US3780262A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermal bank
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-07-28
•
Granted: 1973-12-18
•
Expires: 1992-07-28
Abstract
Abstract A thermal bank is comprised of a granular mass of polyvinyl chloride which surrounds a heating mechanism such as an electrical resistance heater or a conduit containing heated fluid. The granular polyvinyl chloride mass is formed by treating commercial dry flaked polyvinyl chloride with a small amount of stabilizer which causes the powder to form granules having interstices therebetween. The granular polyvinyl chloride mass not only serves as a high temperature insulator but also serves as an excellent heat storage system. A metallic foil surrounds the polyvinyl chloride mass and serves as a radiation shield, and an air impervious outer cover surrounds the foil and prevents convection losses from the mass. The thermal bank may be constructed as a heating pad provided with a window in the foil and plastic covers to permit controlled dissipation of the heat. The thermal bank may also be constructed as the primary storage center for heating a building structure deriving its heat from solar energy during the day and releasing it gradually during the night.
Inventors
- 👤 R Rudd
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 23:26
CPC Classifications
F; F28; F28D; F28D20/00; F24; F24F; F24F5/00; F24F5/0046; F24H; F24H7/00; F24H7/002; F24H7/02; F24H7/0208; F28D2020/0004; F28D2020/0008; F28D2020/0013; Y; Y02; Y02A; Y02A30/00; Y02A30/27; Y02A30/272; Y02B; Y02B10/00; Y02B10/20; Y02E; Y02E60/00; Y02E60/14; Y02E70/00; Y02E70/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
187 words
A thermal bank for controlled dissipation of stored heat energy, comprising a heating mechanism, a primary heat sink member disposed in close proximal relation with said heating mechanism to receive heat therefrom and to store heat therein, a mass of particulate granular polyvinyl chloride surrounding said heating mechanism and said primary heat sink member, the granular mass of polyvinyl chloride material being comprised of granular particles having interstitial spaces therebetween, said polyvinyl chloride mass serving as a high temperature heat insulator insulating the heating mechanism and primary heat sink from the exterior, and also serving as a secondary heat sink for storing and dissipating heat energy, an inner cover formed of a metallic foil material having a reflective inner surface covering said polyvinyl chloride mass and restricting radiation heat losses therefrom, a flexible plastic gas impervious outer cover covering said foil cover and forming a fluid seal with respect to said polyvinyl chloride mass to prevent convection losses therefrom, and means intercommunicating the polyvinyl chloride mass with the exterior of said outer corner for permitting controlled transmission of heat from said polyvinyl chloride mass to the exterior.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
187 words
A thermal bank for controlled dissipation of stored heat energy, comprising a heating mechanism, a primary heat sink member disposed in close proximal relation with said heating mechanism to receive heat therefrom and to store heat therein, a mass of particulate granular polyvinyl chloride surrounding said heating mechanism and said primary heat sink member, the granular mass of polyvinyl chloride material being comprised of granular particles having interstitial spaces therebetween, said polyvinyl chloride mass serving as a high temperature heat insulator insulating the heating mechanism and primary heat sink from the exterior, and also serving as a secondary heat sink for storing and dissipating heat energy, an inner cover formed of a metallic foil material having a reflective inner surface covering said polyvinyl chloride mass and restricting radiation heat losses therefrom, a flexible plastic gas impervious outer cover covering said foil cover and forming a fluid seal with respect to said polyvinyl chloride mass to prevent convection losses therefrom, and means intercommunicating the polyvinyl chloride mass with the exterior of said outer corner for permitting controlled transmission of heat from said polyvinyl chloride mass to the exterior.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The thermal bank as defined in claim 1 wherein said heating mechanism comprises an electrical resistance heating mechanism means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The thermal bank as defined in claim 1 wherein said means intercommunicating said polyvinyl chloride mass with the exterior comprises registered openings in said inner and outer covers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
The thermal bank as defined in claim 2 and an insulator member interposed between said heating mechanism and said primary heat sink member, said insulator member being formed of a non-metallic material having a high specific heat coefficient and serving as a secondary heat sink.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
65 words
The thermal bank as defined in claim 1 wherein said heating mechanism comprises a conduit connected in communicating relation to a source of heated fluid whereby the heated fluid provides heat for heating the primary heat sink member and the polyvinyl chloride mass, said intercommunicating transmission means comprising a second fluid circulating conduit extending through said inner and outer covers into said polyvinyl chloride mass.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-17 | 1977-06-18 | 1977-12-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-17 | 1981-06-18 | 1981-12-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-17 | 1985-06-18 | 1985-12-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |