Combined Or Convertible Patents (Class 37/241)
  • Patent number: 11277963
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulating the throwing behavior of a centrifugal spreader for fertilizer and to a centrifugal spreader configured therefor. According thereto, a target throwing distance is determined for a target working width. Furthermore, one of several rotational speed levels is selected for at least one spreading disc to approximate the actual throwing distance to the target throwing distance. Finally, an adapted target throwing angle for regulating an actual throwing angle is determined from the actual throwing distance (WW1) and counteracts in a compensatory manner a deviation from the target working width caused be the difference between the actual throwing distance and the target throwing distance. Continuous regulation of the throwing distance then becomes unnecessary, resulting in more stable regulation of the overall throwing behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Amazonen-Werke H. Dreyer SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Justus Dreyer, Florian Rahe, Thomas Wessels, Markus Ströbel-Fröschle
  • Patent number: 9551455
    Abstract: A system for releasably engaging equipment to the rear of a snow plow blade comprises a receiving location on a rear side of a snow plow blade, the receiving location comprising first and second ramp structures that define inclined ramps, and a retaining structure disposed between and above the ramp structures. The retaining structure is shaped and dimensioned such that, when the piece of equipment is in the receiving location, the retaining structure releasably engages a cross member structure of the equipment to suspend the piece of equipment above the ground via the cross member structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: David Anthony Collings
  • Patent number: 9546459
    Abstract: An apparatus for repositioning traffic control devices includes a bracket configured for removable attachment to a vehicle. The apparatus further includes a striker arm attached to the bracket and projecting forward of the bracket at a first end of the striker arm so as to form an acute angle with respect to a direction of travel of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: James Allega
  • Patent number: 9096980
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tyler Ricketts
  • Publication number: 20150121728
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a dual mode snow shovel system including a hoe mode and a shovel mode. The system includes a blade member, shaft member, and handle. The shaft member may include an upper and lower shaft member slidably intercoupled to facilitate extended and collapsed configurations. A first end of the shaft member is releasably coupled to the blade member in a radially reversible orientation to facilitate either the shovel mode or the hoe mode. The shaft member includes a curvature disposed in proximity to the first end, and the blade member includes a corresponding curvature. The shovel mode includes a substantially parallel orientation of the blade member and the substantially straight lengthwise orientation of the shaft member. The hoe mode includes a substantially orthogonal orientation of the blade member and the substantially straight lengthwise orientation of the shaft member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: BLACK DIAMOND EQUIPMENT, LTD.
    Inventors: Joe Spataro, Jake Hall, Thomas Laakso
  • Publication number: 20130283647
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle skid recovery system, which is able to accelerate skid recovery, when an automotive vehicle begins to skid as a result of ice accumulation on the road surface. The embodiments control operation of ice removers (e.g., blades or heaters), which are mounted within the wheel wells forward of the wheel, based on information received from the vehicle's outside temperature sensor and anti-lock braking system (ABS). When the temperature sensor indicates that the outside temperature is below a predetermined temperature (e.g., below freezing) and when the anti-lock braking system is activated as a result of detected skid, a controller activates the ice remover in one or more of the wheel wells and, thereby cause the ice remover to remove ice from the road surface forward of the corresponding wheel. Clearing the ice allows the vehicle's tires to gain traction on the road surface and, thereby stops the skid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriel P. Borges, Scott R. Crowther, Abraham G. Guerra, Grant D. Miller, Nader M. Nassar, Tamer M. Nassar
  • Publication number: 20130255113
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a rack and a rack system removeably attachable to a snow plow, the rack comprising: a base; a first vertical member extending generally orthogonally from the base; a second vertical member extending generally orthogonally from the base; a first and second attachment members both with a distal end and a proximal end, with the proximal ends attached to from generally the top of the first and second vertical member respectively, and the first and second attachment members: extending orthogonally from generally the top of the first and second vertical members respectively and configured to extend towards a snow plow, and the distal ends configured to each attach to generally the top of a snow plow; where the rack is configured to attach to the scoop end of a snow plow and to carry items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Carroll
