Patent Publication Number: US-11396730-B2

Title: Portable circulation de-icing system

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure generally relates to the removal of ice from various bodies of water, and more specifically to boom-positioning mechanisms for agitation de-icing machines. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Ice forms naturally on various stagnant bodies of water during cold temperatures. In order for water to freeze into ice, heat loss must exceed the heat replaced. Thus, flowing water requires much lower temperatures in order to freeze. Further, stagnant water tends to freeze from the top down, with lower water remaining warmer as it is further from and insulated from the ambient air. Typically, the body of water forms a surface ice layer above an underlying liquid water layer. The rate of ice formation thus depends on various factors, such as the flow rate of the water, the ambient air temperature, the depth of the water. 
     For any of various applications, it may be desirable to remove at least a portion of the surface ice layer from a body of water. Conventional de-icing machines require a static installation and powering, such as the usage of a wired alternating current source. This limits the availability and practicality of existing de-icing machines. 
     This background discussion is intended to provide information related to the present invention which is not necessarily prior art. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the invention solve the above-mentioned problem (as well as other problems) by providing a portable circulation de-icing system capable of sustained usage in remote areas. The portable circulation de-icing system includes an agitator configured to be disposed in an underlying water layer, while being remotely powered by a floating motor. The floating motor imparts a rotation on a flexible drive shaft. The flexible drive shaft drives the agitator inducing a flow and thus melting a surface ice layer. The floating motor is configured to be disposed in the water near the agitator, so as to provide the power without being tied to a shore of the body of water. 
     A first embodiment of the invention is broadly directed to a portable circulation de-icing system configured to melt ice from a body of water having a surface ice layer and an underlying water layer, with an opening in the surface ice layer. The portable circulation de-icing system comprises an agitator assembly, a floating motor assembly, and a flexible drive shaft. The agitator assembly is configured to be at least partially placed into the underlying water layer through the opening. The agitator assembly is configured to induce a water flow into the underlying water layer. The floating motor assembly is configured to float on the underlying water layer in the opening and to provide rotational power. The flexible drive shaft is configured to transfer the rotational power from the floating motor assembly to the agitator assembly. 
     A second embodiment of the invention is broadly directed to a method of removing ice from a body of water having a surface ice layer and an underlying water layer, the method comprising: creating an opening in the surface ice layer; placing an agitator assembly at least partially into the underlying water layer; placing a floating motor assembly onto the underlying water layer in the opening, wherein the motor assembly is configured to provide rotational power to the agitator assembly via a flexible drive shaft; and starting the floating motor assembly such that the rotational power turns a propeller of the agitator assembly so as to induce a water flow into the underlying water layer such that the water flow removes ice from the surface ice layer. 
     A third embodiment of the invention is broadly directed to floating motor platform for a de-icing system. The floating motor platform comprises a float body, a fuel tank, and a motor mount. The fuel tank is disposed at least partially within the float body. The motor mount configured to receive a motor thereon for powering the de-icing machine. 
     Other embodiments of the invention may be broadly directed to a method of controlling a portable circulation de-icing system. Still other embodiments may be directed to an electronic control device configured to control the portable circulation de-icing system. 
     Advantages of these and other embodiments will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the exemplary embodiments which have been shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the present embodiments described herein may be capable of other and different embodiments, and their details are capable of modification in various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The Figures described below depict various aspects of systems and methods disclosed therein. It should be understood that each Figure depicts an embodiment of a particular aspect of the disclosed systems and methods, and that each of the Figures is intended to accord with a possible embodiment thereof. Further, wherever possible, the following description refers to the reference numerals included in the following Figures, in which features depicted in multiple Figures are designated with consistent reference numerals. The present embodiments are not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the Figures. 
         FIG. 1  is an exemplary environmental view showing usage of a portable circulation de-icing system at a body of water; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing an exemplary embodiment of the portable circulation de-icing system; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a detail perspective view of an agitation assembly of the portable circulation de-icing system; 
         FIG. 5B  is a detail perspective view of a floating motor assembly of the portable circulation de-icing system; 
         FIG. 6  is a vertical cross-section view of a propeller and powering system of the agitation assembly; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a floating motor platform of the floating motor assembly; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a float body of the floating motor assembly, having a void therein; and 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a fuel tank of the floating motor assembly, showing various internal components thereof. 
     
    
    
     The Figures depict exemplary embodiments for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the systems and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein. While the drawings do not necessarily provide exact dimensions or tolerances for the illustrated components or structures, the drawings, not including any purely schematic drawings, are to scale with respect to the relationships between the components of the structures illustrated therein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms. While the drawings illustrate, and the specification describes, certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that such disclosure is by way of example only. There is no intent to limit the principles of the present invention to the particular disclosed embodiments. For instance, the drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. Furthermore, directional references (for example, top, bottom, up, and down) are used herein solely for the sake of convenience and should be understood only in relation to each other. For instance, a component might in practice be oriented such that faces referred to as “top” and “bottom” are sideways, angled or inverted relative to the chosen frame of reference. 
