Abstract: A gaseous fuel engine system includes a quick start fuel system having a pressurized gaseous fuel supply, a fuel feed conduit and a quick start fuel admission valve. The fuel feed conduit is coupled to an intake conduit for the engine at a downstream fuel admission location. A main fuel system is coupled to the intake conduit at an upstream fuel admission location. The quick start fuel admission valve is electrically actuated to admit a pressured gaseous fuel from the pressurized gaseous fuel supply for quick starting the gaseous fuel internal combustion engine. The quick start fuel may have a fuel composition different than a fuel composition of the main fuel.

Abstract: A deicing and/or anti-icing liquid recovery system for recovering deicing and/or anti-icing liquids from airport apron/deicing platform surfaces, the system includes: a deicing-liquid recovery unit; a pump; and a collection tank, where the deicing/anti-icing liquid recovery unit includes a rotatable brush; a baffle; and a sorting tray fluidly connectable to said collection tank via pump, where the rotatable cylindrical brush is arranged to sweep a apron/deicing platform surface such that materials on the apron/deicing platform surface is forced over the baffle and into the sorting tray, wherein said filter is configured to separate liquids and solid phase materials from said swept-up material, and where liquids collected in the sorting tray can be pumped to the collection tank via said pump.

Abstract: A locomotive (10) for spreading a waterproof coil in a hot melt manner. The locomotive (10) for spreading a waterproof coil in a hot melt manner comprises: a locomotive frame (11), provided with a coil support (12); and wheel devices, a spreading device, a combustion and heating device and a coil compaction device that are disposed on the locomotive frame (11). The combustion and heating device comprises a combustion chamber (6) and a mixing chamber (2). The mixing chamber (2) is provided with a fuel gas inlet end (5), an air inlet end (28), and an outlet end (29). The outlet end (29) is connected to the combustion chamber (6). Multiple gas discharge holes (7) are formed in one side surface of the combustion chamber (6) in an axial direction. The locomotive (10) for spreading a waterproof coil in a hot melt manner improves the construction efficiency, reduces human power costs and reduces consumption of fuel gas.

Abstract: A pulverizer may have such features as an ability to detect wrapping as well as possibly deter wrapping. A processor may also adjust the speed of rotation of the arms within the pulverizer and/or the speed of feed of input for various considerations. In fact the rotation direction may be reversed for at least brief periods of time in an effort to remove wrapped material. Vibration may also be sensed and efforts to prevent damage may be instigated by a processor.

Abstract: A defrost unit can include a throat insert configured to be attached to a snow blower, and an exhaust piping assembly interconnected between the throat insert and an engine exhaust outlet of the snow blower, wherein exhaust gasses from the engine exhaust outlet are directed to the throat insert.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a road deicer, comprising a magnetron connected to a power supply device through a power transformer, an antenna chamber connected to said magnetron through a waveguide tube, and a microwave emitter arranged inside said antenna chamber, wherein at least one slot is formed on an emitting end of the antenna chamber facing the road. The deicer of the present disclosure generates microwave energy through a magnetron, transmits the microwave energy through a waveguide tube, and then radiates the microwave energy through a microwave emitter and slots, thereby melting the ice through microwave heating. The road deicer of the present disclosure has higher deicing efficiency, and it won't damage the road, nor pollute the environment. The present disclosure also provides a road deicing system which has high deicing efficiency and can avoid damaging the road and polluting the environment.

Abstract: A snow rake used to clear snow or ice from roofs, with air or steam assistance, respectively. A system comprising a rake head, at least one extension tube, a control handle, two pressurized supply lines, wherein the pressurized supply lines carry a fluid, and a fluid source. A rake head comprising a platform, a blade, at least one pressurized transport feed line, at least one nozzle, a tubular connecting column and a quick release connector. When used in air assistance mode, the snow rake lifts snow from the roof prior to clearing the snow with the blade. When used in steam assistance mode, the snow rake melts ice dams on the roof. The system can further comprise a yoke and additional extension tubes, wherein the yoke acts as a fulcrum for the system to facilitate ease of use in air or steam assistance modes.

