Inventor:

Christopher Wilkinson

Claim of Priority

This application claims priority to U.S. Application Serial Number filed on, This application claims priority of the U.S. utility application number 15/168,512 filed on May 31, 2016 and U.S. provisional patent application number 62/169,845 filed on June 2, 2015, the contents of both of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the Embodiments

The field of the invention and its embodiments relate to an apparatus that is capable of removing frozen and/or semi-frozen material from a property, treating the material, and returning it to the environment. In particular, the present invention permits the removal of ice, snow, slush, and the like from the environment and reduces it to its liquid form thereby cleansing the environment of such material.

Background of the Embodiments

When it snows, various municipalities, communities, airports, and the like spring into action to help clear the fallen snow. By clearing the snow in an expeditious manner, one can reduce disruptions to travel and other hazards that commonly plague snow fallen areas. This is especially important for areas where the snow and ice may accumulate rapidly and remain for a long period of time. Typically snow removal methods involve plowing and/or relocating the snow and ice to a less populated or other designated area, where it is then allowed to remain to melt naturally. Dump trucks, front end loaders, and other heavy equipment are often used to help assist in this removal process. However, this method of removal has its pitfalls. For example, the accumulated snow and ice remains and it often piled in areas that may take months to melt long after all other snow and ice has melted. Additionally, in populated areas, this snow takes up precious space that could be otherwise utilized.

Another way snow and ice may be removed is through the use and application of chemicals to the ice and snow that disrupts the intermolecular bonds contained therein causing the snow and ice to melt. However, this cannot be performed on a grand scale and can be quite expensive. Further, there is a latency period for the effects of the applied chemicals to be seen. Even still, if it is sufficiently cold outside, the chemicals may be rendered ineffective.

Thus, some entities have gone to using snow removal machines that receive collected snow in a receptacle and apply hot gases or water to the snow and ice in order to melt it. A disadvantage to such apparatus currently on the market is that they are not easily movable and are typically placed in only places that receives vast quantities of snow and high foot traffic such as a parking lot. In some instances, such apparatus requires a sewer hookup in order to get rid of the melted snow and ice.

There is a need for an apparatus that is self-sufficient and portable that can effectively melt ice and snow. It is desirable to have such an apparatus be able to quickly process the snow and ice and return it to the environment. Further, such an apparatus can be brought to the snow and ice rather than have to snow and ice brought to it. The present invention meets and exceeds these objectives. Review of related technology:

U.S. Patent 7,958,656 pertains to 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.

U.S. Patent 4,615,129 pertains to 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.

U.S. Patent 4,164,820 pertains to a fluid containing insulated tank is mounted on a vehicle chassis having an engine driving a hydraulic system and an electric energy generating unit. The roadway cleaning apparatus, including housing contained screw conveyors, is mounted transversely of the forward end of the vehicle chassis for discharging snow and roadway debris through discharge tubes into the tank through an inlet port opened and closed by a hydraulically operated inlet port opening and closing door. Electric resistance heaters, contained by the tank and mounted thereon, melts snow and heats fluid and air contained by the tank. An agitator within the tank forms a slurry of the contents.

U.S. Patent Application 2010/0313451 pertains to a snow removal vehicle that 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. The vehicle may also be equipped with a hopper chute for use in a stationary mode to melt snow dumped in the chute.

Various devices are known in the art. However, their structure and means of operation are substantially different from the present disclosure. The other inventions fail to solve all the problems taught by the present disclosure. At least one embodiment of this invention is presented in the drawings below and will be described in more detail herein.

Summary of the Embodiments

Generally, the present invention and its embodiments provide for an autonomous vehicle that is capable of collecting ice, snow, slush, and the like and processing it for return to the environment. The apparatus is portable and can easily maneuver over various terrain enabling it to reach areas that other similar devices cannot. For example, as described above, typical snow removal apparatus often comprise a large receptacle for which snow is dumped by a front end loader. Such a set-up is not suitable for most environments. However, the present invention can easily be used in any number of environments and scenarios.

