FORCED AIR SNOW REMOVAL SYSTEM

Abstract

A system for snow removal from a surface includes one or more blower systems. Each blower system includes a blower to pressurize air, a conduit in fluid connection with the blower, and a control system to control parameters of operation of the blower system. The conduit includes one or more passages therein from which pressurized air is blown to remove snow from the surface adjacent the position of the one or more blower systems. The control system is configured to pivot the conduit about a sweep axis over a determined sweep angle of at least 100 degrees.

Claims

1. A system for snow removal from a surface, comprising: one or more blower systems, each blower system comprising a blower to pressurize air, a conduit in fluid connection with the blower, the conduit comprising one or more passages therein from which pressurized air is blown to remove snow from the surface adjacent the position of the one or more blower systems, and a control system to control parameters of operation of the blower system, wherein the control system is configured to pivot the conduit about a sweep axis over a determined sweep angle of at least 100 degrees.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein each of the one or more blower systems comprise a conduit comprising a single passage at an axial end thereof through which air is blown.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the one or more passages are positioned at an axial end of the conduit.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the sweep axis is generally perpendicular to an axis of the conduit.

5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a base and a support operably connectible with the base and defining the sweep axis.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the control system comprises a processor system, a memory system in communicative connection with the processor system, and one or more algorithms stored in the memory system and executable by the processor system to control parameters of operation of the one or more blower systems.

7. The system of claim 5 comprising a plurality of the blower systems positioned at spaced locations.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the determined sweep angle is at least 140 degrees.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein the determined sweep angle is at least 180 degrees.

10. The system of claim 8 wherein the determined sweep angle is at least 200 degrees.

11. A method of removing snow from a surface, comprising placing a system for snow removal on or in the vicinity of the surface from which snow is to be removed, the system comprising one or more blower systems, each blower system comprising a blower to pressurize air, a conduit in fluid connection with the blower, the conduit comprising one or more passages therein from which pressurized air is blown to remove snow from the surface adjacent the position of the one or more blower systems, and a control system to control parameters of operation of the blower system, wherein the control system is configured to pivot the conduit about a sweep axis over a determined sweep angle of at least 100 degrees.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein each of the one or more blower systems comprise a conduit comprising a single passage at an axial end thereof through which air is blown.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein the one or more passages are positioned at an axial end of the conduit.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the sweep axis is generally perpendicular to an axis of the conduit.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein the system further includes a base and a support operably connectible with the base and defining the sweep axis.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the control system comprises a processor system, a memory system in communicative connection with the processor system, and one or more algorithms stored in the memory system and executable by the processor system to control parameters of operation of the one or more blower systems.

17. The method of claim 15 comprising placing a plurality of the blower systems at spaced locations on or in the vicinity of the surface.

18. The method of claim 11 wherein the determined sweep angle is at least 140 degrees.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the determined sweep angle is at least 180 degrees.

20. The method of claim 11 wherein the surface comprises at least one of a driveway, a sidewalk, or a roof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a representative embodiment of a snow removal system hereof including one or more towers or blower systems from which pressurized air is blown across a surface.

[0017] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a blower device for a snow removal system hereof.

[0018] FIG. 2B illustrates a side perspective view of a portion of the conduit or duct of the blower device of FIG. 2A including a straightener in connection with a distal end of the conduit or duct which include a plurality of like, small tubes in a parallel orientation to channel the pressurized air in a desired direction.

[0019] FIG. 2C illustrates a side perspective view of a portion of the conduit or duct of the blower device of FIG. 2A including a nozzle in connection with a distal end of the conduit or duct which focuses and directs airflow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations in addition to the described representative embodiments. Thus, the following more detailed description of the representative embodiments, as illustrated in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments, as claimed, but is merely illustrative of representative embodiments.

[0021] Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment (or the like) means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases in one embodiment or in an embodiment or the like in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0022] Furthermore, described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, et cetera. In other instances, well known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obfuscation.

[0023] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a blower includes a plurality of such blowers and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth, and reference to the blower is a reference to one or more such blowers and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each separate value, as well as intermediate ranges, are incorporated into the specification as if individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contraindicated by the text.

