Abstract: A debris collection system for a floor cleaning machine includes a motorized cleaning head attached to a frame of the floor cleaning machine, a carriage attached to the frame, a debris tray, and a de-watering system. The debris tray is removably receivable within the carriage and is positioned to receive debris thrown from the motorized cleaning head. The de-watering system includes a liquid extracting component, a tray tubing section, a main tubing section, a waste recovery tank supported on the frame and a vacuum in vacuum communication with the main tubing section. The liquid extracting component is attached to the debris tray and is configured to extract liquid from within the debris tray. The tray tubing section has a first end that is coupled to the liquid extracting component and a second end that is mounted in fixed relation to the debris tray.

Abstract: A rider surface maintenance vehicle with variable dynamic braking, in contrast to a mechanically-engaged braking system that uses a brake cable. A brake pedal engages a sensor that encodes the pedal position as an electronic signal. The electronic signal, along with the vehicle velocity, determines a machine deceleration rate, or braking rate, either by calculation, lookup table, or a combination of the two. The braking rate may be tuned so that the of the brake mimics or approximates the feel of a conventional mechanically-engaged brake that uses a brake cable. During stopping, once the vehicle passes below a threshold velocity, a parking brake is automatically engaged. The braking rate is converted to a duty cycle, and the braking is preferably accomplished by pulse width modulation (PWM) of an electrical load applied in parallel to the motor.

Abstract: A debris collection system for a floor cleaning machine includes a motorized cleaning head attached to a frame of the floor cleaning machine, a carriage attached to the frame, a debris tray, and a de-watering system. The debris tray is removably receivable within the carriage and is positioned to receive debris thrown from the motorized cleaning head. The de-watering system includes a liquid extracting component, a tray tubing section, a main tubing section, a waste recovery tank supported on the frame and a vacuum in vacuum communication with the main tubing section. The liquid extracting component is attached to the debris tray and is configured to extract liquid from within the debris tray. The tray tubing section has a first end that is coupled to the liquid extracting component and a second end that is mounted in fixed relation to the debris tray.

Abstract: A method for reducing engine fuel consumption of an electro-motive vehicle during braking, the method including steps for providing an engine for the vehicle, generating primary electric power at a primary electric power generator connected to the engine, generating primary electric power at a secondary electric power generator connected to the engine, operating a plurality of electric traction motors each coupled in driving relationship to a respective one of a plurality of driven wheels to propel the vehicle during motoring operations and to generate electricity upon braking operations of the vehicle, electrically connecting a braking switch between the traction motors and the primary electric power generator, applying braking, closing the braking switch, and transmitting power generated by the traction motors to the primary electric power generator to operate as a motor to rotate the engine and drive the secondary electric power generator to power the auxiliary equipment without fueling the engine.

Abstract: A rider surface maintenance vehicle with variable dynamic braking, in contrast to a mechanically-engaged braking system that uses a brake cable. A brake pedal engages a sensor that encodes the pedal position as an electronic signal. The electronic signal, along with the vehicle velocity, determines a machine deceleration rate, or braking rate, either by calculation, lookup table, or a combination of the two. The braking rate may be tuned so that the of the brake mimics or approximates the feel of a conventional mechanically-engaged brake that uses a brake cable. During stopping, once the vehicle passes below a threshold velocity, a parking brake is automatically engaged. The braking rate is converted to a duty cycle, and the braking is preferably accomplished by pulse width modulation (PWM) of an electrical load applied in parallel to the motor.

Abstract: A dynamic braking system for a vehicle, the system comprising an engine, an alternator, a plurality of alternating current (AC) electric traction motors, each coupled in driving relationship to a respective one of a plurality of driven wheels, a plurality of power inverters where each of the traction motors has excitation windings coupled in circuit with a corresponding one of the plurality of power inverters, a fuel-free dynamic braking controller, a fuel-free dynamic braking transfer switch located between one of the plurality of traction motors and the one of the plurality of power inverters in circuit with the corresponding one of the plurality of power inverters, wherein the one of the plurality of traction motors in circuit with the corresponding one of the plurality of power inverters that is separated by the fuel-free dynamic braking transfer switch does not generate and does not consume power, and wherein the fuel-free dynamic braking controller commands one of the plurality of power inverters that i