The apparatus preferably uses a suction-like mechanism to essentially "vacuum" snow and the like into the on board container for processing. Here, a heat treatment is applied to the collected material causing it to melt into its liquid phase. In some embodiments, the liquid is then cooled before being returned to the environment. The heat treatment may take many forms including heated gasses, liquids, lamps, and the like or any combination thereof. A piping system then routes the liquid out of the apparatus through an outlet and back to the environment.

In one embodiment there is an apparatus for processing of frozen and/or semi-frozen material, the apparatus comprising: a container having at least one internal compartment, wherein the at least one internal compartment is capable of heating the frozen and/or semi-frozen material; a transport system that directs the frozen and/or semi-frozen material into the at least one internal compartment; and a transport mechanism configured to enable transfer of processed materials from the at least one internal compartment; a dispersal system, wherein the dispersal system dispenses the processed material.

In another embodiment there is an apparatus for processing of frozen and/or semi-frozen material, the apparatus comprising: a base comprising a base support and at least three wheels; a container structure having at least one internal compartment, the container structure resting upon the base support, wherein the at least one internal compartment is capable of heating the frozen and/or semi-frozen material; a transport system positioned on one end of the container structure that directs the frozen and/or semi-frozen material into at the at least one internal compartment; and a transport mechanism that enables transfer of processed materials from the at least one internal compartment; an outlet configured to enable removal of the processed materials from the apparatus.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention there is an apparatus for processing of frozen and/or semi-frozen material, the apparatus having a base comprising a base support and at least three wheels; a container structure having at least one internal compartment, the container structure resting upon the base support, wherein the at least one internal compartment is capable of heating the frozen and/or semi-frozen material; a control system, the control system being capable of communicating with an electronic device; a suction mechanism positioned on one end of the container structure that directs the frozen and/or semi-frozen material into at the at least one internal compartment; and a transport system that enables transfer of processed materials from the at least one internal compartment; an outlet positioned on an underside of the container structure, wherein the outlet is coupled to the at least one internal compartment via the transport system; and a fluid dispersal system comprising a plurality of dispensing mechanisms adapted to dispense a fluid, wherein the plurality of dispensing mechanisms are located within the outlet.

In general, the present invention succeeds in conferring the following, and others not mentioned, benefits and objectives.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that operates autonomously and safely.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that heats frozen and/or semi-frozen material to reduce it to a liquid. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that returns processed material to the environment.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that is portable.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that removes unwanted snow and ice from an environment to make the surrounding area safe for travel.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that prevents an excess buildup of ice and snow.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cutaway side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an example of a display screen for interacting with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cutaway side view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals.

Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus 100. Generally, the apparatus 100 has a body 105 having a front end and a back end with a container 110 thereon, an access door 102, an outlet 112, wheels 104, a control system 108, sensors 136, and a suction mechanism 106. The exact appearance of the apparatus 100 may vary and there may be different locations for the parts shown and others not explicitly described herein. The apparatus 100 may take the form of a vehicle, namely an autonomous vehicle, and may be of generally a solid construction albeit for the access door 102. This is due to the fact, as noted, that it is preferable to have the apparatus 100 operate autonomously thereby removing the need for abundant interior access and controls.

The wheels 104 may each be capable of independently rotating and turning in relation to one another thereby allowing the apparatus 100 to reach virtually any area the environment to be treated. Such an environment may include roadways, parking lots, yards, sidewalks, and the like or any combination thereof. Further, the wheels 104 may have treading to help it grip and maneuver through a variety of terrains. In some instances, it may be appropriate to have the wheels 104 bear studs, chains, spikes, or other suitable mechanisms to provide traction on icy and otherwise slippery surfaces.

The sensors 136 may be proximity sensors that are capable of supplying information to the apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 may have a global positioning system (GPS), as described further below, that is used for navigational purposes to define its geographic boundary for operation. However, the GPS cannot take into account various obstacles including temporary obstacles such as an automobile. Certain sensors may be selected to enable the apparatus to readily distinguish between a buildup of snow and an obstacle that is blocking its path.

