Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning, clearing, and/or treating an elongate, particularly rectilinear paved path, especially a taxiway and/or take-off runway and/or landing runway of an airfield, said path being used in the longitudinal direction in successive, irregular intervals by starting or landing aircraft. In said method, cleaning or clearing movements in at least one segment of the path are carried out in cycles, at a defined operational width and at an oblique or right angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the path, by two or more identical, successive cleaning or clearing runs and/or movements of at least one clearing apparatus.

Abstract: A snow plow blade is provided including a support frame and a moldboard. The moldboard is constructed of a metal material preferably painted with a paint including a polyurethane binding agent. The moldboard surface is contacted with a 100% solids polyurethane component providing an abrasion resistant, non-stick coating chemically bonded to the contacted surfaces of the snow plow blade.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a snow removal accessory and method of use thereof for a vehicle. The accessory has a translation assembly for rotating an axle through action upon a lever connected via the axle to a leg and a wheel. The axle moves under the influence of an extendible cylinder moving from a retracted configuration to an extracted configuration until the wheel and ultimately the accessory is moved from an operative configuration in contact with the ground to a transport configuration where the wheels only are in contact with the ground.

Abstract: Snowblower chute controls and related methods are provided particularly suited for a snowblower. The snowblower chute controls can include a handle pivotably attached to a housing. The housing can have an interior wall with a linear or arcuate gear track. The handle can have a first end operably configured to a spool wheel by a pin. Also, a gear can be operably configured to the handle by the pin such that the gear engages the linear or arcuate gear track. First and second spool cables can have first and second ends, the first ends attached to the spool wheel and the second ends attached to a snowblower chute. The handle can be pivoted to cause the gear to move along the gear track and the spool wheel to rotate and spool the first and second spool cables, thereby rotating the snowblower chute.

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.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for heating the handle(s) of power equipment using exhaust produced by an internal combustion engine, including a machine powered by an internal combustion engine, an operator grippable handle, with an interior, and a tubular structure routing the exhaust produced by the internal combustion engine to the interior of the handle. One or more adjustable apertures provide regulation of exhaust in communication with the interior of the handle, wherein the heating of the handle is selectably controlled.

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.

Abstract: A snow melter that may be used to melt snow. The snow melter includes a dump tank for receiving a quantity of snow to be melted. The melter also includes a melt tank and a heat exchanger. The melt tank separate from the dump tank. The heat exchanger heats the water in the melt tank. Water heated by the melt tank is allowed to flow from the melt tank into the dump tank to melt the snow in the dump tank. Doors may also be added to the dump tank to facilitate the removal of debris from the dump tank after use. Further, the dump tank may also have an inclinable floor to further facilitate the removal of debris from the dump tank after use.

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.

Abstract: An electronic control system and data-logging system for a snow removal vehicle. The vehicle includes hydraulically actuated tools, the control of which can be through a dual axis controller such as a joystick. Electrical communication among components in the system is provided by a power line carrier protocol (PLC).

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 snowplow assembly may include a snowplow mechanism having a frame and a pair of wings that are adapted to move independently. The snowplow assembly may also include a hydraulic system that has a first cylinder for use in moving the first wing, a second cylinder for use in moving the second wing, a pump system for use in providing hydraulic fluid to the first and second cylinders, and a flow divider that causes the first wing and the second wing to move at substantially the same time and substantially the same speed regardless of the disparity of loads on the first and second wings.

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 as the central processing system varies distribution of the driving power in dependency of a specifiable, changeable prioritizing of the drive and at least one consumer or groups of consumers.

Abstract: A snow removal apparatus in the form of a shovel in which a leveraged arrangement is used to lift snow gathered on the shovel blade by lateral movement of such blade while supported by a handle adjustably secured upon the blade and the shovel handle is rested upon an underlying surface while snow is being lifted and moved to a dumping area by leveraged foot movement upon a pivot arm pivoted upon the handle and attached to the blade thus avoiding strain on a shovelers arms and spine while shoveling.

Abstract: A scrapping method of constructions includes steps of moving a scrapping machine, locating the scrapping machine by self-run into the building, the scrapping machine capable of attaching one of a breaker and a clasped crushing device to a tip portion of a drive arm; forming a movement hole which is formed at a floor part of an upper floor by the scrapping machine after the movement process, the scrapping machine capable of passing through the movement hole and moving to the upper floor; moving the scrapping machine to the upper floor via the movement hole; moving the scrapping machine to the highest floor after the hole formation process and the movement process to the upper floor are performed one by one; scrapping at a top part of the building without the floor part located the scrapping machine, the building scrapping so as to place a demolition waste inside the building; discharging the demolition waste that produces at the scrapping process through the movement hole to the lower direction; and performing