[0024] The terms electronic circuitry, circuitry or circuit, as used herein include, but are not limited to, hardware, firmware, software, or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or an action(s). For example, based on a desired feature or need, a circuit may include a software controlled microprocessor, discrete logic such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmed logic device. A circuit may also be fully embodied as software. As used herein, circuit is considered synonymous with logic. The term logic, as used herein includes, but is not limited to, hardware, firmware, software, or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or an action(s), or to cause a function or action from another component. For example, based on a desired application or need, logic may include a software controlled microprocessor, discrete logic such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmed logic device. Logic may also be fully embodied as software.

[0025] The term processor, as used herein includes, but is not limited to, one or more of virtually any number of processor systems or stand-alone processors, such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, central processing units (CPUs), and digital signal processors (DSPs), in any combination. The processor may be associated with various other circuits that support operation of the processor, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), clocks, decoders, memory controllers, or interrupt controllers, etc. These support circuits may be internal or external to the processor or its associated electronic packaging. The support circuits are in operative communication with the processor. The support circuits are not necessarily shown separate from the processor in block diagrams or other drawings.

[0026] The term controller, as used herein includes, but is not limited to, any circuit or device that coordinates and controls the operation of one or more input and/or output devices. A controller may, for example, include a device having one or more processors, microprocessors, or central processing units capable of being programmed to perform functions.

[0027] The term software, as used herein includes, but is not limited to, one or more computer readable or executable instructions that cause a computer or other electronic device to perform functions, actions, or behave in a desired manner. The instructions may be embodied in various forms such as routines, algorithms, modules, or programs including separate applications or code from dynamically linked libraries. Software may also be implemented in various forms such as a stand-alone program, a function call, a servlet, an applet, instructions stored in a memory, part of an operating system or other type of executable instructions. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the form of software is dependent on, for example, requirements of a desired application, the environment it runs on, or the desires of a designer/programmer or the like.

[0028] Systems, devices, and methods hereof use high-flow, high-pressure air blown across a surface (for example, a driveway, sidewalk, a roof, etc.) to reduce or minimize snow remaining on the surface as a result of a snow storm. FIG. 1 illustrates a representative embodiment of a snow-removal system 10a hereof which includes one or more (two in the illustrated embodiment) relatively high-flow, high-pressure air blower systems 100a positioned in operative connection with a surface of a driveway and with the opposing surfaces of a roof to be cleared of snow. In the illustrated embodiment, two spaced air blower systems or towers 100a are positioned on one side of a driveway. Further, two spaced air blower systems or towers 100a are illustrated on each side of the roof ridge of the illustrated building. Blower system or towers 100a on the roof of the building are angled to rotate approximately parallel to the pitch of the roof. Each air blower system or tower 100a, in the illustrated embodiment includes, a base 120a (not shown for blower systems or towers 100a on the roof) and a support or shaft 130a operatively connectible to base 120a, for example, via a seating or passage in base 120a.

[0029] A blower 200a may, for example, include a generally cylindrical housing, conduit or duct 204a having a blower fan 210a therein. An opening 220a in housing 204a is oriented toward the surface to be cleared. Blower 200a may, for example, be mounted on support 130a to be relatively close to (or in the vicinity of) the surface (for example, ground, roof, etc.) or on the surface so that air is blown over/on the surface in a manner to prevent snow from settling thereon and/or to remove snow therefrom. In a number of embodiments, blower 200a is rotatable or pivotable about the axis of support or shaft 130a over a range or sweep angle represented by the angle ? in FIG. 1 such that the range or area covered by each blower system (in embodiment in which multiple blower systems or towers 100a are placed in spaced positions to cover a surface) may, for example, overlap to optimize snow removal. The sweep angel ? may be adjustable. In a number of embodiments, the sweep angle ? is at least 100, at least 140, at least 180, or at least 200 degrees. The positioning of air blower systems 100a relative to the surface, sweep angle ?, the rate of sweep through sweep angle ? or dwell time, the angle of the axis of conduit 204a relative to the surface, the air volume, the air flow rate, etc. may be adjustable to improve or optimize results for specific areas of surface/sites from which snow is to be removed. For example, as clear to one skilled in the art, the parameters to clear a three-foot wide sidewalk may not be the same as those needed for a 20-foot wide driveway. Suitable parameters are readily determined by a user for any surface area and associated conditions.

