S & S Trust

Other

Greg Noah

Scott W Lewis

Mike Weege

The control apparatus and vehicle of the invention for controlling a broom and blower system attached to the vehicle typically includes several modules (which may be software, hardware, or a combination of these) which interact to process command inputs. Thus, broom state, broom height, and broom direction command modules are all logically connected to a command input module. Similarly, blower state (blower on/off) and direction (blower left/right) modules are also logically connected to the command input module. The method of the invention for operating a broom and a blower includes the steps of receiving a command input, measuring the duration of the command input, and determining whether the command input is a broom state command, a broom height command, a broom direction command, a blower state command, or a blower direction command. If the command is one which requires selection of an intermediate position, then the command is followed as long as the command is entered. If the command is of a relatively short duration, then the command input is latched and held for the length of time required to reach a full-stop position.

Broom and blower control method and apparatus

The invention relates to a system and method for indicating a broken shear pin on a snow blower head cutter drum in a rotary snow blower. At least one shear pin connects the snow blower head cutter drum to a drive shaft on the snow blower. The indicator system utilizes a proximity sensor which is mounted on the drive box of the vehicle and focused on at least one target on the snow blower head cutter drum. As the snow blower head cutter drum rotates, the proximity sensor detects the passage of the target and resets a timer. When the shear pin breaks, the cutter drum stops rotating. Because the proximity sensor does not detect the target, the timer is not reset. When the elapsed time equals or exceeds a predetermined amount, an electrical impulse is transmitted, activating the broken shear pin indicator.

Broken shear pin indicating system

The invention relates to an apparatus and method for directing a low turbulence vehicle-mounted air blast for use in clearing snow or debris from a road or runway. An air blast system is mounted in the central portion of the vehicle underneath the chassis. An air duct is positioned on either side of the truck adjacent to a channel which passes under the truck. The air ducts are designed with minimal curvature and internal baffles in order to minimize air flow turbulence. During operation, the channel and air duct are lowered toward the ground and high velocity air passes through the channel. A vacuum is created which draws snow or debris from the runway, out of the air duct, and away from the truck. When turnaround is required at the end of a runway, the operator simply lifts the air duct currently in operation and lowers the air duct on the other side of the truck.

Low turbulence air blast system

The invention relates to an apparatus and method for utilization of a proximity sensor to control the height adjustment of vehicle-mounted devices for use in clearing snow or debris from a road or runway. One end of a shaft is connected to the broom, while the other end is mounted on top of the broom assembly. A threaded collar on the shaft moves axially in response to change in the height of the broom assembly. A proximity sensor produces and monitors a magnetic field near the central portion of the shaft. Height adjustment of the broom causes the collar to move past the proximity sensor, thereby distorting the magnetic field. The proximity sensor stops the electrical signal which controls the downward movement of the broom assembly. The height selection for the broom assembly is adjusted by turning a nut or ratchet assembly on the end of the shaft.

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Denver, CO, United States of America

Greg Noah