system for distributing a
de-icing fluid onto a
first selected surface comprising: a sprinkler system having a plurality of
sprinkler heads, a
network of underground pipes and pumps for distributing the fluid through the
sprinkler system;
the de-icing fluid comprising potassium acetate or calcium magnesium acetate.
In one
embodiment, the system includes a controller for controlling the distribution
of the de-icing fluid
at a selected time interval. In another embodiment, the controller
comprises a digital
programmer and the system includes sensors for sensing environmental
conditions and varying
the distribution of de-icing fluid at each of the plurality of sprinkler heads
to provide a desired
distribution.
In another embodiment, the system is operable to convert to apply a summer
nutrient fluid
comprising of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous to a second selected
surface.
Yet another aspect of this invention comprises a process for melting and
reducing the
accumulation of snow and ice on a first selected surface which comprises a
digital controlled
winter weather outdoor sprinkler system using a fluid comprising of potassium
acetate and
calcium magnesium acetate under pressure, which process can be converted to
apply a
summer nutrient solution comprising of nitrogen and potassium and phosphorous
to lawns,
gardens, plants and the like.
These and other objects and features of the invention shall now be described
in relation to the
following drawings.
Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 is a schematic view illustrating the system.
Figure 2 is a second schematic view illustrating the system.
Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the sprinkler head.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sprinkler head.
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Figure 5 is a top view of the sprinkler head.
Figure 6 is a bottom view of the sprinkler head.
Figure 7 is a top view of the sprinkler head with the top removed.
Figure 8a is a side elevational view of one of the eyeball socket directional
spray apertures.
Figure 8b is a front view of an eyeball socket directional spray aperture.
Figure 8c is a back view of an eyeball socket directional spray aperture.
Figure 9 is a side elevational view illustrating another embodiment of the
invention in relation to
a roof application.
Figure 10 is a top plain view of the embodiment of Figure 9.
Detailed Description of the Invention
Like parts have been given like numbers throughout the figures. Some of the
drawings may not
be scale and are drawn for purposes of illustrating the invention.
Figure 1 is a schematic view of the system and method embodied therein.
Generally speaking, Figure 1 illustrates a system 2 for distributing a de-
icing fluid onto
a first selected surface 3 such as a driveway, a sidewalk, airport runway,
bridge, roof,
or the like and a second surface 5.
In one embodiment of the invention the de-icing fluid comprises potassium
acetate or calcium
magnesium acetate. However other de-icing fluids can be used.
The system 2 also includes a domestic cold water connection '10 having a C/W
backflow
preventer, as well as a container or tank 20 which can include the de-icing
solution as referred
to above for winter application or a summer nutrient solution which contains
nitrogen, potassium
and phosphorous for summer application.
The system 2 can also include in one embodiment a strainer 30 as well as a
pump 40 which can
be utilized to pump fluid under pressure through the tubing 60 in a manner
well known to those
versed and skilled in the art. Tubing can comprise of any material including
PVC in a manner
well known to those persons skilled in the art. The system 2 can also include
a solenoid valve
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50 that can be activated and de-activated again in a manner well known to
those persons skilled
in the art and shall be described herein.
A flow sensor 70 can be utilized to sense the flow of fluid and which flow
sensor can include a
preset timer. A pressure sensor 80 can be utilized in line to increase or
decrease the spray
pressure depending in the wind velocity or direction. In other words, each
spray head
90,100,110,120,130 can include a pressure sensor which communicates with
controller 160 so
as to increase or decrease the pressure of fluid applied to each individual
head in the event that
the sensors sense for example wind conditions which may blow the de-icing
fluid from one side
of the driveway to another to produce uneven distribution of de-icing fluid
over the entire desired
or selected surface. A controller such as for example a programmable logic
control ( PLC) can
be used to control the flow rate or pressure. By increasing the pressure of
fluid flowing from one
side of the driveway to another, environmental conditions such as wind may be
compensated
for so as to product a more even distribution of de-icing fluid on the
selected surface 3.
In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, sprinkler heads 90 may be
utilized for flat roofs
so as to minimize the accumulation of snow and ice which can cause collapse of
the building if
excessive.
Furthermore, sprinkler heads 100 may be utilized on public or private walkways
while sprinkler
heads 110 can be utilized for commercial applications where one head is used
for every 100
square feet. Moreover, sprinkler head 120 can be used for residential
applications one head for
every 10 linear feet.
Sprinkler heads 130 can be used in one embodiment for summer time nutrient
application.
The system 2 can also include a purge tank 140 which in the embodiment shown
here
comprises an air compressor or other pneumatic fluid. In the embodiment
described herein, the
purge tank 140 is activated at the end of a cycle so that system 2 purges
itself of all solutions.
The system also includes an electrical feed 150 which can comprise of 12 volt
DC or 120V AC.
Backup systems are available with solar batteries and mini generators.
The system 2 also includes a control sensor 160 which can have PLC keypads. In
one
embodiment the PLC may eliminate the solenoid valves. Electrical connection
170 is provided.
