Snow and ice melting device, system and corresponding methods

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a device that is configured to melt at least one of snow and ice, comprising a coil formed from an elongated member having a first end and a second end, the elongated member having a surface comprising at least one of grooves, notches and pores configured to facilitate movement of liquid by capillary action. Corresponding methods and systems also are disclosed.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A snow and ice melting device that comprises:
 multiple spiral shaped coils, each having an axis, each coil having a notched, grooved or porous outer surface that facilitates capillary action and thus evaporation of melt water; and   a tether configured to fasten multiple coils in a fixed configuration comprising one of:   a first configuration with the respective axes being are side-by-side and parallel to one another, and   a second configuration with the respective axes extending radially relative to one another.   
     
     
         2 . The snow and ice melting device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the spiral shaped coils is about 6 inches to about 24 inches in length. 
     
     
         3 . The snow and ice melting device of  claim 1 , wherein the individual spiral shaped coils have a pitch geometry that enables placement within close proximity to other coils. 
     
     
         4 . The snow and ice melting device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the spiral shaped coils comprises a solid core. 
     
     
         5 . The snow and ice melting device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the spiral shaped coils comprises a hollow core. 
     
     
         6 . The snow and ice melting device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the spiral shaped coils is non-electric and non-electronic. 
     
     
         7 . A device configured to melt at least one of snow and ice, comprising:
 multiple spiral shaped coils, each having an axis, each coil having a notched, grooved or porous outer surface that facilitates capillary action wherein the liquid moves by capillary action against gravity, and thus evaporates melt water, and   a tether configured to fasten multiple coils in a fixed configuration comprising one of:   a first configuration with the respective axes being side-by-side and parallel to one another, and   a second configuration with the respective axes extending radially relative to one another.   
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the liquid is water. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein each coil has a hollow core. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein each coil has a solid core. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the outer surface of each coil comprises pores. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein each coil is formed from a material having a thermal conductivity of at least 2 watts per meter-Kelvin. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein each coil is formed from at least one of a thermoplastic and a thermoset material. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one of a thermoplastic and a thermoset material is coated with, or combined with, a metal. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein each coil is formed from, or coated with, a material that absorbs radiant solar energy. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein each coil is non-electric and non-electronic. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein each coil is formed from a thermoplastic or thermoset material and is non-electric and non-electronic, the tether fastens the coils in the first configuration, and each coil has a length in the range of 10 to 24 inches and a diameter in the range of 8 to 20 inches. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein each coil is formed from a thermoplastic material partially or completely coated by a metal. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein the thermoplastic material comprises at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, and polyurethane. 
     
     
         20 . A method of melting at least one of snow and ice, comprising: forming a coil comprising an elongated member having a first end and a second end, the elongated member being formed from a material that absorbs radiant solar energy, the coil having an outer surface comprising at least one of grooves, notches, and pores configured to facilitate movement of liquid by capillary action, fastening the coil to at least one other coil having a similar configuration using a tether, and placing the connected coils in contact with at least one of snow and ice.