Patent · US Expired

Modular element with multiple conduits

US5415155A · kind A · utility

16Cited by
10References
5Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 8, 1993
Grant dateMay 16, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 8, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02P60/14
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

This modular element has several conduits disposed side by side, each pair of adjacent conduits being interconnected to form a rigid or flexible unit, each conduit has a male end and an opposite female end, the latter for joining with the male end of an aligned conduit of an adjacent modular element. The several conduits of a first modular element can therefore be simultaneously extended by the several conduits of a second modular element by simultaneously joining the female and male ends of the elements. These elements can be in the form of panels to be joined together to form, for instance, a solar panel or a floor covering with a circulating heat transfer fluid through the conduits. The conduits may also serve as protected passages for underground electrical wires. The conduits may be provided with sprinkler holes to water plants. The panels preferably have interlocking means on their sides which are parallel to the conduits for interlocking adjacent panels and these sides may be provided with fastening zones to fasten the panels to an underlying surface. The panels can be fitted with a transparent cover enclosing an air chamber allowing sun rays therethrough but preventing heat…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.