Abstract: A snow removal machine including a housing with a forward opening through which snow enters the snow removal machine. At least one rotatable member is positioned and rotatably secured within the housing for engaging and eliminating the snow from within said housing. The snow removal machine also includes a surface treatment application system with a treatment material dispensing system connected to the housing for dispensing a liquid or solid deicer and/or anti-icing treatment material over an area from which snow has been removed.

Abstract: A vehicle with a self-contained cooling and heating capability and a tenting feature for sheltering and controlling the temperature at a given location. Warm air is directed out of a heat chamber through a telescopic tube arrangement which may be horizontally piovoted for improved heat direction. The tube arrangement may also be vertically tipped upwardly and downwardly to maximize directional control of heat output. Heat for melting snow may thereby be directed to specific locations. The tenting arrangement provides elevated and focused heating and little heat waste.

Abstract: A personal identification and tracking system comprising an impression means for providing a predetermined image upon an impressionable medium and an activation unit for moving the impression means between a first position, where said impression unit is in contact with the impressionable medium, and a second position whereby said impression unit is out of contact with said impressionable medium. The system is particularly adaptable to snow, sand or mud.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for removing snow, including a conveyor mounted at an angle with respect to a travel direction of the apparatus. The conveyor is rotatably mounted to a frame and can be driven to throw snow laterally with respect to a travel direction of the vehicle to which the apparatus is mounted.

Abstract: A plow is supported for movement with respect to a frame of a vehicle with a lifting cylinder and a rolling cylinder. The lifting cylinder and the rolling cylinder are pivotally connected with respect to each other by a bracket that is pivotally supported by the frame. By this connection, the rolling cylinder can freely rotate with the bracket, thus increasing the plow displacement in both a raised and lowered position without adversely affecting the aggressivity of the plow while grooming terrain.

Abstract: The invention concerns a snow trail grooming accessory and method for use with an operating snowmobile to groom a snow trail during operation of the snowmobile. The accessory includes at least one mounting arm, the mounting arm being mountable directly to a track suspension of the snowmobile; and a snow collector/leveler secured to the mounting arm wherein when the mounting arm is mounted to the operating snowmobile the mounting arm and the snow collector/leveler are pulled behind the snowmobile with the snow collector/leveler substantially skimming over a level portion of the snow trail and the snow collector/leveler impacting at least a portion of a snow mound, a snow mogul or a snow displacement in the snow trail.

Abstract: A course-grooming vehicle with a rear tool carrier, to which a course-grooming device can be detachably connected, where the height and/or the angle of the rear tool carrier and/or of the course-grooming device can be varied by means of at least one adjusting element, and with an electronic control unit, which actuates the minimum of one adjusting element, is known. At least one sensor for the direct or indirect detection of an actual state of the surface of the course to be groomed by the course-grooming device is provided, which sensor is connected to the control unit, the control unit comprising a memory for storing at least one characteristic diagram and an evaluation unit, which compares the actual values detected by the sensor with corresponding nominal values of the characteristic diagram and which, as a function of the result of the evaluation, actuates the minimum of one adjusting element accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for working a snow surface, comprising an endless flexible band, snow-working members arranged on the outside of the band, support means for supporting and guiding the band, drive means capable of moving the band around the support means. The invention is characterised in shaping means arranged and designed such as to be capable of changing the shape of the part of the band that is in contact with the snow-surface during work.

Abstract: A snow tiller (10) suitable for grooming ski hills, trails, or other areas, provides an adjustable snow housing assembly. A snow chamber (70) is formed between a ground shaping element (48) that has a rotatable drum (50) and a trailing finishing element (62) that is supported by a trailing bar bracket (84, 110, 130). The shape and/or volume of the snow chamber (70) can be adjusted by activating a finisher positioning mechanism (72), such as a hydraulic cylinder, to pivot the trailing bar bracket (84, 110, 130). A pair of connecting bars (98 and 100) from a pivot point about which the trailing bar bracket (84, 110, 130) pivots in an arc with respect to the snow surface, thus providing for precise positional control of the snow chamber (70).

