Patent ID: 7384026

Claim:
A heating tower apparatus for heating a liquid which falls in a generally downward direction along a vertical axis, wherein the heating tower has opposing first and second side walls, comprising: a frame assembly that supports the heating tower; a liquid distribution assembly; a fill medium, wherein said liquid distribution assembly distributes liquid onto said fill medium; a hood that extends from said frame assembly, wherein said hood has a diameter D and has a shroud disposed therein and wherein said hood provides an air flow outlet; a track connected to said frame assembly, wherein said track extends at least partially around said frame assembly and said hood; a first air flow inlet that provides a first inlet air flow stream; a second air flow inlet that provides a second inlet air flow stream; a first door connected to said track, wherein said first door moves along said track between said hood and said first air flow inlet; a second door connected to said track, wherein said second door moves along said track between said hood and said second air flow inlet; a first actuating apparatus mounted to said frame assembly, wherein said first actuating apparatus is connected to said first door and extends and retracts said first door between the hood and the first air flow inlet; and a second actuating apparatus mounted to said frame assembly, wherein said second actuating apparatus is connected to said second door and extends and retracts said second door between said hood and said second air flow inlet, wherein the heating tower is operable in a first configuration in which said first door is extended in a first position on said hood and said second door is retracted in a second position over said second air flow inlet and wherein said first air flow inlet is open in said first configuration and said second air flow inlet is closed in said first configuration.