Abstract: The present invention is defined by having a bucket support configured to support a snow bucket on an ice resurfacing machine. The support includes a plate welded to an intermediate portion of a rod. A handle formed into an upper portion of the rod. A top bracket defined to include a notch sized to receive, for rotation therein, the intermediate portion of the rod. The top bracket further including machine openings to secure the top bracket to a first portion of the ice resurfacing machine. A base bracket configured to secure against a base portion of the ice resurfacing machine. The base bracket including a base opening sized to receive the lower portion of the rod, permitting rotation of the rod therein.

Abstract: A system and method for deploying scratchers for a tracked vehicle, such as a snowmobile, are described. The scratchers can be deployed in response to the engine temperature of the tracked vehicle exceeding a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the scratchers can be deployed via actuation of a switch by an operator.

Abstract: A coordinated control method and system for a work vehicle having a primary implement and a secondary implement and one or more controllers. The controller(s) receive a primary implement position input, which is used to generate a primary implement control command to drive one or more primary actuators to position the primary implement. The controller(s) generate a secondary implement control command that is coordinated with the primary implement position input to drive one or more secondary actuators to position the secondary implement in a relative orientation with respect to an orientation of the primary implement resulting from the primary implement control command.

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 system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics. Relative orientations and attitudes between motive and working components can be determined using optical sensors and cameras. The system can also be used to guide multiple vehicles in relation to each other.

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 system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics. Relative orientations and attitudes between motive and working components can be determined using optical sensors and cameras. The system can also be used to guide multiple vehicles in relation to each other.

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.

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 system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics. Relative orientations and attitudes between motive and working components can be determined using optical sensors and cameras. The system can also be used to guide multiple vehicles in relation to each other.

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 system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics. Relative orientations and attitudes between motive and working components can be determined using optical sensors and cameras. The system can also be used to guide multiple vehicles in relation to each other.

Abstract: A bulldozer includes a folding blade that includes a base blade having opposed ends. A first blade portion is rotatably movable about an axis near one end of the base blade. A second blade portion is rotatably movable about an axis near an end of the base blade opposite the first blade portion. The first blade portion and the second blade portion are rotatably movable relative to the base blade between extended and retracted positions. Each blade portion includes a selectably removable first pin and a selectably removable second pin. When installed, the first pin secures each of the first blade portion and the second blade portion in the extended position and the retracted position relative to the base blade, and when installed, the second pin secures each of the first blade portion and the second blade portion in the extended position relative to the base blade.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for converting existing ice resurfacers to reuse collected ice and snow for further ice resurfacing. The systems, methods and devices allows for efficient, clean and environmental friendly ice resurfacing. The conversion includes the modification and/or replacement of the snow dump tank, main water tank and the installing of heating and power systems. This invention is designed for present machines and for incorporation into future manufacturing of ice resurfacers. While reducing the requirement for large amounts of fresh water, the surface water being pre-heated by two commercial hot water tanks, it also reduces the amount of labour and costs associated with ice resurfacing.

Abstract: An ice scratcher for attachment to a snowmobile has a first ice scratcher end, a second ice scratcher end opposite the first ice scratcher end, a first coil spring having a first spring axis disposed at or near the first ice scratcher end, a first elongated member having a first end connected to the first coil spring, a second coil spring connected to a second end of the first elongated member, the second coil spring having a second spring axis, and a second elongated member having a first end connected to the second coil spring and a second end at or near the second ice scratcher end. Alternative embodiments of the ice scratcher are disclosed. A snowmobile having the ice scratcher is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing or changing a shaving blade secured or securable to a blade holder beam of an ice resurfacing machine via a plurality of screws, and including a blade carrier. For each of the screws, the blade carrier is provided with a respective fixing element configured to cooperate with a head of that screw. The fixing elements reliably fix these screws in a prescribed position.

