Abstract: A self-driven device to resurface an ice rink. The device includes a rotating brush to sweep the ice anterior to a blade used to the scrape the ice. Collected snow is moved into a hot water tank where it is melted and moved to a warm water tank for redeposit onto the skating surface.

Abstract: A snow track maintenance system is described herein including a frame extending along an axis which is oriented along a direction of displacement, a mounting assembly secured to the frame for mounting the frame to a motorized vehicle so as to be trailed therefrom along the direction of displacement, and a leveler mounted to the frame so as to be pivotable relatively to the direction of displacement. Other equipments may further be provided to the maintenance system, including a snow regenerator mounted to the frame along a first longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the direction of displacement, and a snow compactor mounted to the frame upstream from the snow regenerator. The system can be used for the maintenance of alpine ski tracks and cross-country ski tracks, even in an underbrush trail, and allows setting a track on any type of snow.

Abstract: A snow track maintenance system is described herein including a frame extending along an axis which is oriented along a direction of displacement, a mounting assembly secured to the frame for mounting the frame to a motorized vehicle so as to be trailed therefrom along the direction of displacement, and a leveller mounted to the frame so as to be pivotable relatively to the direction of displacement. Other equipments may further be provided to the maintenance system, including a snow regenerator mounted to the frame along a first longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the direction of displacement, and a snow compactor mounted to the frame upstream from the snow regenerator. The system can be used for the maintenance of alpine ski tracks and cross-country ski tracks, even in an underbrush trail, and allows setting a track on any type of snow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for forming a terrain feature such as a snow half pipe used by snow-boarders or skiers. Known half-pipe cutters are inaccurate and limited in height which limits the quality of the formed snow course. The apparatus comprises a frame which comprises an attachment for a self-actuated vehicle and a tool member adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the terrain feature; at least one primary forming surface, such as a belt, running over a working surface of the tool member to form the terrain feature; at least one secondary forming surface, in the form of a heated bar and finishing mats, to contact the formed terrain feature and provide a finish to its surface; and a guidance device, such as a laser guided device, to determine the position of the tool member with respect to the terrain surface.

Abstract: A ski slope snow tiller having a frame connected to a tractor movable in a travelling direction; a shaft crosswise to the travelling direction and fitted with tools for working the snow cover; a casing surrounding the shaft; a mat towed over the surface of the snow cover, behind the casing; and a guard located at least over the casing and the mat, to prevent snow accumulating.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of vehicle snow clearing systems and more specifically, to an apparatus for clearing snow and ice from the roof or top surface of a commercial vehicle such as, a tractor trailer. The apparatus includes at least one upright member with a longitudinal axis and a lifting carriage assembly coupled to the at least one upright member for movement along the longitudinal axis thereof. A carriage driving assembly is operatively connected to the lifting carriage assembly and the lifting frame for selectively moving the lifting carriage assembly along the longitudinal axis of the at least one upright member. Also provided is a snow clearing assembly carried by the lifting carriage assembly and positionable on the roof or top surface of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for resurfacing an ice surface. The apparatus includes a chassis and a reservoir for holding water to be dispensed via a dispensing tube in fluid communication with the reservoir. A scraper assembly attached to the chassis includes a scraper blade adapted to engage the ice surface. A first thrower is rotatably mounted to the chassis adjacent to the scraper blade and a second thrower is rotatably mounted to the chassis adjacent to the first thrower. A snow storage compartment has an opening adjacent the second rotating thrower. The first rotating thrower is adapted to deliver ice or snow accumulated by the blade to the second rotating thrower. The second rotating thrower then delivers the ice or snow to the snow storage compartment. A motor is coupled to the chassis and a drive linkage is coupled to the motor for rotatably driving the first and second throwers.