Abstract: The blade is made of heat-treated stainless steel that has one or two sharp edges for resurfacing ice, such as at an ice rink with an ice resurfacing machine. The preferred material is stainless steel. The blade lasts four times longer than a conventional blade, reducing the sharpening interval and reducing the cost of removal, replacement, shipping, and re-sharpening. Reduced maintenance lowers the chance that a worker will be injured during maintenance activities. The life of the blade is about 15 years compared to one year for conventional bladed. It does not corrode during storage. Because the blade is sharper and stronger than conventional ice resurfacing blades, it provides a flatter and smoother finished ice surface than conventionally available. The improved blade allows the ice to be resurfaced more quickly by allowing deeper cuts and faster operation of the resurfacing machine itself.

Abstract: A course-grooming vehicle with a rear tool carrier, to which a course-grooming device can be detachably connected, where the height and/or the angle of the rear tool carrier and/or of the course-grooming device can be varied by means of at least one adjusting element, and with an electronic control unit, which actuates the minimum of one adjusting element, is known. According to the invention, at least one sensor for the direct or indirect detection of an actual state of the surface of the course to be groomed by the course-grooming device is provided, which sensor is connected to the control unit, the control unit comprising a memory for storing at least one characteristic diagram and an evaluation unit, which compares the actual values detected by the sensor with corresponding nominal values of the characteristic diagram and which, as a function of the result of the evaluation, actuates the minimum of one adjusting element accordingly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a snow trail grooming accessory and method for use with an operating snowmobile to groom a snow trail during operation of the snowmobile. The accessory includes at least one mounting arm, the mounting arm being mountable directly to a track suspension of the snowmobile; and a snow collector/leveler secured to the mounting arm wherein when the mounting arm is mounted to the operating snowmobile the mounting arm and the snow collector/leveler are pulled behind the snowmobile with the snow collector/leveler substantially skimming over a level portion of the snow trail and the snow collector/leveler impacting at least a portion of a snow mound, a snow mogul or a snow displacement in the snow trail.

Abstract: A snow grooming apparatus and system for grooming snow barriers and elements. The apparatus has an inlet to accept the snow, and at least one smoothing member attached to the rear of the inlet. The smoothing members are dimensioned to pass over the snow formed by the inlet and to smooth at least one side of the snow such that the resulting barrier has at least one substantially smooth side. The system includes the snow grooming apparatus attached to a blade of a snow grooming vehicle.

Abstract: A snow removing machine has a vehicle body having a body frame, a snow removing section mounted on a front portion of the body frame for removing snow, an operating handle mounted to a rear portion of the body frame and having a first handle portion and a second handle portion, and a pair of grip portions each mounted on a respective one of the first and second handle portions of the operating handle. A forward and aft drive changeover switch is directly mounted on the first handle portion of the operating handle for changing over a traveling direction of the vehicle body. A height control operation lever is directly mounted on the first handle portion of the operating handle for adjusting a height of the snow removing section. A speed control operation lever is directly mounted on the second handle portion of the operating handle for adjusting a traveling speed of the vehicle body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planing device mounted on machines for processing ice. The inventive device is used in the area of the ice surface located close to the barrier and comprises a blade which is mounted with the carrier thereof on the lateral wall of the planing side that is provided on the machine. The planing device rests with an edge on the ice surface. The invention is characterized in that the blade can be moved from a lifted non-operating position into the working position by means of a driving mechanism.

Abstract: A snow thrower engine carburetor is covered by a heater box provided with a channel through which air passes so as to be heated by the engine's muffler. The heated airstream is changed in direction as it leaves the heater box and moves towards the carburetor whereby moisture carried in the airstream is separated therefrom before the heated air reaches the carburetor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved snow grooming vehicle featuring a multifunction joystick adapted to selectively control a plurality of independent functions of various work implements installed on the snow grooming vehicle. More specifically, the multifunction joystick is adapted to select specific functions of a work implements and apply the movements of the joystick to these specific functions. If a new function is selected, the movements of the joystick are applied to the newly selected function while disabling the previously selected function From a single joystick, the operator may control a wide array of functions of the work implements installed on the snow grooming vehicle.

