A wheelchair ramp system includes a ramp constructed from at least one structural insulated panel (SIP) having a foam core sandwiched between two structural facing panels such as oriented strand board (OSB). An outdoor exterior coating such as polyaspartic coating covers the SIP panel for allowing the SIP panel to be resistant to outdoor elements. At least one guardrail or handrail is secured to the side of the SIP for providing a safety barrier to persons using the ramp system.

A wheelchair ramp system includes a ramp constructed from at least one structural insulated panel (SIP) having a foam core sandwiched between two structural facing panels such as oriented strand board (OSB). An outdoor exterior coating such as polyaspartic coating covers the SIP panel for allowing the SIP panel to be resistant to outdoor elements. At least one guardrail or handrail is secured to the side of the SIP for providing a safety barrier to persons using the ramp system.

A compact heat recovery unit which includes separate and distinct thermal cores housed in their own channels. Each thermal core and its respective channel is moved at intervals. When a thermal core and its channel is inserted into a high temperature fluid flow, the thermal core absorbs the heat. When this heated thermal core and its channel is then later inserted into a low temperature fluid flow, the low temperature fluid is preheated by the heated thermal core. This operation is repeated with at least two independent thermal cores and their respective channels to maintain substantially continual pre-heating of received low temperature fluid. Similarly, the compact heat recovery unit can be used in a cooling application where pre-cooling of received higher temperature fluid is executed.

The snow melting tool reduces physical strain on the body from shoveling snow. It connects to a small propane tank for power. It effectively prevents cracks and chips in the asphalt caused by traditional shoveling. It saves time and frustration when clearing off sidewalks and driveways. It helps business owners remove snow for their customers.

A process for melting a snow mound located on a ground surface comprises the steps of actuating a heat emitting apparatus and inserting an elongate portion of the heat emitting apparatus into the snow mound so as to emit heat into a central portion of the snow mound, wherein the elongate portion is proximate the ground surface. As the snow melts within the interior or central portion of the snow mound, a cavity forms within the snow mound which creates an insulating container for retaining the emitted heat within the container during the melting process, thereby increasing the efficiency of the heat transfer from the heat emitting apparatus to the snow. A portable heat emitting apparatus is also provided.

A control system for a vehicle is provided. In one aspect, the control system includes a sensing mechanism for detecting an amount of material dispensed. The detected amount is compared to a desired dispensing amount in a profile created based on a number of relevant factors. The output rate of the material is varied to minimize discrepancies between the detected output amount and the desired amount. In another aspect, the control system includes a sensor array for determining the positions of the plow blades and objects in the path of a snow removal vehicle. The sensor data is used to determine a potential for collision, in which case a signal is sent to vary the positions of one or more of the blades to minimize vehicle footprint and help to avoid a collision.

A control system for a vehicle is provided. In one aspect, the control system includes a sensing mechanism for detecting an amount of material dispensed. The detected amount is compared to a desired dispensing amount in a profile created based on a number of relevant factors. The output rate of the material is varied to minimize discrepancies between the detected output amount and the desired amount. In another aspect, the control system includes a sensor array for determining the positions of the plow blades and objects in the path of a snow removal vehicle. The sensor data is used to determine a potential for collision, in which case a signal is sent to vary the positions of one or more of the blades to minimize vehicle footprint and help to avoid a collision.

A debris removal apparatus (e.g., for moving snow) can include a frame configured to attach to a prime mover. The frame can include one or more rails that extend from a first side of the frame to a second side of the frame. Additionally, the debris removal apparatus can include a carriage configured to translate along the one or more rails of the frame. Further, the debris removal apparatus can include a blower configured to intake a fluid and discharge the fluid at a blower outlet. The blower can be coupled with the carriage. Still further, the debris removal apparatus can include a nozzle configured to couple with the blower outlet.

A backpack tool kit including a backpack assembly with a casing and a battery pack received in the casing; and at least one tool connected to the casing of the backpack assembly and electrically connected to the battery pack. The backpack tool apparatus can be provided with multiple tools to simultaneously realize different operations and functions. Moreover, the tools are configured to be detachably connected to the backpack assembly, and can be replaced with different tools to realize different operations and functions according to needs.

Aerators and methods for aerating snow and/or ice-covered surfaces, such as, golf greens or lawns, are provided. The aerators include a hub and cylindrical projections from the hub. The cylindrical protections are shaped and oriented to contact the snow and/or ice covered surface. Upon distribution of the aerators upon a snow and/or ice covered surface and exposure of the aerators to ambient conditions, such as, the sun, the temperature of the projections is raised above freezing which melts adjacent portions of the snow and/or ice to expose portions of the underlining surface to ambient air. A kit providing aerators is also provided.