1318 results about "Ice formation" patented technology

Embodiments include a system providing sensor feedback for property condition monitoring, including: a plurality of sensors disposed in a roof structure of a property; the plurality of sensors providing output indicative of ice formation associated with the roof structure; a hub device that receives output from the plurality of sensors, the hub device detecting at least one sensor output indicative of ice formation and providing a notification regarding the ice formation; a computing device of an insurance carrier that receives the notification, the computing device updating a status of the property in an insurance carrier database in response to the notification; and a communication link between the plurality of sensors, the hub device and the computing device of an insurance carrier. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Superhydrophobic coating compositions are provided. The compositions comprise nanoparticles between 5-100 nm in size and a polymeric binder. The compositions are effective in preventing ice formation on the surface of various substrates.

An improved apparatus and a method of measuring and interpreting reliably, simply and accurately the information on continuous liquid level, liquid temperature and other liquid properties within a vessel. The apparatus could be made of a powered heater element and temperature sensors can be screen-printed, vacuum deposited, etched, welded, soldered or plated on one or both sides of a single rigid or a flexible substrate. The geometry of the heater determines the curve shape, such as steepness or shallowness of a temperature profile along a heater. Various parallel and serial configurations of thermocouples or temperature sensors can be used to measure the temperature along a heater. Simultaneous measurements from all the temperature sensors, before and after heat is applied, are used to generate accurate temperature profiles for the entire heater. Different features of the temperature profiles will determine accurately the liquid level, liquid temperature and other liquid properties. Apparatus of the invention may also be used to detect ice formation.

The invention relates to the field of oil and natural gas prospecting and exploitation, and provides a method of low-temperature gas-assisted coalbed methane fracturing technology. According to the method, by the aid of ultralow temperature characteristics of liquid nitrogen, cold shock transformation and ice formation are performed on a coalbed, ice blockage is caused to high-permeability channels (such as fractures), and effect of inorganic harmless dissoluble flowback fluid loss additives, even fracturing diverters and the like is achieved, so that the purpose of improving conventional coalbed methane fracturing technology is achieved. The method of the fracturing technology is suitable for primary fracturing of coalbed methane wells non-fractured or with natural fractures existing at the well bottoms, as well as refracturing of coalbed methane wells already fractured but low in productivity.

An antifreeze gel composition is provided which particularly useful in gel toy to prevent ice formation. The composition includes a water-soluble antifreeze agent such as sorbitol, dextrose; gel was formed by either water-soluble polymers or gums; and salt. The present invention further provides a transparent antifreeze gel and container that is also transparent.

The present invention relates to a self-renewing, anti-icing composition driven by a dehydrogenative reaction of a reactive hydrogen-rich compound catalyzed by nanoparticle immobilized catalysts, which is active under subzero temperatures. The disclosed coating displays a variety of properties including, but not limited to hydrophobicity, anti-wetting, and resistance to ice formation and ice adhesion. The novel anti-icing coating can be used on glass surfaces requiring optical clarity and transparency and can also be applied to a variety of smooth, roughened, or porous surfaces.

Some variations provide a segmented copolymer composition comprising: fluoropolymer first soft segments that are (α,ω)-hydroxyl-terminated and / or (α,ω)-amine-terminated; polyester or polyether second soft segments that are (α,ω)-hydroxyl-terminated and / or (α,ω)-amine-terminated; isocyanate species possessing an isocyanate functionality of 2 or greater; and polyol or polyamine chain extenders or crosslinkers, wherein the molar ratio of the second soft segments to the first soft segments is less than 2.0. Exemplary segmented copolymers are disclosed. The segmented copolymer composition may be present in a low-friction, low-adhesion coating. Such a coating may be characterized by a coefficient of friction, measured at 90% relative humidity, less than 0.7. Such a coating may be characterized by an average kinetic delay of surface ice formation of at least 10 minutes at −10° C. These coatings are useful as bugphobic and icephobic coatings.