Thus, the sensors 136 can determine through a variety of mechanisms known in the art whether there is an obstacle and the proper procedure to take to avoid the obstacle. In some instances, the apparatus 100 will simply avoid or go around the obstacle, whereas in other instances the apparatus 100 will re-route itself and return later to see if the obstacle has been cleared. The sensors 136 may be disposed on any surface or combination of surface of the apparatus 100

In FIG. 2, there is a side view of the apparatus 100. Here, shown is the access door 102, handle 118, control system 108, wheels 104, suction mechanism 106, sensors 136, storage 138, and outlet 112. The control system 108 may comprise at least an input 114 and a display 116.

The input 114 is preferably a touch sensitive keyboard which enables the input of commands and other directives into the apparatus 100. Navigational mechanisms on the input 114 may further provide assistance in making adjustments to the apparatus 100. The display 116 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other suitable interface for communicating the operations and settings of the apparatus 100. An electronic device such as a lap top computer, desktop computer, multimedia player, gaming system, smart phone, smart watch, and the like or any combination thereof. The electronic device may be capable of communicating with the control system 108 thereby enabling remote monitoring and/or control of the apparatus 100 via the electronic device.

The storage 138 may be individual inlets or drawers within the body 105 of the apparatus 100. The storage 138 may store any necessary materials for the apparatus 100 including the aforementioned chains, etc. to be used for traction purposes. Other items such as snow/ice scraping and cleaning tools may be stored therein until needed.

FIG. 3 demonstrates at least some of the internal components of the apparatus 100 via a cutaway side view of the apparatus 100. The suction mechanism 106 resides in the lower portion of the apparatus 100. Namely, the suction mechanism 106 provides a conical or similarly shaped extension that extends below the main structure of the apparatus. The suction mechanism 106 preferably uses a motor to and an air pump to generate a partial vacuum thereby enabling frozen and/or semi-frozen 120 to be brought into the apparatus 100.

In some embodiments there are additional suction mechanisms positioned around the apparatus 100. For example, a suction mechanism may exist on the roof structure or on top of the apparatus 100. Such a mechanism may have a sensory device that is capable of recognizing snow fall thereby enabling it to capture snow before it makes ground fall. In some embodiments, the roof top suction mechanism is activated by information received from or a built in wireless weather device, such as an application, that provides information about the current weather state of the environment to the apparatus 100.

In other embodiments, other appropriate mechanisms and methods for creating suction may also be employed. In some instances, the suction mechanism 106 is capable of being articulated to collect the frozen and/or semi-frozen material 120. This may be used to further compensate for differences in elevation of the landscape. The apparatus 100 may be capable of adjusting the articulation of the suction mechanism 106 as it progresses through its route or course.

In addition, a plowing mechanism may be required to disperse some level of ice and snow to permit travel of the apparatus through an environment. The plow may be articulating to change the amount of snow plowed in order to provide proper clearance and ensure enough material is suctioned via the suctioning mechanism 106.

Internally, there is at least one compartment and preferably two compartments. When the frozen and/or semi-frozen material 120 enters the first compartment 113, it is subjected to a heating element 130 which begins to melt the material. A first hinged door 137 prevents the material (both in current and processed form) from exiting the first compartment 113 through the same opening it entered via the suction mechanism 106. The heating element 130 may be any type of heating element including ceramic heaters, electrical lighting, composite heaters, and the like or combinations thereof. Most embodiments would provide some form of electric based heating.

In other embodiments, there are solar panels that can supply electrical energy to the thermally regulated heaters. This allows the apparatus 100 to expend less electrical energy than needed. However, in such embodiments, any electrical battery may be recharged through a regenerative braking process.

The heating elements 130 may be arranged in various formats including but not limited to linear arrangements, tiered arrangements, intermittent arrangements, and the like or any combination thereof. As the frozen and/or semi-frozen material 120 begins to melt it passes into the second compartment 115 via a second hinged door 137. In some embodiments, this second hinged door may be a screen door that allows liquid to pass therethrough while preventing larger debris from passing into this second compartment 115. In the second compartment 115 the frozen and/or semi-frozen material 120 continues to be heated until it is completely melted. The first compartment 113 and the second compartment 115 are both graded in a way that directs the processed flow to a transport system 131. The transport system 131 is essentially a piping network that takes the processed material 128 from the compartments to the outlet 112. The transport system 131 may be pressurized in order to allow for the adequate dispersal of the processed material 128 through the outlet 112. The transport system 131 may have mechanisms in place to help screen the processed flow to remove and debris not already captured by the system in general. For example, the hinged doors 137 may have a ridge underneath them to trap larger material while letting the liquid flow over the top in addition to the screen features noted above. Further, when the frozen and/or semi- frozen material 120 is first brought in by the suction mechanism 106 there may be a catch for heavier materials that would fall off from the suction flow before even reaching the first compartment 113.