     In this description, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments but is not necessarily included. Thus, the present technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein. 
     Exemplary Environment and Usages 
     Embodiments of the invention may be utilized in any of various environments. An exemplary environment is shown in  FIG. 1  and discussed below. However, it should be appreciated that this environment is only exemplary and that various embodiments of the invention may be utilized in other environments. 
     Turning to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary environment for embodiments of the invention is shown. A portable circulation de-icing system  10  is shown in use in the exemplary environment. The exemplary environment may include a body of water  12  surrounded by (or otherwise proximate to) a shore  14  or other terrain feature (such as a bank, an embankment, a dam, a levee, or the like). A body of water  12  can be any accumulation of water. Examples of the body of water  12  may include an ocean, a sea, a bay, a gulf, a lake, a pond, a river, a stream, a canal, or wetlands. The body of water  12  may be natural or man-made. 
     The body of water  12  may have a surface ice layer  16  above an underlying water layer  18 . The surface ice layer  16  may include an opening  20  therein. The opening may have been manually created by a user and then enlarged and sustained by embodiments of the invention. The opening may be created via a pick, an axe, or other tool. Some embodiments of the invention may include one or more structures configured to create the opening in the surface ice layer. 
     The user may desire to remove all or a portion of the surface ice layer for any of various purposes. A first exemplary purpose is hunting. For example, in waterfowl hunting, the waterfowl will tend to land on liquid water such that the waterfowl may feed and swim in the water. If the waterfowl see a pond or lake with liquid water, the waterfowl are more likely to land on that pond or lake. This is advantageous for hunters of the waterfowl disposed on the shore  14  nearby or a boat on the liquid water. Decoys disposed on the liquid water may further bring in waterfowl. Thus, some embodiments of the invention are configured to be utilized by hunters in a pond or lake for waterfowl or other hunting purposes. 
       FIG. 1  shows the portable circulation de-icing system  10  in use for the first exemplary purpose. Shown is a floating motor assembly  22  separated from an agitator assembly  24 . A flexible drive shaft  26  extends between the floating motor assembly  22  and the agitator assembly  24 . Most of the agitator assembly  24  and the flexible drive shaft  26  are below the water line in  FIG. 1 . These components are discussed in much more depth below. In this exemplary purpose, a hunter will cut or break an opening in the ice that is sufficiently large to place the agitator assembly  24  through and the floating motor assembly  22  into the opening. The hunter will then start the floating motor assembly  22  such that the floating motor assembly  22  provides power to the agitator assembly  24  via the flexible drive shaft  26 . The agitator assembly  24  will then generate a water flow so as reduce the surface ice layer. The reduced surface ice layer will enlarge the opening and/or start a new opening in the ice. The liquid water will attract waterfowl for the hunter. 
     A second exemplary purpose is for boating. A boat may become trapped in a sudden or unexpected ice layer. Utilizing tools (such as the above discussed pick or axe) proximate to the boat may be disadvantageous because an inadvertent strike can cause damage to the boat. Further, physically removing the ice (as opposed to melting the ice) can cause damage to the finishes and other aspects of the boat. Thus, some embodiments of the invention are configured to be utilized from a boat or dock for purposes of freeing a boat or other watercraft trapped in the ice. 
     A third exemplary purpose is for fishing. The sport of ice fishing typically utilizes a small hole cut into the surface ice layer. A fishing lure and fishing line of a fishing pole are lowered through the hole to catch fish. Thus, some embodiments of the invention may be utilized to make, enlarge, and/or sustain a hole for ice fishing. 
     A fourth exemplary purpose is for domesticated animals. Domesticated animals need to drink during the cold winter months. Ice forming on stock ponds and other bodies of water make this difficult for domesticated animals. Thus, some embodiments of the invention may be utilized to keep an opening in the ice of a stock pond such that the domesticated animals have a sustained source of water. In many instances, these stock ponds are in remote areas, away from other power sources. In such instances, embodiments of the invention may be utilized to bring de-icing to these remote areas. 
     A fifth exemplary purpose is for hatcheries. Hatcheries raise fish and other aquatic life. In order to feed the aquatic life, hatcheries may need to keep the ice open during cold weather. Embodiments of the invention may thus be used to keep the water accessible for feeding. 
     A sixth exemplary purpose is for the protection of water-based structures. Various permanent or temporary structures may become damaged (structurally and/or cosmetically) due to prolonged exposure to ice. Embodiments of the invention may thus be used to prevent ice that would damage adjacent structures. This may be used for remote structures away from other power sources. 
     A seventh exemplary purpose is for conservation projects. Conservation projects may include goals of keeping various wild animals with access to drinkable water, of ensuring the flow of water through certain natural or manmade terrain features, or of other purposes to prevent otherwise naturally occurring ice. Embodiments of the invention may be configured to be utilized in the remote areas for conservation. 