Abstract: An ice-removing device for removing ice from a ground surface. The ice-removing device comprises a frame and an ice cutting mechanism. The ice cutting mechanism is attached to the frame and is adapted to spin on a first axis oriented transversally to the frame. The ice cutting mechanism is operative to cut a plurality of parallel strips in the ice. Optionally, the ice-removing device further comprises at least one ice crushing mechanism, which is also attached to the frame, behind the ice crushing mechanism. The ice crushing mechanism is adapted to spin on a second axis that is non-parallel to the first axis. Both the ice cutting mechanism and the ice crushing mechanism are operationally positioned to contact the ice. In another embodiment the ice-removing device is adapted to be mounted to a mobile support.

Abstract: A combination yard maintenance apparatus used for lawn mowing, leaf clearing and snow blowing comprises a blade assembly having an elongated support member for rotatably mounting to a drive shaft and two shovelling surfaces disposed at opposite ends of the elongated support member extending from the elongated support member downwardly and laterally opposite one from the other. Each shovelling surface has a lower edge with a cutting edge, an upper edge, an inner edge and an outer edge. The present invention also provides a clutch mechanism for engaging and disengaging an input shaft from an output shaft comprising a first and a second threadable engagement associated with the input shaft and output shaft respectively, and an initiator for inducing the engagement of the first and second threadable engagements. A friction-drive self-propelling system is also provided, comprising a driving wheel and a friction disk wherein the driving wheel has central recessed portion.

Abstract: A device for working a snow surface, includes an endless flexible band, snow-working members arranged on the outside of the band, support elements for supporting and guiding the band, drive elements capable of moving the band around the support elements. Shaping elements are arranged and designed such as to be capable of changing the shape of the part of the band that is in contact with the snow-surface during work.

Abstract: A method of plowing snow from a site using a snowplow with at least two plow blades (5) forming together a plowing angle and there being on the plowing site fixed objects, such as airport lamps (1), rising over the site surface. In the method, when the snowplow faces an object, the plow front end is opened and the area with the object on it is left unplowed by the open front end, with this unplowed area then being cleaned by brushes (6,7) in the rear of the plow front end.

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.

Abstract: A snow groomer includes a movable platform, a prime mover mounted to the platform and a grooming drum rotatably driven by the prime mover for rotation in a direction opposite the traveling direction of the snow groomer. The grooming drum includes axially spaced apart and radially protruding ribs that extend circumferentially around the drum. The ribs include circumferentially spaced apart apertures and the apertures of each rib are aligned with the apertures of the other ribs. Elongated cutting teeth extend through the apertures of the ribs and have a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the apertures such that the cutting teeth are free to vibrate within the apertures as the drum rotates, thereby enhancing the pulverization of chunks of snow and ice.

Abstract: A milling unit for the beating of snow-covered slopes consisting of a box-shaped structure comprising a central part to which two side parts are connected by hinging elements, in order to allow for oscillation. The structure has two hooking elements for its connection to a tool-holder, in turn connected to a rear part of the vehicle and, on the opposite side the structure has a rake for the beating of the snow. Inside each of the side portions of the structure there is a side miller and within the central structure there is a central miller, where the side millers can be activated in rotation by at least one motor, and each one of them is connected to the central miller by a constant-velocity transmission. The hinging axles do not pass through the axles of the central and the side millers.

Abstract: A snow groomer includes a movable platform, a prime mover mounted to the platform and a grooming drum rotatably driven by the prime mover for rotation in a direction opposite the traveling direction of the snow groomer. The grooming drum includes axially spaced apart and radially protruding ribs that extend circumferentially around the drum. The ribs include circumferentially spaced apart apertures and the apertures of each rib are aligned with the apertures of the other ribs. Elongated cutting teeth extend through the apertures of the ribs and have a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the apertures such that the cutting teeth are free to vibrate within the apertures as the drum rotates, thereby enhancing the pulverization of chunks of snow and ice.

Abstract: A device is disclosed, for use with a snow blower being of the type having an auger, and allow it to operate while moving backwards. The device principally consists of a concave blade mounted on a snow blower, which pivots between an operative position where the blade extends close to ground and the concave surface of the blade extends in front of the auger in such a way that the blade scrapes the snow and directs it towards the auger when the snow blower is lifted up to let the snow pass under it and moves backwards, and an inoperative position where the blade is raised to a height sufficient to let the snow reach the auger when the snow blower moves forwards. A snow blower equipped with a device as defined above, for operating while moving backwards, is also disclosed as well as a method for blowing snow with a snow blower equipped with that device.

Abstract: A piste-preparation device for preparing a half-pipe comprises at least one tool adjustably mounted on a piste vehicle, and lateral members which are laterally disposed relative to the tool and can essentially be assigned to side walls of the half-pipe. To prepare a half-pipe even in cases where the surface is hard and, at the same time, to remove a large amount of material, in particular from the half-pipe side walls, each lateral member comprises removal means designed with removal tools which can move substantially transversely to the direction of travel of the piste vehicle.

Abstract: A snow removal device and method includes a core having provision for adhering snow to the core. This includes recesses which receive packed snow. Snow to be removed contacts the packed snow and adheres to the core. The core is rolled on a portion of a surface covered with snow so the snow from the surface communicates with the packed snow, clings thereto and builds upon the surface of the member as the member is rolled.

Abstract: A snow tiller for ski slopes having rotating cutter bars with outstanding teeth. The cutter bars are each installed beneath a cover which directs the snow rearwardly to a snow smoothing comb. Each 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. A double acting hydraulic cylinder and ram assembly links cutter bar mounting frames, and is used to control the longitudinal angles of the cutter bars upon the snow.

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.

Abstract: A snow cutting tooth design and an associated cutter assembly design incorporating such teeth, wherein the tooth is constructed with a unitary body of steel plate welded to the outside surface of a tubular cutter bar, with bevelled edges creating acute snow cutting edges, along with a central notch also having bevelled edges and providing additional cutting edges as well as additional paths for churning and chopping the snow. The teeth are angularly joined along a centerline, dividing the tooth into a leading portion and a trailing portion, the leading portion being welded perpendicular to the centerline of the cutter bar. Some of the teeth have the rearward portion angled to the left side of the tilling machine, while others are angled to the left side, so that the snow is not moved to either side of the cutter assembly.

Abstract: A land vehicle system for collecting crude oil and other contaminants which have been spilled on snow and ice covered surfaces includes a crawler tractor having an auger type collection and transfer mechanism mounted forwardly thereof for skimming the contaminant and a layer of snow and/or ice from the Earth's surface. The recovered oil and snow and/or ice are transported by a vacuum line to a storage and transport vehicle towed by the tractor. The storage and transport vehicle may be self-propelled and includes an onboard storage tank which is heated to melt the snow and/or ice and a separator for separating air used to transport the contaminated snow and/or ice to the tank. The tractor includes onboard prime movers for operating a vacuum pump for collecting the contaminated snow and/or ice and a prime mover for propulsion and operation of the skimming and collection mechanism.

Abstract: A layer of material such as pavement or sheet ice coating the surface of a roadway is efficiently removed using apparatus that includes a longitudinal tube in a breaker assembly which is rotatably carried by a control frame beam that depends from an articulate hydraulic lift and tilt mechanism of a road grader. Coaxially attached to the tube and uniformly distributed along its length, a number of retainer rings each carry several radially extended teeth that function to fragment the layer. Each tooth includes a tip portion with a free end that penetrates and punctures the layer and a trailing divergent portion which enters the puncture and translates a linear force applied thereto into a radial outward force that fractures and fragments the side walls of each puncture when the breaker assembly is lowered onto the layer and a downward force is applied to each tooth as the breaker assembly rolls over the layer surface.

Abstract: A snow grooming device for ski slopes, being a snow tilling apparatus with a toothed, selectively powered tiller bar, along with a compactor pan which may be releasably attached beneath the tiller bar to convert the device from a tiller into a snow compactor.

Abstract: The flexible tiller has a center and two end sections, each including a cutter bar, frame, apron and grooming bar. The two tiller end sections are connected flexibly to the ends of the center section by frame to frame hinges and by cutter to cutter universal joints, so that the end sections can rotate freely about the hinges. The tiller center section is secured to the towing mechanism to oscillate about a central horizontal axis in the direction of travel. The oscillating center section and the two pivotally attached end sections cooperate to enable the tiller to closely conform to and thoroughly groom rolling snow paths without reducing them to flat ones. The rolling paths are enjoyable to ski, and are slower and safer. A controllable hydraulic ram is mounted to act across each hinge, so that the operator may select the degree of bending permitted at each hinge, and may hydraulically lock it into selected position, if desired.

Abstract: Method for covering with snow artificial slopes for downhill or cross-country skiing, comprising the formation of an ice layer forming the bottom of the run, the on site production of snow by machining said ice layer by forming chips having a predetermined thickness, the keeping of the thickness of the ice layer forming the run bottom, the maintenance of the desired characteristics and quality of the snow. The machine for implementing such method comprises: a raisable curved blade (5) which is front-mounted for smoothing the snow surface; as a tool, a cylindrical cutter (7) provided with teeth and driven by a hydraulic motor (8) and housed in a casing (10) of which the bottom forms a vault and opens at the rear to deposit snow on the ground; as reconstitution means, a water sprinkling ramp (12) arranged under the vault; a comb (14) provided with tracers (25).

Abstract: An improved snow comb for use attached to the trailing edge of tiller skirts and the like. The comb has lateral rows of axially elongate teeth projecting downward from a plate attached to the skirt. The teeth are tapered forwardly, and are alternately longer and shorter so as to work the tilled snow horizontally as well as vertically for more complete powdering.

Abstract: A ground-working implement which comprises a rotary tiller or like groundosening unit and a smoothing board located behind the tiller. Both the unit and the smoothing board are subdivided generally centrally and the sections are connected by a ball and hinge joint, respectively, for the unit and the board to allow compensatory adjustment of the inclinations of the sections for varying terrains.

Abstract: The invention relates to a track maintenance vehicle having a levelling attachment secured to a transverse carrier member at its rear. The levelling attachment faces downwards and is at least partially flexible. For achieving satisfactory levelling of relatively loose snow as well as of encrusted or compacted snow, the levelling attachment comprises a leading portion of triangular cross-sectional shape secured to the transverse carrier member along a first triangle side. The second triangle side of this portion is formed as a rigid compaction surface extending downwards and rearwards from the transverse carrier member. Connected to a rear portion of the compaction surface is a plate-shaped flexible portion extending substantially parallel to the second triangle side in the relaxed state, and in a substantially horizontal direction when under load.

Abstract: A vehicle for use in ski-area snow grooming operations and also for use in summer maintenance operations which is provided with a four-wheel hydrostatic-drive transmission and four-wheel steering. The vehicle has a frame/body/engine assembly which provides a centrally located low center of gravity and high operator visibility. The vehicle has a relatively broad wheel base which is further broadened by mounting of at least four snap-on wheels. A wrap-around cleat assembly is mountable on each of four multiple-wheel sets for increasing traction in snow. An engine-driven snow processing apparatus operable in both a snow blading state and a snow compacting state is provided.

Abstract: A ground-working implement for rotary field tilling or ice or snow-tending n ski slopes or the like which is drawn by a tractor or a tracked vehicle and which comprises a holder connected to the vehicle pendulously by a longitudinal beam which can be raised and lowered. The holder is connected to a rotary ground-loosening unit and a smoothing board by a four-point linkage whose cranks are dimensioned so that upon raising of the ground-loosening unit the orientation of the smoothing board remains largely unaltered thereby allowing the latter to be used for leveling the ground when the ground-loosening unit is in its raised or rest position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a track maintenance vehicle having a levelling attachment secured to a transverse carrier member at its rear. The levelling attachment faces downwards and is at least partially flexible. For achieving satisfactory levelling of relatively loose snow as well as of encrusted or compacted snow, the levelling attachment comprises a leading portion of triangular cross-sectional shape secured to the transverse carrier member along a first triangle side. The second triangle side of this portion is formed as a rigid compaction surface extending downwards and rearwards from the transverse carrier member. Connected to a rear portion of the compaction surface is a plate-shaped flexible portion extending substantially parallel to the second triangle side in the relaxed state, and in a substantially horizontal direction when under load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a snow tiller for mounting on the rear of a track maintenance vehicle. The snow tiller comprises a tiller shaft and a tiller frame of at least triangular cross-section extending over the width of the snow tiller and having end plates for supporting the tiller shaft bolted to its lateral ends.In order to facilitate the maintenance of the snow tiller, the lateral ends of the tiller frame are provided with bars secured thereto in a V-shaped configuration. Secured to each end plate at its side facing towards the tiller frame is a pair of undercut bars in a V-shaped configuration for overlapping engagement with the bars on the tiller frame in the mounted state of the end plates. The undercut bars cooperate with a fixing bolt engaging the tiller frame to form an interlock clamp mounting arrangement.

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: An apparatus for forming cross country ski tracks in a snow covered surface has a trailer frame adapted to be connected to the rear end of a vehicle. A lifting frame is connected to the trailer frame for pivotal movement about a first horizontal axis. The lifting frame has a pair of parallel guide members extending longitudinally from the trailer frame to a transversally extending crossbar. The guide members are arranged symmetrically on opposite sides of a central axis common to the lifting frame, the trailer frame, and the vehicle. At least one cross country ski track forming device is connected to the crossbar for pivotal movement about a second horizontal axis. A positioning device is connected between the trailer frame and the lifting frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for making ski trails which is towed and comprises a drag having a cutter unit and a snow crushing unit mounted behind the cutter unit on the drag. The units have radial blades and rotate about an axis transverse to the direction of travel of the apparatus. The cutter unit derives its rotary motion from the tamped track of the snow and is connected by a transmission to the crushing unit whereby the latter derives its rotary motion from the cutter unit.

Abstract: A ski trail making means, composed of a frame for attachment e.g. behind a snowmobile and to which has been pivotally connected a drag adjustable in vertical direction, following after which is a trail planer with trail making blades side by side, after which follows a cylindrical levelling roll supporting the means. The drag is suspended by linkage arms pivoted to the frame in such manner that it is free to rise upwardly. The trail planer is resiliently attached to the frame. The levelling roll carries projecting trail groove depressor rims. The means of the invention has a light-weight design and is therefore well fit to be towed e.g. with a snowmobile. The means is also advantageous owing to its simplicity.

Abstract: A tracking or grading unit for ski-trails and paths, comprises a sliding arrangement having at least one sliding or rolling front and rear support and a frame upon which the supports are mounted. The unit includes a cutting device which is adjustable in height, the cutting device having at least one pivot-arm mounted upon the frame of the sliding arrangement and at least one cutting tool arranged at the lower end thereof.

Abstract: A snow grooming apparatus for towing behind a pulling vehicle to handle and condition snow, as an example, on ski slopes or cross country trails. The apparatus includes a scraper and snow collector assembly including a scraper blade and hopper followed by a roller assembly. As the apparatus moves forwardly the blade scrapes or cuts the surface of the snow and confines the cut snow in the hopper. The hopper includes at opposite sides thereof a pair of pivoted floated side panels, the bottom edges of which follow the grade or terrain and help to prevent the cut snow in the hopper from escaping out the sides of the hopper. As the apparatus continues to move forwardly, the cut or powder snow is redeposited almost immediately in low areas of the terrain. Finally the roller assembly moves across the redeposited snow and compacts and conditions the surface for safe recreational purposes.