Abstract: An improved regenerative flow sweeping system for road and pavement sweeper vehicles includes first and second filter compartments as part of the recirculation loop in which the debris-entrained air is conducted from the intake hood into an initial separation compartment where some of the debris is removed from the air flow with the remaining air flow directed alternatively through one or the other of the first and second filter compartments for a selected period of time during which time finer particulates accumulate on the surface of the filter media. Thereafter, the air flow is redirected to the other filter compartment while pneumatic valves in the first filter compartment are selectively actuated to direct one or more pulses of compressed air into the filter media of the first filter compartment to remove accumulated particles on the filter media and effective “reverse flush” or purge the filter media.

Abstract: An elevatable multi-function signboard system for highway vehicles, such as pavement/roadway sweepers, carries a warning/signal system that can be moved between a lowered position and an elevated position. In the lowered position, the signboard also functions to cover and protect auxiliary equipment mounted at the rear of the vehicle. The signboard is mounted to the vehicle by a multiple bar linkage and raised and lowered by a hydraulic cylinder arrangement under the control of the vehicle operator. The multiple bar linkage allows the signboard to swing-out rearwardly of the vehicle as the signboard is raised to effectively uncover any auxiliary equipment carried on the sweeper.

Abstract: A high-lift lateral dump system for pavement/street sweepers (20) includes a debris container (30) positioned between laterally adjacent lift assemblies (40R, 40F), each lift assembly (40R, 40F) including a vertically extending upright (42), a lift arm (44) that is pivoted at one end to upper end of the upright (42), and a single-ended double-acting hydraulic lift cylinder (46) that functions to raise and lower the lift arm (44). A torque control mechanism (48) minimizes mis-phasing between the lift cylinders (46) of each lift assembly (40R, 40F), and a manual safety stop mechanism (50) allows an operator to selectively lock the debris container (30) and the related structural components in the lifted position. An attitude-control system uses hydraulic fluid from the rod end (46r) of the lift cylinder (46) to maintain the debris container (30) in a horizontal or near horizontal attitude during the lift cycle.

Abstract: A high maneuverability riding turf sweeper (8) includes a debris-intake hood (13) that is mounted forwardly of a wheeled chassis (41) upon which the major components, including an engine (42) and a hydraulic pump (27) for powering the sweeper (8) are mounted. A radial-flow fan assembly (10) creates an air recirculation loop by which debris picked-up by the debris-intake hopper (13) is deposited into a debris-containment hopper (43). The hopper (43) is pivotally mounted adjacent its upper end and its contents can be dumped by raising the hopper (43) about its pivot (49) to provide an efficient high-dump capability.

Abstract: A gutter broom (8) for a pavement sweeper is defined by an annular brush disc (24) having a central opening and from which a series of equi-spaced conventional bristle blocks (11) are removably secured. A downwardly depending air foil (18) is secured to the underside of the annular brush disc (24) between each bristle block (11). A series of equi-spaced radially aligned fan blades (17) are secured to the opposite side of the annular brush disc (24) and function to define a radial flow fan. A stationary fan scroll (20) is formed over and contains the radial flow fan and includes an air flow outlet (23). When the gutter broom (8) is rotated, the air foils (18) function to draw ambient air and any entrained dust/debris into the brush structure with the resultant air streams directed to the radial fan structure, which, in turn, directs the dust/debris laden air stream to the outlet (23).

Abstract: A pavement sweeping apparatus includes an angled, counter-rotating transverse roller broom followed by a high pressure/high velocity and full-width blast of air to remove particles too small for the broom to sweep up. The roller shaped broom has auger wound bristles causing dynamic propulsion of objects that come in contact with the surface of the rotating broom. The objects are forced by mechanical action, both by the windrow effect of the transverse angle of the broom and, additionally, by the augering action of the helical wound broom bristles to propel object toward an exhaust port of the powerhood for further transfer into a storage bin.

Abstract: A brake for use in connection with wheels, such as truck casters. The brake structure is adapted to be added to existing truck casters as well as original equipment. The brake permits facilitated operation. The brake includes an operating member which engages a cam member having opposed oppositely inclined cam surfaces defined by side flanges thereof to provide facilitated braking action.