     It should be appreciated that while the portions of the description herein relate to the hunting exemplary purpose, various embodiments may be directed to other or multiple purposes. The hunting purpose is discussed to provide an understandable example to the reader. 
     Exemplary Portable Circulation De-Icing System 
     Turning to  FIGS. 2-4 , an exemplary embodiment of the portable circulation de-icing system  10  is shown from various views.  FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the portable circulation de-icing system  10  from an upper motor end. The flexible drive shaft  26  is shown coiled between the agitator assembly  24  and the floating motor assembly  22 .  FIG. 3  shows a top view of the portable circulation de-icing system  10 .  FIG. 4  shows a side view of the portable circulation de-icing system  10 . It should be appreciated that the embodiment shown in these figures is only exemplary. 
     The portable circulation de-icing system  10  is configured to be carried (or otherwise transported) to a body of water  12  and operate independently. Specifically, in some embodiments, the portable circulation de-icing system  10  is configured to operate without external power or other tether. As such, a hunter or other operator may carry the portable circulation de-icing system  10  to the body of water  12  and setup up the portable circulation de-icing system  10  to de-ice all or any portion of the body of water  12 . The hunter or other operator may carry the portable circulation de-icing system  10  in two or more distinct components that are assembled at the use site. For example, the hunter or other operator (or a group thereof) may carry the agitator assembly  24 , the flexible drive shaft  26 , and the floating motor assembly  22  separately. The hunter or other operator (or group thereof) may then reassemble the portable circulation de-icing system  10  in or adjacent to the opening for operations. 
     As discussed above, the portable circulation de-icing system  10  is utilized to deice a body of water  12 . The portable circulation de-icing system  10  broadly includes the agitator assembly  24  and the floating motor assembly  22 . The agitator assembly  24  is configured to be disposed at least partially below the underlying water layer (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) and to rest on an underlying surface of the body of water  12 . The agitator assembly  24  induces a water flow into the underlying water layer. Typically, the water flow will be angled upward so as to move the warmer water at the bottom of the underlying water layer upward to contact the surface ice layer. 
     The agitator assembly  24  broadly includes a base  28  and a propeller  30 . The base  28  holds the propeller  30  at a certain height and attack angle relative to the underlying surface upon with the base  28  is setting. The propeller  30  is configured to be at least partially placed into the underlying water layer through the opening. The operating propeller  30  generates a water flow in the underlying water layer which will enlarge the opening, create a new opening, sustain the opening, etc. 
     The floating motor assembly  22  comprises a floating motor platform  32  and a motor  34 . The floating motor platform  32  is configured to float on the surface of the underlying water layer such that the motor  34  is exposed to the air. The floating motor assembly  22  provides power to the agitator assembly  24  via the flexible drive shaft  26 . In some embodiments, the floating motor assembly  22  is configured to provide rotational power, and the flexible drive shaft  26  is configured to transfer the rotational power from the floating motor assembly  22  to the agitator assembly  24 . 
     Exemplary Agitator Assembly 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 5A and 6 , the agitator assembly  24  is shown in more detail. The agitator assembly  24  includes the propeller  30  and the base  28 . In embodiments of the invention, the agitator assembly  24  is separate and distinct from the floating motor assembly  22 . The agitator assembly  24  is further configured to be moved independently of the floating motor assembly  22 . 
     The propeller  30  is configured to be actuated by the rotational power from the floating motor assembly  22 , as discussed more below. The propeller  30  rotates so as to induce a water flow in the underlying water layer of the body of water  12 . The propeller  30  may be analogous to the propeller on a watercraft (such as a boat or submarine); however, instead of propelling the watercraft, the propeller  30  of embodiments of the invention propels the water in relation to an otherwise stationary propeller  30 . The propelled water moves the warmer water into contact with the surface ice layer. 
     Turning to  FIG. 6 , a cross-sectional view of various components of the propeller  30  and the base  28  are shown. The propeller  30  includes one or more blades  36  extending from a hub  38 . The blades  36  include a tip  40  at a distal end and a root  42  at a proximal end. The root  42  is secured to the hub  38 . The blades  36  include a leading edge and a trailing edge. The leading edge is oriented forward during the rotation of the blade  36  about the hub  38 . The blade  36  is disposed at an attack angle relative to the hub  38 , configured to induce the water flow while the blade  36  rotates about the hub  38 . The propeller  30  is rotatably secured to a propeller assembly  44  (best shown in  FIG. 6 ), which may include a coupler  46 , a collar  48 , and an adapter shaft  50 . The coupler  46  is secured to a boss  52  of the hub  38  of the propeller  30 . The coupler  46  and the boss  52  may include a complementary threaded segment for securing thereof. The coupler  46  and the boss  52  are surrounded at least partially by the collar  48 . The collar  48  may include one or more bearing  55  for facilitating the rotation of the coupler  46  and the propeller  30 . 