Abstract: A snow grooming apparatus is adapted for being drawn by a towing vehicle on a snow surface such as a ski slope. A drawing yolk engages the towing vehicle and pivots on a main chassis of the apparatus. The main chassis rides on a pair of spaced apart runners and supports plural snow shearing blades which are angled for directing snow laterally with respect to the center of the apparatus. An hydraulic actuating system is adapted for vertically positioning a ski centered with respect to the runners and forward of the center of mass of the main chassis. Thus, when this ski is extended downwardly, the main chassis and the snow shearing blades are raised. A pair of wheels of a secondary chassis are movable such that the main chassis may be supported above a snow or road surface between the pair of wheels and the hitching means. Alternately, the pair of wheels may be drawn up, above the surface with the main chassis supported on its runners when the ski is raised.

Abstract: Snowplow blade extensions for two conventional snowplows to remove snow and/or ice in forward and rearward directions. One embodiment comprises a forward rectangular blade having a rear rectangular blade attached to its rear face at an acute angle by spaced gussets to form two legs with bevelled bottom edges. The upper portion of the forward rectangular blade is bolted on the bottom front face of the snowplow blade. The other embodiment utilizes a pair of brackets on the rear of the snowplow blade to hang the rearward extension blade and cooperate with the existing forward extension blade at the bottom edge of the forward face of the snowplow blade to form an inverted V formation of two legs with bevelled edges contacting the ground surface to be cleared of snow and/or ice in both forward and rearward directions.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted ice-scraping mechanism includes a tool carrier mounted on the vehicle, and a plurality of non-rotatable ice-scraping tools mounted on the tool carrier and depending downwardly therefrom. Each tool includes a shank mounted to the tool carrier, and a cutting head depending downwardly from the shank. The cutting head is formed of a steel main body, and a carbide insert is mounted in the steel body at a location spaced from a front end of the steel body. During a wear-in period, front and bottom surfaces of the steel body define a rake face and a clearance face, respectively, of the tool. After the wear-in period, front and bottom surfaces of the insert define the rake face and clearance face, respectively. The tool is oriented such that the shank and the rake face extend upwardly and forwardly to define a positive rake angle. The tool shanks are cylindrical and are mounted in cylindrical bores in the tool carrier.

Abstract: A portable and ice resurfacing device including an integrally constructed body having a first upper reservoir capable of storing a volume of water. A water dispensing bar extends in a generally horizontal and lengthwise fashion and is mounted within an open and lower-most location of the body proximate an ice-covered surface. A handle extends from the body and is capable of being grasped by a user to translate the body across the ice-covered surface in a drag-along fashion. The water dispensing bar is in fluid communication with the stored volume of water and is separated by a flow valve. The flow valve is actuated by a lever secured to the handle and a cable extending from the lever to the flow valve to dispense the volume of water at a specified flow rate upon the ice-covered surface.

Abstract: This invention concerns a snow-handling trail-grooming device. The invention comprises a sled including at least one runner member, a sled front end, a sled back end and an open-ended longitudinal cavity therethrough open at opposed longitudinal ends thereof. The sled is connectable to a snowmobile by a towing or hitching member joined with the sled for hitching and unhitching the sled to and from the snowmobile. A tunnel structure is joined with the runner member and positioned over the open-ended longitudinal cavity. Finally, a handling-grooming member can be joined with the runner member, wherein the handling-grooming member is positioned in an extended direction away from the tunnel structure during snow-handling and trail-grooming.

Abstract: The invention comprises a snow trail grooming accessory and method for use with a snowmobile to groom a snow trail surface. The accessory includes at least one cutting member and a forcing member joined to the cutting member and attachable to the snowmobile. The cutting member is forced in a downward direction by the forcing member when the forcing member is attached to the snowmobile.

