Abstract: A snowthrower includes a body, a chute rotatable relative to the body among multiple chute positions, wherein the chute is configured to discharge snow from the snowthrower, a motor for rotating the chute, a user input device, and an electronic control unit configured to control the motor to automatically rotate the chute from a first chute position on a first side of a zero degree chute position aligned with the forward direction of travel of the snowthrower to a second chute position on a second side of the zero degree chute position upon actuation of the user input device.

Abstract: A lightweight snow groomer designed to be towed behind a snowmobile, ATV, or UTV with an adjustable v-plow. The snow groomer includes multiple links pivotably connected to its drawbar assembly and the plow that allow the plow to swing upwardly and rearwardly under the drawbars. The snow groomer preferably includes a front link adjacent to its coupler for leveling the plow/pan assembly and for vertical adjustment to accommodate different hitch heights. The snow groomer also ideally has a lift assembly with a threaded arm that screws up and down the lift assembly. The linkage may include a slotted link segment that pivotably connects to the plow and allows the plow to float on compacted snow or leave the desired amount of snow, depending on the adjustment, for compacting. The preferred v-plow can swing upwardly and rearwardly when striking obstacles during operation of the snow groomer.

Abstract: A snowthrower includes a body, a chute rotatable relative to the body among a plurality of chute positions, wherein the chute is configured to discharge snow from the snowthrower, a motor for rotating the chute, a user input device configured to set a preferred chute bearing, and an electronic control unit configured to control the motor to automatically rotate the chute to an appropriate chute position to maintain the chute at the preferred chute bearing without additional input from the user input device.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing snow from the surface of a pitched roof that is a substantially rectangular, flat, flexible sheet with a snow grasping surface and a snow sliding surface, and that is conformable to the shape of the snow.

Abstract: Described is a snow and debris removal system containing both lift and rotational actuators. The actuators allow for both up and down and rotational movement relative to the implement mounting device the removal system is attached to. The rotational movement is provided by a rotation actuator fixed to a frame which applies force to a cable via a worm. The cable is mounted to an implement causing the implement to rotate about a pivot point attached to the frame. Rotational forces incurred on the implement go from the cable to the nut to the worm which does not back-drive thereby, avoiding damage to the motor actuator. Up and down movement is provided by an actuator that is mounted to the frame of the debris removal system which drives a rack which is attached to a fixed point on the implement mounting device.

Abstract: Snowblower deflector control devices, systems, and methods are provided. In one aspect, a snowblower deflector control device can be externally disposed from a machine handle of the snowblower. The control device can include a control member and a guide plate. The control member can include a longitudinal shaft and a projection disposed along the shaft. The guide plate can be adapted to receive a portion of the control member. The guide plate can include a plurality of gates disposed at spaced intervals from a first end to a second end, and the projection of the control member can be lockable within at least one gate of the plurality of gates.

Abstract: An upright induction chamber (100) is positioned within a melting tank (24) of a snow melting apparatus (20). The melting tank is filled with melting water. Shredded snow from a hopper assembly (22) is introduced into the upper end of the induction chamber along with heated melting water, to be mixed by an impeller fan pump (110) that is operated to force the melting water at sufficient speed through the induction chamber to overcome the buoyancy of the snow, thereby facilitating uniform distribution of the snow across the induction chamber and good mixing of the snow with the melting water. A portion of the liquid composed of the melted snow and melting water from the induction chamber is expelled from the melting tank, and a portion of the liquid from the induction chamber passes through a heat exchanger (34) positioned within the heating tank to be heated thereby and then re-introduced into the upper portion of the induction chamber.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for removing snow and ice from the roof top of a truck, trailer, bus or similar vehicle is mounted atop a converted flatbed trailer for ease of relocation from one site to another for use. The addition of a height adjustable scraper or plow blade that is operator controlled to remain in contact with the roof of the vehicle being cleaned is provided with a self-contained front-to-back and side-to-side stabilization mechanism to prevent damage to the tops of vehicles by gouging or tearing the roof top.

Abstract: A connection system for a vehicle tool such as a plow, comprising: a vehicle structure unit adapted to be secured to an underside of a vehicle. A tool connector unit is adapted to be secured to a vehicle tool. A male and female connector system is between the vehicle structure unit and the tool connector unit for the mating engagement therebetween. A latch unit latches at least one male connector of the connector system into a corresponding female connector for releasable engagement, the latch unit comprising at least one biasing element to bias the latch unit into the releasable engagement. An interface connected to the latch unit for operating the latch unit in disengaging the male and female connector system.

Abstract: A snow removal assembly includes a covering that is positionable on a ground surface. The covering includes a plurality of panels that are slidably coupled together to allow a combined length of the panels to be selectively lengthened or retracted. The covering is lengthened to a selected length and placed on the ground surface. The covering may then be moved to remove any snow which falls on the covering to leave an exposed ground surface.

