Process Patents (Class 37/197)
  • Patent number: 11841445
    Abstract: A satellite positioning signal receiving device that performs positioning using satellite observation information in a plurality of frequency bands enables gradual addition in accordance with a required number of frequency bands. The satellite positioning signal receiving device includes at least one satellite positioning signal receiving circuit that supports a single frequency band, receives a satellite positioning signal, and generates satellite observation information. Each of the satellite positioning signal receiving circuits includes a synchronization control interface that synchronizes the satellite positioning signal receiving circuits with each other, and a satellite information transmission interface that shares the satellite observation information between the satellite positioning signal receiving circuits. The satellite positioning signal receiving device performs positioning on the basis of satellite observation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsuhiro Futami, Katsuyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 11491988
    Abstract: In a driving assistance device for a vehicle provided with an automatic driving mode and a manual driving mode, a standby member is provided to allow a driver seated at a seat to rest an arm. A sensor senses that a hand of a driver is placed at a position where the driver can reach the sensor while the driver rests the arm on the standby member. The sensor senses that a finger of the driver is in contact with the sensor. The sensor is provided in an arm rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Inuzuka
  • Patent number: 11351864
    Abstract: A snowplow having a snow removal mechanism, the snowplow comprises: an obtainment unit configured to obtain topography information prior to snow accumulation; and a projection unit configured to, based on the topography information prior to snow accumulation obtained b the obtainment unit, project an image indicating the topography information prior to snow accumulation on a surface of accumulated snow that is to be removed by the snow removal mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Manabu Dobashi, Koji Kuriyagawa, Hiroshi Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 10966071
    Abstract: A control system of a first agricultural system includes a first controller having a processor and a memory. The first controller is configured to instruct a display to present a map of a work area, in which the map includes a selectable icon corresponding to a second agricultural system, and the selectable icon is positioned at a location on the map corresponding to a position of the second agricultural system within the work area. The first controller is also configured to receive selection of the selectable icon, to output a request to pair with the second agricultural system in response to receiving the selection, and to pair the first agricultural system with the second agricultural system in response to receiving a pairing confirmation from the second agricultural system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Yaseen Suleman, Brett Carson McClelland
  • Patent number: 10934672
    Abstract: An assembly for releasable attachment to a vehicle. The assembly comprises a frame including a mounting member configured to be mounted onto the vehicle, a plow blade mounted to the frame and a power broom coupled to the frame and disposed between the mounting member and the plow blade. The power broom is configured to be disposed in front of a most forward wheel of the vehicle relative to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle. The power broom is also configured to rotate to sweep snow away from the power broom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: J.A. LARUE INC.
    Inventor: Denis Larue
  • Patent number: 9057163
    Abstract: A pavement repair system is provided utilizing solid phase auto regenerative cohesion and homogenization by liquid asphalt oligopolymerization technologies. The system is suitable for use in repairing asphalt pavement, including pavement exhibiting a high degree of deterioration (as manifested in the presence of potholes, cracks, ruts, or the like) as well as pavement that has been subject to previous repair and may comprise a substantial amount of dirt and other debris (e.g., chipped road paint or other damaged or disturbed surfacing materials). A system utilizing homogenization by liquid asphalt oligopolymerization is suitable for rejuvenating or repairing aged asphalt, thereby improving properties of the paving material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Inventor: William B. Coe
  • Publication number: 20150135559
    Abstract: A plow blade guard adapted for attachment to a selected plow blade, particularly a plow blade attached to an ATV, and method of use is disclosed. The plow blade guard includes an elongated tubular member having an elongated slot formed along its length, the elongated slot is adapted to receive the cutting edge or lower edge of a selected plow blade. The plow blade guard is held place by an attachment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: TORNEY DREAM PLOW, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher J. Tordik
  • Patent number: 9014925
