Abstract:
An autonomous deployment system is herein for functional utilization in the physical placement and deployment of a heating or thermal mat(s). The system is designed to enhance human productivity and ease deployment of the prior art thermal radiating or generating devices for the removal and or inhibition of accumulation of snow and ice. The deployment system as can be designed to operate autonomously with automatic controls and sensors to control both the thermal system and the technology of controlling a deployment system. The system is well suited to autonomously deploy and retract rolled membranes and or flexible materials out over a flat or sloped surface area. The inherent flexibility of the mat allows it to traverse gently curved surfaces.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Applicant herein claims priority from and incorporates herein by reference in its entirety provisional patent application filed on Dec. 22, 2004 and assigned Ser. No. 60,638,662. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to a deployment apparatus and system used for melting snow using thermal radiating flexible mat-type systems. Elements disclosed and claimed also include a novel deployment system as well as the storage of the thermal radiating systems. 
   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   No federal funds were used to develop or create the invention disclosed and described in the patent application. 
   REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX 
   Not Applicable 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The prior art describes a multitude of thermal mat designs, construction and features such as type of heating systems (dry or wet) applied, multiple materials for flexibility and durability, mat designs, and even modular semi-ridged panels. The prior art in this field also describes electrical controls for turning mats on and off. 
   As found in the prior art, the individual must physically layout the mats and or modular panels either during or before snowfall and or icing conditions. Some can be left out in the adverse weather and can even be driven over by automobiles. Other mat systems allow for people to walk on them when in use although this clearly subjects the mat systems to increased wear and tear and other environmental stresses. 
   Another variation found in the prior art is to embed and or submerge the heating elements directly in the base materials and or overlays that are used to manufacture the surfaces of roads, walk ways, arenas, roofs, floors and so on. See for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,179 issued to Kotani, U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,418 issued to Watanabe and U.S. Pat. No. 6,479,797 issued to Yanagimoto. This type of deployment also has disadvantages. For example, if the surface material cracks from normal seasonal variations or use, the embedded coils or element may also break requiring expensive repairs to the thermal elements for repair. By having to rip up or tear apart the expensive surface materials to expose the thermal element needed to be repaired. 
   Another form of thermal generation found in the prior art is through the use of electromagnetic waves to produce heat and or repel snow and ice bonding to surfaces. This process is typically called induction. Induction of an electromagnetic field produced by current flow causes a thermal heating of the affected area. This is accomplished by EMF (electromagnetic field) that generates a field that excites electrons to produce heat. This process can under proper conditions negate the molecular attraction produce by ice that allows it to bond with matter. This process though limited at this time to such things as steel rails, and power lines, may in the future need a deployment system, to apply its effects via a blanket or mat type design. 
   To date nothing has been designed and or patented in the deployment and storage of these mat designs that does not require the intervention of great amounts of human manpower to deploy and store these devices. Manual deployment may be very difficult for most people but is especially difficult for the aged, weak and sickly. Many times these people most need the advantages provided by a heating mat snow removal system to clear sidewalks and driveways of snow and ice. Additionally, the aesthetics of these unsightly mats lain across sidewalks and driveways can be an eye sore and a trip hazard. For additional background, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,057 issued to Bayless; U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,157 issued to Hargrove; U.S. Pat. No. 5,291,000 issued to Hornberger; U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,365 issued to Sheilds; U.S. Pat. No. 5,854,470 issued to Silva; U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,811 issued to Hardis; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,496 issued to Pearce herein incorporated by reference. 
   Manually deployed mat styles found in the prior art have numerous limitations in deployment, such as in remote areas to which it is hard to get delivery personnel and equipment. These areas could be but are not limited to parking areas in remote locations, bridges, highway over passes, sports fields and arenas, and any area where it would be desirable to have an ice and snow free surface. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The autonomous deployment system described and disclosed herein is designed to functionally utilize and maximize the storage capabilities and application possibilities while at the same time addressing the structural limitations and architectural limitations of the prior art in the physical placement and deployment of a heating or thermal mat. 
   The invention is designed as such, to enhance the human productivity and ease human interaction in deployment of the prior art thermal radiating or generating devices for the removal or destruction of snow and ice in a special and unique way. The deployment system as disclosed and claimed can be designed to operate autonomously with automatic controls and sensors to control both the thermal system and the technology of controlling a deployment system as defined by my invention. The invention is well suited to autonomously deploy and retract rolled membranes and or flexible materials out over a flat or gently sloped surface area. The inherent flexibility of the mat allows it to traverse gently curved surfaces. This invention improves upon the deployment and storage of the multitude of snow melting devices available in the market. The invention as disclosed allows for easy deployment and storage in a wide range of applications. It is generally understood in the prior art, that the easy placement of a heating element, mat, tile, sheet is desirable. This invention relieves the human being from having to strenuously participate in the deployment and storage of this material. It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an autonomous deployment system for flexible thermal radiating materials that is easy for a human to use and requires minimal manual efforts. 
