Apparatus and system for clearing a roadway surface

Abstract

Longitudinally extending nozzles are formed along a leading edge of the scraper blade of snow removal equipment to direct planar jets of air at a road surface to lift snow and ice from the surface of a roadway. A plate, in which pockets have been machined, is mounted on the ground engagement tool of the scraper blade to create the nozzles. The nozzles are connected to a source of compressed air mounted on the snow removal equipment.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] Embodiments of the invention are related to apparatus used to remove snow from roadways and the like and more particularly is directed towards enhancements to blades used when plowing snow from roadways. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Removal of snow and ice from roadways is of prime concern to ensure optimum road safety under winter driving conditions. Further, surface cleaning of airport runways, race tracks and the like to remove water, snow, ice and debris, is a prime safety concern. Significant resources are expended by all levels of government and others in order to achieve optimum road conditions. Snow and ice removal however can be less than optimum due to the lack of high efficiency snow removal apparatus or systems and the high cost associated with more complex technologies to remove snow and ice or to reduce its accumulation on roadways. [0003] In many jurisdictions roads are plowed using a variety of equipment including, but not limited ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] A novel apparatus for directing air at a surface for clearing the surface of snow, ice water, debris and the like is mounted to a scraper blade of conventional snow removal equipment. Substantially planar jets of air directed at the surface from longitudinally extending nozzles formed along a leading edge of the scraper blade act to lift the snow and ice from the surface whether the scraper blade is in contact with the surface or not. The combination of the planar jets of air and the scraper blade in contact with the surface enhances cleaning of the surface.

[0013] In one embodiment, the one or more pockets are formed in the plate and the nozzle gap is machined into the plate eliminating the need for the shim. Small amount of plate material or protrusions are retained at spaced intervals along the leading edge of the plate creating more than one laterally spaced, longitudinally extending nozzle for each pocket. The protrusions act to provide structural rigidity to the plate and dimensional stability to the more than one nozzles.

Problems solved by technology

Snow and ice removal however can be less than optimum due to the lack of high efficiency snow removal apparatus or systems and the high cost associated with more complex technologies to remove snow and ice or to reduce its accumulation on roadways.

Engagement between the blade and the pavement results in deterioration of both the blade and the pavement necessitating replacement of the GET at regular intervals to maintain optimum removal and may result in a deterioration of the surface of the roadway over time.

Use of chemical deicers and road salt can have serious detrimental effects on air quality, surface and ground water, vegetation, soil, wildlife and can enhance vehicle and structural corrosion.

Images