Once the processed material 128 reaches the outlet 112, fluid dispersal mechanisms 126 are positioned a varying configurations to return the processed material 128 to the environment. The outlet 112 may simply deposit the processed material 128 immediately under the apparatus 100. In some cases, the processed material 128 may be directed away from this area and be dispensed outwards from the apparatus 100. In other embodiments, a dumping mechanism may be employed to remove either some or all of the processed material from the apparatus. This would enable the container to be raised at an angle allowing the processed material to flow out therefrom.

In some embodiments the processed material 128 has a chemical agent added at some point along the process. Such a chemical agent may be liquid de-icers known in the art that prevents the processed material from refreezing. Further, solid form de-icers may be added via the outlet 112 to the surrounding environment. The apparatus 100 and its components operates by way of an energy source 134 which may manifest itself as a combustion engine and/or battery operated motor and/or batteries. This energy source should provide ample energy to run any and all of the systems associated with the apparatus 100.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is an exemplary screen that a user may encounter upon accessing the display 116 (see FIG. 2) that enables the user to modify and otherwise manipulate the apparatus.

Here, the screen 200 has a display screen 240. Located on the display screen 240 are a number of selectable icons which may direct the user to a secondary screen(s) or may open up a menu for selections to be made. The screen may be touch sensitive and support touchscreen technologies. An input 114 (see FIG. 2) may also assist the user in navigating and otherwise interacting with the apparatus. The shown icons are meant to be exemplary only and the actual icons may be the same or different as described. Further, the functionality and menu tree associated with each icon may be the same or different and some functionality described under one icon may actually reside under another. As noted, this screen may also be reached from an electronic device employing a web or mobile based application and providing the same functionality and control.

The set course 205 enables a user to modify, create, delete, or otherwise makes changes to a course setting of the apparatus. The course may be set initially via coordinates, geo-fencing, or the like or some combination thereof. In some instances, one may have to manually guide the apparatus through the desired course in order to for the apparatus to "learn" the course. Once the course is set, is can be saved in a system memory and be modified at a future time and date as needed. Multiple course profiles may be capable of being stored thus enabling quick one touch selection of a desired area for the apparatus to treat. The set course feature operates in conjunction with the sensors 136 discussed in FIG. 1. This enables complete automation of the apparatus thereby saving an individual or municipality time, effort, and expense. The apparatus 100 can simply be deployed as needed and complete the task at hand.

The modify settings 210 can be used to modify most any general settings as applicable to the apparatus. This may include the particular treatment(s) to be applied to the frozen and/or semi-frozen material, the amount of suction generated by the suction mechanism, the speed at which the apparatus is to travel, sensitivity settings, and the like or any combination thereof. Some such functionality has been otherwise discussed herein and other functionality may be prescribed that is not specifically contemplated herein but is contained under the purview of this invention.

The set schedule 215 allows for a fixed schedule to be set for the apparatus to operate under. Thus, a real time clock, stored in the on-board programming, may enable the apparatus to treat certain areas at certain dates and times dependent on the scheduled settings. Course selections may be selected from under this setting to allow for importing of saved courses enabling certain courses to be run during a certain time or date.

The check status 220 enables the user to graphically view any of the systems in order inspect the apparatus as a whole to ensure that the apparatus is functioning correctly. Various system readouts such as fluid levels, fuel or battery levels, temperatures, and the like can be viewed and modified as need be.

The maintenance 225 enables warnings or alerts to be broadcast to the user to signify that an action needs to be taken in order to ensure the proper functioning of the apparatus. Such warnings may include a lack of required fluids, a caught or stuck component, a non-operative component, or other malfunction recognized by the system.