   It is an object of the invention to provide an autonomous deployment system for flexible thermal radiating materials that is corrosion resistant. 
   It is an object that of said system to use sensors and automated controls for automation of deployment and the temperature control of the thermal radiating materials. 
   It is another object of said invention that included tracks and drivers for deployment of the thermal radiating materials. 
   It is another object of said track and driver system that it be self-clearing or cleaning to improve its reliability. 
   It is another object of the invention that the deployment system use an equal or balanced tension deployment to reduce the input energy required to deploy said system. 
   It is another object of the invention to teach and claim a spool actuated drive system for deployment of the heating materials. 
   It is another object of the invention that the deployment system use a bi-relational drive system to further reduce the input energy required to deploy said system. 
   It is another object of the invention to teach and claim a spool actuated drive system for deployment of the heating materials. 
   It is another object of the invention that the deployment system use a bi-relational drive system to further reduce the input energy required to deploy said system. 
   It is another object of the invention that the deployment system use a bi-directional torque applier drive system to improve the reliability and further reduce the input energy required to deploy said system. 
   It is another object of the invention that the deployment system be designed for either portability or permanent installation. 
   It is another object of the invention that the deployment system be adaptable to various applications requiring an autonomous deployment system. 
   It is another object of the invention that the deployment system be designed to be resistant to corrosive liquids or substances to which the system may be subjected. 
   It is another object of the invention that the deployment system be adaptable to various applications requiring an autonomous deployment system. 
   It is another object of the invention that the deployment system be adapted for remote bridge retrofits for ice and or snow removal. 
   It is another object of the invention that the deployment system be adapted for remote walkways and surface areas for ice and or snow removal. 
   It is another object of the invention that the deployment system is adaptable to remote or partially inaccessible areas such as sports fields, parking lots, roofs of buildings, run ways, and any areas require snow or ice removal. 
   These and other objects of the invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading the disclosure of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a typical driveway wherein the invention may be applied. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates overview of the deployment installed and ready for use. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the deployment system one-quarter deployed. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the deployment system one-half deployed. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the deployment system three-quarter deployed. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the deployment system fully deployed. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the subcomponent track and rail assembly. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the deployment system housing. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a front view of the deployment system&#39;s cable adjustment assembly in combination with the anchoring and track and rail assembly. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of the deployment system&#39;s stainless steel drive cable tension and idler block assembly. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a front view of the deployment system&#39;s stainless steel drive cable tension and idler block assembly in combination with the cable. 
       FIG. 12  presents a front view of the right side of the deployment system&#39;s powered drive axle. 
       FIG. 13  presents a front view of the subcomponents making deployment system&#39;s drive axle and thermal mat spooler. 
       FIG. 14  presents a front view of the self-cleaning and clearing deployment cable block assembly and cable. 
       FIG. 15  presents a front perspective view of the self-cleaning and clearing deployment cable block assembly. 
       FIG. 16  presents a side view of the deployment system&#39;s track &amp; rail assembly anchoring spike. 
       FIG. 17  presents a front view of the cable wedge assembly affixed to the rail assembly. 
       FIG. 18  presents a top perspective view of the deployment assembly&#39;s retractable cover and automatic hatch assembly. 
       FIG. 19  presents a top view of the deployment system&#39;s sump assembly and retrofit. 
       FIG. 20  presents a side view of the left side of the deployment system&#39;s cable deployment spool assembly and cable retraction spool assembly. 
       FIG. 21  presents a side view of the deployment system&#39;s drive and roller assemblies using a sprocket system for deployment of the flexible thermal material. 
       FIG. 22  presents a side view of the deployment system&#39;s drive and roller assemblies using a sprocket system for retraction of the flexible thermal material. 
       FIG. 23  presents a cable deployment spool assembly. 
       FIG. 24  presents a front view of the cable deployment and retraction spools as described and disclosed. 
       FIG. 25  presents a front view of the cable deployment and retraction systems in combination with deployment systems drive axle and drive motor. 
       FIG. 26  presents a front view of the deployment system&#39;s housing in a portable configuration. 
       FIG. 27  presents another application for autonomous deployment system in combination with the underside of a bridge. 
       FIG. 28  presents another embodiment wherein the deployment system and housing may be submerged or flush with the top surface of the driveway or replaces a step in a set of stairs. 
       FIG. 29  presents a top overview of the unit deployed and in place. 
       FIG. 30  presents a back view of the anchoring spike for the track and rail assembly. 
       FIG. 31  presents a simplified view of the control system and panel. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION—ELEMENT LISTING 
   