Abstract: A snow groomer, equipped with a winch assembly to aid handling of the snow groomer on steep slopes, has a frame; a user interface; a control unit; and the winch assembly, which has a support structure fixed or connected to the frame, a drum that rotates with respect to the support structure about an axis, a cable fixed or connected at one end to the drum and wound about the drum, an actuator assembly for rotating the drum about the axis, and a sensor for determining the position of the drum about the axis; the control unit being configured to control the cable as a function of the position of the drum and the geometry of the drum.

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.

Abstract: Snow groomer for treating snow-covered surfaces, the snow groomer having an internal combustion engine and at least one generator connected via power electronics to at least one electric motor for a rotational functional drive of the snow groomer, wherein two generators are connected in parallel between the internal combustion engine and the power electronics.

Abstract: A device for trimming the high points off of the ice of a curling rink includes an elongated blade mounted to an elongated mounting block, and a plurality of setscrews threaded into threaded openings in the mounting block for adjusting the flatness of the blade, enabling a long blade to be used that is both accurate and relatively inexpensive.

Abstract: An ice re-surfacing machine induces ultrasonic frequency vibrations onto the ice shaving blade. The vibrating blade can be pulled across the ice with less pressure and provides an improved finished surface.

Abstract: An ice-particle spray generating device for use on snow vehicles is disclosed. The present invention provides an adapter having a locking device to prevent the connecting means of the ice-particle spray generating device to loosen when the snow vehicle is travelling.

Abstract: An ice resurfacing sled including a fuel source directing fuel to a manifold which distributes it under a regulated pressure to a plurality of orifices where it is burned in expansion chambers. The hot gas flows into a melting chamber formed by a top surface, two lateral sled runners and the surface of the ice to be melted. The melting chamber is shaped to have a reduced cross sectional area near its rear outlet to assist in maintaining the flow of heated gas beneath the sled to optimize melting. A wind screen is provided at the rear of the sled to prevent tail winds from disrupting the flow of hot gas through the melting chamber.

Abstract: A piste processing implement having a finisher arrangement which is composed of an elastically flexible material and which is provided, on its underside facing toward a piste surface, with profilings which form a profile pattern in the piste surface during towing operation. The profilings have differently designed profiling sections distributed over a width of the finisher arrangement, with at least a first profiling section being provided which has a greater width and a smaller depth than the second profiling sections.

Abstract: A ski slope snow tiller having a frame connected to a tractor movable in a travelling direction; a shaft crosswise to the travelling direction and fitted with tools for working the snow cover; a casing surrounding the shaft; a mat towed over the surface of the snow cover, behind the casing; and a guard located at least over the casing and the mat, to prevent snow accumulating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piste grooming vehicle with a point of application for cable forces that is associated with a cable winch, the point being at a distance from a yaw axis of the piste grooming machine, at least one control device being provided and being operatively connected to at least one control for automatically compensating at least one cable torque that can be applied by a cable traction force of the cable winch in relation to the yaw axis.

Abstract: A blade for an ice resurfacer having mounting holes is disclosed and has: one or more indexing holes; threaded sockets provided one for each mounting hole; and an operative position whereat each socket is contiguous with its hole. In use, a locating pin is threaded in a socket and received by the hole for said socket. Also provided is a tray, a jack and an indexing pin for each indexing hole. The tray holds the blade. Each indexing pin is received in use by its hole. The jack moves the tray between first and second positions associated with first and second configurations of the jack. In the first configuration, the assembly can move a loading position. In the second configuration, when the blade is held by the tray and the apparatus is in the loading position, the locating pins are received by mounting holes and the blade is operatively positioned.

Abstract: Snow groomer for treating snow-covered surfaces, the snow groomer having an internal combustion engine and least one generator connected via power electronics to at least one electric motor for a rotational functional drive of the snow groomer, wherein two generators connected in parallel between the internal combustion engine and the power electronics.