Abstract: A dynamic braking system for a vehicle, the system comprising an engine, an alternator, a plurality of alternating current (AC) electric traction motors, each coupled in driving relationship to a respective one of a plurality of driven wheels, a plurality of power inverters where each of the traction motors has excitation windings coupled in circuit with a corresponding one of the plurality of power inverters, a fuel-free dynamic braking controller, a fuel-free dynamic braking transfer switch located between one of the plurality of traction motors and the one of the plurality of power inverters in circuit with the corresponding one of the plurality of power inverters, wherein the one of the plurality of traction motors in circuit with the corresponding one of the plurality of power inverters that is separated by the fuel-free dynamic braking transfer switch does not generate and does not consume power, and wherein the fuel-free dynamic braking controller commands one of the plurality of power inverters that i

Abstract: An enhanced split cooling system and method for a turbocharged internal combustion engine including a liquid cooled turbocharger 19 and an engine liquid coolant jacket 18, the system comprising a coolant pump 12 for pumping coolant from a coolant storage tank 16 in heat exchange relationship with the engine jacket 18 and turbocharger 19; an oil cooler 32 having coolant input and output lines; a valve assembly 74, 83 including a multi-port rotary valve actuated by a single actuator; a first coolant output line connected for conveying coolant from the engine to the valve assembly 74, 83; a radiator 22 connected via a second coolant line for receiving coolant from the valve assembly 74, 83 and having a coolant outflow line to return coolant to the coolant tank 16; an intercooler 28 operatively associated with the turbocharger 19 for passing the coolant in hear exchange relationship with compressed air in the turbocharger 19; a lube oil subcooler 46 coupled by a third coolant flow line to receive coolant from the

Abstract: An enhanced split cooling system and method for a turbocharged internal combustion engine including a liquid cooled turbocharger 19 and an engine liquid coolant jacket 18, the system comprising a coolant pump 12 for pumping coolant from a coolant storage tank 16 in heat exchange relationship with the engine jacket 18 and turbocharger 19; an oil cooler 32 having coolant input and output lines; a valve assembly 74, 83 including a multi-port rotary valve actuated by a single actuator; a first coolant output line connected for conveying coolant from the engine to the valve assembly 74, 83; a radiator 22 connected via a second coolant line for receiving coolant from the valve assembly 74, 83 and having a coolant outflow line to return coolant to the coolant tank 16; an intercooler 28 operatively associated with the turbocharger 19 for passing the coolant in hear exchange relationship with compressed air in the turbocharger 19; a lube oil subcooler 46 coupled by a third coolant flow line to receive coolant from the

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved centering of a workpiece in a surfacing machine includes centering assembly having a plurality of individually movable biasing element sets, comprising an upper element and a lower element. Each element set is operatively connected to a closed circuit, double rod end hydraulic cylinder assembly which selectively and independently positions the element set responsive to the surface to the workpiece. The hydraulic cylinder assembly includes a valve. A pressure device is also operatively connected to each element set to provide a centering force. In use, as the upper or lower element of an element set is forced away from the centerline of the workpiece, the opposing element would automatically move the same amount when the valve is closed. When the valve is open, the upper and lower elements are free to move independently, allowing the centerline to be easily positioned as desired.

Abstract: A cooling system (10) for a turbocharged locomotive engine (12) including a two stage intercooler (20) for conditioning the combustion air (16). A first coolant loop (32) includes a first stage intercooler (38), the engine coolant passages (22), a radiator (34), a first tank (36), an oil cooler (30), and a first pump (40). A second coolant loop (42) includes a second stage intercooler (44) a subcooler (48), a second tank (46), and a second pump (50). A fluid connection is provided between the first coolant loop (32) and the second coolant loop (42) to provide heat there between during conditions of overcooling of the second coolant loop (42). Flow control valves forming a portion of first coolant loop (32) may be embodied in a single rotor-sleeve flow control valve (130).

Abstract: A cooling system for a turbo-charged internal combustion engine utilizing a unified flow control valve capable of changing the mode of operation of the system in response to a varying heat demand. The unified flow control valve may be a solenoid operated slider valve having a cylinder with connections to the engine water jacket outlet, the intercooler inlet, the radiator inlet and outlet, and the water tank, and a piston having rows of openings which when aligned with the cylinder connections provide flow paths corresponding to various modes of operation.

Abstract: An enhanced split cooling system for a turbocharger and an engine includes an oil cooler, a three-way valve assembly and a four-way valve assembly for controlling the flow of coolant, and radiators and subcoolers, for controlling coolant temperature. The valve assemblies are independently controllable to direct coolant through an oil cooler and a turbocharger intercooler either directly from the engine if the oil cooler and intercooler require heating or from the radiators and subcoolers if the oil cooler and intercooler require cooling. Depending upon the engine operating temperature, the valve assemblies can be configured to establish at least three different coolant processing modes.