    Abstract: A system for determining a ripping path includes a position sensing system, a work implement, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a plurality of positions of the machine as the machine moves along an operating path and the work implement moves a volume of material and sense the material characteristics of at each of the plurality of positions along the operating path. The controller is further configured to determine the ripping path based upon the material characteristics sensed at the plurality of positions and store the ripping path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Clar, Seth J. Redenbo, Brian G. Funke
  • Publication number: 20150068074
    Abstract: A snow thrower comprises a main auger having a first diameter, an auxiliary auger above the first auger and an impeller. In one implementation, the impeller has a second diameter greater than the first diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: James W. Mast, Samuel J. Gerritts
  • Publication number: 20150027008
    Abstract: A shovel device designed for pushing and pulling along a surface to remove accumulated snow. The preferred device includes a substantially vertical blade having a curved surface, a pivoting bracket assembly, and a handle. The bracket assembly includes either a C-shaped bracket attached to a rod or a pivoting collar, both of which secure the handle to the blade. The handle may be releasably attached to the blade through one of the two bracket assemblies to allow either pushing or pulling the blade through, e.g., a snow pile. Optional wheels, which may pivot about a vertical axis, may be mounted to the convex surface of the vertical blade, via a bracket or other suitable connector, to facilitate movement of the device along a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Cedric D. Barron
  • Publication number: 20150007461
    Abstract: A snow thrower head comprises an impeller and an auger disposed within a housing. The impeller is to contact a surface to be cleared by the impeller. The impeller is rotatable within the housing about a first axis while the auger is rotatable within the housing about a second axis above and forward the first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Jacob J. Schmalz
  • Patent number: 8915308
    Abstract: Automatic height control of a dozer blade, the input from the slow absolute height sensor is combined with an input from a gyroscope that measures the instant rotation and recalculates it into a vertical height change using the length of the supporting arms. The combination obtains the accuracy of the absolute height information and an increased speed of measurement resulting in a compensated height estimate that is input to a hydraulic control system of the feedback type. This enables much more aggressive control even though the hydraulic system has an unknown linearity and delay associated with it. The gyroscopic sensor forms an IMU with one degree of freedom to compensate for drawbacks of the absolute height sensor with regard to delay, noise and update rate to obtain a frequent, time-correct height position with a reduced level of noise by means of a calculation based on both types of sensor output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Mikrofyn A/S
    Inventors: Claus Joergensen, Lars Kjaergaard
  • Patent number: 8887412
    Abstract: A motor grader includes a tracking system indicating the location of the motor grader relative to a desired snow plowing path. The tracking system may also indicate the location of prerecorded obstacles along the desired snow plowing path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Brian Christopher Proeber, Timoth A. Wilcox, Barry Schaffter, Michael E. Kennedy, Richard J. Erwin, Nathan Horstman, Robert Meegan
  • Publication number: 20140298690
    Abstract: A snowplow blade articulator assembly includes a mounting frame for attaching a snowplow blade to a vehicle chassis. A hydraulic pump and a hydraulic reservoir are attached to the mounting frame, the hydraulic reservoir supplying hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic pump. An articulating assembly is attached to the mounting frame for moving the snowplow blade when the snowplow blade is attached to the mounting frame, the articulating assembly is fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump, and the articulating assembly includes a lift cylinder and a hydraulic manifold. The hydraulic manifold includes a downforce circuit that fluidly isolates the lift cylinder from the hydraulic pump when a first control valve is closed and the downforce circuit fluidly connects a lift chamber of the lift cylinder with a lower chamber of the lift cylinder to maintain equal hydraulic pressure in the lift chamber and in the lower chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Jon K. Walimaa, Jody Christy
  • Publication number: 20140290101
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a snowplow arranged to be towed behind a vehicle. The towed snowplow comprises: a frame removably securable to the vehicle; at least one moldboard mounted to said frame and extending under said frame; and at least one pivotable side wing plow mounted to one side of the frame and configurable between a non-operative configuration and a snow plowing configuration in which the at least one pivotable side wing plow extends laterally from the side of the frame. It also relates to a method for plowing snow using a towed snowplow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: SERVICE D'ÉQUIPEMENT G.D. INC.
