Abstract: A self-propelled sweeper vehicle (10) has front steerable wheels (16) mounted on a centrally pivoted axle assembly (28) which also carries the nozzle (30) and brush gear (24) whereby these assemblies are steered in unison with the vehicle. The nozzle front edge (106) is convex and promotes non-turbulent air intake. The nozzle is formed as a hollow rotationally moulded structure of a plastics material having inherent structural strength and stiffness. The brush gear (24) is mounted on linkages comprising inner and outer portions (200, 202) pivotally connected for folding movement to resiliently yield under impact. The brush covers (260) are formed as hollow plastics mouldings and part of the brush support structure.

Abstract: Brush control means for controlling the operative position of the rotary brushes of a road or like sweeping machine comprises an electronic control unit operated by a driver's controller for controlling the operation of a valve, which in turn controls the operation of a hydraulic ram connected to the brush mounting for angularly moving the latter laterally about its pivotal mounting on the machine. A sensor such as a linear transducer operated by the ram is responsive to the operative position of the brush mounting as selected by the control unit for operating the valve to hold the ram against operation and hence the brush mounting against outward lateral movement from the selected position. Yieldable continuous low pressure operation of the brush mounting in the outward direction is preferably provided whereby the mounting is able to yield inwardly when the brush encounters an obstacle such as a curb.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner intake device formed of a V-shaped housing widening in the direction of working. The housing has a funnel shape nozzle, a fitting at the apex of the nozzle for connection to a source of suction and a pair of arms extending in a V-shape respectively forwardly and laterally of the nozzle. A pair of side walls are provided each having a skid at its lower edge elevating said housing above the floor. A hood covers and defines with the arms and the side walls a collection chamber open at the forward and rear edges. Each of the arms are provided on their bottom surface with a pair of spaced battens defining between them an elongated suction groove open to the collection chamber and extending outwardly through the side wall.