Abstract: A shaping apparatus for the working/maintenance of a snow-boarding half-pipe. The apparatus comprises a framework with a curved portion serving to support and guide a pair of drive chains actuated to run over an endless path. To the drive chains are attached scraper elements adapted to extend perpendicularly outward from the endless path of the chains, the scraper elements being designed to cut away snow from the half-pipe surface to be shaped. The scraper elements further incorporate elements serving to move the detached snow along the shaped surface and to smooth the surface. The apparatus is intended for attaching to a self-actuated vehicle, to be powered therefrom.

Abstract: A snow tiller for ski slopes having rotating cutter bars with outstanding teeth. The cutter bars are each installed beneath a cover which directs the snow rearwardly to a snow smoothing comb. Each cover is adjustable in geometry to provide either greater or less angle of entry of the snow beneath the snow comb, and the change of angle is coordinated with changes in depth of snow cutting by the cutter bar teeth. A double acting hydraulic cylinder and ram assembly links cutter bar mounting frames, and is used to control the longitudinal angles of the cutter bars upon the snow.

Abstract: The device fills a hole in an ice rink surface and has a chamber to receive a slush mixture. An access allows the slush mixture to be deposited into the chamber. The chamber has a lower end and a valve is located at the lower end for dispensing the slush mixture from the chamber. The valve includes a housing with an aperture and a valve member is dimensioned to fit within the aperture and is movable from a closed position to an open position. A trigger opens the valve to dispense the slush mixture. The valve can then be used to press the slush mixture into the hole, thereby to restore the ice rink surface.

Abstract: The machine incorporates a front and a rear motorized units operatively connected together, and in which power is transmitted from one unit to the other so that they are both serf-propelled. A snow levelling device is disposed between the two motorized units for breaking irregularities on the trail and delivering excess snow behind the rear unit. A compaction and levelling unit is placed at the rear of the rear unit. Both the snow levelling device and the compaction and levelling unit may be raised from the ground especially in case of difficulties. This arrangement does not usually become inoperative in heavy snow or on inclined surfaces.

Abstract: A snow grooming devise is provided with a carrier frame consisting of at least one transverse supporting member and two longitudinal supporting members so that it is adapted to be attached to a vehicle with the aid of a coupling means. A vertically adjustable snow propeller and a smoothing board are mounted on the carrier frame. The carrier frame is mounted on said coupling means such that it is adapted to be pivoted about an essentially horizontal longitudinal axis and an essentially horizontal transverse axis. The snow propeller is dragged by the front ends of the longitudinal supporting members and is pivotably mounted thereon and the transverse supporting member is associated with the coupling means so as to support the carrier frame.

Abstract: A snow cutting tooth design and an associated cutter assembly design incorporating such teeth, wherein the tooth is constructed with a unitary body of steel plate welded to the outside surface of a tubular cutter bar, with bevelled edges creating acute snow cutting edges, along with a central notch also having bevelled edges and providing additional cutting edges as well as additional paths for churning and chopping the snow. The teeth are angularly joined along a centerline, dividing the tooth into a leading portion and a trailing portion, the leading portion being welded perpendicular to the centerline of the cutter bar. Some of the teeth have the rearward portion angled to the left side of the tilling machine, while others are angled to the left side, so that the snow is not moved to either side of the cutter assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing ice and snow from a surface consisting of a support frame and a elongate member rotatably mounted on the support frame. The elongate member has a first end and a second end. A plurality of flexible arms extend from the elongate member in a substantially helical pattern. Upon rotation of the elongate member the arms violently strike a ground surface to dislodge packed snow and ice which is then carried by the helical pattern of the arms from the first end of the elongate member toward the second end.