     
       
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
                 
             
             
                 
               Listing of Elements 
               Element # 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
           
             
                 
               Building or structure 
                1 
             
             
                 
               Support surface 
                2 
             
             
                 
               Deployment unit power source 
                3 
             
             
                 
               Driveway surface area 
                4 
             
             
                 
               Flexible thermal mat (material) 
                5 
             
             
                 
               Anchoring spike 
                6 
             
             
                 
               Open bay 
                7 
             
             
                 
               Track and rail assembly 
                8 
             
             
                 
               Thermal mat 5 one-half deployed 
                9 
             
             
                 
               Thermal mat 5 three-quarters 
               10 
             
             
                 
               deployed 
             
             
                 
               Thermal mat 5 fully deployed 
               11 
             
             
                 
               Track &amp; rail assembly end cap 
               12 
             
             
                 
               Idler block assembly 
               13 
             
             
                 
               Drive cable 
               14 
             
             
                 
               Idler 
               15 
             
             
                 
               External sensor collection pod 
               16 
             
             
                 
               Cable guide tube 
               17 
             
             
                 
               Drive shaft bushing 
               18 
             
             
                 
               Environment sensor 
               19 
             
             
                 
               Thermal mat roller axle 
               20 
             
             
                 
               Thermal mat roller axle 
               21 
             
             
                 
               Cable drive clamping tube 
               22 
             
             
                 
               assembly 
             
             
                 
               Compression screws 
               23 
             
             
                 
               Cable tube guide 
               24 
             
             
                 
               Clamping tube assembly beveled 
               25 
             
             
                 
               surfaces 
             
             
                 
               Programmable logic controller 
               26 
             
             
                 
               Thermal mat anchoring point 
               27 
             
             
                 
               Thermal mat drive axle bushing 
               28 
             
             
                 
               and axle mounting slot 
             
             
                 
               Thermal mat spool axle bushing 
               29 
             
             
                 
               and axle mounting slot 
             
             
                 
               Deployment system housing 
               30 
             
             
                 
               Housing re-enforcement rib or 
               31 
             
             
                 
               support 
             
             
                 
               Threaded adjusting bolt 
               32 
             
             
                 
               Idler plate tongue 
               33 
             
             
                 
               Drive cable idler stop foot 
               34 
             
             
                 
               Adjusting bolt lock nut 
               35 
             
             
                 
               Deployment system control panel 
               36 
             
             
                 
               Drive shaft drive pulley 
               37 
             
             
                 
               Roller storage shaft bushing 
               38 
             
             
                 
               Drive axle shaft protective coating 
               39 
             
             
                 
               Powered drive axle 
               40 
             
             
                 
               Cable deployment spool assembly 
               41 
             
             
                 
               Cable retraction spool assembly 
               42 
             
             
                 
               Roller storage shaft 
               43 
             
             
                 
               Cable drive axle assembly and 
               44 
             
             
                 
               thermal mat roller axle assembly 
             
             
                 
               Electric drive motor 
               45 
             
             
                 
               Cable fastener attachment 
               46 
             
             
                 
               assembly 
             
             
                 
               Child guard safety torque sensor 
               47 
             
             
                 
               Thermal mat roller axle drive 
               48 
             
             
                 
               pulley 
             
             
                 
               Power source 
               49 
             
             
                 
               Portable configuration assembly 
               50 
             
             
                 
               towing clamp or lock 
             
             
                 
               Data input panel 
               51 
             
             
                 
               Fully submerged configuration 
               52 
             
             
                 
               Semi-submerged configuration 
               53 
             
             
                 
               Sensor Indicator panel 
               54 
             
             
                 
               Deployment System 
               55 
             
             
                 
               Deployment System Override 
               56 
             
             
                 
               Open 
               57 
             
             
                 
               Anchoring spike baffle 
               58 
             
             
                 
               Anchoring spike fastener 
               59 
             
             
                 
               PCMCIA card slot 
               60 
             
             
                 
               Phone/Internet connection 
               61 
             
             
                 
               LCD screen 
               62 
             
             
                 
