Abstract: A snow and ice melting device having an insulated chamber a heater located inside the insulated chamber a reservoir located at the distal end of the insulated chamber a pump operationally connected to the reservoir a snow port located at the proximal end of the insulated chamber the snow port comprising a body and a portal between the body and the insulated chamber and a power supply connected to the heater and the pump.

Abstract: A fluid distribution assembly includes a vehicle that has a tank coupled thereto. The tank may contain a fluid. A control circuit is coupled to the vehicle. The control circuit is electrically coupled to a power source. A heating element is in thermal communication with the tank to heat the fluid to a temperature greater than 185° Fahrenheit. The heating element comprises a plurality coils distributed along the tank. The heating element is electrically coupled to the control circuit. A pump is coupled to the vehicle. The pump is in fluid communication with the tank to urge the fluid out of the tank. The pump is electrically coupled to the control circuit. A fluid dispensing unit is in fluid communication with the pump and the tank.

Abstract: A snow melter for spraying hot air and preventing a snow thrower from being frozen. The snow melter includes: a snowblower; a transfer pipe which includes a snow thrower and a hot air receiving chamber, wherein the snow thrower is formed in the form of a stove pipe and is connected to the snowblower, and wherein the hot air receiving chamber is located outside the snow thrower and receives hot air introduced from the outside; a melting tank which includes a receiver and a melter, wherein the receiver receives the snow transferred through the snow thrower, and wherein the melter is connected to the receiver and melts the snow accumulated in the receiver by using high temperature hot air; and an hot air induction unit that collects the hot air generated by the melter and transfers the high temperature hot air to the transfer pipe.

Abstract: A snow removal vehicle is provided as a means of collecting, melting, and transporting in order to facilitate snow removal operations during winter months. The snow removal vehicle is able to remove and dispose of snow from a plurality of environments. The snow removal vehicle accomplishes this through the user of a snow collection means mounted to the front section of an existing vehicle. The snow collection means channels removed snow through a snow conveyance means which transports the collected snow to a water tank positioned within an insulated enclosure. A high pressure nozzle sprays the collected snow while in the snow conveyance means to melt it before it reaches the water tank. The water tank contains the collected snow as water, but additional serves as reservoir for the high pressure nozzle.

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 snow melter for spraying hot air and preventing a snow thrower from being frozen. The snow melter includes: a snowblower; a transfer pipe which includes a snow thrower and a hot air receiving chamber, wherein the snow thrower is formed in the form of a stove pipe and is connected to the snowblower, and wherein the hot air receiving chamber is located outside the snow thrower and receives hot air introduced from the outside; a melting tank which includes a receiver and a melter, wherein the receiver receives the snow transferred through the snow thrower, and wherein the melter is connected to the receiver and melts the snow accumulated in the receiver by using high temperature hot air; and an hot air induction unit that collects the hot air generated by the melter and transfers the high temperature hot air to the transfer pipe.

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 snow removal vehicle is described and it has an enclosed snow melting chamber provided with a plurality of high pressure steam jets which are connected to one or more steam generators. The enclosed snow melting chamber has a water collecting reservoir in a lower portion thereof below a bottom wall of the snow melting chamber. The bottom wall has passages to channel water from the snow melting chamber to the water collecting reservoir. The vehicle body has a front entry opening communicating with the snow melting chamber and an auger screw is mounted in the front entry opening to eject snow inside a forward end of the snow melting chamber. Snow propelling wheels are secured along at least a front end portion of the snow melting chamber to propel snow ejected from the auger along the snow melting chamber for contact by the high pressure steam to melt the snow. An outlet evacuating valve is provided to evacuate water collected in the water collecting reservoir.

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: 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: 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 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 manually propelled ice rink building and resurfacing device. The device includes a chassis with removable wheels, a water tank mounted on the chassis, and a heating chamber within the water tank, the water tank receiving snow to be melted, the heating chamber in heat exchange relation to the water tank. Fluid dispensing means connected to the tank uniformly distributes, and evenly spreads a layer of water onto an ice rink surface. The device may be rolled on ice, dragged on snow, or stored in a vertical position.

Abstract: A method of and system for liquefying snow. The system includes a rotor-stator device mounted within a melting reservoir and having a slotted rotor and a slotted stator. Snow and/or ice is deposited in a water bath in the melting reservoir. The rotor rotates at high speed, hurling particles of crystalline snow from the tips of the rotor slots onto the perpendicular faces of the stator, thereby fracturing the crystals and promoting liquefication. The high mechanical forces generated during operation of the rotor-stator device also contribute a significant amount of heat that is applied directly to the snow. The system also includes ancillary assemblies, such as heat-exchangers and snow-transport means. The system is operable as a stationary unit or a mobile unit.

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: The present invention relates to a snow melting apparatus including a container for holding a snow melting medium and receiving the snow; and a burner having a combustion chamber, wherein at least a portion of the combustion chamber is submerged in the snow melting medium and the submerged portion of the combustion chamber includes a sparger tube through which combustion gases emerge into the snow melting medium. The present invention further relates to a mechanism for continuously removing debris from the snow melting apparatus.