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: A single burner snow melter is capable of a snow start. The burner assembly has a fuel burner having adjustable combustion output and a nozzle through which products of combustion emerge, and a combustion chamber which has a first portion in substantially air-tight communication with the fuel burner and which encloses the nozzle. A second portion of the combustion chamber is shaped and dimensioned such that the second portion is placed into a snow melting receptacle or pit. The combustion chamber has a plurality of directional discharge means formed at least on its second portion through which products of combustion from the fuel burner emerge, and thus agitate, and melt snow loaded into a tank or pit. The burner assembly also includes an air cooling assembly for supplying air to cool at least the first portion of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A roof top snow removing apparatus includes a plowing unit configure to plow snow disposed upon a roof top, a motor unit coupled to and providing a motive force for the plowing unit, a track system to guide the motor unit about the roof top, and a controller to control the motor unit based on received input from a user.

Abstract: An exterior defrosting system for a motor vehicle comprising: a heat source; a systems of ducts arranged on the under side of the vehicle; and a plurality of vents along the duct system, where the vents provide a stream of hot air on the underside of the vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, at least one vent may be positioned near each wheel of the vehicle. A heat source such as a vent box may force air through the duct system, where the plurality of vents is placed a frame of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle skid recovery system, which is able to accelerate skid recovery, when an automotive vehicle begins to skid as a result of ice accumulation on the road surface. The embodiments control operation of ice removers (e.g., blades or heaters), which are mounted within the wheel wells forward of the wheel, based on information received from the vehicle's outside temperature sensor and anti-lock braking system (ABS). When the temperature sensor indicates that the outside temperature is below a predetermined temperature (e.g., below freezing) and when the anti-lock braking system is activated as a result of detected skid, a controller activates the ice remover in one or more of the wheel wells and, thereby cause the ice remover to remove ice from the road surface forward of the corresponding wheel. Clearing the ice allows the vehicle's tires to gain traction on the road surface and, thereby stops the skid.

Abstract: A material dispenser that may be used with a snow removal machine is comprised of a container, broadcaster actuator, and broadcaster in one embodiment. The material dispenser allows the operator to broadcast dry treatment material from a container mounted to the snow removal machine regardless of whether the precipitation engaging member of the snow removal machine is operating. The broadcaster actuator operates to cause the treatment material to be placed on or adjacent the path of the snow removal machine. The broadcast actuator may be positioned on a handle member of the snow removal machine so that it is convenient for the operator to engage the broadcast actuator while operating the snow removal machine or when the precipitation engaging member is not removing precipitation. A slide gate may be used to throttle the volume of treatment material exiting the container, and a slide gate actuator may be remotely mounted.

Abstract: A material dispenser that may be used with a snow removal machine is comprised of a container, broadcaster actuator, and broadcaster in one embodiment. The material dispenser allows the operator to broadcast dry treatment material from a container mounted to the snow removal machine regardless of whether the precipitation engaging member of the snow removal machine is operating. The broadcaster actuator operates to cause the treatment material to be placed on or adjacent the path of the snow removal machine. The broadcast actuator may be positioned on a handle member of the snow removal machine so that it is convenient for the operator to engage the broadcast actuator while operating the snow removal machine or when the precipitation engaging member is not removing precipitation. A slide gate may be used to throttle the volume of treatment material exiting the container, and a slide gate actuator may be remotely mounted.

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 high capacity snow melting apparatus has a hopper with one or a plurality of dedicated heater/blower units coupled to a plurality of commingled heat radiant conduits for contact with snow, ice and water, and manifolds connected to the conduits for additional heat exchange and to direct heated air onto snow in the hopper. Terminal sections of the conduits are elevated to an upper region of the hopper and have downwardly directed exhaust ports for substantial and efficient preheating of new snow loads. Heat exchanger passages through the heated air conduits allow water to flow in the path of heated air in the conduits to substantially increase snow and ice melting efficiency of the conduits. A water bath in the bottom of the hopper is level controlled to cover the conduits and drain water from the hopper.