  • Publication number: 20130185962
    Abstract: A finger plow includes an extension which may be extended or retracted to enable the finger plow to discharge snow and ice away from the wheels of the vehicle and to make a relatively wider snow cleared path while not unduly extending beyond the sidewalls of the wheels of the vehicle when not engaged in a plowing operation. The finger plow may be a one-way or reversible snow plow with one or two extensions. In the later case, the finger plow and one or more extension finger plows are rotatable relative to the chassis of the vehicle. Shear pins or a resilient mechanism may be provided to permit the finger plow to pivot rearwardly in the event that the finger plow extension encounters an obstacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: CIVES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William J. REEVES, Gerald N. Simpson, Leo P. Manion, Amiya Mishra
  • 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: 8393096
    Abstract: A snowplow and mounting assembly having a mounting frame for use with a motorized wheelchair wherein the mounting frame has one side with a V-shape or other shape snowplow facing away from the wheelchair and has another side that faces the wheelchair and is adapted to cooperate with the wheelchair in use to plow snow. A particular snowplow and mounting assembly has a mounting frame for pressed engagement with the tip wheels of a wheelchair; a snowplow blade disposed on one side of the frame; first and second push wheel brackets disposed on the other side of the frame for contacting the first and second tip wheels of the motorized wheelchair; and at least one handle disposed on the frame adapted to be operated by user of the wheelchair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Charles A. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20110258887
    Abstract: A jet snow clearing device including a housing unit having an intake, a hot air jet nozzle and a combustion chamber, a high-pressure blower unit including a drive motor, a transmission shaft and an axial fan, a fuel injection unit including a fuel inlet pipe connected to the combustion chamber and at least one nozzle connected to the fuel inlet pipe, and an ignition unit including an igniter connected to the housing unit and positioned in the combustion chamber is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: YAN KEE ENERGY SERVICE TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventor: Jia-Ching Chu
  • Publication number: 20110247245
    Abstract: An apparatus for multi-functional snow use. In a first orientation, the apparatus can be used to shovel snow, while in a second orientation, the apparatus can be used for recreational sledding. The apparatus is not reconfigured but rather simply reoriented depending on the apparatus' intended use. The apparatus has a substantially-planar base with first and second lengthwise-extending end edges, first and second widthwise-extending side edges, and top and bottom surfaces. Each side edge has at least one handle. A flange is fixed to the first end edge and oriented upwardly at a relief angle relative to the base. The flange may also include a hand grip. A blade is fixed to the second end edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Quang Lam
  • Patent number: 7997015
    Abstract: A universal front and rear equipment mount for an ATV includes a telescoping central frame member with telescoping front and rear mounting arms extending therefrom for connection to independent axle structures of the ATV, front and rear angled hitch brackets, each with upturned tabs having aligned holes to receive a hitch pin, and front and rear angled pulley brackets having pulleys mounted thereon for routing a winch cable of a winch mounted either on the front or rear of the vehicle or on the front or rear pulley brackets. An implement can be hitched either to the front or rear hitch bracket, and the implement can be raised or lowered by use of the winch, which has its cable routed over selected pulleys and connected to a hitch tongue or other part of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Cole Taylor Bank
    Inventors: Luc Belzile, J. Edward Melin
  • Patent number: 7966753
    Abstract: A snowplow laser guidance system is illustrated and described. The system can include, for example, a laser light source, a laser exit window through which a laser beam generated by the laser light source is transmitted, and a pressurized gas conduit. The pressurized gas conduit can have an opening positioned such that gas released through the opening flows across a face of the laser exit window. This can be useful to remove accumulated material, such as snow, ice, water, and dirt. The gas can be, for example, pressurized gas from a pressurized gas source of a snowplow vehicle. Release of pressurized gas across the face of the laser exit window can occur at a programmed frequency and/or in response to an operator signal, such as a signal from a switch on a control panel. The system also can include a heater connected to the laser exit window for defrosting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Laserline Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Vanneman, Cecil E. Rench
  • Patent number: 7937859
