| US 7,588,195 B2 | ||
| Deicing apparatus | ||
| Robert A. Balogh, Timberlake, Ohio (US) | ||
| Assigned to Louis Berkman Winter Products, Cleveland, Ohio (US) | ||
| Filed on Jan. 06, 2006, as Appl. No. 11/327,748. | ||
| Claims priority of provisional application 60/642032, filed on Jan. 07, 2005. | ||
| Prior Publication US 2006/0180678 A1, Aug. 17, 2006 | ||
| Int. Cl. A01G 25/06 (2006.01) | ||
| U.S. Cl. 239—201 [239/67; 239/69; 239/302; 239/327; 239/337; 239/379] | 18 Claims |

| 16. A deicing apparatus comprising:
a reservoir for containing a deicing agent, the reservoir positioned above an associated ground surface, wherein the reservoir
comprises a flexible bladder having a variable volume;
a distribution network located below the reservoir, the distribution network comprising a first nozzle and a second nozzle
in fluid communication with the reservoir, wherein a first portion of the first nozzle is fixed to the associated around surface
and a second portion of the first nozzle is adjustable between: (1) an extended use condition where the second portion extends
above the ground surface; and, (2) a retracted non-use condition where the second portion is substantially level with the
associated ground surface;
a control flow manifold positioned between the reservoir and the first and second nozzles, that selectively controls the flow
of the deicing agent to the first and second nozzles;
a control panel operatively communicated with the flow control manifold, the control panel being selectively, adjustably programmable
for selectively, adjustably controlling the flow control manifold; and
wherein gravity forces the deicing agent from the reservoir, through the distribution network, through the first nozzle, and
to the associated ground surface.
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