Abstract: A tone generation system includes a square wave signal generator configured to generate a first series of square wave signals to replicate a fundamental frequency of a desired mechanical tone, and a second series of square waves signals to replicate a second harmonic of the desired mechanical tone. An amplifier is configured to receive the first and second series of square waves, and a speaker is connected to receive an output signal from the amplifier.

Abstract: A water pump control system is provided for vacuum excavation equipment. The water pump control system includes a control circuit for controlling a hydraulic actuation circuit configured to control a water pump circuit such that a water pressure produced by the water pump circuit does not exceed a desired water pressure. The hydraulic actuation circuit can include a proportional hydraulic valve, and the control circuit controls a water pump speed by monitoring a water pressure and adjusting an electric current flowing into the proportional valve to meet the desired water pressure. The control circuit can include a pressure transducer mounted to the water pump circuit to monitor the water pressure in real-time.

Abstract: A warning system includes one or more modularized alarm subsystems and one or more modularized coupling devices for coupling the alarm subsystems in various manners. The alarm subsystem can include a signaling device and a modularized protection housing. The signaling device operates to provide an alarm in an event of a predetermined situation. The modularized protection housing is configured to mount the signaling device and a coupling device. The coupling device is configured to couple the modularized protection housing with another modularized protection housing therethrough. The modularized protection housing is configured to interchangeably mount different types of signaling devices. The coupling device is further configured to engage another coupling device.

Abstract: An emergency system for a vehicle integrates many disparate equipment into single housing, including the power supply for the equipment. In one embodiment of the invention, the emergency system is a light bar. The light bar houses a power source comprising solar cell panels, a Lithium-Ion battery pack and a connection to an external supply such as the vehicle's electrical power. Energy for operating the light bar is provided by one or more of the power sources, depending on operating conditions of the light bar and each of the power sources.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to street sweepers and interchangeable conveyor modules for use with street sweepers that are interchangeable. A first conveyor module is provided that is mountable to the conveyor support structure of the vehicle wherein the conveyor is configured to transport debris from the broom assembly to the hopper on a continuous belt having paddles. A second conveyor module is also provided that is mountable to the vehicle structure wherein the second conveyor is a squeegee type conveyor. The first conveyor module and the second conveyor module are interchangeable on the street sweeping vehicle. Because the size envelope and attachment points and mechanisms are common, the two modules can be interchanged at will.

Abstract: A two-stage valve system includes a safety latch configured to at least partially cover an actuation lever, such as a foot pedal, to prevent inadvertent operation of the actuation lever. The safety latch needs to be lifted to a certain level to gain access to the actuation lever in a first stage, and then the actuation lever is operated to actuate a valve assembly in a second stage.

Abstract: A debris collection vehicle having an enclosed volume for collecting debris and a hydraulic fan drive system for creating vacuum condition in the enclosed volume is disclosed. In one embodiment, the hydraulic fan system includes a closed loop hydraulic circuit, a variable displacement hydraulic pump disposed within the closed loop circuit, and a hydraulic motor disposed within the closed loop circuit. The hydraulic fan drive system can also include an electronic or hydraulically actuated control valve constructed and arranged to adjust the output of the hydraulic motor via a displacement actuator based on pressure in the closed loop hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: A light bar is described that is of a modular construction based on one or more large circuit boards that are populated with light beam assemblies and then fastened to an interior space of the light bar housing. Keys that automatically align the light beam assemblies on each of the boards precisely control placement of the assemblies on the board. In turn, each of the boards is keyed to the interior of the light bar housing so that when the board is fastened to the housing the light beam assemblies are automatically registered into alignment with the lenses in the housing so that the beams from the assemblies are properly oriented. The light bar is inexpensive to fabricate and can be assembled quickly and reliably, yet it provides for a high degree of customization, which is a requirement in the emergency vehicle lighting industry.

Abstract: A sewer cleaning vehicle is disclosed. In one aspect, the sewer cleaning vehicle has a refuse storage tank having a first end with an opening. The sewer cleaning vehicle may also have a recycled water storage tank and a packaged liquid reclamation system for cleaning and transferring water from the refuse tank to the recycled water storage tank. In one embodiment, a hinged cover having a first side and a second side is pivotally mounted to the storage tank. The hinged cover can be movable between a first position in which the hinged cover covers the storage tank opening and a second position in which the storage tank opening is uncovered by the hinged cover. A transfer pump and a separator are supported by the hinged cover and are in fluid communication with the refuse tank through a port in the hinged cover.

Abstract: An improved manifold and valve cartridges suitable for high power (over 600 hp) reciprocating pumps for water blast or jet applications are disclosed. In one aspect, the disclosed valve cartridges are compact and mounted axially along a seat member that has a central bore in addition to suction and discharge seats. The seat member can also be provided a plurality of radially arranged bores for allowing suction flow to the pump. A spool valve assembly can be mounted through the seat member bore, and can include a valve spool, a spherical suction valve member, a compression spring, and compression-locked rings. The spool valve can include a closed flanged end that engages with the seat member discharge seat. In operation, the compression spring continuously pushes the spool valve closed flanged end against the discharge seat and pushes the suction valve member against the suction seat to retain a normally closed position.