     The propeller  30  is powered via the flexible drive shaft  26 . The flexible drive shaft  26  generally includes a sheath  54  and an inner drive  56  (also shown in  FIG. 4 ). The inner drive  56  is disposed within the sheath  54  and is configured to convey a rotation imparted on a proximal end  58  (e.g., a motor end) to a distal end  60  (e.g., a propeller end). Thus, the inner drive  56  rotates within the sheath  54  via the motor  34 . The distal end  60  of the flexible drive shaft  26  (best shown in  FIG. 6 ) includes a shaft coupler  62  and a securing pin  64 . The shaft coupler  62  is configured to secure the distal end  60  of the flexible drive shaft  26  to the propeller  30  (directly or indirectly, such as to the adapter shaft  50 ) The proximal end  58  of the flexible drive shaft  26  (best shown in  FIG. 5B ) may also include a shaft coupler  62  or other structure for securing the flexible drive shaft  26  to the motor  34 . The shaft couplers  62  may secure to the propeller  30  and/or motor  34 , such as via the securing pin  64 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the flexible drive shaft  26  is configured to be secured indirectly to the propeller  30 . In embodiments, the flexible drive shaft  26  turns the adapter shaft  50 . The adapter shaft  50  is disposed at least partially within the collar  48 , such as between the bearing  55 . The adapter shaft  50  is secured to the coupler  46  via a set screw  66 . The set screw  66  keeps the adapter shaft  50  radially aligned with the coupler  46  and the propeller  30 . The adapter shaft  50  includes a generally elongated body  68  with a radial extension  70 . The radial extension  70  nests with the bearing  55  to keep the adapter shaft  50  freely spinning and secured within the collar  48 . 
     It should be appreciated that the design of  FIG. 6  is only exemplary and that other structures configured to transfer the rotation could also be employed in other embodiments of the invention. 
     The base  28 , as best shown in  FIG. 5A , includes a horizontal segment  72 , a vertical extension  74 , and a propeller housing  76 . The base  28  supports the propeller  30  above an underlying surface below the underlying water layer. The horizontal segment  72  is configured to rest on the underlying surface. The horizontal segment  72  keeps the base  28  generally secured against the underlying surface, such as via friction. The vertical extension  74  extends upward from the horizontal segment  72 . The vertical extension  74  provides a separation between propeller  30  and the underlying surface. The propeller housing  76  protects the propeller  30  from various floating debris. Absent the propeller housing  76 , the induced water flow would draw in the debris into the propeller  30 . This may cause damage to the rapidly rotating propeller  30 . The propeller housing  76  may also interface with the vertical extension  74  to set a height and an attack angle relative to the horizontal segment  72  and/or the underlying surface. Thus, in embodiments, the base  28  is configured to hold the propeller  30  at an adjustable set height above the underlying surface. Further, in embodiments, the base  28  is configured to hold the propeller  30  at an adjustable set attack angle relative to the underlying surface. 
     The horizontal segment  72  is configured to be placed against and remain generally in contact with the underlying surface of the body of water  12 . In embodiments, the horizontal segment  72  comprises a left and a right stabilizer  78 , and a front and a rear strut  80  (best illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The left stabilizer  78  and the right stabilizer  78  (which may be referred to generically as a first stabilizer and a second stabilizer) are separated from one another via the front strut  80  and the rear strut  80  (which may be referred to generically as a first strut and a second strut). The horizontal segment  72  thus presents a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). In other embodiments, the horizontal segment  72  may present another shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, another polygon, or an irregular shape. 
     The left stabilizer  78  and the right stabilizer  78  each include a vertical wall  82  and a horizontal wall  84 . The vertical wall  82  is configured to receive the vertical extension  74  thereon. The horizontal wall  84  is configured to receive the front strut  80  and the rear strut  80 . A set of fasteners  86  may secure the vertical extension  74  to the vertical wall  82  and the struts  80  to the horizontal wall  84 . The horizontal wall  84  may further present a stake opening  144  configured to receive a stake (not illustrated) therein. The stake is configured to keep the horizontal wall  84  (and, by extension, the entire agitator assembly  24 ) secured to the underlying surface of the body of water  12 . 
     The vertical extension  74  rises from the horizontal segment  72 . The vertical extension  74  is thus generally perpendicular to the underlying surface of the body of water  12 . The vertical extension  74  may comprise a left and a right post  90 . The left post  90  is secured to the left stabilizer  78  via the fasteners  86 , and the right post  90  is secured to the right stabilizer  78  via the fasteners  86 . In some embodiments, the left post  90  and the right post  90  are each a C-channel, such that the left post  90  and the right post  90  each include a center wall  92  disposed between two sidewalls  90 . 
