Apparatus for removal and processing of frozen or semi-frozen materials

Abstract

A device for processing of frozen and/or semi-frozen material may resemble an autonomous vehicle having a container structure with at least one internal compartment, where the internal compartment is capable of heating the frozen and/or semi-frozen material, a mechanism that directs the frozen and/or semi-frozen material into at the internal compartment, and a transport mechanism that enables transfer of processed materials from the at least one internal compartment, and a dispersal system, where the dispersal system dispenses the processed material. The device may be programmed to traverse a preset or customized route. As the device travels through the route it collects snow, ice, slush, and the like, and processes the material. This reduces the presence of snow, slush, ice, and the like in an efficient and expeditious manner.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for processing of frozen and/or semi-frozen material, the apparatus comprising:
 a container having at least one internal compartment,
 wherein the at least one internal compartment is capable of heating the frozen and/or semi-frozen material; 
   a transport system that directs the frozen and/or semi-frozen material into the at least one internal compartment; and   a transport mechanism configured to enable transfer of processed materials from the at least one internal compartment;   a dispersal system,
 wherein the dispersal system dispenses the processed material. 
   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the processed material is a liquid or a solid. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising an outlet for removing processed material. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the outlet is located on a side surface of the apparatus. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the outlet has a plurality of liquid dispensing mechanisms disposed therein. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein there are two compartments within the container. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein one of the two compartments heats the frozen and/or semi-frozen material and the other cools the frozen and/or semi-frozen material. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein a heating element is disposed within the at least one internal compartment. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus for processing of frozen and/or semi-frozen material, the apparatus comprising:
 a base comprising a base support and at least three wheels;   a container structure having at least one internal compartment, the container structure resting upon the base support,
 wherein the at least one internal compartment is capable of heating the frozen and/or semi-frozen material; 
   a transport system positioned on one end of the container structure that directs the frozen and/or semi-frozen material into at the at least one internal compartment; and   a transport mechanism that enables transfer of processed materials from the at least one internal compartment;   an outlet configured to enable removal of the processed materials from the apparatus.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  further comprising a dispersal system comprising a plurality of dispensing mechanisms adapted to dispense a fluid,
 wherein the plurality of dispensing mechanisms are located in proximity to the outlet. 
 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9  further comprising a plurality of proximity sensors. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the plurality of sensors are disposed around a periphery of the apparatus or comprises a camera mounted thereon. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the at least one internal compartment contains piping having a fluid disposed therein. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 9  further comprising at least one immersion heater and at least one generator. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the apparatus is capable of communicating with an electronic device. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 14  wherein the immersion heater is coupled is the piping. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 9  further comprising at least one solar panel. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 9  further comprising at least one storage receptacle. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 9  further comprising a plurality of vents. 
     
     
         20 . An apparatus for processing of frozen and/or semi-frozen material, the apparatus comprising:
 a base comprising a base support and at least three wheels;   a container structure having at least one internal compartment, the container structure resting upon the base support,
 wherein the at least one internal compartment is capable of heating the frozen and/or semi-frozen material; 
   a control system, the control system being capable of communicating with an electronic device;   a suction mechanism positioned on one end of the container structure that directs the frozen and/or semi-frozen material into at the at least one internal compartment; and   a transport system that enables transfer of processed materials from the at least one internal compartment;   an outlet positioned on an underside of the container structure,
 wherein the outlet is coupled to the at least one internal compartment via the transport system; and 
   a fluid dispersal system comprising a plurality of dispensing mechanisms adapted to dispense a fluid,
 wherein the plurality of dispensing mechanisms are located within the outlet.