Abstract: An efficient sand tube heater including a flexible heating element wrapped around a sand tube. The flexible heating element and sand tube are then surrounded by a heat sensitive sheathing. Heat is applied to the heat sensitive sheathing such that the heat sensitive sheathing shrinks around the flexible heating element and sand tube such that the flexible heating element remains in contact with the sand tube.

Abstract: An efficient sand tube heater including a flexible heating element wrapped around a sand tube. The flexible heating element and sand tube are then surrounded by a heat sensitive sheathing. Heat is applied to the heat sensitive sheathing such that the heat sensitive sheathing shrinks around the flexible heating element and sand tube such that the flexible heating element remains in contact with the sand tube.

Abstract: A land vehicle traction control device consisting of a box containing sand, or other suitable anti-skid material, mounted near the wheels of a vehicle, a mechanism which controls the flow of sand to the wheels, and a nozzle that distributes material or sand to the wheels, said nozzle containing an ice pick and a heater element for discharging ice buildup. The control mechanism is activated by a selenoid which gets its power form the tail or stop lights and is controlled by switches located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a sand-dispensing device for motor vehicles there is provided a refillable sand container, a sand channel with a sand outlet closable by a flap that opens downwards, and a heating system in the contact area of the flap at the sand outlet. This comprises an electrical heating wire that is provided in the contact area such as in the walls of the sand outlet or in the flap and/or in a gasket between the flap and the sand outlet. The heating system helps prevent the flap freezing shut on account of road spray, snow and cold, and thus preserves the functional capability of the sanding system.

Abstract: A heated sand spreader apparatus has an inclined elongated screw conveyor mounted at the rear end of a mobile chassis for receiving and conveying sand in a rearward direction along a spiraling path. A plurality of heat generators are attached to the conveyor for directing heat on the sand grains moving within the conveyor. The grains are heated to such a degree that upon subsequent contact with ice on a road surface the grains will melt the ice and deposit in it. After the ice refreezes the grains form a granular surface on the ice. The apparatus includes a broadcast-type spreader supported from the auger conveyor which receives heated sand therefrom and is operated to uniformly broadcast the sand grains on the road surface at the rear of the mobile chassis.