     In some embodiments, the center wall  92  of the left post  90  and the right post  90  presents a vertical step opening  96  (as best shown in  FIG. 6 ). The vertical step opening  96  is configured to interface with the propeller housing  76  such that the propeller housing  76  may be disposed at any of various selected heights along the vertical step opening  96 . The vertical step opening  96  may include a track segment  98  and a series of recess segments  100 . The track segment  98  allows the propeller housing  76  to be slid up or down along the vertical step opening  96 . Each of the recess segments  100  is configured to receive the propeller housing  76  therein and keep the propeller housing  76  at the respective height relative to the horizontal segment  72 . An upper recess segment  100 , an adjacent lower recess segment  100 , and respective segment of the track segment  98  define an inner protrusion  102 , as best shown in  FIG. 6 . The inner protrusion  102  is coplanar with the center wall  92  and protrude into the vertical step opening  96 . The propeller housing  76  rests against (and may be secured to) the inner protrusion  102  to keep the propeller housing  76  at the height. 
     In some embodiments, the left post  90  and/or the right post  90  includes a handle segment  104 . The handle segment  104  is disposed at or near a top end of the vertical extension  74 . The handle segment  104  is configured to be gripped by a user so as to be lowered into or raised out of the body of water  12 . In some instances, the user may be in the body of water  12  (such as in waders), in a boat, in an adjacent structure, or standing on the surface ice layer. Depending on the depth of the body of water  12 , the handle segment  104  may extend up out of the water (such as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) or be disposed within the underlying water layer nearer the surface. 
     The handle segment  104  may be secured to the left post  90  and/or right post  90  or may be monolithic therewith. In some embodiments, the left post  90  and the right post  90  both include a handle segment  104  secured thereto, as best shown in  FIG. 5A . The handle segment  104 , in embodiments, includes a hand-receptor opening  106  with inner protrusions  108  therein. The handle segment  104  may be secured to the left post  90  and/or the right post  90  via fasteners  86 . In some embodiments, the handle segment  104  is secured to the vertical step opening  96  (e.g., about one of the inner protrusions  102 ). As such, the handle segment  104  may be adjustable in height relative to the left post  90  and/or the right post  90 . 
     In some embodiments, the left post  90  and/or the right post  90  includes an anchor segment  110 . The anchor segment  110  is configured to receive a rope, a band, or other anchoring structure. The anchoring structure may be utilized to retrieve the agitator assembly  24 , such as if the water level is too deep to retrieve the handle segment  104  by reaching into the water. The anchor segment  110  presents an annular wall configured to receive a proximal end of the anchoring structure therein. The anchoring structure may be secured, at a distal end, to the floating motor assembly  22 , to the shore  14 , or to some other structure. 
     The propeller housing  76  protects the propeller  30 . Absent the propeller housing  76 , the induced water flow would draw debris into the propeller  30 , potentially causing damage to the rapidly rotating propeller  30 . The propeller housing  76  may also interface with the vertical extension  74  to set a height and an attack angle relative to the horizontal segment  72  and/or the underlying surface. 
     In embodiments, the propeller housing  76  includes a cage  112  and a locking stabilizer  114 . The cage  112  surrounds at least a portion of the propeller  30 . The cage  112  protects the propeller  30  from damage from objects in the water. For example, plant life on the underlying surface of the body of water  12  may become tangled in the propeller  30  absent the cage  112 . The cage  112  may also protect plant and animal life in the water from being damaged or killed by the propeller  30 . For example, fish swimming in the body of water  12  may be pulled in toward the operating propeller  30 . Absent the cage  112 , the fish may be killed by the propeller  30 . 
     The cage  112  includes a center wall  116  and a set of sidewalls  118 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Each of the center wall  116  and the sidewalls  118  includes a set of openings. The set of openings allows water to flow therethrough while preventing objects larger than the respective opening. The center wall  116  and the set of sidewalls present a void. The propeller  30  is at least partially disposed within the void. In some embodiments, the cage  112  may present a second center wall (not illustrated) downstream of the propeller  30 . The collar  48  associated with the propeller  30  may be secured to the center wall  116  via fasteners  86 . 
     The locking stabilizer  114  is configured to hold the propeller  30  at an adjustable set height above the underlying surface. Further, in embodiments, the locking stabilizer  114  is configured to hold the propeller  30  at an adjustable set attack angle relative to the underlying surface. The locking stabilizer  114  includes a tab  120  extending from the cage  112 . The tab  120  interfaces with the vertical step opening  96  discussed above. The tab  120  may include a locking handle  122  which rotates relative to the tab  120 . The locking handle  122  tightens and loosens the tab  120  relative to the vertical step opening  96 . The user will loosen the locking handle  122 , move the tab  120  out into the track segment  98 , move the tab  120  up or down to a desired height relative to the horizontal segment  72 , insert the tab  120  into the recess segment  100 , adjust the attack angle of the cage  112 , and tighten the locking handle  122 . 
     In some embodiments, the propeller housing  76  further includes a handle segment  124 . The handle segment  124  may be gripped by the user during manipulation of the location and orientation of the propeller  30 . The handle segment  124  may be secured to the cage  112 , or otherwise monolithic with the center wall  92  of the cage  112 , as best shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     It should be appreciated that, in embodiments of the invention, the agitator assembly  24  includes no motor, controller, or other component capable of water damage. Thus, the components disposed within the water need not be excessively insulated from the water. 