Abstract: A dispersal pattern of hydrogen bonding sites on an ice surface is used as a template in a process for the design, selection and manufacture of synthetic ice interface dopants. Ice interface dopants are generally molecules which bind to a surface of an ice crystal and inhibit subsequent gain or loss of water molecules. The ice interface dopants can thus inhibit ice crystal growth, recrystallization, and sublimation. Ice interface dopants can also inhibit heterogeneous nucleating agents, and thus postpone or prevent ice nucleation. On the other hand, very strong IIDs may be used as well to beneficially induce ice nucleation. Exemplary dopant structures are provided that achieve near-perfect ice-bonding efficiency while being thoroughly adaptable to a wide variety of specialized ice-bonding applications. Orbital steering provides for steering lone pair orbitals of ice bonding atoms in the interface dopant to result in an optimal angular alignment with the complementary binding sites on ice.

Abstract: A snow blower, vehicle having a blower engine and a propulsion engine is provided with a drvice for limiting the speed of operation of the snow blower vehicle if the blower engine is overloaded. A first signal is transmitted to the propulsion engine when the blower engine is overloaded and a second signal is transmitted to the propulsion engine when the blower engine is no longer being overloaded. The first signal may be provided to the propulsion engine to automatically limit the output thereof or it may be provided to generate an operator perceptible warning to the operator of the vehicle. The second signal may be provided to the propulsion engine to discontinue the limitation of the output of the propulsion engine or to stop the generation of the warning. A method of improving snow blower performance by increasing the ability of the blower engine to blow snow by limiting the output of the propulsion engine.

Abstract: In a structure of an engine compartment in a work machine such as a tractor, a bulldozer, a hydraulic excavator, a wheel loader, the air taken through vents, which are formed on side covers and a hood covering the engine compartment, is supplied directly to a radiator via ducts which are provided on the side of the side covers and the side of the hood respectively. The ducts cover the vents, thereby preventing noise within the engine compartment from escaping to the outside. Therefore it is possible to increase a cooling efficiency of the radiator by supplying the outside air, which does not take up the heat of an engine, directly to the radiator, as well as to reduce the engine sound and prevent the engine noise from escaping.

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

Abstract: A snowplow apparatus as adapted to attach to a vehicle having a ball hitch assembly. The snowplow apparatus has a blade assembly connected to an elongated drawbar. A frictionally activated elevating mechanism is operatively connected to the drawbar and moves between a vertical and non-vertical orientation depending upon whether elevation of the blade or contact with the blade and the ground is desired, respectively. A further aspect relates to a lateral stabilization device associated with the opposite end of the drawbar, such stabilization device coming into contact with static members operatively associated with a hitch ball such that lateral movement of the drawbar is substantially precluded due to the contact between the stabilization members and the static elements.

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: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for utilization of a proximity sensor to control the height adjustment of vehicle-mounted devices for use in clearing snow or debris from a road or runway. One end of a shaft is connected to the broom, while the other end is mounted on top of the broom assembly. A threaded collar on the shaft moves axially in response to change in the height of the broom assembly. A proximity sensor produces and monitors a magnetic field near the central portion of the shaft. Height adjustment of the broom causes the collar to move past the proximity sensor, thereby distorting the magnetic field. The proximity sensor stops the electrical signal which controls the downward movement of the broom assembly. The height selection for the broom assembly is adjusted by turning a nut or ratchet assembly on the end of the shaft.

Abstract: A snowplow apparatus as adapted to attach to a vehicle having a ball hitch assembly. The snowplow apparatus has a blade assembly connected to an elongated drawbar. A frictionally activated elevating mechanism is operatively connected to the drawbar and moves between a vertical and non-vertical orientation depending upon whether elevation of the blade or contact with the blade and the ground is desired, respectively. A further aspect relates to a lateral stabilization device associated with the opposite end of the drawbar, such stabilization device coming into contact with static members operatively associated with a hitch ball such that lateral movement of the drawbar is substantially precluded due to the contact between the stabilization members and the static elements.

Abstract: An vehicle for removing and melting snow from a roadway wherein the snow is collected, transferred to a snow melting means which utilizes heat from the exhaust and cooling system to melt the snow. The vehicle includes means for restricting flow of a heat transfer fluid such that a greater force is put on the engine which will thereby generate a heat output through the exhaust and radiator cooling system. The vehicle is designed to be operated at relatively high speeds so as not to impede the flow of traffic.

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

Abstract: A method and device scatter preheated sand, urea, road salt, etc. from a spreading vehicle onto runways and roads to counteract slipperiness caused by snow, ice, sleet, mud and the like. Preheating of the material is by an electronically controlled LP-gas driven burner in close association with feeding of the material from the spreading vehicle to the surface which is to be treated. Flames from the burner have direct contact with the material being preheated. The process can be remotely controlled from the driver cabin of the spreading vehicle. The heating system can be conveniently mounted to an existing spreading vehicle.