Abstract: A snow melting and removal machine includes a cart carrier movable by hand, the cart carrier including a support frame, front and back wheels and a handle that a user holds to control the direction and speed of the cart carrier. A heating system is mounted upon the cart carrier. The heating system includes a torch assembly comprising torches, wherein the torch assembly is coupled to a gas tank feeding gas through a controller to the torch assembly, wherein flames emitted from the torches directly contact ice and snow thereby melting same. A distribution assembly is provided for treatment of melted snow and ice to prevent the accumulation of ice on the cleared surfaces.

Abstract: Methods and devices for deicing aircraft and other snow or ice covered surfaces. The invention is based on warm moisture-laden air or steam that can be released over the surface to be thawed. The device consists of three components: a hot water or steam boiler with an associated pump; a plenum for heating and humidifying air; and a delivery unit or head that brings the moisture-laden air or steam into contact with the surface to be de-iced or thawed. Various delivery heads are also described.

Abstract: A Heating System is provided for heating the hydraulic fluid of a hydraulic unit used with a power source and having a reservoir for retaining hydraulic fluid. The heating system comprises a heating element located in the reservoir. A switch is included along with a power line for connecting the power source to the switch. An electrical line is connected to the switch and is connected to the power line when the switch is closed. A relay is connected to the electrical line. A return line is connected to the relay and to the power source and a heater line connected to the relay and to the heater.

Abstract: A steel insert apparatus for a backhoe bucket having an integral heating system to defrost construction equipment in cold weather is herein disclosed. The apparatus is intended for use on backhoes, front end loaders, bulldozers, and other similar equipment with a blade or a bucket. When required by cold weather, a conventional blade or bucket will have the apparatus inserted snuggly into the bucket. The insert contains a series of interconnected heating tubes along its inner surfaces. The heating tubes are connected to an input and output connection on each end which allows engine coolant to be circulated through the heating tubes by means of flexible hoses and fittings providing heat to the insert. Such a feature allows the construction equipment to be used in cold weather without being affected by ice or snow build-up.

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 removal machine including a housing with a forward opening through which snow enters the snow removal machine. At least one rotatable member is positioned and rotatably secured within the housing for engaging and eliminating the snow from within said housing. The snow removal machine also includes a surface treatment application system with a treatment material dispensing system connected to the housing for dispensing a liquid or solid deicer and/or anti-icing treatment material over an area from which snow has been removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for resurfacing an ice surface includes a dolly including a body, a handle and a plurality of wheels attached thereto. The apparatus includes a device for operably receiving fluid from a reservoir and distributing fluid substantially evenly onto an ice surface. The device includes a valve connecting the reservoir to an elongate pipe that has a plurality of substantially evenly spaced perforations for allowing fluid to pass therethrough. An elongate support member extends along the length of the pipe and is secured thereto. An applicator is preferably connected to the support member for receiving fluid and for assisting to evenly apply fluid onto an ice surface. The opposed end portions of the pipe and support member are movable between up and down positions for adjusting the amount of water dispensed onto an ice surface.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for depositing liquid brine on roadway surface. Substantially horizontally disposed streamer nozzles are employed in conjunction with brine pumps which are operated in correspondence with the forward speed of the treatment vehicle. Substantially horizontally disposed streamer nozzles express the fluid at a rate corresponding with the vehicle forward velocity to effect a relative zero velocity relationship between the pavement and liquid. These streamer nozzles are mounted close to the pavement surface at a location effective to avoid truck induced air turbulence.

Abstract: A snow removal system (100) for melting snow into water includes a container (110) having a storage chamber (124) adapted to store snow and a predetermined amount of water (114). The snow removal system also includes a heating assembly (104) at least partially disposed in the storage chamber and adapted to heat water stored in the storage chamber to a selected temperature. The snow removal system further includes a mixing system (106) adapted to pressurize water and discharge the pressurized water through at least one nozzle (168). The nozzle is oriented to direct the pressurized water into the storage chamber. A method of snow removal whereby the snow removal system (100) is used to mix snow with heated water by spraying of pressurized water.