Models for predicting ice formation and / or accumulation on wind turbine blades and methods of their use in optimizing performance of wind turbines in the presence of adverse local weather conditions are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the predictive models include historical data of local meteorological conditions including, inter alia, wind speed, temperature, and relative humidity conditions and are useful, inter alia, for preemptively managing performance of wind turbines operation / shutdown cycles in response to a future predicted blade icing event based on a model of the present invention.

An ice detector for providing a signal indicating ice formation includes a probe protruding into an airflow. The probe extends into the airflow from a strut. The strut has one or more features which allow the probe to accrete ice at a higher temperature than would conventionally be possible. Strut features can include a notch formed therein in an upwind direction relative to the probe, and a curved surface adjacent a point of extension of the probe from the strut.

A method for detecting ambient conditions conducive to ice formation. The method includes the steps of measuring at least one parameter selected from a group of parameters consisting of a static pressure, a total pressure, a total temperature, a dew point temperature, and a liquid water content, and determining whether ambient conditions are conducive to ice formation based on the measured parameter.

The present disclosure provides a refrigerant pipe, through which low temperature and low pressure refrigerant flows, directly on a tray, allowing for quick ice formation even when an ice maker is installed in a refrigeration compartment, and allowing for transparent chunks of ice to be made.

The invention relates to the field of petroleum and gas development, and provides a device and a method for evaluating the temporarily freezing plugging properties of coalbed methane in the process of fracturing, which is designed for solving the problem that indoor research approaches are leaked in the implementation of temporarily freezing plugging de-filtration mechanisms in the process that low-temperature gas fractures / helps to fracture coalbed methane. An experimental device comprises a booster pump, a middle container set, a high-pressure small container bottle, a core holder, a vacuum pump, a constant-temperature box, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a data acquisition box and a control computer, and the like. Through the device and method disclosed by the invention, the plugging capacity of freezing or formed hydrates in a low-temperature environment to a coal seam and the influence of freezing or hydrate dissolving to the plugging capacity of the coal seam can be simulated, and therefore, the device and the method disclosed by the invention have great significance on the evaluation on the temporarily freezing and leakage plugging properties in the process that low-temperature gas fractures / helps to fracture coalbed methane.

A non-stick coating, which inhibits frozen moisture accumulation, is applied to exterior exposed portions of heating and cooling systems where ice or other frozen moisture can accumulate and impair system design operational efficiencies; where heat exchange tubing and fins are downwardly sloped or angled; with an optional protective shell encasement which can be shaped to provide a vena contracta effect; with an optional electric fan to enhance airflow for heat exchange; with an optional electric vibrator to enhance inhibition of frozen moisture accumulation; with a downwardly sloped base to direct falling frozen moisture away from the heat exchange equipment; for use in conjunction with an air source heat pump system, an evaporative cooling system or a chiller, or as a supplement to a water-source heat pump system or to a direct expansion heat pump system; and for use with any other refrigerant-based heating system or cooling system.

The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for the preservation of cells using drying, freezing, and other related techniques. In one set of embodiments, the invention allows for the preservation of cells in a dried state. In another set of embodiments, the invention allows for the preservation of cells within a glass or other non-viscous, non-frozen media. In some embodiments, the invention allows for the preservation of cells at temperatures below the freezing point of water, and in some cases at cryogenic temperatures, without inducing ice formation. The cells, in certain embodiments, may be preserved in the presence of intracellular and / or extracellular carbohydrates (which may be the same or different), for example, trehalose and sucrose. Carbohydrates may be transported intracellularly by any suitable technique, for example, using microinjection, or through non-microinjected methods such as through pore-forming proteins, electroporation, heat shock, etc. In certain instances, the glass transition temperature of the cells may be raised, e.g., by transporting a carbohydrate intracellularly. In some cases, the cells may be dried and / or stored, for example, in a substantially moisture-saturated environment or a desiccating environment. The cells may also be stored in a vacuum or a partial vacuum. The cells may be protected from oxygen, moisture, and / or light during storage. In certain cases, an inhibitor, such as a cell death inhibitor, a protease inhibitor, an apoptosis inhibitor, and / or an oxidative stress inhibitor may be used during preservation of the cells. The cells may be stored for any length of time, then recovered to a viable state, e.g., through rehydration, for further use.

Methods and systems are generally described that inhibit debris (such as ice) accretions and / or remove debris (such as ice) accretions from the exterior surface of an aircraft. In some embodiments, the invention is a system for an aircraft comprising: a component of the aircraft having a surface; a plurality of piezo-kinetic actuators each positioned proximate to a portion of the surface; and a control unit coupled to the plurality of actuators, the control unit configured to actuate one or more of the actuators at one or more frequencies between about 1 Hz and about 1 kHz; wherein the actuators are each configured to introduce a displacement of the surface in three dimensions to inhibit a formation of ice on at least the portion of the surface and to break up existing ice formations on at least the portion of the surface.

A cryoablation method, system, and device that allows for real-time and accurate assessment and monitoring of PV occlusion and lesion formation without the need for expensive imaging systems and without patient exposure to radiation. The system includes a cryoballoon catheter with a cryoballoon, a distal electrode, a proximal electrode, and a temperature sensor. Impedance measurements recorded by the electrodes may be used to predict ice formation, quality of pulmonary vein occlusion, and lesion formation.

A nose cone of a turbomachine, such as an aircraft engine, is heated to prevent ice formation. The nose cone is configured as a conical shell positioned concentrically over an inner shell with a space therebetween. Spiral spacers in the space provide distributed passages through which heated lubricating oil flows. A system for separating entrained air from the lubricating oil as part of this mechanism is disclosed.

The invention provides a simulation system for an ice-formation condition on a ground, and the simulation system is used for verifying the capacities of preventing / removing ice of tested pieces in an outdoor low temperature environment. The simulation system of the invention comprises a spraying device, a water supplying device, a gas source device, a wind source device and a measurement-control device, wherein the spraying device contains a spraying rod with a nozzle and an affiliated pipeline of the spraying rod, and the affiliated pipeline contains an air inlet pipe and a water inlet pipe; the water supplying device is communicated with the water inlet pipe, and delivers water through purification treatment to the nozzle; the gas source device is communicated with the air inlet pipe, and delivers high pressure air through purification treatment to the nozzle; the wind source device which simulates a wind tunnel delivers uniform and stable airflow to the spraying device; and the measurement-control device controls the whole simulation system, and can display the test parameters in real time. The simulation system for the ice-formation condition on the ground of the invention can simulate the meteorological condition of freezing fog on the ground in the outdoor low-temperature environment, produces water spray with adjustable liquid water content and water droplet diameter, and provides strong guarantee for verifying the capacities of preventing / removing ice of such as a short cabin of an airplane.

The present invention refers to an ice-making machine provided with an ice formation reservoir (2), an auxiliary tank (6) and an ice storage region (5). Inner part of reservoir (2) is provided with a transport element (16), a shovel (4) with angular movement and a finger-type evaporator (3) forming ice pieces. During ice manufacturing process, shovel (4) moves periodically at low frequencies so as to attract impurity particles and water salts, leaving them far from ice piece formation regions. Through the machine of the present invention, impurity-free ice pieces are produced.

The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting the formation or accumulation of ice on a solid surface and for reducing the salt out temperatures.

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for producing substantially clear ice in a variety of desired shapes. An insulated ice mold form containing one or more mold cells is suspended over a liquid water reservoir contained in an insulated container. Each ice mold cell is exposed to freezing air resulting in the formation of ice in each mold cell with ice formation progressing from the top to the bottom of each ice mold cell. A liquid water reservoir below each ice mold cell serves as an impurity sink into which impurities and gases are driven as ice crystals form in each ice mold cell and as a heat sink to substantially arrest ice shape growth beyond the bottom of each ice mold cell at or near the ice-reservoir water interface.