    Abstract: A wheeled load transfer device has a load carrying member, a handle assembly and a pair of wheels optionally connected to a distal end of the handles and preferably offset below the plane of the handles. The load carrying member includes opposing side portions, a bottom portion. The load carrying member is rotatable between a first loading position which is preferably parallel to the ground and a second load transporting position which is inclined to the ground to better retain the load. The load carrying member can be rotated to different positions to scoop, transport and dump the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: George R. Downes
  • Publication number: 20110067273
    Abstract: A snow plow including a quick connect/disconnect hitch. The snow plow includes a hitch frame nose assembly configured to couple to a vehicle. The hitch frame nose assembly includes a chassis coupler secured at each end of a hitch frame tube with each chassis coupler including a traverse pin. A plow frame is included with the plow frame having a front portion and a rear portion. A plow blade is coupled to the front portion of the plow frame. A lift bar assembly is coupled to the rear portion of the plow frame. A lift bar assembly includes a pair of notched members with each notch member aligned with a corresponding chassis coupler of the hitch frame nose assembly. Each of the notched members is configured to engage the traverse pin in each of the chassis couplers, wherein the snow plow is pivotally coupled to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Timothy G. Koch, Kevin J. Kuechler, Mark D. Buckbee, Daniel M. Brunner
  • Patent number: 7861347
    Abstract: A vehicle for removing an accumulation of particles comprises a vehicle body, a system configured to remove the particles in bulk, and an arm coupled to and extending from the vehicle body. The arm comprises a first sweeping element and a second sweeping element. Each sweeping element includes a shaft member rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and a set of bristles projecting away from the axis along the shaft member. The first and second longitudinal axes are a distance apart, and the sweeping elements define a concerted sweeping area. The arm may be movably coupled to the vehicle body and may be configured to move the sweeping element around the vehicle body by rotating the arm about a horizontal axis. When a sweeping element rotates in proximity to the ground, the longitudinal axis is substantially vertical. The vehicle may further include a computer system for tracking the location of an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: 3rd Millennium Solutions Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephen Lyle McKeown, Daniel Andrew Faux
  • Patent number: 7849614
    Abstract: A universal front and rear equipment mount for an ATV includes a telescoping central frame member with telescoping front and rear mounting arms extending therefrom for connection to independent axle structures of the ATV, front and rear angled hitch brackets, each with upturned tabs having aligned holes to receive a hitch pin, and front and rear angled pulley brackets having pulleys mounted thereon for routing a winch cable of a winch mounted either on the front or rear of the vehicle or on the front or rear pulley brackets. An implement can be hitched either to the front or rear hitch bracket, and the implement can be raised or lowered by use of the winch, which has its cable routed over selected pulleys and connected to a hitch tongue or other part of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Swisher Acquisition, Inc.
    Inventors: Luc Belzile, J. Edward Melin
  • Patent number: 7823303
    Abstract: A fluid shovel apparatus that pushes and lifts loose material such as snow, leaves, sand, dirt, grass clippings, mulch, or the like. The present invention includes at least one fluid exhaust port extending through a blade. Pressurized fluid is ejected through the at least one fluid exhaust port extending through the blade and ejects towards loose material. The loose material floats on a cushion of pressurized fluid that forms between the blade and the loose material. The loose material is pushed away from the blade and is lifted in an upward direction. Additionally, the fluid shovel apparatus may further include a soft pad and an ice scraper blade to assist in removing material from a surface of a motor vehicle. Additionally, the fluid shovel apparatus may be used to deliver a fire suppressant pressurized fluid upon a material that is burning. Additionally, the fluid shovel apparatus may be used to clear snow from railroad train tracks ahead of a railroad train car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventors: Brian H. Nagamatsu, Felicia M. Nagamatsu
  • Patent number: 7784200
    Abstract: A fluid shovel apparatus that pushes and lifts loose material such as snow, leaves, sand, dirt, grass clippings, mulch, or the like. The present invention includes at least one fluid exhaust port located in a blade. Pressurized fluid flows through the blade and ejects out through the at least one fluid exhaust port towards loose material. The loose material floats on a cushion of pressurized fluid that forms between the blade and the loose material. The loose material is pushed away from the blade and is lifted in an upward direction. Additionally, the fluid shovel apparatus may further include a brush assembly and an ice scraper blade to assist in removing material from a surface of a motor vehicle. Additionally, the fluid shovel apparatus may be used to deliver a fire suppressant pressurized fluid upon a material that is burning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventors: Brian H. Nagamatsu, Felicia M. Nagamatsu
