Abstract: Certain embodiments include a fluid recovery system. The fluid recovery system includes a vacuum system that applies a suction force on fluids on the floor surface to draw fluids to a fluid recovery tank. A reservoir is operably coupled to a recovery hose. The reservoir includes an inlet passage, an outlet passage leading to the recovery hose, and a fluid trap portion positioned between the inlet and outlet passages. The reservoir permits passage therethrough of fluids suctioned by the vacuum system from the floor to the recovery hose, and traps a backflow of fluids from the recovery hose in the fluid trap portion when the vacuum system stops suctioning fluids from the floor to the recovery hose. The reservoir is shaped to be generally self-cleaning and clears most fluids trapped in the fluid trap portion when the vacuum system starts suctioning fluids from the floor to the recovery hose.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a fluid recovery system. The fluid recovery system includes a vacuum system that applies a suction force on fluids on the floor surface to draw fluids to a fluid recovery tank. A reservoir is operably coupled to a recovery hose. The reservoir includes an inlet passage, an outlet passage leading to the recovery hose, and a fluid trap portion positioned between the inlet and outlet passages. The reservoir permits passage therethrough of fluids suctioned by the vacuum system from the floor to the recovery hose, and traps a backflow of fluids from the recovery hose in the fluid trap portion when the vacuum system stops suctioning fluids from the floor to the recovery hose. The reservoir is shaped to be generally self-cleaning and clears most fluids trapped in the fluid trap portion when the vacuum system starts suctioning fluids from the floor to the recovery hose.

Abstract: A filter box for a surface maintenance machine incorporating aspects of a fan housing. In one example, a filter box for a sweeping machine is provided with an impeller fan housing beneath a cylindrical filter. Operation of the impeller fan draws air from a debris hopper, through the cylindrical filter, and through an expansion chamber defined by a scroll conduit prior to outlet to atmosphere.

Abstract: A filter box for a surface maintenance machine incorporating aspects of a fan housing. In one example, a filter box for a sweeping machine is provided with an impeller fan housing beneath a cylindrical filter. Operation of the impeller fan draws air from a debris hopper, through the cylindrical filter, and through an expansion chamber defined by a scroll conduit prior to outlet to atmosphere.

Abstract: An impeller assembly including a rim plate defining a plurality of blades and the backplate defining a blade interlock structure for aligning and coupling the plates together. The rim plate defines a plurality of fluid-engaging blades. The interlock structure includes a plurality of tine-shaped interlocks extending from the backplate. The interlock structure also includes a plurality of channel sections engaging the blades. Each blade of the impeller may engage the interlock structure in a saddle manner. The backplate is defined by areas of reduced thickness allowing outer portions of the backplate to flex (rotate) toward further contact with the rim plate.

Abstract: A filter box for a surface maintenance machine incorporating aspects of a fan housing. In one example, a filter box for a sweeping machine is provided with an impeller fan housing beneath a cylindrical filter. Operation of the impeller fan draws air from a debris hopper, through the cylindrical filter, and through an expansion chamber defined by a scroll conduit prior to outlet to atmosphere.

Abstract: An impeller assembly including a pair of plates with one of the plates having a plurality of blades and an interlock structure for aligning and coupling the plates together. A disclosed example of the interlock structure includes a plurality of latch members extending from one plate and locking into apertures of the other plate. The interlock structure may also include a plurality of channels engaging the blades. The blades of the impeller may engage a pair of latch members in a saddle manner. A method of using the impeller assembly within an air blower is also disclosed.

Abstract: A structure and method of removing semi-rigid debris and demisting gas for use primarily in surface maintenance or conditioning machines, Demisting is accomplished by, a combination techniques including rapid pressure reduction and removal of semi rigid debris is accomplished by forcing the debris through a path with curvatures to great for the debris to follow.