The invention provides an ice formation condition detector, which comprises a sensing element, a temperature sensor and a controller, wherein the sensing element comprises a temperature sensing layer and a thermal insulation layer; a resistance wire is embedded into the temperature sensing layer; the thermal insulation layer is fixed on the inner surface of the temperature sensing layer; the temperature sensor is used for measuring real-time temperatures of the sensing element; the controller comprises a heating control module, a data storage module and a processor; the heating control module is used for heating the resistance wire by using constant electric power to ensure that the temperature of the sensing element is kept to be more than 0 DEG C; the data storage module is used for storing temperature target values of the sensing element under different flight conditions and acquiring real-time temperature values, which are measured by the temperature sensor, of the sensing element; and the processor is used for retrieving the temperature target values of the sensing element from the data storage module under a certain flight condition, comparing the temperature target values with the real-time temperature values and determining that an airplane runs into an ice formation condition if the real-time temperature values are less than the temperature target values.

Multiple detectors arranged in a ring within a specimen chamber provide a large solid angle of collection. The detectors preferably include a shutter and a cold shield that reduce ice formation on the detector. By providing detectors surrounding the sample, a large solid angle is provided for improved detection and x-rays are detected regardless of the direction of sample tilt.

Methods and apparatus are provided for vehicle windshield washing-wiping and wiper de-icing. Primary nozzles provide washing fluid to the windshield during normal operations and secondary nozzles bathe the wiper arms with washing fluid to de-ice the wipers during a de-icing mode. Washing fluid is drawn from a reservoir and delivered to the nozzles by a pump. When the outside air temperature T is greater than Tc, the critical temperature for ice formation, the wipers and washing-wiping proceed normally with washing fluid delivered to the primary nozzles for windshield washing. When T≦Tc and the wipers are not moving, a washer fluid supply line valve delivers washing fluid to the secondary nozzles to de-ice the wipers. The wiper motor, washing fluid pump and valve are operated by a controller based on inputs from wiper position and air temperature sensors, using predetermined information stored in on-board memory.

Disclosed is a deicing / anti-icing composition that includes sugar cane molasses solids and a deicing component, which preferably is a chloride salt. The composition may be applied to surfaces to remove ice or snow therefrom, or to inhibit the accumulation of ice and snow thereon. The sugar can molasses solids may be sprayed onto the salt as the salt is being applied to a road surface from a moving vehicle. Alternately, the sugar cane molasses solid may be applied to body of salt to inhibit ice formation at or near the surface of the body of salt.

The invention is an efficient physical method of freezing and concentrating aqueous solutions based on the transformation of ice crystals. It results in a very high ice crystal growth rate, produces granular, aggregated large ice crystals without internal entrainment, and avoids scraping of ice crystals during freezing to save energy. The method mainly consists of the following processes: cooling the solution to a supercooled state without nucleation or ice formation on the heat transfer surface; instantly nucleating the supercooled solution to produce fine ice crystals and concentrating the solution; with the help of absorption-exotherm The growth, transformation and polymerization of ice crystals in a well-balanced and controlled environment produce large, granular or spherical ice crystals at high rates. Both single-stage and multi-stage operations can be used in this method and the main steps can be arranged flexibly. The equipment for implementing this method mainly includes refrigeration heat exchangers, nucleators, filters and multifunctional crystallizers, each of which has its own characteristics to meet the requirements of the method.

The invention discloses a preparing method and equipment of fresh water through large-scale icy sea water, which is characterized by the following: collecting sea ice directly in winter; preparing mutual cascading structure of high and low level pools; making the depth of high-level pool more than the depth of low level pool to enlarge the area of low level pool by 2 times.