  • Publication number: 20100132229
    Abstract: A user-walk-behind self-propelled implement machine having a frame, a motor, a handle, and a plurality of wheels. The machine may operate one of a plurality of implements, including a shovel blade, a hitch, an aerator, a dethatcher, a lawn sweeper, a spreader, a wheel barrow, or a lawn mower. The implement may also be a sweeping brush, and wherein the brush is driven to rotate by a belt attached to the motor. The machine has a receiver to connecting the implement to the frame. The motor drives axles. Tiller tines or wheels are connected to the axles. When the implement is a shovel, a user operates the shovel by engaging the motor and steering the shovel to plow snow from a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Chahino
  • Patent number: 7716857
    Abstract: A fluid shovel apparatus that pushes and lifts loose material such as snow, leaves, sand, dirt, grass clippings, mulch, or the like. The present invention includes at least one fluid exhaust port located in a blade. Pressurized fluid flows through the blade and ejects out through the at least one fluid exhaust port towards loose material. The loose material floats on a cushion of pressurized fluid that forms between the blade and the loose material. The loose material is pushed away from the blade and is lifted in an upward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventors: Brian H. Nagamatsu, Felicia M. Nagamatsu
  • Publication number: 20090293320
    Abstract: The combination of a snow blower and edge blades. The snow blower of the type having an auger housing which includes a back wall, a planar left vertical wall and a planar right vertical wall wherein the walls defining the housing of the auger. The planar left vertical wall includes a left forward edge and the planar right vertical wall includes a right forward edge. There is an edge blade affixed to each outer side of the vertical walls proximate the forward edges; wherein the edge blades include a cutting face with a leading edge spaced form the vertical wall thereby creating a snow gap between the vertical walls and a snow removal edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: ROBERT CUMMINGS
  • Patent number: 7607244
    Abstract: A snow-plowing apparatus provided with a snow-removing member detachably attached to an end of a holding rod of a hand-pushed mower, in which an engine and a wheel are attached to a frame, having a detachable rotation transmitting portion, to which a mowing blade is attached and rotational driving force of an engine is transmitted, on the end of the holding rod extending from the engine forward and downward. The snow-removing member is provided with a snowplow rotating body rotated around a horizontal axis through the rotation transmitting portion to plow and shoot the snow. The snowplow rotating body is composed of three short rotating bodies. Each of the short rotating bodies has four snow-plowing blades disposed in peripheral direction with a predetermined pitch. And, the snowplow rotating body is composed of the three short rotating bodies mounted on a shaft body as the snow-plowing blades are dislocated one another in the peripheral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: VIV Engineering Inc.
    Inventor: Tadashi Hishida
  • Publication number: 20090255150
    Abstract: A snowplow and mounting assembly having a mounting frame for use with a wheelchair wherein the mounting frame has one side with a V-shape or other shape snowplow facing away from the wheelchair and has another side that faces the wheelchair and is adapted to cooperate with the wheelchair in use to plow snow. A particular snowplow and mounting assembly has a mounting frame for releasable connection to a wheelchair; a snowplow blade disposed on one side of the frame; first and second pivotal linkages disposed on the other side of the frame for releasably engaging first and second wheels of a wheelchair; and at least one handle disposed on the frame adapted to be operated by user of the wheelchair. Snowplow and mounting assembly can easily be connected and disconnected by the wheelchair user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Charles A. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20090188135
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Patrick R Manion
  • Publication number: 20090044433
    Abstract: A plow has an upper blade. A lower forward-plowing blade is coupled to the upper blade. The lower forward-plowing blade is configured to engage material to be plowed when the plow is plowing in a forward direction. A back-blade is pivotally coupled to the upper blade and elastically coupled to the upper blade. The back-blade is configured to engage material to be plowed when the plow is plowing in a reverse direction opposite the forward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Doug Hughes
  • Patent number: 7426795
