US4402193A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Dual open cycle heat pump and engine
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1981-08-04
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Granted: 1983-09-06
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Expires: 2001-08-04
Abstract
Abstract The heat pump/engine operates in an open cycle between a cold air reservoir and a hot air reservoir to pump heat or to obtain energy by exchanging air at atmospheric pressure between the two reservoirs at different temperatures. The heat pump/engine employs a positive displacement compressor, heat exchanger and a positive displacement expander to transfer the air flows. Also, a snowmaker preheater can be used with the heat pump to decrease power consumption.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard McFee
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 09:13
CPC Classifications
F; F25; F25B; F25B9/00; F25B29/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
In combination, a cold air reservoir for air at a first temperature and pressure; a hot air reservoir for receiving air at a second temperature greater than said first temperature; a preheater including a vertically disposed tube having an inlet at a lower end to receive a flow of cold air from said cold air reservoir at a temperature below freezing and means for fine spraying water into said tube at an upper end to effect a heat exchange between the water and the flow of cold air to freeze the water into snow and to heat the air; and a heat exchanger connected to an upper end of said tube of said preheater to receive the air heated in said tube and to said hot air reservoir to deliver the heated air thereto.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
134 words
In combination, a cold air reservoir for air at a first temperature and pressure; a hot air reservoir for receiving air at a second temperature greater than said first temperature; a preheater including a vertically disposed tube having an inlet at a lower end to receive a flow of cold air from said cold air reservoir at a temperature below freezing and means for fine spraying water into said tube at an upper end to effect a heat exchange between the water and the flow of cold air to freeze the water into snow and to heat the air; and a heat exchanger connected to an upper end of said tube of said preheater to receive the air heated in said tube and to said hot air reservoir to deliver the heated air thereto.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The combination as set forth in claim 1 which further comprises a movable floor in said tube at said lower end for receiving snow thereon and a chute below said floor to receive a discharge of snow from said tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said inlet is circumferentially disposed about said tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The combination as set forth in claim 1 which further comprises a screen at said upper end of said tube for diffusing the flow of cold air.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
The combination as set forth in claim 1 which further comprises a duct connected to said upper end of said tube to receive a pre-heated flow of cold air from said tube for delivery to said heat exchanger.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-09-05 | 1987-03-07 | 1987-09-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-09-05 | 1991-03-07 | 1991-09-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-09-05 | 1995-03-07 | 1995-09-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |