Abstract: A snow shovel that has a shaft, a handle, and a scoop to allow the user to remove unwanted snow and ice from a surface. This shovel includes a heated bottom edge with a vibrating motor to melt and dislodge ice or snow from a surface. The shovel also includes a vibration-reducing mechanism to dampen the vibrations that a user might feel during the use of this shovel, along with sensors that detect when the heated edge and motor should be turned on or off.

Abstract: An apparatus for smoothing pavement surfaces includes a wheeled frame and a smoothing drum where the smoothing drum is rotatable on a spinning axis mounted on the wheeled frame generally parallel to a pavement surface to be smoothed, and at a non-perpendicular angle to to the direction of travel of the smoothing device.

Abstract: An apparatus for smoothing pavement surfaces includes a wheeled frame and a smoothing drum with spaced cutting teeth that allow for making overlapping cuts on a pavement. The apparatus further includes a precision leveling system for profile averaging.

Abstract: An inflator usable for multiple valve types is disclosed that is simply designed and efficient to assemble. The dual-purpose air nozzle for an inflator optimizes the shape of the pressing block and the locations of a first pressing block and a second pressing block, as well as optimizes the location of the shunting cavity so as to reduce the number of components included with a mult-valve adaptable inflator and also to facilitate assembly.

Abstract: A hitch device for connecting a groomer vehicle having a first frame extending along a first axis, and an implement, in particular a rotary snow tiller, for grooming the snow covering of ski slopes and having a second frame extending crosswise to and symmetrically with respect to a second axis. The hitch device has an arm hinged to the first frame about a third axis perpendicular to the first axis, and about a fourth axis perpendicular to the first and third axis; a first actuator for adjusting the position of the arm about the third axis with respect to the first frame to lift and lower the implement; at least one second actuator for adjusting the position of the arm about the fourth axis with respect to the first frame; a movable coupling movable between the arm and one of the first and second frame; and a third actuator for adjusting the position of the arm in a plane crosswise to the fourth axis.

Abstract: A hitch device for connecting a groomer vehicle having a first frame extending along a first axis, and an implement, in particular a rotary snow tiller, for grooming the snow covering of ski slopes and having a second frame extending crosswise to and symmetrically with respect to a second axis. The hitch device has an arm hinged to the first frame about a third axis perpendicular to the first axis, and about a fourth axis perpendicular to the first and third axis; a first actuator for adjusting the position of the arm about the third axis with respect to the first frame to lift and lower the implement; at least one second actuator for adjusting the position of the arm about the fourth axis with respect to the first frame; a movable coupling movable between the arm and one of the first and second frame; and a third actuator for adjusting the position of the arm in a plane crosswise to the fourth axis.

Abstract: A rotary snow tiller, for grooming the snow covering of ski slopes, which advances in a traveling direction along the ski slope, and has a frame; a shaft fitted with teeth and rotated with respect to the frame about an axis crosswise to the traveling direction; and an actuating device for imparting a reciprocating movement to the shaft with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A rotary snow tiller, for grooming the snow covering of ski slopes, which advances in a traveling direction along the ski slope, and has a frame; and a shaft fitted with teeth and rotated with respect to the frame about an axis crosswise to the traveling direction; each tooth being fitted movably to the shaft and selectively adjustable in length with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: A rotary snow tiller, for grooming the snow surface of ski slopes and designed to advance in a travelling direction, has a frame; a shaft rotating about an axis transverse to the travelling direction, and having teeth for breaking up the snow surface; a further shaft located behind the shaft, rotating about a further axis transverse to the travelling direction, and having further teeth for further breaking up the snow surface; and a finish mat located behind the further shaft.

Abstract: A rotary snow tiller for grooming the snow covering of ski slopes, and which advances in a traveling direction along the ski slope, and has a frame; and a shaft which is rotated with respect to the frame about a first axis crosswise to the traveling direction, and is fitted with tools, each of which extends along a second axis crosswise to the first axis, and is selectively adjustable about the second axis with respect to the first axis.

Abstract: A hitch device (1) for connecting a groomer vehicle (2) having a first frame (4) extending along a first axis (A1), and an implement (3), in particular a rotary snow tiller, for grooming the snow covering (M) of ski slopes and having a second frame (7) extending crosswise to and symmetrically with respect to a second axis (A2).

Abstract: An attachment for a conventional, walk-behind power tiller for forming seed rows and adjacent furrows wherein an auger disposed perpendicularly to the seed row being formed has a larger diameter at its proximal ends and a smaller diameter at its central, inner end. The auger is rotated using power derived from the tiller to which the novel seed row forming apparatus is attached. In operation, the larger diameter outer portions of the auger dig a furrow and move the disturbed soil inwardly along the diminishing diameter of the auger, thereby depositing the soil from each side of the auger into a central berm or seed row. The apparatus provides seed row-forming capability for use with small rotary tillers and provides minimum soil tillage while readily forming planting rows.

Abstract: A rotary snow tiller, for grooming the snow surface of ski slopes and designed to advance in a travelling direction, has a frame; a shaft rotating about an axis transverse to the travelling direction, and having teeth for breaking up the snow surface; a further shaft located behind the shaft, rotating about a further axis transverse to the travelling direction, and having further teeth for further breaking up the snow surface; and a finish mat located behind the further shaft.

Abstract: A rotary snow tiller, for grooming the snow covering of ski slopes, which advances in a traveling direction along the ski slope, and has a frame; a shaft fitted with teeth and rotated with respect to the frame about an axis crosswise to the traveling direction; and an actuating device for imparting a reciprocating movement to the shaft with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A rotary snow tiller, for grooming the snow covering of ski slopes, which advances in a traveling direction along the ski slope, and has a frame; and a shaft fitted with teeth and rotated with respect to the frame about an axis crosswise to the traveling direction; each tooth being fitted movably to the shaft and selectively adjustable in length with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: A rotary snow tiller for grooming the snow covering of ski slopes, and which advances in a traveling direction along the ski slope, and has a frame; and a shaft which is rotated with respect to the frame about a first axis crosswise to the traveling direction, and is fitted with tools, each of which extends along a second axis crosswise to the first axis, and is selectively adjustable about the second axis with respect to the first axis.

Abstract: Snowblowers and related methods are disclosed wherein a snowblower can include a snowblower housing, an auger connected to the housing, at least one wheel attached to the housing, and a machine control component. The machine control component can be movable to selectively control the movement of the wheels relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. In particular, the machine control component can be movable to a disengaged position, in which the at least one wheel is positioned in the first position and the auger is raised above a ground surface. The machine control component can further be moved to an engaged position, in which the at least one wheel is positioned in the second position and the auger is operatively engaged with the ground surface.

Abstract: A method for collecting and transporting snow includes the steps of providing a snow blower mounted to an inclined alpine mountain-side and a pipe cooperating with the snow blower to remove snow from the snow blower to a downhill location remote from the snow blower, urging snow into the snow blower and propelling snow from the snow blower into the pipe via a diffuser, transporting the snow downhill in the pipe, and delivering the snow from the pipe at a downhill location below the elevation of the snow blower.

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 piste grooming apparatus for a motor vehicle, in particular a track-laying vehicle, includes a cutter support which can be adjusted relative to the motor vehicle about a plurality of axes and which has a cutting shaft arrangement that is arranged rotatably in an impact housing. A smoothing mechanism is arranged—as seen in the forward direction of travel of the motor vehicle—behind the cutting shaft arrangement and is held in an adjustable manner. The impact housing and the cutting shaft arrangement are held on the cutter support in a manner such that they can be adjusted about a pivot axis which—as seen in the forward direction of travel of the motor vehicle—lies behind an axis of rotation of the cutting shaft arrangement.

Abstract: A piste grooming apparatus for a motor vehicle, in particular a track-laying vehicle, includes a cutter support which can be adjusted relative to the motor vehicle about a plurality of axes and which has a cutting shaft arrangement that is arranged rotatably in an impact housing. A smoothing mechanism is arranged—as seen in the forward direction of travel of the motor vehicle—behind the cutting shaft arrangement and is held in an adjustable manner. The impact housing and the cutting shaft arrangement are held on the cutter support in a manner such that they can be adjusted about a pivot axis which—as seen in the forward direction of travel of the motor vehicle—lies behind an axis of rotation of the cutting shaft arrangement.

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: 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 snow removal machine of this invention has a machine body, a snow removing section mounted on the machine body for removing snow while the snow removal machine travels along a ground surface, and a running section mounted on the machine body for undergoing movement to cause the snow removal machine to travel along the ground surface. An engine is mounted on the machine body for driving the snow removing section. An oil filler supplies oil to the engine. A fuel cock opens and closes a fuel line supply to the engine. A spark plug ignites a fuel mixture within the engine. A cover has a first cover portion and a second cover portion. A connecting structure connects the second cover portion to the first cover portion to cover the engine, the oil filler, the fuel cock and the spark plug and allows disconnection of the second cover portion from the first cover portion to expose and provide access to the engine, the oil filler, the fuel cock and the spark plug.

Abstract: A personal identification and tracking system comprising an impression means for providing a predetermined image upon an impressionable medium and an activation unit for moving the impression means between a first position, where said impression unit is in contact with the impressionable medium, and a second position whereby said impression unit is out of contact with said impressionable medium. The system is particularly adaptable to snow, sand or mud.

Abstract: A snow throwing shovel device for easily removing snow from narrow sidewalks and from steps where a conventional snow blower cannot be used. The snow throwing shovel device includes a scoop assembly including a housing having top, bottom, side, and back walls, and also having an open front; and also includes an elongate chute being attached to the scoop member and through which snow is moved; and also includes a discharge spout being rotatably mounted to the elongate chute; and further includes handle members being attached to the elongate chute; and also includes an assembly of picking up snow and moving snow through the elongate chute.

Abstract: A snow removal apparatus for safely removing snow from irregular surfaces covered with debris such as small stones and gravel. The snow removal apparatus includes at least one roller for spacing a snow removal member of said apparatus a fixed distance above a highest point on a surface below the snow removal member. In a first aspect of the invention, a ground shield and a roller are mounted on a lower portion of a snowblower. In a second aspect of the invention, a ground shield and multiple rollers are mounted on a lower portion of a snowblower which is carried on a small tractor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a snow grooming device, which can be attached to a tool carrier in the front or back of a snow grooming vehicle and which is provided with a snow conditioning tool that can be coupled to the tool carrier, and with a tiller unit on the same side of the vehicle. To create a better application potential for conditioning the snow base with this snow grooming device, in spite of its simple design and simple operation, it is suggested according to the invention that the tiller unit is designed as an exchangeable adapter separate from the conditioning tool, and that it can be separately coupled to and uncoupled from the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle for grooming a terrain of snow having a plurality of hydraulically driven rotary tiller units independently mounted for axial lateral movement relative to the plane of the rectangular main frame of the vehicle. Bogey track units support the vehicle and allow for movement.

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: 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 cylindrical tank is situated on a bed of a vehicle. A tank opening is provided at a top of the tank. An agitator is provided within the tank. A heating unit such as an oil fired boiler, comprises a burner unit situated on the bed, and fire tube heating elements which longitudinally span an interior surface of the tank. Drain outlets are provided in a bottom of the tank. Discharge tubes run from the drain outlets to discharge outlets beneath the tank. Drain hoses may be connected to the discharge outlets and routed to an appropriate drainage location. A plow blade apparatus is connected to a front of the cab. The plow blade apparatus is generally trough shaped and includes a first Archimedean screw disposed longitudinally therein. An inclined trough has a low end thereof disposed next to the plow blade apparatus. The inclined trough spans from the plow blade apparatus to a high end above the tank. The inclined trough contains a second Archimedean screw disposed longitudinally therein.

Abstract: A snow grooming devise is provided with a carrier frame consisting of at least one transverse supporting member and two longitudinal supporting members so that it is adapted to be attached to a vehicle with the aid of a coupling means. A vertically adjustable snow propeller and a smoothing board are mounted on the carrier frame. The carrier frame is mounted on said coupling means such that it is adapted to be pivoted about an essentially horizontal longitudinal axis and an essentially horizontal transverse axis. The snow propeller is dragged by the front ends of the longitudinal supporting members and is pivotably mounted thereon and the transverse supporting member is associated with the coupling means so as to support the carrier frame.

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: An apparatus for removing ice and snow from a surface consisting of a support frame and a elongate member rotatably mounted on the support frame. The elongate member has a first end and a second end. A plurality of flexible arms extend from the elongate member in a substantially helical pattern. Upon rotation of the elongate member the arms violently strike a ground surface to dislodge packed snow and ice which is then carried by the helical pattern of the arms from the first end of the elongate member toward the second end.

Abstract: In an operator system for providing services to subscribers in a public telephone network, a circuit board for controlling audio characteristics of audio signals in the public telephone network. The circuit board comprises an interface for receiving the audio signal from the public telephone network, an audio characteristics control circuit coupled to the interface for receiving the audio signal, adjusting the audio characteristics of the audio signal and for recording and generating voice messages to be transmitted to the public telephone network via the interface and a headset interface coupled to the audio characteristics control circuit for receiving the adjusted audio signal and providing an interface to at least two headsets.

Abstract: An ice scarifying tool replaces the grass cutting blade of a conventional rotary-type power lawn mower, so that, as the mower is operated over icy surface and the tool rotates in a plane substantially parallel to an icy ground surface, depending fingers chip and scarify the surface to provide improved traction thereon. The tool comprises a support plate which may be in the shape of a substantially rectangular elongate bar, a disc or a cruciform. Coiled ice scarifying fingers are attached to the plate. An ice scarifying tip at the distal end of each finger extends groundward from the support plate. A bag attachment or auxiliary blower may be provided for removal of the chipped ice, or it may be removed by power sweeper or plow.

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: Method and apparatus for constructing an ice structure. The disclosed ice structures are a road and a grounded ice island which are constructed on a sheet of naturally-occurring ice in an ocean. A vehicle equipped for driving on ice includes thereon a rotatable grinding wheel which may be urged downwardly against the ice over which the vehicle is driven, thereby generating ice chips which are collected on the vehicle. The chips are mixed with water to form a slurry which is pumped through a hose to a portable sprayer through which the slurry is sprayed, thereby forming the ice structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for making ski tracks and/or levelling ski slopes is mounted in front of a driving vehicle so as to be freely vertically movable relative to the vehicle to adjust its position to varying snow heights encountered in treating the snow cover. Front and rear supports such as sleds or rollers are pivotally mounted on the frame and support the apparatus on the snow cover. A rotating cutting tool for treating the snow is mounted on an arm which is pivotally joined to the frame, to allow the cutting tool to swing upward and downward relative to the frame in response to varying snow heights. The cutting tool support arm may be resiliently mounted to bias the cutting tool in a downward direction to provide a flatter snow surface. At least one of the front and rear supports may be swingably mounted similarly to the cutting tool. The apparatus produces a flatter snow cover in areas of varying length of waves in the snow surface.