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a snowplow system. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for snowplowing with an all terrain vehicle. The system includes an all terrain vehicle, at least one control member, a latch, and a blade. The latch is configured to lock the blade at a particular horizontal rotational orientation. When the latch is released, the blade is coupled to the all terrain vehicle in a manner that allows for horizontal rotation. The at least one control member is coupled to the blade and positioned on the all terrain vehicle such that a user can horizontally rotate the blade from a sitting position on the all terrain vehicle. This allows a user to efficiently remove snow from an area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Max L. Raddon
  • Publication number: 20080178498
    Abstract: A double-folded envelope of felt (or other fabric resistant to snow adhesion) into which a show shovel may be inserted, folded over to enclose the shovel and temporarily closed in place by snaps or Velcro—doubled over where the shovel blade would rest so as to afford optimal protection against marring the finish of a car or sport utility vehicle when the shovel handle is grasped to push or scrape snow from off the vehicle's surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Barbara Ann Sanchelli
  • Patent number: 7401425
    Abstract: A snowthrower has independent wheel drive trains to allow steering by clutching one drive train while unclutching the other drive train. The clutch in each drive train comprises a plurality of pivotal pawls carried on a drive member with the pawls pivoting in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drive member. The pawls have heads that project through one face of the drive member and tails located on an opposite face of the drive member. The heads of the pawls can engage or disengage notches that are fixed to the driven member to clutch or unclutch the drive and driven members. A shift member axially presses on the tails of the pawls to disengage the heads of the pawls from the driven member. The shift member is selectively moved by an operator using a steering lever on the snowthrower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Nathan J. Friberg, Donald M. White, III
  • Patent number: 7328529
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mower and a tracked implement that convert from one to the other by coupling a mower unit or a tracked unit to a common drive unit. The drive unit is thus used in both products to provide cost savings in the purchase of the equipment. In the tracked unit, a cab for enclosing the operator's station is part of the tracked unit and gets mounted to the drive unit when the tracked unit is coupled to the drive unit. A pair of idlers rotate on pivot axes that are fixed relative to a pivotal idler support that carries the idlers. The pivot point for the idler support is chosen to prevent track elongation when the tracked unit climbs obstructions such as a curb. In the mower unit, a relatively heavy cutting deck is used and spring biased weight transfer arms transfer some of the deck weight to the mower frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Rex R. Bergsten
  • Publication number: 20070157490
    Abstract: A snowplow laser guidance system is disclosed. The system can include, for example, a laser light source, a laser exit window through which a laser beam generated by the laser light source is transmitted, and a pressurized gas conduit. The pressurized gas conduit can have an opening positioned such that gas released through the opening flows across a face of the laser exit window. This can be useful to remove accumulated material, such as snow, ice, water, and dirt. The gas can be, for example, pressurized gas from a pressurized gas source of a snowplow vehicle. Release of pressurized gas across the face of the laser exit window can occur at a programmed frequency and/or in response to an operator signal, such as a signal from a switch on a control panel. The system also can include a heater connected to the laser exit window for defrosting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventors: Robert W. Vanneman, Cecil E. Rench
  • Patent number: 7121596
    Abstract: My invention attaches to trucks with snowplows. When the truck owner takes the snowplow off of the vehicle, my brush guard clips on to the truck side push plates remaining on the truck after the snowplow has been removed. To use the snowplow again, pull the pins on the brush guard slide it off and drive up to the snowplow and reattach snowplow without any tools required. This process consists of two easy steps. Slide the brush guard onto the snowplow push plates until the holes line up. Twist and pull the spring loaded pins to (1) engage pins. To remove brush guard pull and twist pins ¼ turn until retaining key holds (10) pins open and slide brush guard off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Robert R. Rood
  • Patent number: 7070154
    Abstract: A storage bracket facilitates storage of portions of a vehicle snow plow. The snow plow has a support frame portion mountable to a vehicle, and a lift frame portion, mountable on the support frame portion, for lifting another portion of the snow plow. The support frame portion and the lift fame portion have inter-engagement segments that inter-engage when the lift frame is mounted on the support frame segment. The storage bracket includes a first segment for engaging the inter-engagement segment of the support frame portion when the support frame portion is removed from the associated vehicle. The storage bracket also includes a second segment for engaging the inter-engagement segment of the lift frame portion when the lift frame portion is removed from the associated vehicle. The storage bracket retains the lift frame portion relative to the support frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: All-Type Welding and Fabrication, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael DiStaulo
