Abstract: A method of controlling a DC motor that includes the step of providing a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal to the DC motor. The PWM signal provides a voltage to operate the DC motor. The method also includes the steps of measuring a voltage generated by the DC motor when the PWM signal is off. In more particular embodiments, the method includes measuring a current being supplied to the DC motor when the PWM signal is off. The method may further require determining a motor speed of the DC motor based on the measured voltage. The method further includes controlling the DC motor to maintain a relatively constant motor speed with varying loads on the DC motor.

Abstract: A method of controlling a DC motor that includes the step of providing a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal to the DC motor. The PWM signal provides a voltage to operate the DC motor. The method also includes the steps of measuring a voltage generated by the DC motor when the PWM signal is off. In more particular embodiments, the method includes measuring a current being supplied to the DC motor when the PWM signal is off. The method may further require determining a motor speed of the DC motor based on the measured voltage. The method further includes controlling the DC motor to maintain a relatively constant motor speed with varying loads on the DC motor.

Abstract: A method of controlling a DC motor that includes the step of providing a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal to the DC motor. The PWM signal provides a voltage to operate the DC motor. The method also includes the steps of measuring a voltage generated by the DC motor when the PWM signal is off. In more particular embodiments, the method includes measuring a current being supplied to the DC motor when the PWM signal is off. The method may further require determining a motor speed of the DC motor based on the measured voltage. The method further includes controlling the DC motor to maintain a relatively constant motor speed with varying loads on the DC motor.

Abstract: A method of controlling a DC motor that includes the step of providing a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal to the DC motor. The PWM signal provides a voltage to operate the DC motor. The method also includes the steps of measuring a voltage generated by the DC motor when the PWM signal is off. In more particular embodiments, the method includes measuring a current being supplied to the DC motor when the PWM signal is off. The method may further require determining a motor speed of the DC motor based on the measured voltage. The method further includes controlling the DC motor to maintain a relatively constant motor speed with varying loads on the DC motor.

Abstract: A method of controlling a DC motor that includes the step of providing a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal to the DC motor. The PWM signal provides a voltage to operate the DC motor. The method also includes the steps of measuring a voltage generated by the DC motor when the PWM signal is off. In more particular embodiments, the method includes measuring a current being supplied to the DC motor when the PWM signal is off. The method may further require determining a motor speed of the DC motor based on the measured voltage. The method further includes controlling the DC motor to maintain a relatively constant motor speed with varying loads on the DC motor.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for removably mounting a hopper spreader to a trailer hitch of a vehicle includes an elongated mounting bar adapted to be secured to the hopper spreader and a hitch adapter carried by the mounting bar which is adapted to be received by the trailer hitch for supporting the hopper spreader on the vehicle. A stabilizing assembly carried by the mounting bar includes stabilizing arms that extend outwardly on opposite sides of the hitch adapter for engaging an undersurface of the vehicle for stabilizing the hopper spreader against rotation about the trailer hitch.

Abstract: A hopper spreader apparatus adapted for mounting to a vehicle, to be towed by a vehicle or to be pushed by hand, includes a sprayer apparatus for spraying liquid material as well as dispensing dry free-flow material. The hopper spreader apparatus includes a variable discharge mechanism, allowing adjustment of both the flow rate and the distribution pattern of the dry free-flow material particulate material being dispensed. The operation of the hopper spreader apparatus can be controlled remotely using radio frequency (RF) signaling. The hopper spreader apparatus obtains electrical power from an on-board battery and includes a battery charger to allow the battery to be charged when the hopper spreader apparatus is not in use.

Abstract: A variable discharge mechanism for a hopper spreader apparatus includes first and second flow control members that allow varying the discharge rate by providing relative rotation between flow gate members to adjust the size of a delivery opening and thus the discharge volume flow rate. The distribution pattern can be changed by changing the location of the delivery opening with respect to an axis extending in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved snow plow blade is disclosed which has a fixed upper plow blade and a pivoting lower trip blade mounted on the swing frame of the snow plow with the axis of rotation of the trip blade being directly in line with the swing frame and the support frame of the snow plow. Since the axis of rotation of the trip edge blade is located at the height of the vertical center of the swing frame (and is thereby in the same horizontal plane), the forces imparted to the swing frame will be essentially compressive in nature rather than including a torsional element as well. The trip edge blade and the trip edge springs used to bias the trip edge blade into an untripped position are substantially supported by the swing frame of the snow plow rather than being supported from the upper plow blade. The trip edge blade is also sufficiently high to prevent damage to the upper snow plow blade due to impacts with curbs or other high obstacles.

Abstract: An improved apex snow plow having reversible wings is disclosed in which each wing frame is constructed to be used on either side of the snow plow to eliminate the need for two separately designed and constructed snow plow wings. The reversible wings are easily secured to the center portion of the snow plow and are removable to facilitate replacement. The reversible wings of the snow plow of the present invention can be arranged into any desired configuration via a hydraulic system positioned near the bottom of each wing, thereby allowing each wing to be lighter than and more effective than conventional apex snow plow blade designs.