Abstract: A support mount for a receiver in an ice resurfacing machine, an ice resurfacing machine, a system for making an ice surface level with a desired horizontal plane and its kits of each of them. A receiver is mounted on a support mount for maintaining an ice resurfacing machine level with a desired horizontal plane comprising a mast post that retracts within a structure mounted on the conditioner. The receiver detects a light beam being transmitted along a plane parallel to a desired horizontal plane. The position of the mast post relative to the structure is constrained such that the height of the receiver in a transport position is vertically retracted to permit the ice resurfacing machine to pass under obstacles while entering or leaving an ice surface and in an operative position is extended to a height whereby a light beam emitted by a transmitter along a plane parallel to the desired horizontal plane may be detected. At all times the mast post remains away from contact with the ice surface.

Abstract: A snow track maintenance system is described herein including a frame extending along an axis which is oriented along a direction of displacement, a mounting assembly secured to the frame for mounting the frame to a motorized vehicle so as to be trailed therefrom along the direction of displacement, and a leveller mounted to the frame so as to be pivotable relatively to the direction of displacement. Other equipments may further be provided to the maintenance system, including a snow regenerator mounted to the frame along a first longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the direction of displacement, and a snow compactor mounted to the frame upstream from the snow regenerator. The system can be used for the maintenance of alpine ski tracks and cross-country ski tracks, even in an underbrush trail, and allows setting a track on any type of snow.

Abstract: An ice resurfacing sled including a fuel source directing fuel to a manifold which distributes it under a regulated pressure to a plurality of orifices where it is burned in expansion chambers. The hot gas flows into a melting chamber formed by a top surface, two lateral sled runners and the surface of the ice to be melted. The melting chamber is shaped to have a reduced cross sectional area near its rear outlet to assist in maintaining the flow of heated gas beneath the sled to optimize melting. A wind screen is provided at the rear of the sled to prevent tail winds from disrupting the flow of hot gas through the melting chamber.

Abstract: 1. Towed piste processing implement. 2.1 A piste processing implement of said type, having a finisher arrangement which is composed of an elastically flexible material and which is provided, on its underside facing toward a piste surface, with profilings which form a profile pattern in the piste surface during towing operation, is known. 2.2 According to the invention, the profilings have differently designed profiling sections distributed over a width of the finisher arrangement, with at least a first profiling section being provided which has a greater width and a smaller depth than the second profiling sections. 2.3 Use for piste groomers for snow piste processing.

Abstract: A bi-directional ice-particle spray generating device for use on snow vehicles is disclosed which is primarily constructed of multi-strand wire rope. The use of wire rope as a spring member allows for 360 degree flexibility to enable the design to be compatible with reverse-gear-equipped snow vehicles. A replaceable wear point or points is integral in the design for added durability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piste grooming vehicle with a point of application for cable forces that is associated with a cable winch, said point being at a distance from a yaw axis of the piste grooming machine, at least one control device being provided and being operatively connected to at least one control means for automatically compensating at least one cable torque that can be applied by a cable traction force of the cable winch in relation to the yaw axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for resurfacing ice surfaces such as ice hockey playing surfaces wherein an ice shaving blade system and an ice scooping system operate over the entire width of (or the entire length of) the playing surface.

Abstract: The horizontal conveyor of an ice re-surfacing machine implements auger flights in which successive half circles of the flight have slightly different radii. The successive contact of larger and smaller radius flights against ice building up in front of the horizontal conveyor breaks up and dissipates the ice.

Abstract: A snow groomer having a frame extending along a longitudinal axis; ten supporting wheels connected to the frame by respective axle shafts to form a row of five supporting wheels on each longitudinal side of the frame, each supporting wheel on one longitudinal side of the frame facing a supporting wheel on the opposite longitudinal side of the frame, so that facing pairs of supporting wheels define a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth axle; two tracks, each looped about the supporting wheels aligned along a respective longitudinal side of the frame; an engine assembly of over 430 HP; and a mass distributed as follows: 16%+/?2% on the first axle; 20%+/?2% on the second axle; 20%+/?2% on the third axle; 22%+/?2% on the fourth axle; and 22%+/?2% on the fifth axle.

