摘要 |
The invention relates to an apparatus and method for directing a low turbulence vehicle-mounted air blast for use in clearing snow or debris from a road or runway. An air blast system is mounted in the central portion of the vehicle underneath the chassis. An air duct is positioned on either side of the truck adjacent to a channel which passes under the truck. The air ducts are designed with minimal curvature and internal baffles in order to minimize air flow turbulence. During operation, the channel and air duct are lowered toward the ground and high velocity air passes through the channel. A vacuum is created which draws snow or debris from the runway, out of the air duct, and away from the truck. When turnaround is required at the end of a runway, the operator simply lifts the air duct currently in operation and lowers the air duct on the other side of the truck.
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