Abstract: An apparatus and a method of clearing an accumulation of matter from a surface is provided. The apparatus includes a collecting section, a casting section, and a shifting section. The shifting section is at least one of a diverting section, a sweeping section, and an air blowing section. The collecting section includes a blade and is in matter communication with the casting section. The diverting section includes an auxiliary blade oriented at an angle about an axis transverse to a direction of travel. The sweeping section includes a rotatable broom with bristles. The air blowing section is configured to blow air in a predetermined direction.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of clearing an accumulation of matter from a surface is provided. The apparatus includes a collecting section, a casting section, and a shifting section. The shifting section is at least one of a diverting section, a sweeping section, and an air blowing section. The collecting section includes a blade and is in matter communication with the casting section. The diverting section includes an auxiliary blade oriented at an angle about an axis transverse to a direction of travel. The sweeping section includes a rotatable broom with bristles. The air blowing section is configured to blow air in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a predicted vehicle braking operation is provided. The apparatus includes a test tire, a brake associated with the test tire, and an actuator operably connected to the test tire and configured to selectively apply a representative vehicle force to the test tire. The apparatus further includes a controller operably connected to the brake and configured to apply a representative vehicle braking algorithm to the brake. The apparatus also includes a sensor associated with the test tire and configured to provide feedback for determining a predicted vehicle braking operation. Aspects of the invention further include methods of using the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a predicted vehicle braking operation is provided. The apparatus includes a test tire, a brake associated with the test tire, and an actuator operably connected to the test tire and configured to selectively apply a representative vehicle force to the test tire. The apparatus further includes a controller operably connected to the brake and configured to apply a representative vehicle braking algorithm to the brake. The apparatus also includes a sensor associated with the test tire and configured to provide feedback for determining a predicted vehicle braking operation. Aspects of the invention further include methods of using the apparatus.

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.