    Inventors: Michel Arsenault, Guy Deschenes, Hugues Cantin
  • Publication number: 20140283417
    Abstract: An apparatus for remotely performing an operation on a roof including a frame assembly configured to be positioned on the roof, a pivot assembly configured to couple to an external anchor point such that the frame assembly is positioned between the pivot assembly and an operating position, and a flexible control line including a first segment having a first end coupled to the frame assembly and extending in substantially a first direction to a second end disposed at the operating position, and a second segment having a first end coupled to the frame assembly and extending in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction through the pivot assembly, which redirects the second segment to the first direction, to a second end at the operating position, wherein pulling the second ends of the first and second segments controls movement of the frame assembly on the roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Michael John Annen
  • Publication number: 20140237862
    Abstract: A self-driven device to resurface an ice rink. The device includes a rotating brush to sweep the ice anterior to a blade used to the scrape the ice. Collected snow is moved into a hot water tank where it is melted and moved to a warm water tank for redeposit onto the skating surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Paul J. van Eijl, Kevin G. Christ
  • Publication number: 20140215863
    Abstract: Snowblower adjustable deflector control devices, systems, and methods can include a control cable connected at one end to a movable deflector of a discharge chute of a snowblower, a control lever pivotably connected to a machine handle of the snowblower, and a lever guide connected to the machine handle. The control lever can have a first end comprising a grip portion, a second end connected to the control cable, and at least one protrusion extending from the control lever, and the lever guide can be configured to selectively retain the at least one protrusion in any of one or more angular positions corresponding to one or more deflector positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Wians, Dean E. Hartley
  • Publication number: 20140115933
    Abstract: A snow rake used to clear snow or ice from roofs, with air or steam assistance, respectively. A system comprising a rake head, at least one extension tube, a control handle, two pressurized supply lines, wherein the pressurized supply lines carry a fluid, and a fluid source. A rake head comprising a platform, a blade, at least one pressurized transport feed line, at least one nozzle, a tubular connecting column and a quick release connector. When used in air assistance mode, the snow rake lifts snow from the roof prior to clearing the snow with the blade. When used in steam assistance mode, the snow rake melts ice dams on the roof. The system can further comprise a yoke and additional extension tubes, wherein the yoke acts as a fulcrum for the system to facilitate ease of use in air or steam assistance modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: William Andrew Faragher
  • Publication number: 20140090278
    Abstract: Snowblower chute control devices, systems, and methods are provided and can include a positioning rod having a first end pivotably connected to a machine handle and a second end connected to a snowblower chute such that rotation of the positioning rod about a longitudinal axis causes rotation of the snowblower chute. A control lever can be connected to the positioning rod such that the control lever is substantially fixed with respect to the positioning rod for rotation about the longitudinal axis but is pivotable with respect to the positioning rod about a pivot axis that intersects the longitudinal axis. The snowblower chute position control device can further include a positioning guide configured to retain the control lever at one or more selected angular positions with respect to the longitudinal axis corresponding to one or more desired rotational positions of the snowblower chute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventor: Tyler Ricketts
  • Publication number: 20140013633
    Abstract: A snowthrower includes a body, a chute rotatable relative to the body among multiple chute positions, wherein the chute is configured to discharge snow from the snowthrower, a motor for rotating the chute, a chute position detector configured to detect a current chute position, a compass sensor configured to detect a snowthrower bearing, and an electronic control unit configured to, in a compass guidance operating mode, control the motor to move the chute to an appropriate chute position to maintain the chute at a preferred chute bearing in response to a comparison of the snowthrower bearing detected by the compass sensor and the current chute position detected by the chute position detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Jason J. Raasch, Robert Koenen, Dan Brueck
  • Publication number: 20140000132
    Abstract: A roof top snow removing apparatus includes a plowing unit configure to plow snow disposed upon a roof top, a motor unit coupled to and providing a motive force for the plowing unit, a track system to guide the motor unit about the roof top, and a controller to control the motor unit based on received input from a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Fahad Alammari
  • Publication number: 20130326918
    Abstract: An exterior defrosting system for a motor vehicle comprising: a heat source; a systems of ducts arranged on the under side of the vehicle; and a plurality of vents along the duct system, where the vents provide a stream of hot air on the underside of the vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, at least one vent may be positioned near each wheel of the vehicle. A heat source such as a vent box may force air through the duct system, where the plurality of vents is placed a frame of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Yahya Muhammad
  • Publication number: 20130318838
    Abstract: A snowplow blade articulator assembly includes a mounting frame for attaching a snowplow blade to a vehicle chassis. A hydraulic pump and a hydraulic reservoir are attached to the mounting frame, the hydraulic reservoir supplying hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic pump. An articulating assembly is attached to the mounting frame for moving the snowplow blade when the snowplow blade is attached to the mounting frame, the articulating assembly is fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump, and the articulating assembly includes a lift cylinder and a hydraulic manifold. The hydraulic manifold includes a downforce circuit that fluidly isolates the lift cylinder from the hydraulic pump when a first control valve is closed and the downforce circuit fluidly connects a lift chamber of the lift cylinder with a lower chamber of the lift cylinder to maintain equal hydraulic pressure in the lift chamber and in the lower chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: NORTHERN STAR INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jon K. Walimaa, Jody Christy
  • Publication number: 20130212912
    Abstract: A material pushing apparatus is disclosed that has a central blade, at least one removable side plate attached to the central blade and a segmented scraping edge flexibly attached to the central blade along the bottom longitudinal edge of the blade. A position sensor is attached between the blade and the scraping edge and produces a position signal that is displayed to indicate the relative position between the blade and edge in order to characterize the amount of downward pressure applied to the scraping edge. Other aspects and features of the disclosed apparatus include a tilt sensor and display, and an improved coupler having shock-absorbing features and a cam-type clamping arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Pro-Tech Manufacturing and Distribution, Inc.