               Open 
               63–67 
             
             
                 
               Retractable deployment cover 
               68 
             
             
                 
               Open 
               69 
             
             
                 
               Automatic hatch assembly 
               70 
             
             
                 
               Track and rail port 
               71 
             
             
                 
               Open 
               72 
             
             
                 
               Cover seal 
               73 
             
             
                 
               Open 
               74 
             
             
                 
               Slip hinge 
               75 
             
             
                 
               Pump 
               76 
             
             
                 
               Ground fault interrupter (GFI) 
               77 
             
             
                 
               circuit type heater 
             
             
                 
               Sump pump-mounting porthole 
               78 
             
             
                 
               Cable deployment driver 
               79 
             
             
                 
               Cable deployment driver idler 
               80 
             
             
                 
               Mat deployment roller idler 
               81 
             
             
                 
               Thermal mat roller 
               82 
             
             
                 
               Rail system 
               83 
             
             
                 
               Thermal mat roller system 
               84 
             
             
                 
               Cable driven mat deployment 
               85 
             
             
                 
               system 
             
             
                 
               Open 
               86–88 
             
             
                 
               Groove in track 
               89 
             
             
                 
               Open 
               90 
             
             
                 
               Portable configuration cart 
               91 
             
             
                 
               Open 
               92 
             
             
                 
               Cable wedge block cable portal 
               93 
             
             
                 
               Set screw 
               94 
             
             
                 
               Cable wedge block assembly 
               95 
             
             
                 
               Securing wedge port 
               96 
             
             
                 