Abstract: An adjustable stock assembly for a fluid spray gun can be adjusted to have a different profile shape; and/or to have a different rotational position relative to the rest of the spray gun; and/or to have a different length relative to the rest of the spray gun; and/or to have a different tilt angle relative to the rest of the spray gun.

Abstract: An emergency system for a vehicle integrates many disparate equipment into single housing, including the power supply for the equipment. In one embodiment of the invention, the emergency system is a light bar. The light bar houses a power source comprising solar cell panels, a Lithium-Ion battery pack and a connection to an external supply such as the vehicle's electrical power. Energy for operating the light bar is provided by one or more of the power sources, depending on operating conditions of the light bar and each of the power sources.

Abstract: A seal cartridge and a rotating nozzle assembly utilizing the seal cartridge are disclosed. The main seal member in the nozzle assembly is mounted as part of the seal cartridge. The seal cartridge is also easily removable from the rotating nozzle assembly without requiring the separate removal of the main seal member from the seal cartridge. This configuration allows a user to quickly install a new or rebuilt seal during an operation while minimizing or eliminating the necessity to manipulate small parts in the field.

Abstract: The present application relates to a light beacon, light beacon assembly, and methods of its construction. In one aspect, a light beacon assembly includes a housing including a base and a lens cooperating to enclose an interior volume, the lens having a generally cylindrical shape. The assembly also includes a plurality of circuit boards positioned within the interior volume, where each of the plurality of circuit boards having a conductive tab extending from a first side, a conductive tab receiver near a second side, and a light emitting diode mounted thereon. The plurality of circuit boards are each positioned within the interior volume and extend perpendicularly from the base such that the tab of each circuit board is received at the tab receiver of an adjacent circuit board. The plurality of circuit boards are interconnected to form a structure having light emitting diodes oriented outwardly toward the lens.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to street sweepers and interchangeable conveyor modules for use with street sweepers that are interchangeable. A first conveyor module is provided that is mountable to the conveyor support structure of the vehicle wherein the conveyor is configured to transport debris from the broom assembly to the hopper on a continuous belt having paddles. A second conveyor module is also provided that is mountable to the vehicle structure wherein the second conveyor is a squeegee type conveyor. The first conveyor module and the second conveyor module are interchangeable on the street sweeping vehicle. Because the size envelope and attachment points and mechanisms are common, the two modules can be interchanged at will.

Abstract: A tone generation system includes a square wave signal generator configured to generate a first series of square wave signals to replicate a fundamental frequency of a desired mechanical tone, and a second series of square waves signals to replicate a second harmonic of the desired mechanical tone. An amplifier is configured to receive the first and second series of square waves, and a speaker is connected to receive an output signal from the amplifier.

Abstract: Highly efficient particulate collectors, such as for dust and street debris collected by a mobile street cleaning vehicle, with very low pressure loss are disclosed. One embodiment uses a specially contoured passage to separate the solid particles from particulate-laden gas stream by rapid directional change at a throat region. By using the Venturi effect at the accelerating zone communicating with a gas return channel from the particulate retaining chamber, a small amount of the gas will be recirculated from the deposit zone to help move and retain the separated particles in a confined collection receptacle.

Abstract: A power delivery system for a vehicle is disclosed. In one embodiment, the power delivery system includes a chassis engine configured to power driving functions of the vehicle and an auxiliary engine configured to power non-driving hydraulic functions of the vehicle. The power delivery system may also include a power boost system comprising a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor in fluid communication with each other. The hydraulic pump may be coupled to a power output of the chassis engine while the hydraulic motor may be coupled to a power output of the auxiliary engine. In one embodiment, the power delivery system has a power sharing mode in which power is transferred from the chassis engine power output to the auxiliary engine power output via the hydraulic pump and motor such that the non-driving hydraulic functions of the vehicle are simultaneously powered by the chassis engine and the auxiliary engine.

Abstract: An emergency system for a vehicle integrates many disparate equipment into single housing. In one embodiment of the invention, the emergency system is a light bar. The light bar houses various modules for monitoring and responding to events. Example modules include license plate recognition systems and chemical agent detection sensors. The light bar also houses at least one transceiver for wirelessly connecting the light bar to a wide area network, allowing the modules in the light bar to communicate data to and from a remote site. A data terminal in the vehicle is connected to the light bar and receives and displays data to the vehicle operate generated by the modules in the light bar and also from data received over the network.

Abstract: An adjustable stock assembly for a fluid spray gun can be adjusted to have a different profile shape; and/or to have a different rotational position relative to the rest of the spray gun; and/or to have a different length relative to the rest of the spray gun; and/or to have a different tilt angle relative to the rest of the spray gun.