Abstract: The above device consists mainly of a rigid explosion tank (10) with a closed rear end (11) and a front opening (12). Said tank is mounted in the direction of the slope on which the avalanche is to be triggered. It is connected to a fuel gas supply station (19) and to an oxygen-carrying gas supply station (20). These two stations are linked by pipes (17 and 18) to injection nozzles (16) situated inside the tank (10). An ignition device (29) is mounted in the bottom of the tank and can be operated by remote control by means of a triggering device (30). An advantage of the above device is that the explosion is exponentially propagated inside the rigid explosion tank and causes a powerful high-velocity blast to be expelled from the latter.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a vehicle relative to an implement to be mounted upon the vehicle consists of a stop member defining a stop surface for engagement by tread surfaces of the vehicle to be positioned, and guide arms adjustably mounted upon the stop member and defining arcuate guide surfaces for engagement by the side surfaces of the vehicle wheels. A method for positioning a vehicle relative to an implement to be mounted thereupon is also described.

Abstract: A plow is constructed of a curved high density polyethylene moldboard and frame assembly. The moldboard can be constructed with a mounting collar that slides over and grips the frame or with the frame molded into and encapsulated by the polyethylene. A scraper blade is attached to the bottom of the frame for increasing the moldboard's ridigity and/or securing the moldboard to the frame.

Abstract: A device for attaching a plow to the front of a vehicle is described. It secures to the plow mechanism and serves to raise it in a balanced manner for convenient attaching to the vehicle.

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

Abstract: A wing plow for use with a main plow has a scraper blade and a fixed moldboard mounted on the top edge of said scraper blade for the inner portion of the wing plow and a flexible moldboard sheet member joined to said rigid moldboard section and extending to the discharge end of said wing plow. An adjusting arm and hydraulic cylinder are connected to the top corner of the outer end of the flexible sheet to independently position and contour the discharge end of said sheet to control the discharge of material from the wing plow.

Abstract: A self-loading tool 2 for removing snow 10 from a surface 12 includes a blade 4 attached to a handle 6. Handle 6 is attached to a neutral plane 24 of blade 4 at an angle between about 65.degree. to about 85.degree. and preferably about 75.degree.. This angle of attachment between handle and blade permits the blade to be self-loading when pushing or when pulling snow across a surface. An apparatus and a method are disclosed.

Abstract: Resurfacing or conditioning of the ice surface of an ice rink in the area adjacent the edge of the ice and the kickboards defining the edge of the ice is carried out by a burner unit which applies a propane flame in a direction downwardly onto the ice in an area confined by a metal guide surrounding the flame. The unit melts the ice on the board and at the edge to prevent ice build up using a simple economic construction on a device which produces little or no toxic fumes.

Abstract: A snow plow assembly adapted for mounting on a vehicle. The snowplow assembly includes a conventional blade mounted on the front of the vehicle and powered with conventional hydraulic systems. The snow plow assembly also includes a blade mounted on the rear of the vehicle which may be raised or lowered and maintained in a selected position by hydraulic ram and which may be tilted in pitch. Diverter switches permit the vehicle operator to selectively use a single control for either changing the angle of the front plow in a horizontal plane or either for raising or lowering the rear blade or for tilting the pitch of the rear blade. Thus, the snow plow assembly can readily be adapted and retrofitted on vehicles possessing conventional front blades. A method of using the snow plow assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for grading and measuring surfaces such as roadbeds which have curved and inclined profiles which may have different shapes in successive transverse sections of the roadbed. A blade and screw cutter are supported by a frame which extends over the surface being worked, and these tools are movable along this frame. The tools are movable toward and away from the surface being shaped in response to a control means which has memorized the appropriate positions, or by reference to a deformable rule which may also be reshaped in response to computer-memorized data. According to a disclsoed method, the rule is reshaped for different sections of the surface.An apparatus for checking and measuring a surface which has a curved profile includes a plurality of piston-cylinder units which are mounted on a main frame.

Abstract: A moldboard assembly having a flexible moldboard sheet joined along its bottom edge to a scraper blade unit so that material passing over the blade is directed into contact with the sheet. Adjusting arms are secured to the top corners of the sheet and are independently positioned to contour the sheet to any desired shape whereby the flow of material through the assembly can be accurately controlled.

Abstract: A bumper mounting assembly for a vehicle of the type having a frame, a snowplow blade mounting device mounted on the frame, and a bumper comprising a pair of outer sections and a center section. The bumper sections each have a similar contour, and the outer sections each have an inboard and an outboard end and the center section has a pair of outboard ends. The bumper mounting assembly comprises a pair of mounting brackets which generally are mirror images of each other. Each bracket is an integral one-piece member and includes a plate and first and second bars which extend outwardly in opposite directions from and are generally offset from each other by the plate. Each bar has a contour generally similar to the contour of the bumper sections, and the second bar and the plate define a recess in the mounting bracket.