               Cable directional spool reel 
               97 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1  illustrates a pre-existing driveway area  4  prior to treatment with flexible heating mats without the deployment system  55  ( FIG. 3 ) installed. In typical applications, the driveway  4  may be directly in front of the garage door or open bay  7  of the building or structure  1 . 
     FIG. 2  illustrates the deployment system  55  as deployed in front of a building or structure  1 . The deployment system  55  surrounds the driveway or area to be treated  4 . The track and rail assembly  8  of the deployment system  55  is placed in close proximity to the opening or bay of the building  7  and affixed permanently with anchoring spike  6 . The waterproof power and control sensor cable harness  51  provides power and control signals to the deployment system  5 . As shown and installed, the waterproof and corrosion proof deployment system housing  30  ( FIG. 8 ) is in the fully submerged configuration. The system housing  30  may be driven or walked over when fully submerged. 
     FIGS. 3–6  show the deployment in action.  FIG. 3  shows the flexible thermal mat  5  at the start or initiation of deployment by the deployment system  55 .  FIG. 4  shows the flexible thermal mat  5  at the ¼ deployment mark, as indicated by the arrow labeled  9 .  FIG. 5  shows the thermal mat  5  mid-phase and  FIG. 6  shows the flexible thermal mat  5  fully deployed upon the driveway or other surface to be treated  4 , as respectively indicated at arrows  10  and  11 . 
     FIG. 7  shows an exploded view of the track and rail assembly  8  used by the deployment system  55 . Anchoring spike  6  is positioned in the support surface  2  adjacent to the area to be treated  4  and serves to affix the track and rail assembly  8  over the surface to be treated  4 . The track &amp; rail assembly  8  contains an open track, slot or groove  89  to support the flexible mat  5 . The track &amp; rail assembly end cap  12  ensures the flexible mat  5  cannot go past the ends of the track and rail assembly  8 . The track and rail assembly  8  shown in  FIG. 7 , is one means for supporting the thermal mat  5  during deployment, as recited in the claims. 
     FIG. 8  shows an isometric view of the deployment system housing  30 , which provides for both a thermal mat drive axle bushing and axle mounting slot  28  and a thermal mat spool axle bushing and axle mounting slot  29 . This pre-selected arrangement allows for replacement of the entire thermal mat drive system via the cable drive axle assembly and thermal mat roller axle assembly  44 , in  FIG. 13 , as a combined unit, similar to replacement of a printer cartridge in a printer. This arrangement reduces the effort necessary to maintain the deployment unit. The housing re-enforcement rib or support  31  ensures the deployment system housing  30  can support the forces generated in support and deployment of the thermal mat  5 . The deployment system housing  30  shown in  FIG. 8 , is one means for storing the thermal mat deployment system  55 , as recited in the claims. 
     FIG. 9  illustrates a front view of the deployment system&#39;s cable adjustment assembly in combination with the anchoring spike  6 . The anchoring spike  6  supports the track and rail assembly  8  for deployment of the thermal mat  5 . Baffle  58  provides a void in anchoring spike  6  which increasing stability of the anchoring spike  6  by maximizing available surface area and contact with the ground. Increasing the stability of the anchoring spike likewise increases the track and rail assembly  8  stability. The anchoring spike  6  shown in  FIG. 9 , is one means for attaching the track and rail assembly  8 , as recited in the claims. 
   The track and rail assembly end cap  12  ensures thermal mat  5  cannot be deployed past the track and rail assembly  8 . The idler block assembly  13  allows and supports the drive cable  14 . Idler  15  provides a constant tension against the drive cable  14  to reduce and respond to variations in the drive cable  14  tensions while in operation. 
     FIG. 10  expands on and highlights  FIG. 9  by providing a side view of the track &amp; rail assembly end cap  12  from a horizontal perspective. Adjustment of the idler block assembly  13  and drive cable idler  15  increases or decreases the tension on the drive cable  14 . Adjustment of the idler block assembly  13  is carried out by turning the threaded adjusting bolt  32  further into or out of the idler plate tongue  33 , which supports the adjusting bolt  32 . After adjustment and during operation, the drive cable idler stop foot  34  and adjusting bolt lock nut  35  together hold the idler block assembly in place. The idler block assembly  13  and drive cable idler shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  are one means for increasing or decreasing the cable tension, as recited in the claims. 
     FIG. 11  illustrates a front view of the deployment system&#39;s stainless steel drive cable tension and idler block assembly in combination with drive cable  14 . As in  FIG. 10 , adjustment of the idler block assembly  13  and drive cable idler  15  increases or decreases the tension on the drive cable  14 . Adjustment of the idler block assembly  13  is carried out by turning the threaded adjusting bolt  32  further into or out of the idler plate tongue  33 , which supports the adjusting bolt  32 . After adjustment and during operation, the drive cable idler stop foot  34  and adjusting bolt lock nut  35  together hold the idler block assembly  13  in place. This assembly allows for adjustment over time as the drive cable  14  stretches and wears, by turning the adjusting bolt  32  to the right, screws in the adjusting bolt  32  pushing out the idler  15  thereby decreasing the slack in the drive cable  14 . The adjusting bolt shown in  FIG. 11 , is one means for adjusting the drive cable  14 , as recited in the claims. 
     FIG. 12  presents a front view of the right side of the deployment system&#39;s powered drive axle  40  for the cable drive system and  FIG. 13  presents a front view of the subcomponents making up the thermal mat deployment system&#39;s thermal mat roller system  84 . These figures introduce the dual axle nature of the deployment system  55 . The system as described and disclosed has a thermal mat roller system  84 , in  FIG. 29 , and a cable drive system  85  for deployment of the thermal mat  5 . The two systems work together to both unroll and deliver and then retrieve and roll the thermal mat  5  for storage in the system housing  30 . 