Abstract: An ice resurfacing machine for small and medium-size indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks comprises a light towing vehicle, a resurfacing attachment, and a lifting and leveling assembly connecting them. To eliminate ruts in the ice, the machine removes only a thin layer of ice by scraping, fills the ruts with “snow” created by the scraping, skating, and precipitation, and adds water to fill the rut. The cold from the base ice and/or the atmosphere freezes the water and thus eliminates the rut. The machine may also be used to remove heavy snow or reduce the thickness of the ice. The resurfacing attachment includes a snow box which collects the snow and carries it along the surface of the ice.

Abstract: The horizontal conveyor of an ice re-surfacing machine implements auger flights in which successive half circles of the flight have slightly different radii. The successive contact of larger and smaller radius flights against ice building up in front of the horizontal conveyor breaks up and dissipates the ice.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for resurfacing an ice surface. The apparatus includes a chassis and a reservoir for holding water to be dispensed via a dispensing tube in fluid communication with the reservoir. A scraper assembly attached to the chassis includes a scraper blade adapted to engage the ice surface. A first thrower is rotatably mounted to the chassis adjacent to the scraper blade and a second thrower is rotatably mounted to the chassis adjacent to the first thrower. A snow storage compartment has an opening adjacent the second rotating thrower. The first rotating thrower is adapted to deliver ice or snow accumulated by the blade to the second rotating thrower. The second rotating thrower then delivers the ice or snow to the snow storage compartment. A motor is coupled to the chassis and a drive linkage is coupled to the motor for rotatably driving the first and second throwers.

Abstract: An ice re-surfacing machine induces ultrasonic frequency vibrations onto the ice shaving blade. The vibrating blade can be pulled across the ice with less pressure and provides an improved finished surface.

Abstract: A machine towed by a snowmobile that forms parallel cross country snow skiing tracks and having a water container mounted thereon, which streams water through two water outlet ports by gravity and assist from the use of an air pump, powered by a storage battery to the bottom portion of the skiing tracks, where the water turns to ice in below freezing temperatures, thus imparting a slippery surface to the tracks, which provides an improved skiing surface that enhances the gliding action for the enjoyment of a skier.

Abstract: A snow lubrication device attaches to a vehicle body of a snowmobile and includes a pair of snow rake rods extending from the vehicle body to contact a snow surface. A snow rake member located at the end of the snow rake rod scatters snow. The scattered snow lubricates gaps between a track belt and the slide rail and/or between the track belt and the drive wheel. The lubrication of the track belt improves operation of the snowmobile if the lower part of the snow rake rod strikes a stone or the like, the snow rake rod temporarily deflects further rearward. The snow lubrication device has relatively few components, is low in cost, and is hard to dislodge from a snowmobile.

Abstract: A snow groomer having a frame extending along a longitudinal axis; ten supporting wheels connected to the frame by respective axle shafts to form a row of five supporting wheels on each longitudinal side of the frame, each supporting wheel on one longitudinal side of the frame facing a supporting wheel on the opposite longitudinal side of the frame, so that facing pairs of supporting wheels define a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth axle; two tracks, each looped about the supporting wheels aligned along a respective longitudinal side of the frame; an engine assembly of over 430 HP; and a mass distributed as follows: 16%+/?2% on the first axle; 20%+/?2% on the second axle; 20%+/?2% on the third axle; 22%+/?2% on the fourth axle; and 22%+/?2% on the fifth axle.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle, particularly a piste grooming vehicle including a transmission powered chassis comprising a plurality of axled gear wheels for a track, the chassis comprising a maximum track width and a traction length between the frontmost and rearmost axle of the gear wheels, is characterized in that the control ratio, as the result of dividing the traction length by the track width, is smaller or equal to 1.5 preferably smaller or equal to 1.4 and that the transmission has a power of at least 400 HP.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for resurfacing ice surfaces such as ice hockey playing surfaces wherein an ice shaving blade system and an ice scooping system operate over the entire width of (or the entire length of) said playing surface.

