SOLAR-POWERED WATER BUBBLER

• US 20100039061A1
• Filed: 08/13/2008
• Published: 02/18/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/13/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Redevex Corporation
• Original Assignee: Redevex Corporation
• Inventors: Rosenbaum, Richard W.
• Application Number:
  US12/190,823
• Publication Number:
  US 20100039061A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 320/101
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 7/027 Drinking equipment with water heaters, coolers or means for preventing freezing
• CPC Class Codes: E02B 1/003 Mechanically induced gas or liquid streams in seas, lakes or water-courses for forming weirs or breakwaters; making or keeping water surfaces free from ice, aerating or circulating water, e.g. screens of air-bubbles against sludge formation or salt water entry, pump-assisted water circulation moving sediments E02B3/023; for ice breakers B63B35/08; aerating or circulating water in fish-tanks A01K63/042; purification of waste water with addition of air C02F; distributing gases in liquids in general B01F23/20
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 20/70 Waterborne solar heat collector modules for working fluids forming pools or ponds F24S10/10
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 40/70 Preventing freezing arrangements for draining the working fluid F24S40/60
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/35 with light sensitive cells

Abstract

A self-contained solar-powered system and method prevent outdoor ice buildup. The apparatus includes a solar panel outputting electrical power, and a rechargeable battery in electrical communication with the solar panel for storing the power. An electrically operated air compressor is powered by the solar panel and/or battery, and a bubbler unit is in pneumatic communication with the air compressor, providing bubbler reaction to a water reservoir to be protected from freezing. An electronic controller is operative to activate electrical power switching apparatus on a per-demand basis. For example, at least one thermometer may be provided in electrical communication with the controller, with the controller being operative to activate the bubbler upon the detection that potential freezing may occur. The use of a controller and switching apparatus allows the battery to be charged at a higher capacity during times when freezing is unlikely.

Claims

1. A system for preventing outdoor ice build-up, comprising:

a solar panel outputting electrical power;

a rechargeable battery in electrical communication with the solar panel for storing the electrical power;

an electrically operated air compressor powered by the battery; and

a bubbler unit in pneumatic communication with the air compressor, the bubbler unit being submersed in water to be kept from freezing.

2. The system of claim 1, further including electrical switching apparatus to control the power supplied to the battery and the power supplied to the compressor from the battery;

and

a controller operative to activate the switching apparatus on a per-demand basis.

3. The system of claim 2, further including at least one thermometer in electrical communication with the controller, the controller being operative to activate the bubbler if potential freezing is detected by the thermometer.

4. The system of claim 3, including a plurality of thermometers, one disposed in the water to be protected from freezing, and another being disposed outside of the water to test for ambient air temperature.

5. The system of claim 1, further including a pet or animal watering vessel containing the water to be kept from freezing.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the solar panel and electronic components are disposed in a floating housing.

7. The system of claim 6, further including an anchor to keep the floating housing in a desired location.