Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a base assembly with an upper housing, an agitator mounted in fixed position relative to the upper housing, an agitator height control mechanism for selectively adjusting the vertical height of the agitator relative to the surface to be cleaned, and a sole plate. The sole plate includes a suction nozzle opening for the base assembly and during operation of the agitator height control mechanism, the sole plate moves relative to the upper housing so that the distance between the suction nozzle opening and the surface to be cleaned remains essentially the same, regardless of the position of the agitator.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved mechanical coupling for rapidly adjusting the elevation of a working edge portion of a tool which working edge portion is subject to wear that decreases the effective length of the working edge portion. In one embodiment, the bristles of a drum-type brush comprise the working edge portion. Once the working edge is properly adjusted with respect to a work surface, the amount of downforce imparted by the working edge and the pattern of the working edge on a work surface are maximized. In use an operator compares the length of the working edge to a first indicia set displayed adjacent the working edge and adjusts the elevation of the working edge with reference to a second indicia set which corresponds to the first indicia set. Surface maintenance vehicles which support an adjustable height tool with a working edge that wears down may utilize the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved mechanical coupling for rapidly adjusting the elevation of a working edge portion of a tool which working edge portion is subject to wear that decreases the effective length of the working edge portion. In one embodiment, the bristles of a drum-type brush comprise the working edge portion. Once the working edge is properly adjusted with respect to a work surface, the amount of downforce imparted by the working edge and the pattern of the working edge on a work surface are maximized. In use an operator compares the length of the working edge to a first indicia set displayed adjacent the working edge and adjusts the elevation of the working edge with reference to a second indicia set which corresponds to the first indicia set. Surface maintenance vehicles which support an adjustable height tool with a working edge that wears down may utilize the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus, for brushing particulate material and the like from a surface, has a rotating brush, for example a cylindrical brush driven by hydraulic motor. The brush can be applied lightly to a surface and rotated relatively slowly, so as to brush material from the surface and project it forwardly. A strong air jet is provided in front of the brush and across the front of it, so as to pick up and entrain debris, snow, etc. brushed from the surface and blow or carry it laterally to one side. To dislodge material adhering to the bristles of the brush and prevent this from being carried behind it, a secondary, stripper nozzle is provided across the front of the brush for removing such material and causing it to drop in front of the brush. The apparatus enables the complete cleaning of a surface, for example an airport runway, in a single pass, and enables low brush pressure and speed to be provided, giving increased brush life.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing fibrous material wound around a generally cylindrical shaft rotated about a central longitudinal axis thereof. A cutter blade is provided to have a forward edge portion extending along the central longitudinal axis of the shaft, which edge portion is normally spaced from the shaft to define a non-cutting position. The edge portion of the cutter blade is moved about a reciprocating locus defined by a forward movement from the non-cutting position to a predetermined distance from the shaft effective to define a cutting position contacting the fibrous material, a lateral movement in the cutting position along the central longitudinal axis of the shaft to cut the fibrous material for its removal from the shaft, and a rearward movement from the shaft to return the edge portion to the non-cutting position.

Abstract: A hand held lightweight apparatus for cleaning lint and fiber waste from the clearer rolls of spinning frames without removing such rolls from the spinning frame includes a driven, monofilament nylon flail which revolves at high speed within a suction head coupled to a vacuum producing apparatus. The nylon cord extends through an opening of the suction head upon each revolution of the driven flail device and the whipping action tears the accumulated lint and waste from the clearer rolls, while sightly roughening the roll surfaces, and the waste is directed to a collection point.