  • Patent number: 6725580
    Abstract: A device (10) for performing work tasks within a work area, in particular a ski run area, includes a working unit (60, 90), a manoeuvring machine (12, 30, 32, 37) to which the working unit is arranged. The manoeuvring machine is designed and arranged such that it is capable of manoeuvring the working unit in at least three degrees of freedom. The device is designed as an individual unit intended to be detachably arranged to a work vehicle, such as a snow working unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventors: Per Eriksson, Ulf Thoors
  • Patent number: 6675506
    Abstract: A motorized ice breaking apparatus has a housing with a power source connected thereto. A drive train is operatively connected to the power source. The drive train includes a drive shaft with a crank. A blade is disposed on a bottom side of the housing and extends laterally from a first side to a second side of the housing. A connecting rod is pivotally connected to the blade and pivotally connected to the drive shaft's crank. A pair of guide channels is connected to the bottom of the housing, one guide channel being proximate each lateral side. Ends of the blade are slidingly engaged in corresponding ones of the guide channels. The power source rotates the drive shaft and imparts a reciprocating motion to the connecting rod through the crank. The reciprocating motion of the connecting rod reciprocates the blade in a substantially vertical motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Alfred Y. Pitts
  • Patent number: 6578295
    Abstract: A frame apparatus that fits on the loader arms of a skid steer front loader. This frame apparatus serves as a platform upon which a plurality of hydraulically driven tools can be employed. The frame apparatus further includes a hydraulic junction box and solenoid system for multiplying the front loaders hydraulic ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Glenmac Inc.
    Inventors: Mac E. McPherson, Michael G. McPherson, Gary A. Parkos, Roger D. Noska
  • Publication number: 20030046834
    Abstract: A self-propelled snowplow vehicle includes a vehicle frame equipped with an auger at a front end portion thereof and pivotally connected to a propelling frame equipped with driving wheels, and a frame lift mechanism for lifting the front end portion of the vehicle frame up and down relative to the propelling frame. The frame lift mechanism comprises an electro-hydraulic cylinder actuator having a piston rod and an electric motor rotatably driven to produce a fluid pressure for reciprocating the piston rod in response to operation of a manual operating switch. The snowplow vehicle also includes a control unit arranged to forcibly stop the electric motor when a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation switch is activated, the predetermined time being equal to an operating time of the cylinder actuator which is required to extend or contract the piston rod over a maximum stroke defined between a fully extended position and a fully contracted position of the piston rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Jitsumi Hanafusa, Kenji Kuroiwa, Tsutomu Wakitani, Tsutomu Inui, Takahiro Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20030000112
    Abstract: A curved blade mounted to bottom from both curved sides joining the blade rotation mechanism components assembling allows the height adjustment according to the desired rotational movement, and is assembled to the parts for transmitting motion fixed onto the snow blower. A sliding protective plate replacing the ground shoe, is mounted under the curved blade provided with an interchangeable cutting edge protecting the curved blade and the gravel inputs or all other materials during the snow blowing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Richard Gingras, Francois Gingras
  • Publication number: 20020095825
    Abstract: Hitch mount for hydraulically driven snow blades or other accessories that includes a mounting frame for mounting to the vehicle chassis and a one piece plow assembly and lift frame readily removably coupled to the mounting frame, the plow assembly preferably including a blade trip frame and a snow blade removably coupled to the trip frame. A optional power operated jack can be used to raise or lower the lift frame relative to the vehicle chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Marc D. Curtis
  • Publication number: 20020095824
    Abstract: A snow blower augers snow scrapped from a path to a fan. The fan is co-axial with the auger at one end of an auger housing. A fan shaft extends through an auger tube. The fan shaft is supported on one end by a fan housing bearing attached to the housing and at the other end by a bearing in the auger tube. The auger is supported at one end by a drive housing bearing attached to the housing and at the other end by a bearing on the fan shaft. This arrangement makes it possible to have an open passage for the snow to move from the auger to the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: John Johnson
  • Patent number: 6351899
