Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for adjusting a preselected sweeping area width of a revolving roll-type brush rotatable around an axis for the cleaning of roadways, airport runways and the like, wherein the spacing between the axis of the revolving brush and the surface to be cleaned is altered for adjusting the sweeping surface, or area swept, and wherein, for the dimensioning of the nominal spacing, the brush diameter is detected by means of a sensor and the spacing of the brush axis from the surface to be cleaned is adjusted according to the diameter of the revolving brush. The actual spacing between the brush axis and the surface to be cleaned is measured and when there are deviations between the nominal and the actual spacing, the spacing of the brush axis and the surface to be cleaned is readjusted to the desired nominal spacing by a control circuit in order to assure that a preselected sweeping surface width or width of the area swept is maintained.

Abstract: A rubbish collection vehicle with a rubbish collection container located on a chassis behind the driver's cab has a rubbish intake unit which comprises a rubbish compaction unit for forcing the rubbish in an operating direction through a container intake opening. The operating direction of the rubbish compaction unit extends at an oblique angle from the front/bottom to the top/back upwardly to the roof of the rubbish collection container. A projection has been provided in the area of the container intake opening on the bed of the rubbish collection container to reduce the cross section of the container intake opening. As a result of the direction of operation selected, rubbish is compacted across the total cross-sectional area of the rubbish collection container, as well as being initially compacted against the roof of the rubbish collection container, thereby enabling optimal utilization of the entire container capacity.

Abstract: A refuse collection device comprises a refuse inlet for connection to a suction duct of a refuse collecting container mounted on a vehicle. Resilient elements surround the periphery of the refuse inlet and form a seal between the refuse inlet and a surface over which the inlet is travelling. A roller froms one of the resilient elements and is mounted across a front portion of the periphery of the refuse inlet. The roller has a resilient surface which deforms to allow objects to pass beneath the roller without reducing substantially the seal provided by the roller.