Abstract: A manually propelled ice rink building and resurfacing device. The device includes a chassis with removable wheels, a water tank mounted on the chassis, and a heating chamber within the water tank, the water tank receiving snow to be melted, the heating chamber in heat exchange relation to the water tank. Fluid dispensing means connected to the tank uniformly distributes, and evenly spreads a layer of water onto an ice rink surface. The device may be rolled on ice, dragged on snow, or stored in a vertical position.

Abstract: An ice resurfacing machine for small and medium-size indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks comprises a light towing vehicle, a resurfacing attachment, and a lifting and leveling assembly connecting them. To eliminate ruts in the ice, the machine removes only a thin layer of ice by scraping, fills the ruts with “snow” created by the scraping, skating, and precipitation, and adds water to fill the rut. The cold from the base ice and/or the atmosphere freezes the water and thus eliminates the rut. The machine may also be used to remove heavy snow or reduce the thickness of the ice.

Abstract: A collapsible snow groomer designed to be provided as a partial kit where the buyer purchases two runners separately. Along with the runners the kit comprises all materials necessary to assemble a snow groomer for use on personal snow trails. The collapsible snow grooming device of the present invention includes and comprises: a tubular front spreader, two L-angle cross blades, a square central joiner tube, four angle grooming blades and all required fasteners. All grooming hardware members are thus strategically attached to one edge of each runner and to each other at one edge, thereby allowing to flip the whole assembly over to drag it where grooming is not desired.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for resurfacing an ice surface. The apparatus includes a chassis and a reservoir for holding water to be dispensed via a dispensing tube in fluid communication with the reservoir. A scraper assembly attached to the chassis includes a scraper blade adapted to engage the ice surface. A first thrower is rotatably mounted to the chassis adjacent to the scraper blade and a second thrower is rotatably mounted to the chassis adjacent to the first thrower. A snow storage compartment has an opening adjacent the second rotating thrower. The first rotating thrower is adapted to deliver ice or snow accumulated by the blade to the second rotating thrower. The second rotating thrower then delivers the ice or snow to the snow storage compartment. A motor is coupled to the chassis and a drive linkage is coupled to the motor for rotatably driving the first and second throwers.

Abstract: A snow-trail grooming vehicle has a driving chain or track system and a cable assist pulling system having a cable winch. A method for controlling the cable winch includes the steps of detecting the speed of the driving chain, detecting the speed of the cable, comparing the detected speed of the driving chain and the detected speed of the cable, and determining a desired value for the speed of the cable, then controlling the cable winch to attain the desired value for the speed of the cable.

Abstract: A walk-behind working machine has a traveling unit, a working unit, an engine, and an illumination section disposed forwardly of the engine for projecting light. A cover member collectively covers the engine and the illumination section. The cover member has a light transmitting section for transmitting therethrough light projected by the illumination section. The light transmitting section or a portion of the cover member near the light transmitting section has at least one through-hole through which heat generated by at least one of the engine and the illuminating section is radiated.

Abstract: A device for removing material from a surface includes a blade, an auger positioned in close proximity to a front side of the blade and operably mounted on an axle for rotary motion relative to the blade whereby material accumulating at the front side of the blade during movement of the blade over the surface is transversely moved from the front side of the blade to a side of the device by the rotary motion of the auger, and a handle operably connected to the blade for directing the blade and the auger over the surface. The auger has a passage receiving the axle. The auger is preferably rotatable relative to the axle and the axle is preferably rotatable relative to the blade. Preferably, the auger is molded of plastic and the passage is free of a molding draft.

Abstract: A snow removal system (100) for melting snow into water includes a container (110) having a storage chamber (124) adapted to store snow and a predetermined amount of water (114). The snow removal system also includes a heating assembly (104) at least partially disposed in the storage chamber and adapted to heat water stored in the storage chamber to a selected temperature. The snow removal system further includes a mixing system (106) adapted to pressurize water and discharge the pressurized water through at least one nozzle (168). The nozzle is oriented to direct the pressurized water into the storage chamber. A method of snow removal whereby the snow removal system (100) is used to mix snow with heated water by spraying of pressurized water.