[0030] In a number of studied embodiments hereof, blower fan 210a was a ducted fan such as the ducted fans used in aeronautics for remote controlled (RC) aircraft (see FIG. 2A). In general, ducted fans are thrust-generating fans or propellers which are mounted within a cylindrical duct or shroud. In the studies of Table 1 below, two different sized fans, 90 mm and 70 mm, were tested. It is desirable to channel, direct, or laminarize the airflow from blower 200a. In the case of the 90 mm blower, a straightener 224a (see FIG. 2B) including a plurality of like, small tubes in a parallel orientation may be placed over opening 220a to channel the pressurized air in a desired direction. In the case of the 70 mm blower, a nozzle 226a (illustrated schematically in FIG. 2C) may be used to focus and direct airflow. In the case of the ducted fans studied, the motor for the fan is positioned in the center of the fan. The center portion of the fan, thus produces no energy. Nozzle 226a included an opening that was approximately the same area as energy-producing area of the fan blade. Nozzle 226a is configured or is operatable to funnel or focus the airflow and increases velocity.

[0031] In a number of representative studies, distance from the bottom of the base 120a (ground/surface level) to the bottom of the blower was approximately 8.26 cm (3.25 inches) for the 70 mm model and 8.89 cm (3.5 inches) for the 90 mm model. In a number of embodiments, one or more of bases 120a may include a track system (represented by arrow T in FIG. 1) to allow powered travel (for example, via a motor) of air blower systems 100a along the surface/ground to which base 120a is operatively connected to provided increased coverage for such air blower systems 100a.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 90 mmW 70 mmW Fan 90 mm Straightener 70 mm New Nozzle Speed 60% 60% 95% 95% Grams of Thrust 1190 1137 603 843 Air Flow mph @ 10 16.5 14.5 10.7 14.3 Air Flow mph @ 15 10.3 8.7 7.2 9.2 Decibels @ 10 80 Decibels @ 15 75 75 75 72

[0032] In a number of embodiments, electronic circuitry 300a (a representative embodiment which is illustrated schematically in FIG. 1), which may be housed within a housing 250a, is provided in operative connection with blower 200a to, for example, control activation of blower systems 100a and control the parameters of operation thereof. As illustrated in FIG. 2, in a number of embodiments, a mount 254 was attached to housing 250a to connect an electronic speed controller 312a (illustrated schematically in broken lines in FIG. 2). Alternatively, electronic speed controller 312a may be positioned within housing 250a. Electronic circuitry can, for example, include a processor system and a memory system in operative/communicative connection with the processor system. One or more software-based algorithms may be stored in the memory system and be executable by the processor system to control the operation of blower system 100a. An input/output system may be provided for data communication. A communication system may, for example, be provided for wired or wireless communication (for example, via a smartphone or other personal communication devices such as a tablet computer or computer).

[0033] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, electronic circuitry 300a included a microchip controller 302a such as an ESP8266 Wi-Fi microchip with built-in TCP/IP networking software and a microcontroller, available from Espressif Systems of Shanghai, China. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, the drive system for controlling pivoting or rotation of blower 200a over sweep angle ? includes a stepper drive 304a in communicative connection with a stepper motor 306a. A power supply 308a is in electrical connection with the powered components of blower system 100a including, controller 302a, steeper driver 304a, stepper motor 306a, and blower fan 210a (see FIG. 1not shown in FIG. 2A).

[0034] In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, drive motor 306a is operatively connected to a support or shaft 130a to impart rotation to shaft 130a. Shaft 130a passes through a bearing 134a of a mount or base 120a, which is connected to the lower surface of housing 250a. Shaft 130a is in connection with a top section of a clamp or mount 140a to which blower 200a is mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, a wire rack 137a is connected to shaft 130a to control one or more wires (not shown) extending from electric circuitry 300a to blower 200a. Wire rack 137a is configured to prevent the one or more wires from becoming entangled (for example, entangled around shaft 130a with motion of shaft 130a and attached blower 200a). In a number of embodiments, wire rack 137a can be eliminated, and the one or more wires may be coiled within housing 250a. Other components (for example, of electronic circuitry 300a) positioned within housing 250a may be mounted toward the top of housing 250a in such an embodiment to provide room for coiling of the one or more wires on the bottom of housing 250a. Clamp 140a is also connected to shaft 130a at a bottom section thereof. Shaft 130a is in operative connection with a bearing 134a of mount or base 120a.