     Exemplary Floating Motor Assembly 
     Turning to  FIG. 5B , an embodiment of the floating motor assembly  22  is shown. The floating motor assembly  22  provides the rotational power that turns the flexible drive shaft  26  and thus drives the propeller  30 . The floating motor assembly  22  broadly comprises a float body  126 , a fuel tank  128 , and a motor  34 . The float body  126  provides buoyancy for the fuel tank  128  and the motor  34 . The fuel tank  128  holds fuel for the motor  34 . In some embodiments, such as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the floating motor assembly  22  comprises the float body  126 , the fuel tank  128 , and a motor mount  130 . This combination may be referred to as a floating motor platform  132 , for example. In these embodiments, the portable circulation de-icing system  10  (or the float motor assembly  22 ) may be sold without the motor  34  such that the user may select a specific motor based upon the power needed for the application. Alternatively, the user may be able to purchase a motor separately from the portable circulation de-icing system  10  or utilize an existing motor. As discussed in more depth below, in some embodiments the motor  34  is an internal combustion engine and the fuel tank  128  is configured to hold a petroleum-based fuel. In other embodiments, the motor  34  is an electric motor and the fuel tank  128  is a battery configured to at least partially power the electric motor. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the floating motor assembly  22  is configured to float atop the underlying water layer during operation of the portable circulation de-icing system  10 . The floating motor assembly  22  keeps the motor  34  upright and out of the water. Thus, the floating motor assembly  22  provides power remotely, without relying on an external power source (other than the fuel in the fuel tank  128 ). 
     In some embodiments the float body  126  includes a peripheral float segment  134  and a lower float segment  136 . The peripheral float segment  134  extends laterally to keeps the float body  126  generally aligned with the surface of the water. The lower float segment  136  provides additional buoyancy beneath the fuel tank  128 . The lower float segment  136  and the peripheral float segment  134  each present one or more sidewall  138  and one or more endwall  140 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 5B , the peripheral float segment  134  presents a cylinder shape and the lower float segment  136  presents a rectangular prism shape. In other embodiments, not illustrated, the peripheral float segment  134  and the lower float segment  136  present other shapes (in any of various combinations) such as elliptical prisms, octagonal prisms, hexagonal prisms, triangular prisms, pyramidal frustum, conical frustum, or other shape. 
     In embodiments, the peripheral float segment  134  and the lower float segment  136  are monolithic. In other embodiments, the peripheral float segment  134  is secured to the lower float segment  136 , such as via welding or a chemical adhesive. The peripheral float segment  134  and the lower float segment  136  may be hollow, so as to present a void  142 . As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , the void  142  may be common between both the peripheral float segment  134  and the lower float segment  136 . The void  142  may be referred to as a void air compartment, as it is filled with air. The void air compartment may be compartmentalized (not illustrated) so as to prevent a leak from causing the floating motor platform  132  to sink. Additionally or alternatively, the peripheral float segment  134  and/or the lower float segment  136  may be filled with a buoyant material, such as a closed cell foam (such as polystyrene, polyurethane, or polyethylene foam) or other buoyant material. In some embodiments, the buoyant material may be disposed in a portion of the void  142 . 
     In some embodiments, the peripheral float segment  134  and/or the lower float segment  136  includes a recess  144  (best shown in  FIG. 8 ). The fuel tank  128  is configured to be disposed at least partially within the float body  126  (best shown in  FIG. 7 ). The fuel tank  128  is complementary to the recess  144 . In these embodiments, the fuel tank  128  is distinct from the peripheral float segment  134  and/or the lower float segment  136 . In other embodiments, the fuel tank  128  is a compartment of the float body  126 . In the example shown in Fig. X, the fuel tank  128  and the recess  144  are both square about a horizontal cross-section and present a general rectangular prism shape. The recess  144  may open into the void  142  discussed above, such that the fuel tank  128  occupies a portion of the void  142  when installed. 
     In some embodiments, the peripheral float segment  134  presents a stake opening  144  configured to receive a stake therein for securing the floating motor platform  132  relative to an underlying surface. The stake is shown in  FIG. 1 . The user will place the stake through the stake opening  144  and drive or push the stake into the underlying surface below the body of water  12 . This will keep the floating motor assembly  22  from floating away from a desired location. Because the agitator system remains stationary in contact with the underlying surface (which may itself be staked as discussed above), the user may desire to keep the floating motor assembly  22  in an adjacent location. 
     In embodiments of the invention, the stake opening  144  includes a cylindrical wall  146 . The cylindrical wall  146  passes between an upper side and a lower side of the peripheral float assembly. The cylindrical wall  146  allows the stake to pass between the upper side and the lower side. With the stake disposed at least partially within the cylindrical wall  146  and secured to the underlying surface, the floating motor assembly  22  cannot move laterally along the surface of the body of water  12 . 
