Ice and snow removal system and apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus and method for snow and ice removal from a roadway or other horizontal civil engineering structure. The apparatus may include a conventional plow, a chipper to break apart ice, a nozzle to project a hot liquid to melt snow and ice, a heater to further melt snow and ice, and a vacuum to suction the melted snow and ice slurry for containment in a holding tank. The system is preferably mounted for carriage by a motor vehicle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 62 / 039,000, filed Aug. 19, 2014, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to roadway maintenance systems and, more particularly, to a system and methods for the removal of snow and ice from roadways and other horizontal civil engineering construction works.[0003]In winter many roads and parking lots are closed due to the accumulation of snow and ice, causing major problems in transportation. It would clear roads and parking lots days earlier than they would normally be cleared. When vacuum tank gets full water can be drained on side of road or into sewers.[0004]In northern regions, where there are prevailing seasonal winter storm conditions, affected states maintain fleets of snow removal equipment, including snow plows and salt trucks. Snow is shoveled with fleets of snow plow...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is an apparatus for snow and ice removal that includes a head, sprayer, heater enclosure, and vacuum head. These components are all contained within a hood of the head. The apparatus can be positioned between an operating position and a traveling position. Additionally, a chipper may be included to provide a vertical reciprocating or rotary action. The technical effects of this invention involve efficient and effective snow and ice removal from road surfaces in various weather conditions, reduction of vehicle damage and downtime caused by snow and ice accumulation, and improved safety and reduced risk of injury for drivers and road construction workers.

Problems solved by technology

In winter many roads and parking lots are closed due to the accumulation of snow and ice, causing major problems in transportation.

Accordingly, these states do not maintain fleets of snow removal equipment to combat winter road hazards.

Moreover, even where they do maintain show removal equipment, these states seldom establish the requisite stockpiles of salts to engage in any semblance of ice prevention or remediation, which is usually limited.

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