[0035] A power system of system (including, for example, power supplies 308a of one or more blower systems 100a) may, for example, be connected to line power illustrated schematically in FIG. 1 as an underground electrical wire 400 (which may be positioned within conduit) in electrical communication with each of bases 120a. Electrical power can, for example, be provided from the electrical system of a home. As described above, the power system provides power to electronic circuitry 300a generally and powers motor 306a used to rotate blower 200a through sweep angle ? over the dwell time of the sweep. Blower systems 100a hereof may be activated manually or automatically. For example, one or more sensors of a sensor system including, for example, moisture and temperature sensors, may be used to sense the beginning and/or ending of snowfall. Alternatively, an adjustable timer may be provided. An alarm system may be provided to provide alarms which may be audible and/or sent via data to user in case of a measured malfunction. In a number of embodiments, one of towers or blower systems 100a is a master, including master controls for the system, and the others of systems 100a are slaves. During operation the airflow may, for example, be controlled, while blower 200a is swept back and for the over sweep angle ? at a determined rate, to have a volumetric flow rate and pressure which are sufficient to deflect and/or clear the snow from a surface to reduce or minimize snow left on the surface (for surfaces of a variety of widths and compositionfor example, concrete, asphalt, gravel, loose stone, natural ground etc.). Uneven surfaces and/or surfaces including loose elements (for example, without a binder) such as gravel, loose stone, natural ground etc. are readily cleared of snow using the systems hereof but are difficult to clear using machinery such as plows or snowblowers.

[0036] One or more covers may be provided to cover electronics and/or blower 200a and may include noise suppression devices (as known in the noise suppression arts) to limit the noise emanating from blower system 100a. Noise suppression devices may also be incorporated in base 120a. In a number of embodiments, system 100a is designed to specifications such that it is operable to move snow at least 20 ft so that a driveway having a length of 60 ft and a width of 15 ft may be cleared with two towers or blower systems 100a. In a number of embodiments, blower systems 100a of system 10a are operated while maintaining the resultant noise level within the range of 70-90 dB to reduce the likelihood of creating a noise nuisance. In a number of embodiments, it is desirable that both towers or systems 100a operate with a total of 15 amps of available power. As clear to one skilled in the art, system parameters may be modified to clear surfaces of different dimensions and/or shapes. In a number of embodiments, for example, each tower or system 100a uses less than 7.5 amps of alternating current power. Thus, a typical outside 15 amp circuit as described above can be used in many homes for a two-tower system. Longer runs may, for example, require 20 amp or 220 volt systems.

[0037] All or a portion of systems 100a may, for example, be removable from bases 120a for storage. Alternatively, bases 120a may also be removable. A theft deterrent system can be provided for use when system(s) 100a are deployed for operation. For example, a spiral screw may be inserted into ground in the fall for lower base part of tower. A permanent version of system 100a may, for example, be embedded in the ground with a plastic (or other environmentally sealing) case. The top of such case may be removable deployment of system 100a for winter use.

[0038] In a number of embodiments, a system 500 (see FIG. 1) for injecting a liquid deicer agent can be included in operative and fluid connection with system 100a. Such liquid deicing agents are well-known for application to road surfaces. System 500 can, for example, include a pump or other mechanism to inject flow of a liquid deicer agent from a source of liquid deicer agent into the air flow of system 100a under control of the electronic circuitry hereof. Electronic circuitry 300a may, for example, control timing and amount of the application of liquid deicer agent. For example, a determined amount of liquid deicer agent may be applied after an amount of time of operating of system 100a to remove snow. Chemical compounds included in solution with water in deicing agents (to prevent and/or remove snow and ice) often include, for example, sodium chloride (salt), magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate and potassium acetate.

[0039] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings set forth a number of representative embodiments at the present time. Various modifications, additions and alternative designs will, of course, become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing teachings without departing from the scope hereof, which is indicated by the following claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes and variations that fall within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.