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 melting member is adapted to melt snow and ice as it contacts the snow and ice. The melting member is a tablet of sufficient size for melting a substantial amount of ice or snow before dissolving. One or more melting members are placed on snow or ice formed on an inclined roof of a building. The melting members melt the snow or ice as they move downwardly toward the roof of the building. The melting members then continue to melt the snow or ice as they slide downward along the inclined surface of the roof of the building. Water from melted snow and ice is then drained through the channels formed by the melting members. The channels also function to break up ice dams formed on the roof to allow for safe and easy removal of the ice dams and to prevent damage to the roof of the building.

Abstract: A snowblower apparatus and a method of using the snowblower. The snowblower apparatus is self contained and portable and may be mounted on a prime mover. A turbine engine is located within a housing and discharges its exhaust to the desired area of snow or ice removal. The housing is rotatable and tiltable about orthogonal axes so as to allow the operator to direct the discharge nozzle to a desired location. A fuel tank may be mounted separately from the housing and turbine engine. An afterburner may be used to increase the exhaust temperature thereby to remove ice and otherwise dry the desired location.

Abstract: A melting member is adapted to melt snow and ice as it contacts the snow and ice. The melting member is a tablet of sufficient size for melting a substantial amount of ice or snow before dissolving. One or more melting members are placed on snow or ice formed on an inclined roof of a building. The melting members melt the snow or ice as they move downwardly toward the roof of the building. The melting members then continue to melt the snow or ice as they slide downward along the inclined surface of the roof of the building. Water from melted snow and ice is then drained through the channels formed by the melting members. The channels also function to break up ice dams formed on the roof to allow for safe and easy removal of the ice dams and to prevent damage to the roof of the building.

Abstract: A hand-maneuvered snow plow includes a wedge-shaped blade including a pair of blade panels disposed at an angle relative to each other to define the wedge-shape. The blade has at least one centrally disposed hinge at a junction of the blade panels. In one embodiment, at least another hinge is disposed at an intermediate portion of each of the blade panels, respectively, enabling the snow plow to be folded to a storage position. A heating element is secured to a bottom edge of the blade, and a handle with a control unit for the heating element is attached to a rear side of the blade. The snow clearing plow provides an efficient and easy to maneuver tool for clearing snow from roadways, while being foldable into a compact storage configuration. When fully extended, the snow clearing plow may clear a path that is wide enough for a mid-size sedan or larger in a single pass.

Abstract: A snow melting attachment for a snow blower for preventing the building up of large snow piles includes a housing having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall. The peripheral wall has an upper edge defining an opening extending into the housing. The housing is mountable on the snow blower. A drainage pipe is fluidly coupled to the housing. A valve is in communication with the drainage pipe for selectively opening and closing the drainage pipe. A plurality of plates is mounted in the housing. Each of the plates has an upper side and a lower side. A plurality of heating elements is mounted in the housing. Each of the heating elements is positioned adjacent to one of the lower sides of the plates such that a plurality of heating elements is adjacent to each of the plates. The heating elements are each operationally coupled to a power supply.

Abstract: A snow-removal, such as a snow shovel, snow plow and the like, includes a heated blade. The snow-removal device might also provide a selection of temperature settings for the heated blade. The snow-removal device at least fluidizes the snow when the blade slices into it, whereby the fluidized snow lubricates the interface region between the blade and the snow, diminishing the physical effort required.

Abstract: A portable convection heater for removing ice from a side walk including a cart assembly with an axle and a pair wheels rotatably coupled thereto for allowing the pushing of the cart assembly. Further included is a heat blower housing having a heat blower adapted to blow air downwardly upon the receipt of power and a plurality of heating coils coupled below the blower for heating the air passing therethrough upon the receipt of power. For allowing ideal spacing with respect to the ground, the housing is slidably coupled to the cart assembly thus allowing relative vertical movement thereof. Finally, a plurality of control switches are connected to the blower, heating coils, and a power source for selectively providing power thereto.