     FIG. 12  highlights the drive system used to deliver the thermal mat  5 . Drive shaft bushing  18  supports the drive shaft  40  in the deployment system housing  30 . The drive shaft  40  is part of the cable based power drive system  85  that works in combination with the thermal mat roller system  84 , which is not powered, to deploy the thermal mat  5 . Deployment of the thermal mat  5  is powered and controlled by cable deployment spool assembly  41 . Retraction of the thermal mat  5  is powered and controlled by cable retraction spool assembly  42 . To reduce cable crossover common in many cable based drive systems, the disclosed invention employs a two-spool configuration. To reduce deterioration from exposure to ice and debris, the drive axle shaft  40  has a protective coating  39 . Drive shaft drive pulley  37  delivers power from the cable drive system into the thermal mat roller axle assembly  44 , in  FIG. 13 , to deploy the thermal mat  5  through a belt or chain drive connection to the thermal mat roller axle drive pulley  48 . Those practiced in the arts will understand that the drive axle drive pulley  48  could also be a sprocket for a chain driven system or a gear for direct drive type system. Any and all of these types of mechanical power input are within the purview of the invention and herein claimed by the inventor. The drive system shown in  FIG. 12 , is one means for deploying the thermal mat  5 , as recited in the claims. 
     FIG. 13  presents a front view of the subcomponents found in the thermal mat roller axle  21 . The thermal mat roller axle  21  has a raised mat attachment core  43  to accommodate the bulkier nature of the thermal mat  5  and allows for a tight roll without requiring the stored thermal mat  5  to have such a small radius that the inner heating network may be damaged. The roller storage shaft bushing  38  supports the roller storage shaft  43  in the roller assembly. The thermal mat roller axle  21  has a core protective coating  20  and or covering. The roller axle  21  shown in  FIG. 13 , is one means for rolling and unrolling the thermal mat  5 , as recited in the claims. 
     FIGS. 14 and 15  presents a side and front perspective view respectively, of the cable drive clamping tube assembly  22 . As designed, this unit is self-clearing and self-cleaning. The key features of this assembly are the beveled cutting and scraping surfaces  25  to break ice and other debris that may form from time to time on the cable  14 , and cable guide tube  17 , which has a special adaptation to also act as a clamping device via compression screws  23  to secure the assembly shown in  FIG. 14  to the deployment cable  14 . Cable tube guide  24  has a dual action and function to both guide the cable  14  and to clearing and clean foreign material from the cable which may accumulate from time to time. Both tubes  17  and  24  are installed in the block assembly  FIG. 14  by any means that would allow for a solid and secure fit so as to not allow movement of the tube inside the block assembly  22 . One of the important connection points is  27  and is known as the thermal mat anchoring point. The thermal mat  5  is stretched between the track and rail assembly and connected on both side at the thermal mat anchoring point  27 . The cable drive clamping tube assembly  22  as shown in  FIG. 14 , is one means for connecting the cable  14  to the thermal mat  5  as recited in the claims. 
     FIG. 16  presents the second front view of the track &amp; rail assembly anchoring spike  6 , track &amp; rail assembly  8 , and track &amp; rail assembly anchoring spike fastener  59 , anchoring spike stabilizing baffle  58  and drive cable  14 . This combination allows for supporting and protecting cable  14  and it allows for the free but guided movement of the cable block assembly  22 . The track and rail assembly  8  is one means for supporting the deployed thermal mat as recited in the claims. 
     FIG. 17  illustrates the cable block assembly as mounted on the cable and in combination with the track and rail assembly  8  which make up the main elements of the rail system  82  as shown in more detail at  FIGS. 21 and 22 . This assembly is housed well within the protection of the track &amp; rail assembly  8 , which is secured to the support surface  2  by means of anchoring spike  6 . Dependent upon the application, anchoring spike  6  can be altered or substituted to allow for attachment to non-earth type support surfaces such as a concrete or steel structure through various securement means including screws, bolts, adhesives, welding, brackets or a combination thereof. 
   Cable block assembly  21  is secured by the means of clamping tube assembly  17  and set screws  23  which are tracked by means of cable block assembly cable return tube and guide  24 . The stabilizing baffle  58  of anchoring spike  6  helps to secure the spike because the organics may grow in and around the baffle area to fully support the anchoring spike  6  in the soil. 
     FIG. 18  illustrates the retractable deployment cover  68  for the deployment system housing  30  top protection cover of the system. As designed, it may be driven over with a standard vehicle and will automatically open and close upon the deployment or retraction of the system. The top protection cover  68  contains the following elements including a retractable deployment cover  68  with an automatic hatch assembly  70 . The retractable deployment cover  68  fits down on the rear of the housing via slip hinge  75  and fits down upon the front of the housing  30  by engaging with the fitting track and rail port  71  to fit over and against cover seal  73  to cover opening  72 . Because the system is for the most part to be in place below grade, it is likely to be in contact and probably will attract subterranean moisture as well as water or ice collecting upon the cable  14  and the mat  5 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , an appropriate way of dealing with this encroaching moisture as envisioned by the inventor is by the use of a sump type pump  76  via sump pump-mounting porthole  78  to remove the water entering and collecting in the waterproof and corrosion proof system housing  30 . The deployment system housing  30  as shown is equipped with a ground fault interrupter (GFI) circuit type heater  77  to avoid freezing the deployment system  55 . The deployment system housing is one means of storing the rolled thermal mat  5  as recited in the claims. 