Abstract: A video monitoring system is disclosed which may be used by the operator of a vehicle to guide the approach of the vehicle to an implement or a trailer or the like to bring connecting members of a hitch mechanism respectively located on the vehicle and on the implement or trailer into alignment and engagement with each other. A video camera is installed onto either the vehicle in the closest possible proximity to the hitch latching mechanism and is directed toward an alignment indicia located on the implement or trailer. A video monitor in the cab of the vehicle displays the video image “seen” by the video camera of the alignment indicia, allowing the vehicle to be driven into a position in which the implement or trailer may be hitched to the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved snow plow for use with light and medium duty trucks is disclosed which has a hitch mounting mechanism and method that enables the snow plow to be easily and quickly mounted to and detached from a truck without requiring tools. The snow plow hitch mounting mechanism has four points of attachment between a snow plow-mounted hitching apparatus and a hitch frame mounted at the front of a truck, two points of attachment being at each side. The lower points of attachment are made by initially engaging the snow plow-mounted hitching apparatus with the hitch frame, with the upper points of attachment being engaged by using a releasable retaining mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing and diagnosing the operational condition and malfunctions of snow removal equipment. A diagnostic interfaces coupled to snow removal equipment and to an analysis retrieves and analyzes data and compares the data to a set of reference data. The apparatus and method can further comprise a display module for displaying detailed information relating to the operational status of the snow removal equipment. Alternative embodiments of the present invention are mobile or facilitate servicing networks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing and diagnosing the operational condition and malfunctions of snow removal equipment. A diagnostic interfaces coupled to snow removal equipment and to an analysis retrieves and analyzes data and compares the data to a set of reference data. The apparatus and method can further comprise a display module for displaying detailed information relating to the operational status of the snow removal equipment. Alternative embodiments of the present invention are mobile or facilitate servicing networks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing and diagnosing the operational condition and malfunctions of snow removal equipment. A diagnostic interface, coupled to the snow removal equipment and to an analysis module, retrieves and analyzes data and compares the data to a set of reference data. The apparatus further comprises a display module for displaying detailed information relating to the operational status of the snow removal equipment. Alternative embodiments of the present invention are mobile or facilitate servicing networks.

Abstract: An articulated snow plow system for use with a vehicle includes a blade center section having a moldboard section and left and right plowblade sections which are wider than the blade center section. The plowblade sections each include a moldboard section and are mounted to the blade center section at opposite sides thereof and pivotable relative to the center blade section about a substantially vertical pivot axis, to swept forward and swept backward positions. The snowplow assembly includes a support frame, the blade center section being coupled to the support frame through an intermediate pivot assembly which permits a limited amount of float to allow the blade center section, and the plowblade sections pivoted thereto, to follow the contour of the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing and diagnosing the operational condition and malfunctions of snow removal equipment. A diagnostic interface coupled to snow removal equipment and to an analysis module retrieves and analyzes data and compares the data to a set of reference data. The apparatus and method can further comprise a display module for displaying detailed information relating to the operational status of the snow removal equipment. Alternative embodiments of the present invention are mobile or facilitate servicing networks.

Abstract: An articulated snow plow system for use with a vehicle includes a blade center section having a moldboard section and left and right extending plowblade sections which are wider than the blade center section. The extending plowblade sections each include a moldboard section and are mounted to the blade center section at opposite sides thereof and pivotable relative to the center blade section about a substantially vertical pivot axis, to swept forward and swept backward positions. The snowplow assembly includes a support frame, the blade center section being coupled to the support frame through an intermediate pivot assembly which permits a limited amount of float to allow the blade center section, and the extending plowblade sections pivoted thereto, to follow the contour of the ground.

Abstract: A power assisted snowplow stand for allowing an operator of a snowplow the ability to position the snowplow to connect and disconnect the snowplow. The snowplow stand generally including a stand structure coupled to a power assist mechanism. The stand structure coupled to the snowplow. The invention also including a method for attaching a vehicle, including a subframe, to and operating power assisted snowplow stand for allowing an operator of a snowplow the ability to position the snowplow to connect and disconnect the snowplow; a stand structure coupled to the snowplow and a power assist mechanism being linked to a control system for controlling the power assisted snowplow stand. The stand structure including an up position and a down position. The method including positioning the vehicle subframe for engagement with the snowplow. Operating the control system to actuate the power assist mechanism to align the snowplow with the vehicle subframe. Engaging and coupling the vehicle subframe to the snowplow.

Abstract: An articulated snow plow system for use with a vehicle comprising a mounting plowblade section having a moldboard section, at least two mounting sides, and at least one mounting structure located on each of the mounting sides; and a plurality of extending plowblade sections each having a moldboard section and an engagement mechanism capable of engaging the mounting structure located on each of the mounting sides; an extending plowblade section being pivotally coupled to each mounting structure at the engagement mechanism. The articulated snow plow system for use with a motorized vehicle comprising an articulated snow plow coupled to a reactive controlled pressure snow plow system for use with the articulated snow plow. The articulated snow plow having a mold board and the reactive controlled pressure snow-plow system including a reactive controlled pressure mechanism mechanically coupled to the vehicle and to the moldboard of the articulated snow plow.