     In some embodiments, the peripheral float segment  134  further includes a handle  148 . The handle  148  may be disposed on the upper side of the peripheral float assembly (as shown in  FIGS. 5B, 7, and 8 ), along an exterior side, or at some other location on the peripheral float segment  134 . The handle  148  may be configured such that a user may grasp and move the floating motor platform  132 . The handle  148  may additionally or alternatively be configured such that the user may attach a rope, a band, or other anchoring structure. The anchoring structure may be used additionally or alternatively to the above-discussed stake. 
     In some embodiments, the lower float segment  136  further includes a drainage assembly  150  configured to allow water to drain from the lower float segment  136 . The drainage assembly  150  includes a port  152  and a plug  154 . The port  152  is permanently secured to a sidewall of the lower float segment  136 . The plug  154  is configured to be selectively securely inserted into the port  152 , such as via threads (not illustrated). While the plug  154  is securely emplaced in the port  152 , the drainage assembly  150  is watertight, so as to prevent water from entering into or exiting out of the drainage assembly  150 . When the plug  154  is removed from the port  152 , water (or other liquids) may pass through the drainage assembly  150 . Typically, the user will remove the plug  154  when the floating motor platform  132  is on land after operation. The user will remove the plug  154  to remove any water, fuel, or other fluid that may have accumulated in the lower float segment  136  during operation. 
     In some embodiments, the lower float segment  136  may include a heating element (not illustrated). The heating element may be powered (directly or indirectly) by the motor  34 . The heating element may assist in creating an opening beneath the floating motor assembly  22 . In these embodiments, the user may create an opening to place the agitator assembly  24  below the surface ice layer, and then place the floating motor assembly  22  on another area of the surface ice layer. The heating element will then create a second opening for the floating motor assembly  22  over time. 
     Turning to  FIG. 9 , the fuel tank  128  is shown. The fuel tank  128  is configured to be disposed at least partially within the float body  126 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . The fuel tank  128  presents a void  156  configured to receive the fuel therein. The fuel tank  128 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , is a general square prism. The fuel tank  128  includes a top wall  158 , a bottom wall  160 , and a plurality of sidewalls  162 . The top wall  128  includes a lip  164  that extends laterally outward. The lip  164  includes a set of upper fastener receptors  166 . The upper fastener receptors  166  (shown in  FIG. 9 ) are configured to receive a corresponding set of fasteners  86  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) into a corresponding set of lower fastener receptors  168  (shown in  FIG. 8 ), so as to secure the fuel tank  128  to the peripheral float segment  134 . 
     The fuel tank  128  may include a fill port  170 . The fill port  170  is selectively be opened, such that a nozzle, a spout, a funnel, or other structure may be inserted therein. The fuel will then be inserted into the fuel tank  128 . The fill port  170  may be opened by removing a screw cap therefrom, or by some other opening action. 
     The fuel tank  128  may include a feed line port  172  and a return line port  174 , as best shown in  FIG. 9 . The feed line port  172  and the return line port  174  are each connected to the motor  34 , such that the fuel may be supplied to the motor  34 . The feed line port  172  and/or the return line port  174  may include (or otherwise be associated with) a fuel pump, a fuel filter, a pressure regulator, a fuel accumulator, a fuel distributor, and inlet manifold, or other structure. These structures may condition the fuel, move the fuel, regulate pressure of the fuel, or perform other purposes associated with providing fuel to the motor  34 . 
     The fuel tank  128  may include one or more mount feet  176 , as best shown in  FIG. 9 . The mount feet  176  are configured to receive the motor mount  130  (shown in  FIG. 7 ). As shown in  FIG. 9 , the fuel tank  128  may have four mount feet  176  disposed on the top wall  158  of the fuel tank  128 . The mount feet  176  may be disposed at least partially through the fuel tank  128 , so as to be securely held. The four mount feet  176  are disposed in a general rectangular shape. In other embodiments, other combinations and shapes of mount feet may be utilized. 
     The mount feet  176  may include a vibration dampener  178 . The vibration dampener  178  includes an interior spring and a spring housing (not illustrated), or other vibration dampening structure. The spring housing surrounds and protects the spring. The mount feet are associated with the interior spring, such that vibrations and other forces imparted on the motor feet are absorbed by the interior spring. The vibration dampening structure absorbs at least a portion of vibrations from the motor  34 , so as to reduce vibrations being passed to the floating motor platform  132 . 
     In embodiments, as best shown in  FIG. 7 , the motor mount  130  is disposed atop the fuel tank  128 . Specifically, the motor mount  130  is secured to the motor feet. The motor mount  130  may be a plate. The motor mount  130  may include a set of motor openings  180  and a set of feet openings (not directly illustrated). The set of feet openings are configured to receive the mount feet therein and to be secured by fasteners  86  (as shown in  FIG. 7 ). The set of motor openings is configured to receive the motor  34  thereon (as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5B ). 
