Abstract: A method of operating a sweeping machine, including a battery, a positioning receiver, a battery charge monitoring system and a computer, and having a cleaning and a transport mode of operation The method comprising the steps of: a) providing the computer with the location of a charging station, b) using the positioning receiver to provide the computer with the location of the sweeping machine, c) using the computer to provide an estimate of an amount of energy required to drive the sweeping machine from its location to the charging station in the transport mode, d) using the battery charge monitoring system to provide the computer with the amount of energy remaining in the battery, e) using the computer to compare the estimate with this amount of energy, and f) providing an operator notification when the amount of energy remaining in the battery falls below a predetermined amount of the estimate.

Abstract: A method of operating a sweeping machine, including a battery, a positioning receiver, a battery charge monitoring system and a computer, and having a cleaning and a transport mode of operation The method comprising the steps of: a) providing the computer with the location of a charging station, b) using the positioning receiver to provide the computer with the location of the sweeping machine, c) using the computer to provide an estimate of an amount of energy required to drive the sweeping machine from its location to the charging station in the transport mode, d) using the battery charge monitoring system to provide the computer with the amount of energy remaining in the battery, e) using the computer to compare the estimate with this amount of energy, and f) providing an operator notification when the amount of energy remaining in the battery falls below a predetermined amount of the estimate

Abstract: A road cleaning or sweeping machine (10) fitted with a dust control system using a water atomiser (42, 60). The atomiser (42, 60) creates water particles of a similar size to dust, and by entraining atomised water through the road sweeping machine's dust handling systems, i.e. from the brushes (14), through a suction pipe (20) and into a hopper (16), dust control is established. A method of improving dust separation in a hopper (16) of a road sweeping machine (10) using a water atomiser to reduce dust or a spray to wet the walls of the hopper (16).

Abstract: A three-mode control system for controlling the flow of inlet air into a supercharged spark ignition engine comprising an air expansion and compression apparatus, an inlet manifold, and an inlet port control valve for controlling the intake of air into the expansion and compression apparatus. The inlet port control includes an inlet port valve which is open at full engine load and progressively closes when the engine load is progressively reduced while the inlet manifold pressure remains above a predetermined level. An air flow throttle valve located upstream of the expansion and compression apparatus is open at full engine load and progressively closes when the engine load is progressively reduced and the inlet manifold pressure falls below the predetermined level. A bypass duct which can optionally bypass air around the expansion and compression apparatus is closed at full engine load and progressively opens when the engine load is reduced and the inlet manifold pressure falls below the predetermined level.