     FIG. 20  demonstrates the utility of the deployment and retraction cable spooler system. The spool assembly is the same on both ends of the cable drive shaft  40  and consists of the following elements: a powered drive shaft drive pulley  37 , a cable drive shaft bushing  18  and a center core support drive shaft  40  with protective coating  39 . The cable deployment spool assembly  41  and the cable retraction spool assembly  42  are mounted to the cable drive shaft  40 . This design ensures that as the cable  14  is spooled out by cable spool assembly  41 , the cable is also reeled in by cable retraction spool assembly  42  thus maintaining sufficient tension on the cables  14  at all time. The cable deployment and retraction cable spooler is one means of deploying the thermal mat  5  as recited in the claims. 
     FIGS. 21 and 22  show the interconnectedness of the cable drive  85  and the mat roller systems  84 . The figures present an end view of the main rotating parts for each system as if the drives were sprocket or gear based. As shown, the cable deployment driver  79  is rotated counter-clockwise for deployment of the cable  14 . The cable deployment driver idler  80  in turn rotates clockwise. The mat deployment roller  82  then rotates in a clockwise direction for deployment of the thermal mat  5 . To bring the thermal mat  5  back into the system housing  30  and roll the thermal mat  5  back onto the thermal mat roller  82 , the cable deployment driver  79  rotates in a clockwise rotation for retraction of the thermal mat  5 . The mat deployment driver idler  80  then turns counter-clockwise thereby driving the mat deployment roller idler  81  counter-clockwise turning the thermal mat roller counter-clockwise for retraction  82  and re-spooling. The cable drive  85  and the mat roller systems  84  as shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22  are one means of rolling and unrolling the thermal mat  5  and one means of deploying and retracting the thermal mat  5 . 
     FIG. 23  shows the proper and unique way in which the cable are to be attached and secured into and on to the cable directional spool reel  97  using cable fastener attachment assembly  46 . This assembly includes a drive cable  14  which may be made of stainless steel, steel, composite material and any other man-made material which provides a strong, corrosion resistant flexible connector. The powered drive shaft  40  with protective coating  39  is shown with cable deployment spool assembly  41 . One end of the drive cable  14  should be inserted into the cable fastener attachment assembly  46  at cable wedge block cable portal  93  and secured into the cable wedge block assembly  95  by securing wedge port  96  and securing means  94  such as a set screw. Cable fastener attachment assembly  46  as shown in  FIG. 23  is one means of fastening cable onto the cable spool reel  97 . 
     FIG. 24  illustrates the cable drive assembly with its powered cable drive shaft  40  with protective coating  39 . As the cable drive shaft  40  turns in one direction, the cable deployment spool assembly  41  lets out or unrolls cable  14  from one end of the spool  97  while simultaneously the cable retraction spool assembly  42  brings in or rolls up the cable  14  onto the other end of spool  97 . 
     FIG. 25  shows the cable drive system in its entirety and the major elements from working from the outside in are first the cable drive shaft bushings  38  which are located on the outer ends of powered cable drive shaft  40  having protective coating  39 . Next, on the cable drive shaft  40  is the mat roller drive axle pulley  48  which provides power from the cable drive shaft  40  through a belt or chain (not shown) to the mat roller drive axle  21 . The cable deployment spool assembly  41  and cable retraction spool assembly  42  work together to evenly pull the thermal mat  5  forward while the interconnection of the cable and thermal mat drive systems helps roll the thermal mat off the mat roller axle  21 . This is accomplished with one dual directional water proof/submersible AC or DC voltage drive motor via the drive axle. Also as shown at  47 , the drive motor  45  is provided with a child guard safety torque sensor  47  to automatically stop deployment in the event a person becomes entangled with the thermal mat deployment system. 
     FIG. 26  shows the versatility of the described and disclosed design and demonstrates the portability of this inventive design. The invention may be deployed as a portable configuration assembly  54  and moved between deployment areas and storage facilities by portable configuration assembly travel cart  91 . 
     FIG. 27  demonstrates another embodiment of the present invention as placed on a bridge. Even though the preferred embodiment of the invention is for placement in a subterranean manner, this embodiment demonstrates the functionality to be used as a deployable underlayment. The main elements in this figure are the thermal mat retrofit to bridge application with multiple installations  60 , a cotroller box for system control. As shown, the retrofit to the bridge is shown ⅛ deployed  62 , ¼ deployed  63  and ½ deployed  64 . As shown the retrofit to bridge application is ¾ deployed  66  and fully deployed  67 . All of the deployment systems as shown are connected and wired in such a way as to deploy at the same time. 
     FIG. 28  demonstrates that a partial sub-terrain placement can replace a normal step or be placed flush with any surface level needed. As shown the pre-existing driveway or area to be treated  4  is located in close proximity to a building and or structure  1 . Portable configuration assembly towing clamp or lock  50  secures the assembly to the treatment area  4 . As shown on the left side of the figure, the configuration has been installed in its semi-submerged configuration  53  wherein the deployment system is configured to allow it to become a part of the step or raised platform  53 . By comparison, the deployment system shown on the right side of the figure is configured for installation in its fully submerged configuration  52  which allows the configuration to be driven on or walked over. 