    Inventor: Pro-Tech Manufacturing and Distribution, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130192096
    Abstract: A ski slope snow grooming method, whereby a ski slope grooming implement is moved in a travelling direction along the snow covering; and coherent-energy beams are projected onto the snow covering to form furrows in the snow covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: ROLIC INVEST S.AR.L.
    Inventor: Martin Runggaldier
  • Publication number: 20130167411
    Abstract: A snow clearing device preferably for removing snow from a sloping house roof, including at least one plate of semi-rigid material, wherein at least one long side has corrugations or teeth for cutting sideways into a snow layer, and having handles for cutting motion arranged on at least one side of the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Jan-Scott Bjørthun
  • Publication number: 20130145658
    Abstract: A plow blade guard adapted for attachment to a selected plow blade and method of use is disclosed. The plow blade guard includes an elongated tubular member having an elongated slot formed along its length, the elongated slot is adapted to receive the cutting edge or lower edge of a selected plow blade. The plow blade guard is held place by brackets, chains and clamps. The guard may include handles to facilitate installation and removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Tomey dream Plow, LLC
    Inventor: CHRISTOPHER J. TORDIK
  • Publication number: 20130111785
    Abstract: A snow removal system includes a tool having a blade and a boom. The boom includes a first end portion connected to the blade and a second end portion configured to be releasably, pivotally mounted to a loader arm of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Corbin Fehr
  • Patent number: 8393094
    Abstract: A snow removal assembly includes a covering that is positionable on a ground surface. The covering includes a plurality of panels that are slidably coupled together to allow a combined length of the panels to be selectively lengthened or retracted. The covering is lengthened to a selected length and placed on the ground surface. The covering may then be moved to remove any snow which falls on the covering to leave an exposed ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Brian Legenza
  • Publication number: 20130042506
    Abstract: A non-powered lift mechanism may be used with a vehicle, such as an ATV, having a support rack and a snowplow assembly including a blade that plows snow. The lift mechanism may include a frame that is mounted to the support rack; an input shaft pivotally mounted to the frame; a handle that is operatively attached to the input shaft; and, a cable having one end connected to the input shaft and a second end connected to the blade. The handle may be manually adjusted by the operator to pivot the input shaft to cause the cable to adjust the blade between: an operational/lowered position; and, a non-operational/raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Marty Warchola
  • Patent number: 8296975
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing snow from the surface of a pitched roof that is a substantially rectangular, flat, flexible sheet with a snow grasping surface and a snow sliding surface, said sheet being conformable to the shape of the snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Alex J. Wing
  • Publication number: 20120246977
    Abstract: A motor grader is disclosed having a tracking system indicating the location of the motor grader relative to a desired snow plowing path. The tracking system may also indicate the location of prerecorded obstacles along the desired snow plowing path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Deere and Company
    Inventors: Brian Christopher Proeber, Timothy A. Wilcox, Barry Schaffter, Michael E. Kennedy, Richard J. Erwin, Nathan Horsman, Robert Meegan
  • Publication number: 20120180345
    Abstract: A snowplow assembly may combine a wireless control system used to raise and lower a plow blade with a mechanism that automatically pivots the plow blade from side to side based on the load encountered by the plow blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Marty Warchola, Jim Ropog
  • Publication number: 20120174445
    Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The roll angle facilitates correction of the lateral motion induced position errors resultant from motion of the antennae as the vehicle moves based on an offset to ground and the roll angle. Alternative aspects include multiple-antenna GNSS guidance methods for high-dynamic roll compensation, real-time kinematic (RTK) using single-frequency (L1) receivers, fixed and moving baselines between antennas, multi-position GNSS tail guidance (“breadcrumb following”) for crosstrack error correction, guiding multiple vehicles and pieces of equipment relative to each other, and snow grooming equipment and method applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, Andrè C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead
  • Publication number: 20120117831
    Abstract: A snow removal system for artificial turf and other fragile surfaces is disclosed. The present invention comprises a tubular metallic pipe or sleeve of a length sufficient to cover the entire blade on a snowplow, having flared or curved-up end components, a channel in which the snowplow blade can be placed, and relatively large-surface-area “footies” to disperse the weight of the snowplow blade and system. The footies can have flared or curved-up edges so that they can glide over the artificial turf surface instead of digging in or otherwise damaging the surface. In other embodiments, the system is used without footies. A means of attaching the device to various snowplows is described as is a recommended method of using the system to remove snow from a surface. It is to be understood that the system can be used on other, relatively fragile surfaces in addition to artificial turf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory Gatewood Lathrop, Taylor Sue Lathrop