Abstract: A water and energy recovery process for an ice rink is disclosed. The process includes softening and carbon filtering water for use as flood water on an ice rink. The water is then demineralized by reverse osmosis to produce flood water having a specific conductance of about 2 to 30 micromhos/cm. The demineralized water is heated to 90.degree. F. and utilized in a resurfacer to flood the surface of the ice rink. The ice shavings removed from the surface of the ice by the resurface are deposited into a holding means and melted by utilizing recovered heat from the ice rink's refrigeration unit. The melted water from the holding means is used as a coolant in the ice rink's refrigeration unit. The steps of the process are then repeated, utilizing the warmed water from the refrigeration unit.

Abstract: A snow groomer tow frame alignment device which automatically centers the implement in line with the vehicle without the visual attention of the vehicle operator. The device utilizes a pair of inductive proximity switches and a corresponding metallic shield disposed around a frame stem pivot, switching in response to misalignment, initiating circuits directing a fluid control valve to actuate to provide fluid to alignment restoring cylinder and ram assemblies.

Abstract: An ice resurfacing spreader attachable to an ice resurfacing machine comprises an elongate spine, a plurality of elongate fibers having a free and a treating end bound by the spine away from the treating end, the fibers spaced in a fore aft and lateral direction with respect to the spine, the spine being attachable to the frame of an ice resurfacing machine so that the treating ends of the fibers lightly contact the ice surface in an ice resurfacing operation, the treating ends of the fibers being spaced sufficiently from one another to allow the passage of a resurfacing fluid therebetween and thereunder as the ice resurfacing spreader is drawn along a subjacent surface being resurfaced.

Abstract: An improved snow comb for use attached to the trailing edge of tiller skirts and the like. The comb has laterally directed rows of elongate teeth at the trailing edge, the teeth being angled to the direction of tiller travel, so as to produce a powdery, rather than a ridged final skiing surface.

Abstract: Device for preparing the landing plate of a ski-jump, guide and deflection rollers being arranged, provided with clearance, in the vicinity of the take-off platform of the ski-jump, which rollers receive a cable, the ends of which, arranged along the landing plate, can be connected to two snow vehicles.

Abstract: In the realm of snow grooming devices for ski hills, a unique snow tiller is disclosed. The snow tiller is pulled by a tracked vehicle and has a snow chamber which can be varied in size and dimension. The tiller is also equipped with a cutting drum which works the snow for a longer period of time when the snow chamber is enlarged. By varying the angle of the trailing bar mounted on a flexible membrane, which forms the outer bounds of the snow chamber, more or less snow is retained in the chamber depending upon snow conditions.

Abstract: A spreader attachment is provided for an ice resurfacing machine of the type having a front and rear, a laterally extending conditioning housing with a rigid frame portion to be positioned in close proximity to a subjacent surface to be treated and having associated means for delivering water from a supply against a subjacent surface, and structure for propelling the housing across a subjacent surface to be treated.

Abstract: A snow groomer vehicle hydraulic hose guide having a hard plastic removable insert installed within a metallic back-up ring, for use upon snow grooming vehicles and associated equipment. The insert has a very smooth surface and is shaped to provide substantial hose contact area. The guide ring substantially extends the useful life of the rubberoid hydraulic hoses widely used on such equipment.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of pneumatic snow conveying.The invention relates to a process and device for translational conveying of a pile of snow for the purpose of its being cut off by a drawoff device forming a stationary unit which is associated with the other devices of the pneumatic conveying apparatus.The rate of conveying is controlled by a servo device and the height of the pile of snow is controlled by a crest-trimming device.

Abstract: The blades of a packer bar assembly for grooming snow are made of flexible material, such as urethane. The blades are removably mounted in channel members and the mounting assembly is arranged to hold the blade in a desired position.

Abstract: A ski run snow preparation apparatus having a snow-contacting blade which flexes laterally to provide an arcuate snow-contacting surface. The blade is pivotally mounted to a frame which is adapted to be secured upon the towing mechanism of a suitable tracked vehicle. Also mounted upon the frame is a remotely controllable mechanism, including a pair of hydraulic motors, to adjust the tilt of the snow-contacting blade in relation to the snow surface. The blade may operate under its own weight and that of the towing mechanism, or may be forceably pressed into the snow, as by vehicle mounted hydraulic motors provided to raise and lower the towing mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming cross country skiing tracks in a snow covered surface. The apparatus is adapted to be towed behind a vehicle and includes a trailer frame connected to the vehicle in a manner permitting the frame to pivot at least in the horizontal plane. A blade and a ski track device are carried by the frame. The blade is adapted to contact and recondition the snow covered surface, and the ski track device is adapted to form skiing tracks in the thus reconditioned snow covered surface. The blade and the ski track device are each fixed against pivotal movement relative to the frame in the horizontal plane. Thus, the trailer frame, the blade and the ski track device pivot in the horizontal plane as a unit relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: An ice aggregate road structure and apparatus for constructing. The road structure comprises crushed ice aggregate from which fines smaller than 0.1 inch have been removed which aggregate is placed in the desired shape and then bonded by a deeply penetrating application of water which bonds aggregate particles at their points of contact. The apparatus includes a distribution box for receiving ice aggregate and distributing it over a road section to be paved coupled with a bond water distributing means for quickly applying bond water after proper distribution and shaping of the aggregate. The distribution and water spray elements are carried on rails which are in turn supported from a pair of spaced apart carriages containing water heating and pumping means and appropriate power sources for operating the equipment. The carriages are spaced apart to allow trucks to deliver aggregate.

Abstract: A snow transfer installation, including at least one element for snow pickup associated with an element for the production of a mixture of snow and air, the said pickup and mixture production being mounted on a vehicle, a transportation duct for the snow-air mixture and an air flow generator. The air flow generator is independent of the pickup and mixture production elements and is connected to the mixture production element by means of a duct, at least a portion of which is flexible.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming cross country ski tracks in a snow covered surface has a trailer frame adapted to be connected to the rear end of a vehicle. A lifting frame is connected to the trailer frame for pivotal movement about a first horizontal axis. The lifting frame has a pair of parallel guide members extending longitudinally from the trailer frame to a transversally extending crossbar. The guide members are arranged symmetrically on opposite sides of a central axis common to the lifting frame, the trailer frame, and the vehicle. At least one cross country ski track forming device is connected to the crossbar for pivotal movement about a second horizontal axis. A positioning device is connected between the trailer frame and the lifting frame.

Abstract: A foldable snow compactor has a center pan with a pair of operatively positioned wings extending from the ends thereof. The wings are mounted for pivotal movement about axes fixed in relation to the center pan. Single hydraulic piston-cylinder units are employed to pivot the wings through arcs of approximately 180.degree. between their operative extended positions and inoperative positions located rearwardly of the center pan and substantially entirely within the width dimension thereof.

Abstract: In the embodiment depicted, the apparatus comprises a snow-negotiable, or slidable platform upon which is mounted a blower and an engine for powering of the latter. Flexible ducts are replaceably coupled to the inlet and outlet apertures of the blower, for ingesting snow thereinto, and for discharging snow therefrom. The outermost end of the first-mentioned duct has a toothed scarifier, projecting therefrom, for fragmenting accretions of snow. The apparatus is towed to adjacency to a bared ski trail area, and snow is displaced from adjacent environs and deposited onto the bared area; the first duct harvests the snow, conducts it to the blower, and the latter discharges the harvested snow, via the second duct, to the trail area which is in need of resurfacing.

Abstract: At least one trailing scraper member freely swingable within a vertical plane is provided, which has a scraper blade and a scraper base disposed at an acute angle relative to the blade. The angle of adjustment of the scraper member relative to the snow surface over which the device travels is adjustable, so that the scraper member either removes snow from the snow surface or slides over same. Associated with the scraper member is a scooping device limited by side walls and by a shield which can be lifted or lowered, in order to collect the snow provided by the scraping member and to transport same to another location and discharge same on lifting of the shield.