     FIG. 29  presents a top overview of the deployment unit for thermal radiating materials deployed and in place. The subsystems making up the deployment system  55  are each clean and easily definable. The three interconnected subcomponent systems of the thermal mat deployment system  55  disclosed herein are the rail system  83 , the mat roller system  84  and the cable driven mat deployment system  85 . The thermal mat  5  is guided for deployment onto or above the treatment area  4  by the mounted track and rail system  83  shown from the top and as shown by opposing rails  8 . The thermal mat  36  is positioned onto and above the treatment area through interaction of both the thermal mat roller system  84  and mat deployment system  85 . The sub-systems are interconnected to accomplish the common objective of mat deployment and to allow one AC or DC voltage drive motor  47  energized by powered source  49  in combination with dual directional drive shaft  40  to power both the mat deployment system  85  and the mat roller system  84 . The drive motor  47  should be waterproof or fit for submersible service. 
   As shown the thermal mat  36  is rolled onto and off of the thermal mat roller system  84  through the dual directional drive shaft  40  having a protective coating  39  to prevent component deterioration from exposure to ice, grime, salt, sand and water common for this type of service. The thermal mat  36  is deployed or rolled off when the thermal mat roller axle  20  is turned by the thermal mat roller axle drive pulley (or sprocket)  48  which is turned through power connected to a belt (or chain) connected to the powered drive shaft pulley (or drive gear)  37  fixed on both ends of the dual directional drive shaft  40  which also has bushings  18  placed at both ends of the drive shaft  40 . The drive cable  14  is looped through the track and rail  8  on each side of the thermal mat  5  by the idler block assembly  13  to maintain continuous tension on the drive cable  14  as cable spooler  41  turns to let out cable and cable retractor  42  works to bring it in, thus supporting the drive cable  14 . As arranged, the system allows for versatility in both the mat rolling system  84  and the mat deployment system  85 . Idler  15  provides a constant tension against the drive cable  14  to reduce and respond to variations in the drive cable  14  tensions while in operation. 
     FIG. 30  highlights the importance of how the track and rail assembly  8  are secured and mounted in place along the surface area to be treated using track &amp; rail assembly anchoring spike  6 . This spike  6  allows for a secure mounting of the track and rail assembly  8  through fastener  59 . The unique configuration of anchoring spike  6  and placement within in the spike of the baffle area  58  creates stabilization of the anchoring spike  6  and thus the track and rail assembly  8 . 
     FIG. 31  illustrates the data input and control aspects of the deployment system  55 . The control panel  36  can be mounted upon the deployment system  55  or in close proximity to the deployment system  55 , such as in a garage adjacent a driveway surface  4 . In larger commercial applications, such as a parking lot, commercial building roof or bridge, it may be necessary to mount the control panel further from the deployment system  55  and include a video feed from environment sensors  19  viewable from LCD  62  mounted on or adjacent the deployment system at and or through control panel  36 . Environmental conditions monitored by the environment sensors  19  may include but are not limited to temperature, barometric pressure, humidity and the physicial surroundings of the deployment system  55 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 31 , this information can be displayed on control panel  36  at sensor indicator panel  54 . One way to configure the sensors  19  mounted on or adjacent the deployment system  55  would be through a sensor pod  16 . The sensor pod  16  as mounted to the deployment system  55  could collect the data for transmission to the control panel  36  for review by human users at the sensor indicator panel  54  and or use in programmable logic controller  26  embedded therein. Communications between both the environment sensors  19  and the torque guard sensor  47  to the control panel  36  could also be configured wirelessly using readily available technology, in which case sensor pod  16  may not be necessary for data collection from the deployment system  55 . 
   The controls system for the deployment system  55  may also be configured for manual input through data input panel  51  for direct human user interface through any number of configurations. Data input panel  51  in combination with either a programmable logic controller  26  or a chip and microprocessor, may be configured to track both the time and date to allow the user improved control of the deployment system  55  to ensure the deployment system does not deploy at potentially high traffic times. Additionally, the control panel may be configured with power switch, shown in combination with  51 , and an emergency shutdown switch  56  for immediate shutdown of the system without de-energizing control panel. The control system for the deployment system  55  may also be configured for external communication through a multitude of data ports. Access from the Internet through phone port  61  for wired access or PCMCIA Ethernet card slot  60  for wireless access, or any similar types of configurations could be added. The sensor display  54 , control panel  36  and data ports as shown in  FIG. 31  one means of sensing, controlling and communicating with the apparatus recited in the claims. 
   While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, variations or modifications would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Consequently, the appended claims should not be limited to their literal terms, but should be broadly construed in accordance with the scope of the invention, as described above.