The open access door 230 enables any locking mechanism to be released enabling the access door to be opened. This provides access to the interior of the apparatus but also can prevent unintentional opening of the access door which could result in injury or decreased performance by the apparatus (i.e. loss of suction).

The start 235 enables the apparatus to start running a specific protocol in conjunction with the aforementioned settings, courses, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, there is another embodiment of the present invention. Here, the embodiment is shown in a perspective view as well as a cutaway side view, respectively, showing a possible configuration of the internals of the embodiment. This embodiment may be intended to be a vehicle that can be remotely controlled, much like a drone, and be used to automatically, or under remote guidance, clear snow falls, ice, slush, and effectively dispose of the said materials. This device may be of particularly assistance the elderly or infirm in urban environments. Further, such a device may permit areas with large snow falls to remove the snow without simply piling it up.

Generally, the apparatus 100 has a front end 101, back end 103, wheels 104,

camera/directional system 146, conveyor 142, tiller/blade 144, piping 160, compartment 162, vents 148, nozzles 140, body 105, heater 158, chute 152, and supports 156.

In practice, as the blade 144 rotates, it picks up snow/slush/ice/etc. off the sidewalk, driveway, or other ground surface and loads it on to a conveyer 142. The collected material is then moved up towards the top of the conveyer 142 by the rotary action of the conveyor 142. When the material reaches the top of the conveyer 142, it falls from the conveyor 142 into an internal compartment 162 having a piping system 160. The piping system 160 is heated by an internally circulating fluid and to begin melting the material. In addition, there is a set of nozzles 140 that direct steam or heated liquids at the snow, both melting the material and also vaporizing some of it into the atmosphere via the vents 148.

Generally, the heating/melting is controlled by a heating system 158 comprising at least one (preferably two) immersion heaters and at least one generator. The generator(s) supplies electricity for the electric motors that power the apparatus 100 and operate the blade 144 and the conveyor 142. It is also intended to supply electricity to the two immersion heaters.

The immersion heater is part of a closed-circuit system that supplies heated fluid to the melting pipes. The fluid may be a water/anti-freeze mixture so that the apparatus 100 can be started even if left out in freezing (below 32°F) conditions. Because this system is a closed circuit, none of the fluid is released into the environment. Further, the immersion heater may help to melt snow/ice/etc. to steam. This steam is directed onto incoming snow, helping melt it and at the same time some of the steam is vaporized into the atmosphere via the vents 148.

In one particular embodiment the apparatus 100 further comprises at least one solar panel 150. Often, on the day following a snow storm, the sun is shining and the solar panel 150 can augment the power of the electrical generator. In some embodiments, multiple solar panels may be utilized and may be capable of being maneuvered into a position to best utilize each of the panels. For example, in one embodiment of the apparatus 100, there are two solar panels 150 that may be slid out horizontally from one another. Not only does this double the area of solar panels 150 available for collecting solar energy, but it also allows sunlight to directly heat the interior of the apparatus 100. With appropriate cover, this can obtain extra heating for the apparatus 100 through the greenhouse effect. In another embodiment of the present invention the side panels or storage panels 154 on the apparatus 100 allow for the storage of equipment such as containers of gas for the electrical generator. Another use for the storage panels 154 is a place to locate batteries for storing electricity. These may be lithium-ion batteries like the Tesla Powerwall batteries, or more conventional lead acid batteries. Another potential use of the storage panels 154 may be to house forms that allow the melted snow/ice/etc. to be frozen into blocks shaped like large Lego® blocks or other conveniently shaped blocks. When the apparatus 100 is operating in sub-zero temperatures, simply pumping the melted snow into appropriately shaped forms will produce the ice bricks. These ice bricks can then be stacked out of the way. As ice is one tenth the volume of freshly fallen snow, this is another way in which the vehicle can solve the problem of getting the snow removed and prevent unwanted build up.

When the apparatus is intended to be operated remotely, a unit housing sensing equipment 146 such as cameras, laser radar and GPS equipment, similar to that found on Google's autonomous vehicles may be employed to not only direct the pathway of the apparatus 100 but to help the apparatus 100 avoid obstacles as well.

Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.