    Abstract: A vehicle for grooming a terrain of snow having a plurality of hydraulically driven rotary tiller units independently mounted for axial lateral movement relative to the plane of the rectangular main frame of the vehicle. Bogey track units support the vehicle and allow for movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventor: David Slutzky
  • Patent number: 6035560
    Abstract: An air deflector assembly with an adjustable louver for use with a snow plow mounted on a vehicle is provided. The deflector assembly includes a base mounted to the plow, an air scoop detachably mounted on the base and a louver located at the rear of the air scoop. The louver is pivotally secured to the air scoop to deflect the wind onto the vehicle's radiator. A mounting arrangement is also provided to detachably mount the air deflector assembly with the snow plow. The mounting arrangement allows the air scoop and louver to be quickly mounted on and removed from the snow plow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Gerald R. Pender
  • Patent number: 5966845
    Abstract: An air deflection system for a snow plow assembly mounted on a vehicle comprises an air stream guide member mounted on and overlying the upper surface of a snow plow blade. The guide member has a downwardly facing air inlet at a fore end positioned forward of the snow plow blade to intercept and capture without interruption an air stream which, by reason of forward movement of the vehicle, is directed toward the leading concave surface of the snow plow blade, then upwardly along that surface, and through a rearwardly facing air outlet at the aft end positioned aft of the snowplow blade. An air stream containment passage intermediate the air inlet and the air outlet is effective to receive the air stream from the air inlet and redirect it toward the air outlet from whence it is exhausted away from the snow plow blade and toward the radiator of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: William E. DiGiacomo
  • Patent number: 5918390
    Abstract: A deep bucket (1) for exchangeable mounting at the jib head of a bucket excavator consists of three shells (2, 31, 32), which are movable relative to each other and constrainedly guided towards each other. The width of the deep bucket (1) is steplessly adjustable between a minimum value and a maximum value. At least two double scissors systems (5, 6; 7, 8) are provided for the actuation and for the parallel constrained guidance of the side shells (31, 32) in each adjusted spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas Ruff
  • Patent number: 5915835
    Abstract: The snowblower of the present invention includes a housing and attached to the snowblower is an drive mechanism that actuates a snow gate for movement about a vertical axis, inwardly towards and outwardly away from the snowblower housing. This snow gate engages a snow drift wall to reorient the snowblower with respect to the adjacent snow drift wall thereby preventing the snowblower from veering off the intended path and into an adjacent snow drift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Walter Fair
  • Patent number: 5881479
    Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a radiator of a vehicle carrying a snowplow. The apparatus includes an air flow directing mechanism located adjacent the plow, capable of directing air flow at the radiator when the plow blade is in a riding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Robert T. Pavey
  • Patent number: 5815956
    Abstract: A mount and lift assembly for hydraulically driven snow blades or other accessories that includes a chassis frame for mounting to the vehicle chassis; a lift frame mount readily removably coupled to the chassis frame; an A-frame mount readily removably coupled to the chassis frame, the A-frame supporting an actuator drive such as an electric/hydraulic pump to drive the snow blade; a blade trip frame coupled to the A-frame; and a snow blade removably coupled to the trip frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Curtis International , Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Lavin, Marc D. Curtis
  • Patent number: 5742967
    Abstract: Sweeping devices for utility vehicles with a rotatingly driven bristle roller have been known, which are covered on the top side by a protective housing and in front of which a feed screw extending in parallel to the bristle roller is arranged, and the feed screw is arranged, drivable by a motor, in a sweepings collection housing, which is provided with a rear charging opening and with a discharge opening at the end of the screw, wherein the sweepings collection housing has an obliquely downwardly directed baffle plate with a flexible bottom plate under its charging opening. To improve the mode of operation and the sweeping performance, especially at higher speeds of travel, the bristle roller is driven at such a speed of rotation that in the area located between it and the charging opening of the sweepings collection housing, it generates an air flow, which continues into the discharge opening of the sweepings collection housing, which is designed as a feed cup and a flow channel at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Matthias Giessler
  • Patent number: 5632106
    Abstract: A snow tiller for ski slopes having rotating cutter bars with outstanding teeth. The cutter bar is installed beneath a cover which directs the snow rearwardly to a snow smoothing comb. The 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: LMC Operating Corp.
    Inventor: William B. Sinykin