  • Publication number: 20120055049
    Abstract: A snow removal device has a body, a shovel connected to the body and positioned at a lower end of the body, a snow catcher connected to the body, and one or more motive elements. The snow catcher is positioned behind the shovel such that when the shovel is tilted back, loose material in the shovel falls into the snow catcher. When the body is tilted back, the shovel also tilts back. The body acts as a lever arm on the shovel, allowing heavy loads to be tilted back with minimal force. A foot pedal facilitates pushing the shovel into loose material. The angle between the body and shovel is 120 degrees. The body is collapsible. The snow catcher has an outer lip and the shovel has sidewalls for retaining loose material. One or more of the motive elements serves as a pivot point for the snow removal device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Yancheski
  • Publication number: 20110265353
    Abstract: A plow shovel configured to create a path in snow by pushing the snow along a surface without lifting the snow. The plow shovel has a handle attached to a scoop having a first side and a second side. The scoop has a multi-sided plow component configured to part snow and makes a path without lifting the shovel as the plow shovel is pushed forward. A method of clearing a path in snow using the plow shovel described is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Frederick David Kaplan
  • Patent number: 8037618
    Abstract: Device for dewatering and drying solids, especially plastics granulated under water, in form of a centrifuge dryer comprising a housing (1) having an inlet opening (2) for the solid material with adhering water and an outlet opening (3) for the dehydrated solid material, a screen cylinder (4) fixedly disposed inside the housing (1), a rotor (5) arranged inside the screen cylinder (4) and wings (6) attached to the rotor at a distance from one another, a water drain (7), and arrangements (8, 8?) for the introduction and removal of an air stream passing vertically through the device. It is distinguished on the one hand in that the inlet opening (2) is arranged tangential to the screen cylinder (4, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: ECON Maschinenbau und Steuerungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Hehenberger, Johannes Remili
  • Patent number: 8037624
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method of clearing an accumulation of matter from a surface is provided. The apparatus includes a collecting section, a casting section, and a shifting section. The shifting section is at least one of a diverting section, a sweeping section, and an air blowing section. The collecting section includes a blade and is in matter communication with the casting section. The diverting section includes an auxiliary blade oriented at an angle about an axis transverse to a direction of travel. The sweeping section includes a rotatable broom with bristles. The air blowing section is configured to blow air in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: 3RD Millennium Solutions, Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephen Lyle McKeown, Daniel Andrew Faux
  • Publication number: 20110197479
    Abstract: An open mesh apparatus or net can be used for collecting and removing fallen snow, leaves, fruits, or other debris from an area of ground. The apparatus can include several panels hinged together for capturing snow or other material between the panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Philip Secker
  • Publication number: 20110167681
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing snow from the surface of a pitched roof that is a substantially rectangular, flat, flexible sheet with a snow grasping surface and a snow sliding surface, said sheet being conformable to the shape of the snow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Alex J. Wing
  • Publication number: 20110138660
    Abstract: The present invention is a snow removal attachment device used in combination with a piece of snow removal equipment that includes a rubberized pushing tool that is disposed in front of the snow removal attachment device that pushes and moves snow while being used in combination with the snow removal equipment and a mounting and support bracket that removably mounts and secures the rubberized pushing tool to the snow removal equipment. There is also a quick release plate that attaches the mounting and support bracket to the snow removal equipment and a stabilizing chain that stabilizes said rubberized pushing tool and said mounting and support bracket. The invention can also be used to move silage and also includes a method of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Chad Wyman Van Laecken
  • Publication number: 20110126433
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for forming a terrain feature such as a snow half pipe used by snow-boarders or skiers. Known half-pipe cutters are inaccurate and limited in height which limits the quality of the formed snow course. The apparatus comprises a frame which comprises an attachment for a self-actuated vehicle and a tool member adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the terrain feature; at least one primary forming surface, such as a belt, running over a working surface of the tool member to form the terrain feature; at least one secondary forming surface, in the form of a heated bar and finishing mats, to contact the formed terrain feature and provide a finish to its surface; and a guidance device, such as a laser guided device, to determine the position of the tool member with respect to the terrain surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: John Featherstone Melville