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.

Abstract: A control system and method for operating a snow plow is disclosed which utilizes a programmable, wireless remote control for providing fully functional operation of a snow plow blade mounted on a vehicle. The system includes a remote control that can be used to operate both a snow plow and a spreader, with the system being configurable to work with any of a variety of different snow plows. The remote control may be programmed to perform a series of functions that can be sequentially performed by pressing a single button on the remote control.

Abstract: A snow removal device includes a power source or is connectable to a power source for powering a drive motor that is connected to a snow removal mechanism. The overall size and construction is designed to be lightweight and portable. In this way, considering the smaller size of the snow removal mechanism and its maneuverability, it is suitable to assist in removing snow from around the tires of a vehicle that is stuck in the snow, as one example of a suitable use.

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.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to an elevated transportation network run on electricity with personalized cars that can automatically transport passengers anywhere in a large city or densely populated metropolitan area served by the system without stopping on the way to the final destination. The cars travel on two continuous concrete ribbons with no bumps or cutouts crossing the tire path during switching or on the straight away. The travel path is a combination of central routing and individual car communications with car automatic steering and distance control. The personalized transportation concept can also apply to high speed intercity transportation allowing instant available transportation without intermediate time consuming stops.

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.

Abstract: An electric snow-thrower is disclosed having a frame, an axle supported by and extending from the frame, a snow-engaging implement supported by the frame, and an electric motor. In some forms the electric snow thrower includes a transversely oriented electric motor configured to selectively drive the axle and the snow-engaging implement, a support bracket engaging the electric motor and a battery container, and a battery container having a control panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the removal of snow from the ground. The invention includes an arrangement of plates and cables constructed and arranged to tilt a first or main plate disposed on or over a ground surface where snow removal is desired. The plates are connected to a set of cables, preferably arranged in a Y shaped configuration so that the main plate is tilted to one side by a motor driving the cable structure and lifting and tilting the main plate so that snow on the main plate slides off of the tilted main plate and into a base located on a side of the main plate. A second or mini plate is arranged preferably under the center area of the main plate and the cables are connected to the mini plate to lift and tilt the main plate to cause the snow to slide into the base.

Abstract: A snowblower attachment includes a protective guard plate and attached skids for keeping an impeller of a snowblower from contacting the ground below the snowblower.

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 rechargeable snow removal device for displacing snow from a variety of locations may include a portable frame with a plurality of wheels. Further, the device may include a primary snow intake section connected to a front end of the frame, a power-actuated vacuum mechanism, and an exhaust nozzle for discharging snow away from the frame. Also, the device may include first and second power sources, preferably a power cord and rechargeable battery respectively. A mechanism for directing and interrupting power from the first and second power sources to the vacuum mechanism may also be included, such that the device may continuously receive power from at least one source. A power distribution interface may be controlled by a user interface and may operate a plurality of switches to direct power from the sources accordingly. Additionally, an auxiliary snow intake section may be included for collecting snow in limited space areas.

Abstract: A trailer snow removal system includes a pair of guide members. Each of the guide members is elongated and oriented parallel to each other. An elongated panel has a first end, a second end, an upper edge and a lower edge. The elongated panel extends between the guide members. Each of the first and second ends includes a post that extends downwardly into one of the guide members. A drive assembly is mechanically coupled to each of the lower ends. The drive assembly moves the elongated panel back and forth along the guide members when the drive assembly is turned on. The guide members may be mounted on the top wall to remove snow from the top wall.

Abstract: A snow plow assembly comprises an A-frame assembly, a V-blade assembly pivoted to one end of the A-frame assembly, and a lift frame assembly pivoted to the other end of the A-frame assembly, the lift frame assembly adapted to be removably attached to a vehicle. The V-blade assembly comprises a pair of blades hinged together along inboard ends thereof, each blade of the pair of blades including first and second cutting edge plates removably secured to the blade, the first cutting edge plate fabricated of a first material, the second cutting edge plate fabricated of a second material, the first material having a greater resistance to abrasion wear than the second material.

Abstract: A remote control for shifting the gears of a snowplow truck automatic transmission with the remote control being positioned adjacent the remote controller for the truck's snowplow. The driver of the snowplow vehicle may steer the vehicle with his/her left hand and will have the remote controller for the truck snowplow and the remote controller for shifting the gears of the snowplow truck in his/her right hand which eliminates the need for the gear shift of the vehicle to be manually manipulated at the beginning or end of forward or rearward snowplow runs.