Abstract: A snow removal system (100) for melting snow into water is provided. The snow removal system 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 is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is a portable ground thawing device using a shallow rectangularly shaped box-like apparatus (or thaw body) that is open-ended on the side that would normally form the floor of the thaw body. This open-ended box is constructed with a high degree of insulating value and is designed to trap heat against the surface of frozen ground while also including a reflective inner surface. The heating requirements are supplied by the use of an externally mounted radiant propane heater that is commonly available in the marketplace today. This attachment is built into one of the short vertical walls on the end of the thaw body by placing the burner element of the radiant heater in the most outward opening of a vented heat transfer tube. The vented heat transfer tube is a cylindrical opening that passes from the outside of the thaw body so as to leave an air gap to allow for the free flow of air from inside the thaw body to the outside by the burner.

Abstract: An apparatus for disposing of snow that is deposited on a surface. The apparatus includes a removal mechanism that removes the snow from the surface and guides the snow into the apparatus. A first chamber is connected to the removal mechanism. The first chamber has a first aperture that permits fluid to be injected into the snow to aid in melting the snow. A second chamber is connected to the first chamber. The second chamber has an agitating device that moves the snow and separates the snow into a slurry to further melt the snow. A third chamber is connected to the second chamber and is configured to store the melted snow. A disposal mechanism is provided that removes the excess snow from the third chamber. Snow is removed from the surface by the removal mechanism and is melted as it moves through the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber.

Abstract: Suitable for melting snow, the apparatus has a flame heater for melting snow directly by flame contact directed from above, a conveyor for transporting snow to the flame heater for melting, and a drainage for allowing water to drain while the snow is being melted. A container is included for receiving snow removed from a road surface. A vibrated netting inside the container receives snow through an opening in the container. The snow passes through the netting while catching larger solid masses of ice contained within the snow. A reservoir holds the drainage water which can be pumped into a storm drain through a wind-up hose.

Abstract: A heated bucket system for significantly reducing the accumulation of frozen mud and ice within a bucket thereby maintaining the bucket's dirt moving capacity. The inventive device includes a bucket attachable to an arm of a backhoe or other machinery, a pump attached to the coolant system of the backhoe, an inflow tube fluidly connected to the pump, a heat tube attached to the back member of the bucket preferably in a sinusoidal pattern and fluidly connected to the inflow tube, and an outflow tube fluidly connected to the heat tube opposite of the inflow tube and fluidly connected to the coolant system of the backhoe. In operation, the pump draws the heated coolant within the coolant system and pumps it through the heat tube attached to the bucket. The heat from within the coolant is exchanged with the bucket thereby maintaining the temperature of the bucket above freezing. The coolant is then returned to the coolant system through an outflow tube.

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 number of pipes are nested in the hopper. Several torch blowers are connected to the pipes to directly fire into the pipes. Total usable heat generated exceeds 25 million BTUs. Melted snow is pumped from the hopper into separate holding tanks for disposal.

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 melting apparatus comprises a hopper which forms a lower trough. A pivoting ram/screen assembly prevents large object debris from passing to the trough. A manifold which mounts a plurality of rotating sprinkler heads defines a spray zone for discharging heated water into the centrally disposed snow debris introduced into the hopper. The hydraulic systems of a vehicle are employed to power hydraulic pumps and the ram/screen assembly which also functions as a ram to break up large chunks of snow debris.

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 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 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 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 snow melting apparatus (1) including a reduction chamber (4) into which heated air is forced by a burner (14). Heated air is distributed within the reduction chamber (4) by using a central conduit (13) to which are rigidly affixed heat exchanger pipes (15, 16, 17, 18) having open ends and being perforated by a plurality of downwardly facing slits (32, 33, 34). Heated water (26) is also distributed within the reduction chamber (4) by using a pump (28) and a perforated pipe (30).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating snow traction-improving material contained in a bin mounted on a motor vehicle, such as a truck. Panels are attached to the side of the bin to form a sealed cavity surrounding the bin. Hot exhaust from the motor vehicle engine is then piped into and flows through the cavity so as to heat the cavity, whereby heat from the cavity warms the contents of the bin. The exhaust then flows out an exit portal from the cavity to permit continued flow-through. Provision is made to form holes in any buttress supports, supporting the bin on the truck, which might obstruct the flow of hot exhause. Finally, a drain is provided, allowing any condensation formed in the cavity to escape.

Abstract: Snow removing and dissolving apparatus carried by a self-propelled motor vehicle and formed by at least one rotary drum arranged in front of the vehicle. A screw conveyer picks up the snow collected by the rotary drum and conveys it to a heating chamber to obtain initial liquefaction. The remaining moving snow accumulates in a bin which by a solution having a low freezing point completes the dissolution.

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 heating and melting apparatus according to the present invention has a housing for receiving a substance to be melted, a heater for heating the housing in order to melt the substance, and a vessel for receiving and storing the resulting liquid. The liquid stored in the vessel is exhausted from the vessel in an effectively utilizable form. The operation of the apparatus is controlled by a processing unit in accordance with the temperatures of the housing and the liquid stored in the vessel.

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: 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 snow removal device includes a truck unit having a forward cab portion and a rear storage portion. An elongated V-shaped container is disposed in the rear storage portion, wherein the container has a curved base, a pair of upwardly extending end walls, and the container is pitched downwardly from a front to a rear of the storage unit. A mechanism is included for injecting the snow and ice into the container as well as a heating assembly disposed in the storage portion for melting the snow and ice for discharge through the gate valve.