  • Publication number: 20100281718
    Abstract: Snowblowers and related methods are disclosed wherein a snowblower can include a snowblower housing, an auger connected to the housing, at least one wheel attached to the housing, and a machine control component. The machine control component can be movable to selectively control the movement of the wheels relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. In particular, the machine control component can be movable to a disengaged position, in which the at least one wheel is positioned in the first position and the auger is raised above a ground surface. The machine control component can further be moved to an engaged position, in which the at least one wheel is positioned in the second position and the auger is operatively engaged with the ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Jason R. Van Buren, Jorgen K. Meister, Kevin D. King
  • Publication number: 20100229431
    Abstract: A snow plow includes a primary moldboard and auxiliary plow positioned behind the primary moldboard. The snow plow may be a one-way or reversible snow plow. In the later case, the primary moldboard and auxiliary plow are attached to a drive frame that is rotatable about a frame. The frame is secured to the front of a vehicle by a frame and bracket, and controlled by hydraulic mechanisms. The auxiliary plow is operated independently of the moldboard by a pair of hydraulic cylinders and includes tines or a resilient blade for clearing snow and ice that is not taken up by the primary moldboard. The device also includes a mechanism whereby the scraping edge of the secondary plow follows the same path as the scraping edge of moldboard by sliding movement of the secondary plow relative to the drive frame, and the blade of the auxiliary plow may be formed by tines or a resilient blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: CIVES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Amiya Mishra, Gerald Simpson, William John Reeves
  • Publication number: 20100218401
    Abstract: A snow plow includes a primary moldboard and auxiliary plow positioned behind the primary moldboard. The snow plow may be a one-way or reversible snow plow. In the later case, the primary moldboard and auxiliary plow are attached to a drive frame that is rotatable about a frame. The frame is secured to the front of a vehicle by a frame and bracket, and controlled by hydraulic mechanisms. The auxiliary plow is operated independently of the moldboard by a pair of hydraulic cylinders and includes tines or a resilient blade for clearing snow and ice that is not taken up by the primary moldboard. The device also includes a mechanism whereby the scraping edge of the secondary plow follows the same path as the scraping edge of moldboard by sliding movement of the secondary plow relative to the drive frame, and the blade of the auxiliary plow may be formed by tines or a resilient blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: CIVES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Amiya Mishra, Gerald Simpson, William John Reeves
  • Publication number: 20100205834
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method of clearing an accumulation of matter from a surface is provided. The apparatus includes a collecting section, a casting section, and a shifting section. The shifting section is at least one of a diverting section, a sweeping section, and an air blowing section. The collecting section includes a blade and is in matter communication with the casting section. The diverting section includes an auxiliary blade oriented at an angle about an axis transverse to a direction of travel. The sweeping section includes a rotatable broom with bristles. The air blowing section is configured to blow air in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: 3RD MILLENNIUM SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Lyle McKeown, Daniel Andrew Faux
  • Publication number: 20100064554
    Abstract: A snowplow wing attached to the end of a snowplow blade may be manually adjusted into position to increase the operative width of the snowplowing surface, and otherwise capture or direct the flow of snow being plowed
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Jim Ropog
  • Publication number: 20100037491
    Abstract: A rechargeable snow removal device for displacing snow from a variety of locations may include a portable frame with a plurality of wheels. Further, the device may include a primary snow intake section connected to a front end of the frame, a power-actuated vacuum mechanism, and an exhaust nozzle for discharging snow away from the frame. Also, the device may include first and second power sources, preferably a power cord and rechargeable battery respectively. A mechanism for directing and interrupting power from the first and second power sources to the vacuum mechanism may also be included, such that the device may continuously receive power from at least one source. A power distribution interface may be controlled by a user interface and may operate a plurality of switches to direct power from the sources accordingly. Additionally, an auxiliary snow intake section may be included for collecting snow in limited space areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Mary Ann Parker