Abstract: A vehicular apparatus which is adapted for removing fluids including snow and/or ice and de-icing or anti-icing liquids from a surface as the apparatus traverses the surface. The apparatus comprises: a first container for receiving a first portion of the fluids removed from a zone of the surface; apparatus for collecting and transferring the first portion of the fluids from the zone to the first container; a second container for collecting residual fluids remaining on the zone of the surface after the first portion is removed; a tank for containing water and a diaphragm pump for pumping water from the tank through nozzles at high pressure on the zone of the surface to loosen the residual fluids or make them airborne; and an air sweep connected in fluid communication with the second container for drawing or sweeping the loosened residual fluids and water into the second container concurrently with impinging high pressure water on the surface.

Abstract: A vehicular apparatus adapted for removing fluids including snow and/or ice and de-icing liquids from a surface as the apparatus traverses the surface. The apparatus comprises: a first container for receiving a first portion of the fluids removed from a zone of the surface; apparatus for collecting and transferring the first portion of the fluids from the zone to the first container; a second container for collecting residual fluids remaining on the zone of the surface after the first portion is removed; apparatus for impinging water at high pressure on the zone of the surface to loosen the residual fluids or make them airborne; and an air sweep connected in fluid communication with the second container for drawing or sweeping the loosened residual fluids and water into the second container concurrently with impinging high pressure water on the surface.

Abstract: A thermal walkway cover comprises at least three laminated layers including a middle layer of electrically conductive carbonized rubber, a durable, waterproof, UV-resistant top layer, and an insulating, waterproof bottom layer. Means are provided in to form of electrically conductive strips embedded in the middle layer to heat the middle layer. Connections are provided to a power source. The cover may have one or more edges of a dovetail construction so that cover sections or modules may be connected together to cover a desired walkway area, in which case electrical connections are provided between individual modules.

Abstract: A snow removal device that uses a truck frame to hold a snow collecting, melting and storage system. A duct carries snow from a snow blower, mounted on the truck, into a large hopper. The hopper is covered to prevent the snow from leaving the hopper. A series of components is nested in the hopper as follows: A screen is at the top to catch debris. Below the screen are two separate heater pipe systems that circulate hot water. Below the pipe systems is a series of pyramid heaters. Below the heaters is a catch basin to hold the melted snow (as water) at the bottom of the hopper. This water is then pumped into a tank, mounted on the back of the truck trailer. Hot water is supplied by a pair of boilers also mounted on the trailer. Fuel for the boilers and the associated electrical equipment is also stored aboard the truck. Because the device is self contained fewer people are needed to operate it.

Abstract: A vehicular apparatus which is adapted for removing fluids including snow and/or ice and de-icing or anti-icing liquids from a surface as the apparatus traverses the surface. The apparatus comprises: a first container for receiving a first portion of the fluids removed from a zone of the surface; apparatus for collecting and transferring the first portion of the fluids from the zone to the first container; a second container for collecting residual fluids remaining on the zone of the surface after the first portion is removed; a tank for containing water and a diaphragm pump for pumping water from the tank through nozzles at high pressure on the zone of the surface to loosen the residual fluids or make them airborne; and an air sweep connected in fluid communication with the second container for drawing or sweeping the loosened residual fluids and water into the second container concurrently with impinging high pressure water on the surface.

Abstract: A road and/or airport runway scraping blade for use with a ground supported vehicle, which scraping blade includes a frame for attaching the scraping blade to the vehicle. The scraping blade has a front facing side, a rearward facing side, a top edge and a bottom edge, both edges extending laterally of a longitudinal axis of the vehicle when coupled to the vehicle. Coupling structure is provided for facilitating a coupling of the frame to the vehicle with the rearward facing side facing the rear of the vehicle. An elongated conduit and a fastening structure is provided for fastening the conduit to the rearward facing side of the blade intermediate the coupling structure and the bottom edge of the blade. A longitudinal axis of the conduit extends generally parallel to the lower edge. A plurality of laterally spaced spray nozzles are provided and are oriented along a length of the conduit and communicating with an interior of the conduit.