The system 2 is programmable and accessible through the internet or SCADA
which stands for
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition and generally refers to an industrial
control system or
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computer system monitoring and controlling a process. An AQUASTAT 180 may be
utilized.
AQUASTATS are devices used in hydronic heating systems for controlling water
temperature.
The system 2 can also include ambient or environmental condition sensors 190
which sense the
presence of snow, rain, wind direction and temperature and may be programmed
to activate the
system in the manner to be described herein.
In one embodiment, when the sensors 190 detect moisture as well as the ambient
temperature,
an electrical signal is sent to the digital controller 160. The digital
controller 160 accesses a
program which is operable to automatically activate the system 2 once selected
parameters are
reached, such as for example, length of snowfall, ice accumulation,
temperature and the like.
For example, in one embodiment if the sensors 190 sense that the snowfall is
present from 0-15
minutes the system 2 may be activated if other conditions are present such as
temperature or
humidity. In other cases, the system may be activated if the snowfall
continues from 15-30
minutes.
The system 2 as designed herein is utilized to dispense a fluid onto a
selected surface. The
selected surface 3 in one embodiment can comprise of a first surface 3 such as
a sidewalk,
driveway, airport runway, bridge, parking lot or the like for winter
application or a second surface
such as a lawn, garden, for summer application to be described herein.
The winter applications can be automatically or manually converted to summer
applications. A
number of options may be included including infrared body heat sensors for
spray control in the
event that a person is identified or sensed in a particular zone. Other
enhancements may
include wind control for spray units which control pressure or volume of
spraying of each of the
units so as to produce a more uniform spray on a first selected surface such
as a driveway to
compensate for wind direction.
Various spray patterns can be utilized such as low profile or horizontal.
Moreover, the solution
tank (20) may be filled with slow dissolve pellets, pucks or concentrates that
mix with water or
the like. The timer operation of the controller (160) is based on the input
from the sensors
(190). Moreover, automatic system pumpdown and purging can be utilized upon
cycle
completion.
The invention described herein relates to a digital controlled weather outdoor
network system
using environmentally friendly melting fluid under pressure for the purpose of
controlling snow
and ice accumulation on residential driveways, parking lots, sidewalks,
bridges, airport tarmacs,
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flat roofs, hospital areas which can activated by environmental sensors that
sense whether
temperature precipitation or the like. As described above, the liquid storage
tank holds the
solution. In one embodiment the formulated concentrate controls solution
comprises a
potassium acetate and calcium magnesium acetate which is dispersed into the
storage tank to
create a temperature based solution. In other words, the concentration of
potassium acetate
and calcium magnesium acetate will be increased if for example extremely cold
temperatures
exist, whereas less potassium acetate and calcium magnesium acetate will be
utilized if the
ambient temperature hovers just below freezing. The controller 160 can
automatically increase
or decrease the concentration of de-icing fluid based on data and program
resident in the digital
computer. Furthermore, the controller 160 may be accessed wirelessly or USB
connection to
the internet so that the system 2 can be activated remotely from a different
location.
The weatherized sprinkler heads 90,100,110,120 and 130 are designed to spray
the solution
onto the first or second surfaces before or during a snow or ice event
controlled by a custom
designed PLC panel that communicates with the internet. When the cycle is
complete, the
system pump 40 can reverse the pressure and purge all the flow tubes 60 empty.
The solution
is environmentally friendly and exhibits little if any corrosive effect.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the spraying network can be
divided into
sub-networks for spraying distinct zones. According to another embodiment of
the invention,
the apparatus may be selectively operable to provide de-icing solution in the
winter or summer
application to one or more selected zones. According to another embodiment of
the invention,
the apparatus may be selectively programmable to provide de-icing solution or
summer
application at specific intervals.
In the summer embodiment, the sprinkler heads have configurations spray
patterns, moisture
sensors and controllers and upon input signals from the moisture sensors, the
controller
configures the spray pattern of the sprinkler head to allow more liquid to
fall on areas that need
it and less to fall on areas that do not need it. Another embodiment of the
invention is that the
system 2 can be integrated into existing lawn sprinkler systems 2. The pump 40
can also be
used in the fall to purge existing underground water irrigation systems. Wind
directional sensors
190 control the sprinkler flows to allow maximum spray pattern coverage on the
selected first or
second surfaces. Fertilizing solutions can be dispensed into the system 2 for
the growing
seasons for grass, gardens and flowerbeds all digitally controlled to activate
a plurality of times
a year. The invention described herein relates to a year round outdoor surface
network system.
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The sprinkler system utilized herein includes sprinkler heads 90,100,110,120
and 130 or
particularly described as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The sprinkler heads
include a housing 200
having a fluid channel 202 and a pneumatic or air channel 204 that protrude
through the
compression base or plate 206 and communicate with the compressed chamber 208
so that the
sprinkler unit 210 pops up. The de-icing fluid or summer nutrient communicates
with the interior
of the sprinkler head 10 whereby a plurality of mist apertures 212 apply the
fluid in the vicinity of
the spray head 210.