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

Abstract: Snow removal equipment includes a snowblower on a truck delivering snow into the top of a snow reduction chamber on the back of the truck. The snow falls on several spaced apart, horizontal layers of hot, mutually parallel closely spaced tubes. The snow melts when it hits the tubes and the resulting liquid water is stored in the chamber until it is discharged from the chamber into a storm sewer.

Abstract: A method of collecting, preserving and repositioning snow on a ski slope whereby the slope may be placed in condition for skiing in the fall prior to the time of sufficient fall of natural snow or the arrival of freezing conditions necessary for the production of man-made snow.

Abstract: A hydraulic bucket-compactor assembly for a backhoe is disclosed which enables the operator of the backhoe to place and compact material with the backhoe eliminating the need for an extra piece of equipment for compaction. The bucket-compactor is attached to the dipper stick of the backhoe, and is controlled from the cab of the backhoe. A vibrating compactor has its drive unit positioned within the bucket and a leg extending from the drive unit through an opening in the bucket heel wall. A compactor is attached to the leg exterior of the bucket.

Abstract: The sweeping brush of the machine is composed of two or more parts in order to maintain a constant pressure of the sweeping brush against the ground, to achieve faster clearance of the snow, and to avoid downtime for adjustments. These brush parts are swivellable relative to one another in a vertical plane. The common raising and lowering movement of the individual parts is controlled by a cylinder-piston unit, and the piston acting upon the brush parts is always impinged upon by a pressure opposite to the direction of movement. The individual brush parts may be connected to one another by torsion bars.

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

Abstract: A snow removal apparatus adapted to be mounted on a vehicle, for removing snow from a light fixture protruding from the ground. Structure is provided for creating a flowing stream of air and a nozzle connected to the air stream directs the air stream at the ground, the directed stream of air having a flow velocity of at least about 180 m.p.h. The nozzle is adapted to be operatively positioned adjacent the ground at an angle to deflect the directed air stream on the ground at a predetermined distance from the light fixture so as to cause the deflected air stream to impinge on the light fixture at a reduced velocity sufficient to remove snow therefrom without damaging same, and to spread over a surrounding area with sufficient pressure to clear the area of snow.

Abstract: A mobile snow-disposal unit having a vehicle including a sealable snow-collection receptacle having a water-holding internal compartment and an engine for propelling the vehicle utilizes a vacuum pump for lowering the internal pressure of the receptacle, when sealed, and a heat exchange system for routing waste heat from the engine to the internal compartment. By lowering the internal pressure of the receptacle so that the boiling temperature of water held by the internal compartment is about equal to the temperature of the waste heat entering the internal compartment, water held within the internal compartment is converted to steam for readily melting the collected snow.

Abstract: To remove ice and snow from pavement (1) having a carbonaceous top surface (4), a 915 M-Hz micro-wave generator with wave guide (8) is passed over the ice (13) followed closely by a scraper (10). Concrete pavements (1) are first coated with a reflective (2), heat-insulating (3) and carbonaceous (4) top coat or other carbonaceous coating while asphalt pavements need not be so coated. The micro-waves at this frequency pass through the ice (13), the carbonaceous top surface (4) absorbs the micro-waves and becomes heated thereby, the interface (12) between the ice (13), so freed, is scraped off without damaging the pavement (1).

Abstract: A rotary tiller for maintaining cross country ski trails has a rotary shaft with at least one array of radially extending first cutters flanked by laterally adjacent arrays of radially extending second cutters. The radial lengths of the first cutters are greater than the radial lengths of the second cutters. The first cutters are arranged to till a center ski track and the second cutters are arranged to till pole tracks on either side of the ski track, with the ski tracks having a tilled depth greater than that of the pole tracks.

Abstract: A method for laying a snow road or an airplane runway on a snow or ice covered surface includes the removal of a predetermined and relatively small portion of the snow or ice surface, which is melted to water and mixed with the snow or ice remaining on the snow surface. The mixture of water and snow or ice is leveled so as to form a road surface when the mixture freezes. Preferably, the snow remaining on the surface is mechanically worked with a rototiller, while the melted snow is injected into the snow being worked. The method is particularly advantageous in that it can be carried out without requiring melting of all the snow necessary to form the snow road, or requiring the addition of any water from an external source, other than the portion of snow removed from the snow surface. An apparatus for performing the method is also described.

Abstract: A construction machine with a cutter is provided to simultaneously cut a slot in an ice sheet, to excavate a trench in the underlying seabed, and to bottom-tow a pipeline in the trench formed by the cutter.