Abstract: A movable apparatus includes a housing with a handle and plurality of wheels rotatably mounted thereto. An engine is disposed within the housing and configured to provide torque to the plurality of wheels to selectively rotate the wheels in a first direction and an opposite second direction. A central bar is rotatably disposed on the housing and includes a plurality of spikes radially extending therefrom that are configured to produce a plurality of holes in the ground when rotated. The central bar is configured to rotate in the first direction when the plurality of wheels are rotated in the first direction and the central bar is configured to be rotated in the opposite second direction when the wheels are rotated in the opposite second direction.

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.

Abstract: A snow deflector apparatus that easily attaches to a snowplow, a kit that includes two snow deflector apparatus and a control system, and to a snowplow system that includes two snow deflector apparatus and a control system. The snow deflector apparatus includes a deflector plate, a deflector plate rotator mechanism and at least one spring. The deflector plate is dimensioned to obstruct at least a substantial portion of the end of the blade of the snowplow such that an amount of snow that is sloughed off of the blade is minimized when the deflector plate is in a deployed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a snow guard device for use on a sloped roof having a roof decking supported by a roof substructure. The roof decking may have a plurality of elongate corrugations transversely spaced therealong. The snow guard device includes a pair of posts anchored to longitudinal members mounted to the roof substructure and extending proud of the roof decking. The posts support a rail member, which extends transversely of the elongate corrugations. The snow guard device further includes a pair of mounting brackets, which are fastened to the rail member. The mounting brackets are oriented to extend upslope and substantially downwardly toward the roof decking. The brackets carry a plurality of snow barrier members therebetween for discouraging snow from downwardly sliding along the roof decking. The snow barrier members are positioned at a location upslope of the support means and are sized to correspond generally to the spacing between a pair of adjacent corrugations.

Abstract: A universal control adapter system allows any commercial or custom snowplow controller to be quickly and easily attached and detached from any commercial or custom snowplow blade. A first adapter connects the snowplow driver's controller to a first universal controller. A second adapter connects the snowplow to a second universal connector, where the second universal connector is configured to removably mate with the first universal connector. The first universal connector and second universal connector are color coded or otherwise configured to ensure proper mating. In this manner, skilled snowplow drivers can quickly and easily transfer their controllers to different vehicles rather than learning different controls for various snowplow manufacturers.

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: An ice resurfacing machine laser control is used to optimize the ice layer on an artificial ice track, such as an ice hockey rink and is adapted for use in ice resurfacing machines. The thickness of an ice layer is optimized with a beam for a laser transmitter. The ice resurfacing machine comprises a laser receiver and mechanisms to regulate the elevation of the scraper blade.

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 method for controlling a snow-trail grooming vehicle for grooming snow trails and especially for distributing the driving power which is made available by a drive motor of a snow-trail grooming vehicle onto a chain or track drive thereon and further consumers. According to the invention, the distribution of the driving power or control by a central processing system occurs by means of the central processing system varying distribution of the driving power in dependency of a specifiable, changeable prioritizing of the drive, at least of one consumer and/or of groups of consumers.

Abstract: A control platform for directing the operation of a snowblower is provided. The platform includes a bail which is pivotably moveable within the platform. Attached to and moveable with the bail are levers for controlling the engagement or disengagement of the drives that power the snowblower's wheels and auger. Also attached with the bail are controls which permit the operator to change the speed and/or direction of the snowblower as well as the orientation of the discharge chute. Through their attachment to the bail and proximity relative to one another, an operator can use each of the levers and controls simultaneously. Accordingly, the platform permits an operator to engage or disengage the drives which power the snowblower's wheels and auger while, simultaneously, enabling a change in speed or direction as well as the direction towards which snow is directed during the removal process.

Abstract: A plow of the type used to clear snow and like debris from roadways and similar surfaces has a plastic moldboard secured to a rigid frame adapted to be mounted to a vehicle. The frame has at least one vertically extending brace member spaced from the moldboard to define a vertically extending gap between frame and moldboard. At least a portion of the gap is at least partially filled with a resilient material so that the moldboard is able to resiliently flex into the gap during heavy snow removal while preventing the gap from being filled with foreign matter including ice otherwise preventing desired flexing of the moldboard.

Abstract: A snow removal or ground-surface cleaning apparatus that is pushed or pulled by a prime mover. The apparatus has a drum array that includes rows of triple-stepped blade-like fingers distributed evenly around a drum array. These fingers are stiffly flexible and can cleanly and efficiently pick up snow and debris from uneven ground surfaces.

Abstract: Suspended scraper used to remove snow from the top of reasonably flat Truck, Trailer & Bus roofs. Concrete footing—18″ in diameter, 4′ deep with 2 anchor bolts per footing. Installed on top of the footing (one) 1 per footing, 8″×8″×½″ steel beams 16″½″ tall with 8″×8″ steel plate welded to base of steel beam. Top support 8″×8″×½″ steel beam 15′4″ length with 8″×16″ steel plate welded to both ends. Top steel beam will be bolted to top end of steel uprights to form support for scraper. One overhead door track to be welded on inside edge of both uprights.