A plurality of eyeball socket directional spray apertures 214 apply the fluid
at a greater range.
In one embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 and 8a, 8b, 8c, the eyeball socket
directional spray
apertures comprise of a retainer 240 having ends 242 which are attached to the
inside of the
sprinkler head 210. The retainer 240 has a port 244 at the back end which
communicates with
a nozzle member 246 having an exit port 248. The exit port 248 may be
elongated and include
a slotted area so as to receive a key or flathead screwdriver head to adjust
the angle or rotation
orientation of the nozzle within the eyeball socket retainer 240.
The invention described herein also relates to a method of distributing a
fluid onto a selected
surface which comprises a sprinkler system for having a sprinkler head
90,100,110,120 or 130
with a pump 40 for distributing the fluid through PVC piping 60 where the
sprinkler heads 210
have a first or mist aperture 212 and second or eyeball socket directional
spray apertures 214.
The method includes a first selected surface for distributing a de-icing fluid
to reduce the
accumulation of snow and ice. The method also includes a second selected
surface for
distributing liquid fertilizing agent onto the second selected surface.
The method includes a sprinkler head which includes a first chamber
communicating with the
first and second apertures 212 and 214 respectively; a fluid channel 202 for
communicating fluid
with the fluid chamber 208; and a pneumatic channel for purging the fluid from
the fluid chamber
and sprinkler system after the expiration of the selected intervals.
Formulated concentrated control solution is dispensed into the storage tank to
create a
temperature-based solution. When the system is triggered by sensors indicating
snow or ice,
solenoid valves will activate, pumps will engage the fluid to underground
plastic tubes
dispensed through weather resistant spray heads specifically designed to
perform during wind
events and deactivate when body heat is present. The weatherized sprinkler
heads will spray
the solution onto the surfaces before and during a snow event controlled by a
custom design
PLC panel that will have intelligent communication via the internet. When the
cycle is complete,
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the system pump will reverse the pressure and purge all the flow tubes empty.
The pump can
also be used in the fall to purge existing underground water irrigation
systems. Wind direction
sensors control the sprinkler flow to allow maximum spray pattern coverage on
the surfaces.
Fertilizing solution can be dispensed into the system for the growing season
for grass, gardens,
plants and flowers, all digitally controlled to activate 3 or 4 times a year.
Figure 9 illustrates another embodiment of the invention in relation to roof
applications. In
particular, the system includes a transmission line 300 which communicates
with the system in
the winter mode so as to pump fluid to the roof spraying means 302. The roof
spraying means
302 is more fully particularized in Figure 10 and comprises a main
transmission line 304 that
communicates with transmission line 300, and is adapted to overly or be
adjacent to the ridge or
apex 306 of the roof 308.
The roof spraying means 302 can comprise of spray manifolds 310 which are
adapted to spray
fluid down along the roof 308. The fluid solution is that as described before.
Furthermore, the
roof can comprise of shingles, metal or plastic. Alternatively, the roof
spraying means 302 can
comprise of a spray bar 312 having a plurality of small apertures 314 to spray
the fluid in close
proximity to the plurality of small apertures 314. Furthermore, the spray bar
312 may also
include larger apertures 316 for spraying the fluid further down the roof 308.
Moreover, the roof spraying means 302 includes a plurality of feed lines 318
so as to
communicate fluid from the main transmission line 304 to the spray manifolds
310 or plurality of
small and large apertures 312 and 314.
The rooftop system described in Figures 9 and 10 minimizes the need for
expensive heating
systems that can be applied to the roof so as to melt the accumulation of snow
and ice. Such
expensive heat systems constantly draw on high levels of electricity at a high
cost. The system
described here employs a product that sprays the rooftops along the roof.
Furthermore, the system as described in Figures 9 and 10 also sprays the roof
308 along with
the gutters 320 and downspouts 322. The solution may be sprayed during snow or
prior to
snow disturbances.
When snow occurs, the system as described herein becomes active as previously
described
melting snow and ice regardless of temperatures. The system may cycle
depending on the
length of storm and the amount of storm as previously described. Once the
occurrence is over
the system will automatically cycle to prepare for the next snow or freezing
event.
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The system as described in Figure 9 also includes heater conduits 326, 328 and
330 so as to
communicate fluid to the eaves troughs 320 and downspouts 322 through spraying
means
which can include the spraying means as previously described.
The system as described herein can be designed for residential, commercial and
industrial
uses, on all types of roofs as previously described. The system described
herein minimizes the
build-up of dangerous ice in valleys, gutters, downspouts that can cause
damage to the roof and
pedestrians. Furthermore, the system as described herein eliminates dangerous
loads on flat
roofs which can cause flat roofs to collapse. The systems keeps all drain
areas clear and ice
free.
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