A composition and method for safely and easily melting snow and ice is disclosed. The composition includes a pellet comprising an active ingredient; and a base comprising a water-soluble film-forming material, the pellet being attached to the base.

In general, one aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus comprising: a vertical support member pivotally mounted to any one of a wheel axle, chassis, or landing gear at a first terminal end and coupled perpendicularly to a horizontal member to an opposing terminal end; said horizontal member dimensioned with a first plurality of linear dispensing nozzles oriented towards a bottom portion of at least one wheel, and a second plurality of linear dispensing nozzles oriented towards a top portion of a driving surface, wherein the first and second plurality of linear dispensing nozzles are each fed by an air or fluid line that diverges from a single air or fluid line in operable communication with an on-board air-pressure unit; said vertical support member and horizontal member configured to extend into a down-right position electro-mechanically at the first terminal end, wherein the first plurality and second plurality of linear dispensing nozzles is positioned less than 24 inches from the bottom portion of at least one wheel and the top portion of the driving surface, wherein activation of the vertical support member and horizontal member extending into the down-right position and deployment of pressurized air or fluid from the first and second plurality of linear dispensing nozzles.

A powered hand-held spreader device is disclosed that has a handle that allows a user to grip and hold the device with one hand. The spreader includes an adjustable shutter, controlled by a rotary dial, to allow for distribution of a range of different granular products that require different flow rates for distribution. The granular product is contained in a hopper. The product can be distributed over various types of terrain, including, but not limited to, lawns, gardens, and paths. The spreader is driven by an electric motor actuated by a trigger. A spinning rotor plate distributes the granular product fed from the hopper. A trigger lock is optionally available to lock the trigger in the on position during use and to prevent actuation when the trigger is in the off position. An adjustable side deflector optionally can be used to control the distribution pattern of the granular product.

In general, one aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus comprising: a vertical support member pivotally mounted to any one of a wheel axle, chassis, or landing gear at a first terminal end and coupled perpendicularly to a horizontal member to an opposing terminal end; said horizontal member dimensioned with a first plurality of linear dispensing nozzles oriented towards a bottom portion of at least one wheel, and a second plurality of linear dispensing nozzles oriented towards a top portion of a driving surface, wherein the first and second plurality of linear dispensing nozzles are each fed by an air or fluid line that diverges from a single air or fluid line in operable communication with an on-board air-pressure unit; said vertical support member and horizontal member configured to extend into a down-right position electro-mechanically at the first terminal end, wherein the first plurality and second plurality of linear dispensing nozzles is positioned less than 24 inches from the bottom portion of at least one wheel and the top portion of the driving surface, wherein activation of the vertical support member and horizontal member extending into the down-right position and deployment of pressurized air or fluid from the first and second plurality of linear dispensing nozzles.

In a spreader for winter service vehicles, brine is filled from a tank sack into additional tanks by purely hydrostatic effect substantially without the use of pumps, by the tank sack being so filled for example by excess pressure that the brine is urged through a liquid line where it forms a closed liquid column. The exit end of the liquid line lies below the entrance end of the liquid line so that, upon filling, the liquid from the tank sack automatically flows into the additional tanks due to hydrostatic forces. Upon emptying the liquid tank, the liquid also flows in a corresponding manner from the tank sack into the additional tanks, thereby completely emptying the tank sack.

A spreader for broadcasting granular or particulate material over a surface includes a dual rotor configuration, a material deflection system, and a portable electronic device holder. The material deflection system includes components for deflecting material broadcasted by each of the rotors. The spreader includes a walking speed indicator to inform the user whether the current speed is too fast, too slow, or within an acceptable reference range.

The invention relates to a mobile storage container for bulk material in the form of a container unit which is dimensioned such that it can be transported on public roads and in public areas without requiring special permits for said transport. The container unit has a container with sidewalls, an underfloor, and an intermediate bottom arranged above the underfloor. The container has a stiffness that allows for the container to be set up even in the filled state on any essentially level ground without pillar mounting and without a foundation. A discharge device for the bulk material and a cross conveyor are integrated into the container, and a vertical conveyor connected to the discharge device is integrated into the container unit. By means of the discharge device, the bulk material is dispensed at a discharge height from the container unit and transferred to the vertical conveyor. From the vertical conveyor, the bulk material is dispensed at a drop height, which is higher than the discharge height.

A snow plow is pivotally mounted to a tractor by a compound mount allowing for multiple blade positions. The mount has an inner portion pivotally mounted about a first horizontal axis to the front of the tractor and an outer portion pivotally mounted about a vertical axis to the inner portion. The plow blade is pivotally mounted about a second horizontal axis to the outer portion. Deicer nozzles spray liquid and a spreader distributes salt and other materials in front of the front wheels of the tractor.

Skid-steer type power unit engageable with an implement using an attachment assembly including an attachment frame and a hitch. An arcuate frame member is located forwardly of the attachment frame and is engaged therewith in such a way that the frame member pivots about a vertical axis located forwardly of the frame member and generally centrally positioned relative to the attachment frame. The frame member pivots in response to actuation of a hydraulic cylinder. The power unit includes a system for transferring weight of the implement rearwardly onto the power unit. A belt-drive power-take off system on the power unit powers the implement's operation. An underbelly drop spreader is located between the front and rear wheels of the power unit and a brine delivery system distributes brine from nozzles located rearwardly of the rear wheels. A unique control panel permits operation of all systems on the power unit and implement.

A material spreader for a heavy duty vehicle is provided having a hopper capable of carrying and distributing a particulate material, a longitudinally extending conveyor to move material within the hopper, a pivotably attached discharge chute and optionally, one or more liquid storage tanks secured to the exterior of the hopper by a securement system comprise a series of one or more straps connected on each end to a c-shaped cross member affixed to the vehicle or hopper body.