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: 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: An apparatus for improving the steering of a wheeled or track-driven machine, such as a snowblower, the apparatus having a levered wheel mounted to the frame of the snowblower and actuated using an idler wheel connected to the levered wheel via a cable and pulley system; when actuated the levered wheel raises one side of the snowblower and provides a pivot point about which the other side of the snowblower can be pivoted. An apparatus for deflecting the hot exhaust of the snowblower's engine into the base of the snow exhaust chute to prevent and clear clogs therein and an adjustable apparatus for partially covering the opening of the auger housing to effect the force applied to the snow to be collected and cleared through the snow exhaust chute are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle for snow removal has a conveyor belt for transporting shovelled snow from a front end shovel up to a collection load box, above which the snow is melted by a plurality of heat sources for deposit into the collection load box. A pump recirculates melted snow water through a pair of parallel conduit pipes, which pipes are adjacent to the plurality of heat sources. As a result the recirculated water is reheated and the resulting warm water is discharged upon the front end shovel to commence the melting of the incoming, shovelled snow.

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: Apparatus for melting snow and ice includes hand-propelled wheeled frame on which is mounted a motor and generator and a heater positioned substantially parallel to and spaced from the ground to be cleared of snow. The snow melting apparatus is propelled by a user walking behind the apparatus. The heater includes heating elements which are covered by plates for reflecting heat downward as the snow melting apparatus is moved across snow-covered ground, clearing the area passed over by the apparatus. The heater may include two or more heating units. A forward heating unit may be hinged to a rearward heating unit to allow the forward unit to be raised for ease of moving the apparatus and for storage.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing compressed snow and the like, includes a steam cutter provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending steam pipes connected to a steam header, with each of the steam pipes having a steam discharging opening formed in its undersurface, and an excluding blade located behind the steam cutter. The blade is disposed at an angle of inclination with respect to an advancing direction of the removing apparatus, which angle can be adjusted.

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: Apparatus and method utilize an open-top hopper having an upper cascade-zone and a lower pool-zone. Crude snow-debris is intermittently dumped into the hopper open-top and there operationally admixed with low-temperature water; this admixture is converted by cascade-zone comminution drums into a rough-slurry that pools at the pool-zone. Within the pool-zone, the rough-slurry is agitated, preferably with a revolvable bladed shaft, into a smoothly flowable-slurry that is dischargeable through an apparatus outlet to a remote disposal site which might be a municipal sewerline. Preferably, the apparatus takes the form of a wheeled vehicle, has a lengthily agitated pool-zone extending beyond the hopper, and is equippable with other desireable optional structural features.

Abstract: Apparatus for the re-surfacing of an ice surface particularly the surface of a curling rink. An ice melting machine having a plurality of burners is drawn at a slow and uniform rate of speed along a curling rink by a winch arrangement which is adapted for removable securement adjacent one end of the rink. A cable extends from the melting machine to the winch, and means are provided for stopping the winding of the cable when a predetermined length of cable has been wound on the winch. The winch includes a drum which has a diameter and a speed of rotation such that the machine is drawn along at a speed in the range of between about 3 to 4 feet per minute. This apparatus ensures uniform melting surface ice and frees an attendant for other duties.

Abstract: A wheeled trailer main frame is provided including an upwardly opening tank supported therefrom for receiving a quantity of water therein from a below frost line pressurized supply of water. Motor driven agitator structure is disposed in the tank for mechanically agitating and rendering turbulent the water therein to thereby effect some heating of the water as a result of the turbulence thereof. Water is continuously admitted into the tank from the below frost line supply thereof and bulk quantities of snow intermittently may be dumped into the tank for melting therein as a result of the heat of the water supplied to the tank from the below frost line supply. An upper weir-type water outlet is provided and is operative to discharge water from the tank at a rate substantially equal to the rate of water supplied to the tank, plus the water volume added to the tank as represented by the intermittent dumping of bulk snow therein.