Abstract: A hose reel support assembly for supporting a hose reel assembly on a vehicle, the support assembly including a number of support beams secured to the vehicle, a base plate mounted on the support beams and having an elongate slot, the hose reel assembly being supported on the base plate with the axis of the hose reel located in a parallel relation to the elongate slot, the hose reel assembly being mounted on the support assembly for simultaneous rotation and translation of the support assembly from the position with the axis of rotation of the reel assembly parallel to the slot to a position transverse to the slot. The support assembly being tiltable forwardly to move the hose reel assembly away from the vehicle.

Abstract: A separator, for example of the type used for the separation of hazardous materials, is docked to an industrial vacuum source, such as a truck mounted industrial vacuum loader, utilizing a docking system adapted to provide ease of attachment and separation. The docking system allows rotational and elevational control of the separator and provides retrofit capability for existing systems. Furthermore, by using the readily detachable separator described in the present specification, a single separator may be used with a variety of trucks, thereby increasing overall fleet efficiency.

Abstract: A device for use in connection with the operation of high pressure equipment, such as a sewer and/or catch basin cleaner which has a hose reel for the water hose, and includes a protective shield which can be located in at least two positions. A first position is an operator protection position used when the machine is pumping fluid. A second position is a position in which access may be had to a hose reel or other machine components. An interlock coupled to the shield prevents high pressure fluid from being passed through the hose when the enclosure is in its second position. The shield of the present invention can be used in conjunction with a second, flexible tubular sleeve to provide head-to-toe protection for the operator of such equipment.

Abstract: An operator protection device for use in connection with the operation of a sewer and/or catch basin cleaner containing a pressurized water hose, wherein the device comprises a first protective enclosure portion and a second enclosure member comprising a tubular sleeve of tough, flexible material slidably containing an exposed portion of the pressurized hose for protection of the lower extremities of an operator in the event of hose rupture or disconnection of a coupling member used to join sections of the pressurized water hose, and for ease in access and visiblity to the sewer and/or catch basin.

Abstract: A sewer and catch basin cleaner includes a system for injecting water under pressure into a sewer for cleaning same and a vacuum loading system for removing water and debris from the sewer catch basin. The cleaner includes a water storage tank for providing the cleaning water and a body for receiving the material removed from the catch basin or manhole. A water reclamation system is provided for replenishing the water tank from the body to facilitate uninterrupted operation of the device. The cleaner further includes a system for directing water from the body to the catch basin when sufficient water is in the water tank and a sensing arrangement for automatically keeping the desired amount of water in the respective containers. The body of the sewer cleaner of the present invention also includes a tailgate and an ejector plate for pushing debris from the body when cleaning is completed or when the body is full of debris.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with apparatus for selectively opening and closing doors to vacuum bodies, for example the bodies of industrial vacuum loaders and cleaners and the vacuum bodies used in pneumatic sewer cleaners. The doors involved in the primary embodiment are those which cover the opening between the body and a filter bag house or a vacuum pump or the opening which may be provided for venting the body to outside air to prevent overfilling of the body. The apparatus of the present invention includes a sensor for providing a signal to a pneumatic cylinder. Pneumatic valves and switches are also provided for governing which openings are to be opened and which are to be closed for the desired operating mode. In the preferred embodiment, the cylinders are coupled to hinged doors for swinging same into and out of sealing contact with the openings.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for positively sealing the tailgate of a liquid or solid refuse collection body. The invention has special utility for vacuum containers in which a compressible seal surrounds the perimeter of the tailgate. The tailgate includes hooks having cam surfaces and the container includes rollers adapted for engaging the hooks and drawing the tailgate into positive engagement with the opening of the body. Hydraulic means are preferably provided for activating the rollers. If separate hydraulic means are employed for raising and lowering the tailgate, sequencing controls may be provided to permit locking the tailgate only after the tailgate hooks have been lowered to a position adjacent to the rollers.

Abstract: A horizontally rotatable and vertically elevatable power boom is disclosed. The boom includes a link providing increased lifting torque about the boom hinge pin and the boom assembly is designed for minimizing the head room requirements for the vacuum machine without sacrificing payload capacity. The link also permits the boom to be locked down hydraulically for traveling.

Abstract: A sewer and catch basin cleaner includes a system for injecting water under pressure into a sewer lateral for cleaning same and a vacuum loading system for removing the cleaning water and resultant debris from the sewer catch basin or manhole. The cleaner includes a water storage tank for providing the cleaning water and a body for receiving the liquid and debris removed from the catch basin or manhole. Water filtration and reclamation means are provided intermediate the body and water tank to provide a continuous supply of cleaning water without the need for interrupting operation of the cleaner to load water. This feature reduces the total amount of clean water which is consumed during sewer cleaning.

Abstract: A hose reel apparatus is disclosed which permits proper winding and unwinding of a hose, for example the water hose of a sewer cleaning machine. The apparatus includes a reel, preferably a power driven reel, for winding and unwinding a hose and a series of rollers coupled together by links. The rollers are positioned on the outside circumference of the hose windings in such a manner that a radial force is exerted on the hose causing hose windings to remain tight against the core of the reel. The preferred embodiment also includes means for holding the rollers against the windings whether the hose is fully wound, fully unwound or partially unwound, i.e. regardless of the circumference of the hose windings. This latter feature is accomplished by providing spring means coupled to the rollers and links to urge the rollers into contact with the hose.

Abstract: A horizontally rotatable and vertically elevatable power boom and a hose support system for industrial vacuum loaders and cleaners are disclosed. The boom includes a link providing increased lifting torque about the boom hinge pin and the boom assembly is designed for minimizing the head room requirements for the vacuum machine without sacrificing payload capacity. The link also permits the boom to be locked down hydraulically for traveling. The free end of the boom supports a pulley and cradle system for supporting the vacuum cleaning hose. The cradle prevents kinking and tearing of the hose by supporting the hose at different positions along the hose length at various boom heights. When the boom is raised, the cradle automatically shifts position to support the bent portion of the hose throughout the curvature of the bend.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning or loading device of the type including a means for filtering airborne fine particulate material also includes a back-up filter system for protecting the vacuum exhauster or blower. A by-pass system may preferably be used with the back-up filtration system to protect the primary filter media when the cleaner or loader is being used for collection of liquids. The device may be self-propelled or stationary and may be used for various collecting, loading, transportation or cleaning jobs.