     The motor mount  130  is configured to receive a motor  34  thereon for powering the de-icing system  10 . In some embodiments, the motor  34  is an internal combustion engine configured to provide said rotational power. In other embodiments, not illustrated, the motor  34  is an electric motor. Examples of a motor  34  may include an internal combustion engine, a hybrid engine, an electric motor, or other power generator. Similarly, power may be provided by a battery, a solar panel, a wind turbine, or other alternate source. 
     In some embodiments, the motor  34  is configured to be removed from the floating motor platform  132  by removing the motor mount  130  from the mount feet  176 . The motor mount  130  remains attached to the motor  34  such that the motor  34  may be selectively returned to the floating motor platform  132  as needed. The motor mount  130  may be configured to be secured to other structures. For example, the motor mount  130  may be configured to be secured to a protective cage (not illustrated) that is configured to hold the motor  34 . The protective cage may support the motor  34  during land-based operations. For example, the operator may selectively switch between utilizing the floating motor platform  132  when water-based operations are needed and utilizing the protective cage when land-based operations are needed. This can be accomplished without removing the motor mount  130  from the motor  34 . 
     Exemplary Methods of Control and Use 
     While various methods of using the embodiments of the invention have been discussed throughout, a method of removing ice from a body of water  12  will now be discussed. The body of water  12  has a surface ice layer and an underlying water layer. The method may include creating one or more openings in the surface ice layer. These opening(s) may be created manually (e.g., via striking with a pick or axe). The user may then enter the body of water  12  wearing waders or some other protective equipment. The user will place the agitator assembly  24  at least partially into the underlying water layer (such as shown in  FIG. 1 ). The user will place the floating motor assembly  22  onto the underlying water layer in the opening. The opening may be the same opening of the agitator assembly  24  or another adjacent opening. The step of placing the floating motor assembly  22  is performed by setting a float body  126  of the floating motor assembly  22  into the opening such that the internal combustion engine is oriented upward and out of the underlying water layer. The user will start the motor floating motor assembly  22 . The floating motor assembly  22  is configured to provide rotational power to the agitator assembly  24  via a flexible drive shaft  26 . The rotational power turns a propeller  30  of the agitator assembly  24  so as to induce a water flow into the underlying water layer such that the water flow removes ice from the surface ice layer. The step of placing the agitator assembly  24  into the body of water  12  may include adjusting a set height of the propeller  30  relative to a base  28  of the agitator assembly  24  and adjusting a set attack angle of the propeller  30  relative to the base  28  of the agitator assembly  24 . 
     The method may also include filling a fuel tank  128  of the float body  126  with fuel for the internal combustion engine, wherein the fuel tank  128  is distinct from the internal combustion engine and is disposed below the fuel tank  128 . 
     In some embodiments, the portable circulation de-icing system  10  may include an electronic control unit that controls one or more functions of the portable circulation de-icing system  10 . The electronic control unit may control the timing, rate, and other characteristics of the operation of the propeller  30 . 
     The electronic control unit receives various inputs and/or commands and controls the operation of the propeller  30  (and may control other functions of the portable circulation de-icing system  10 ). The electronic control unit  100  may monitor the status and setting of various systems, such as the fuel level. 
     The electronic control unit  100  may also receive passive or active instructions. The user may input (directly or indirectly) requested characteristics of the operation of the portable circulation de-icing system  10 . The user may be able to program specific timeframe and rate. For example, to use the hunting exemplary use, the user may emplace the portable circulation de-icing system  10  early in the morning. The user may then instruct the electronic control unit to run continuously for two hours to create the large opening to attract the waterfowl. The user may further instruct that after two hours the electronic control unit should make the portable circulation de-icing system  10  cease operations for two hours during the hunting time (so as to eliminate the noise) or switch to a low-power mode for two hours during the hunting time (so as to reduce the noise). 
     Based upon the above discussed inputs, the electronic control unit may determine that a change in the current operation rate is needed. The electronic control unit may send an instruction to the motor  34  to throttle, idle, cease operation, or perform some other function. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic control unit may be associated with a wireless communication element. The wireless communication element may allow for the remote controlling of the portable circulation de-icing system  10 . The wireless communication element may utilize any of various wireless communication protocols, such as BLUETOOTH. In these embodiments, to continue the hunting exemplary usage, the hunter may remotely stop the motor  34  via the wireless communication element and the electronic control unit at various times (such as when the hunter sees waterfowl flying into the area). 
     Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a computerized method of controlling the portable circulation de-icing system  10 . Other embodiments of the invention are directed to a portable circulation de-icing system  10  including an electronic control unit configured to control the operations of the portable circulation de-icing system  10 . Still other embodiments of the invention may be directed to a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program instructs the electronic controller unit (or other processing element(s)) to perform the above discussed steps. 
     Additional Considerations 
     In this description, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, the current technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein. 
     Although the present application sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claim(s) set forth at the end of this patent and equivalents. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical. Numerous alternative embodiments may be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. 
     Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein. The foregoing statements in the paragraph shall apply unless so stated in this description and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. 
     As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.