Abstract: A method of using a multipurpose indoor snow removal system for snow removal including uncoupling the hot or cold water supply of an indoor sink and attaching the main supply pipe to a fluid flow control pipe. Then one of the fluid outlets of the fluid flow control pipe is connected to the sink faucet and another of the fluid outlets to a flexible hose and aim the hose to allow water to be released from the fluid release end of the hose for melting the snow off a structure and around a structure.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for directing a low turbulence vehicle-mounted air blast for use in clearing snow or debris from a road or runway. An air blast system is mounted in the central portion of the vehicle underneath the chassis. An air duct is positioned on either side of the truck adjacent to a channel which passes under the truck. The air ducts are designed with minimal curvature and internal baffles in order to minimize air flow turbulence.

Abstract: A snow removal device that picks up snow from the ground and flicks the snow into impeller units that transport the snow into a discharge tube whence the snow is expelled from the system. The system primarily includes a pick-up assembly, an impeller assembly, and a discharge tube. The pick-up assembly has a drum array that includes rows of triple-stepped blade-like fingers distributed evenly around each drum of the array of drums. These fingers are stiffly flexible and can cleanly and efficiently pick up snow from uneven ground surfaces and flick the snow into the impeller assembly that is mounted parallel to the axis of the drum array. The impeller assembly includes a plurality of impeller units that transport the snow into the discharge tube. The impeller units are reversible in direction, allowing the snow to be discharged to the right or the left of the system, or to the right and left simultaneously.

Abstract: A snow plow cover for protecting a snow plow blade and a mounting and a motion control attached thereto harness from environmental elements during periods of non-use. The snow plow cover is configured to form fit and envelop the snow plow blade and mounting and motion control harness attached thereto. The cover is formed of a tarpaulin type material and includes grommets for anchoring the cover either to the ground or for tying the cover about the snow plow.

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: A plow of the type used to clear snow and like debris from roadways and similar surfaces has a plastic moldboard secured to a rigid frame adapted to be mounted to a vehicle. The frame has at least one vertically extending brace member spaced from the moldboard to define a vertically extending gap between frame and moldboard. At least a portion of the gap is at least partially filled with a resilient material so that the moldboard is able to resiliently flex into the gap during heavy snow removal while preventing the gap from being filled with foreign matter including ice otherwise preventing desired flexing of the moldboard.

Abstract: A vehicular operation processing system has a memory card for storing coordinates of a plurality of check point sets, each of which is composed of a set of check points, and an ECU for, when determining that a vehicle has approached to any one of the check point sets based on the coordinate of a current vehicle position and the coordinate of the check point set, detecting a next check point based on a relation between each of check points contained in that check point set and a check point detected in the last time and performing associated processes such as a voice guidance and automatic sampling of operation record for that check point.

Abstract: The invention consists of a plurality of separate pieces that may be fastened together to create a portable automobile snowplow. Each of the parts is folded in a specified fashion in order to define a particular portion of the snowplow. Then, by means of tabs and slots or other suitable fastening means, the parts may be affixed together. For simplified storage, the parts may be sized in a manner to permit them to be nested within each other.

Abstract: A roadbed maintenance device includes a first frame adapted for attachment to the front end of a vehicle, and a second frame to which a moldboard is joined. The first frame and the second frame are pivotably joined by a parallelogram linkage, so that the second frame can be pivoted between a lowered position in which the lower edge of the moldboard touches the roadway, and a raised position in which the lower edge of the moldboard does not touch the roadway. The pivoting movement is preferably accomplished by biasing the second frame toward the raised position, and applying a force to accomplish pivoting toward the lowered position. The pivoting force is provided by a gas-actuated cylinder linked to the second frame, using a compressed gas source on the vehicle. The moldboard is desirably made of molded rubber.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for disposal of snow in urban areas. Snow is disposed of using existing manhole or other connections to sewer systems with a portable or mobile disposal unit formed of a snow receiving bin, a grinding device, apparatus for projecting the ground snow in a controlled and linear confined manner and into a trajectory downwardly into the sewer and preferably with sensing apparatus to sense whether there is a blocked sewer conduit as well as to determine the load carrying capacity of the sewer liquid. In this way, the grinding device may be driven by variable speed motors. The system and method permit the use of already existing sewer systems, and is more economical than trucking snow to disposal sites. The system and method also permit the ready disposal of snow in areas where there are no disposal sites or where disposal sites are not allowed.

Abstract: A motorized rotary blade snowblower is used for the removal of snow. This snowblower has a housing which covers the rotary blades and a drift cutting arm that is fastened to and extends p from the sides of the housing. The drift cutter is fastened to the housing so that it can be locked in a working position and retracted to a storage position.

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.