Abstract: A brush for a mechanized sweeper of a paved surface includes a first portion of a tire. The first portion of the tire has a sidewall and tread generally perpendicular to the sidewall. An edge between the sidewall and the tread. The edge forms a circle around the outermost portion of the sidewall. The tread further has a plurality of first slits extending from the edge across the tread such that flaps are formed in the tread. When the portion of the tire is rotated, the portion of the tire is configured to brush the paved surface.

Abstract: A hood for a mechanized sweeper has dual portions connected via a mating surface and includes several downward depending flaps for increasing volumetric efficiency of defined vacuum plenum. The three flaps consist of a front flap, a middle flap, and a rear flap, and are of a cartridge type to facilitate replacement. The front and rear flaps are adjustable to allow for lowering of these two flaps in the event of wear due to friction against a paved road surface. A mechanism for raising the leading edge of the hood is also provided.

Abstract: A hood for a mechanized sweeper comprises an upper surface, an adjustable front flap, an adjustable rear flap, and end skirts. The adjustable front flap is configured to extend perpendicularly downward from the upper surface. The adjustable rear flap is configured to extend perpendicularly downward from the upper surface. The end skirts are configured to extend perpendicularly downward from the upper surface and further configured to extend perpendicular from the front flap and the rear flap such that the adjustable front and rear flaps are adjusted to maintain a depth equal to the depth of the end skirts.

Abstract: A flap for a hood on a mechanized sweeper comprises a cartridge, a rubber member, and connectors. The cartridge is configured to extend perpendicularly downward from an upper surface on the hood. The rubber member is configured to attach to the cartridge and further configured to extend perpendicularly downward from the upper surface of the hood in line with the cartridge. The connectors are configured to attach the cartridge to the hood such that the rubber member extends downward to a depth equal to the depth of the hood.

Abstract: A device for a mechanized sweeper includes a hood and a moveable connector. The hood has a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion of the hood is configured to attach to the sweeper. The moveable connector is configured to connect the hood to the sweeper. The connector is configured to lift the front portion of the hood.

Abstract: A flap for a hood on a mechanized sweeper comprises a rubber member and connectors. The rubber member has a horizontal portion configured to overlay an upper surface of the hood and attach to the hood. The rubber member further has a vertical portion configured to extend perpendicularly downward from the upper surface of the hood. The connectors are configured to attach the horizontal portion of the rubber member to the hood such that the vertical portion of the rubber member extends downward to a depth equal to the depth of the hood.