Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named `Cleagar gf1`, characterized by its uniform, mounded and somewhat upright growth habit; decorative-type inflorescences; bright yellow ray florets; small, but numerous inflorescences per plant; numerous ray florets per inflorescence; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct Chrysanthemum cultivar named `Chabaxo` is provided. The new cultivar was the result of a controlled breeding program. Attractive yellow double blossoms are formed in profusion as a round ball surrounding the plant. Recurrent flower production throughout the year is possible. The response period of the flowers is approximately eight weeks. When using natural flowering production, the resulting flowers from a distance resemble those having a spider form which is attributable to variation in the lengths and configurations of the ray florets. The plant possesses relatively soft stems, forms attractive dark green leaves, and commonly assumes a height of approximately 25 to 30 cm. The bright yellow blossom coloration contrasts nicely with the dark green foliage. The new cultivar is particularly well suited for use in the production of a decorative pot Chrysanthemum. No growth regulator is required to achieve the relatively short plant height.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named (`Cleagar ng1`), characterized by its uniform plant habit, vigorous and upright growth habit; pompon inflorescences; bi-colored inflorescence appearance with red bronze adaxial ray floret surfaces and pale gold abaxial ray floret surfaces; small, but numerous inflorescences per plant; numerous ray florets per inflorescence; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new, novel Caladium plant (Caladium.times.hortulanum) having enhanced tuber size, eye characteristics and disease resistant characteristics is disclosed. The new Caladium `Florida Calypso` is further characterized by forming multiple large, heart-shaped leaves, with a bright red primary, palmate vein pattern; the red of the veins suffusing into a white central irregularly shaped blotch central to the leaf. The suffused portion is pink near the veins and progressively turns whiter toward the margins. The leaf has a solid green colored margin and contain white spots or blotches inside the margin which progressively, with greater distance from the margin, become increasingly larger mottles and striations until becoming the predominating central white to pink variegation. The leaf markings characteristically vary slightly from leaf to leaf.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system .Iadd.and method .Iaddend.for changing the rates of growth of certain crystals and other solids formed within a fluid is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a variable speed motor having a shaft, and a wheel assembly mounted on the shaft. The wheel assembly includes two circular ferro-magnetic disks separated from each other on the shaft a pre-determined distance to form a gap, and a ferro-magnetic spacer member concentrically arranged about the shaft and located in the gap between the disks. An array of magnets is concentrically arranged in a circular pattern about the shaft on the inner surface of each of the disks with the polarity of the inner pole faces of the magnets on one of the disks bang the same as each other and the polarity of the inner pole faces of the magnets on the other of the disks being the same as each other but opposite to the polarity of the inner pole faces of said magnets on the one disk.

Abstract: A surface field effect integrated transistor has the surface of the silicon in the source and drain areas lowered by 50-500 nm in respect to the surface of the silicon underneath the gate electrode by etching the silicon substrate before forming the source and drain junctions.The transistor is sturdy and reliable because of the backing-off of the multiplication zone of the charge carriers from the gate oxide by a distance greater than several times the mean free path of hot carriers, thus markedly reducing the number of hot carriers available for injection in the gate oxide.The modified fabrication steps are readily integrable in a normal CMOS fabrication process.

Abstract: The invention features a circuit wherein a serially connected transistor and anti-fuse element are biased for current to flow in a first direction or the current flows in the first direction during a programming operation and biased for a current to flow in a second direction or current is flowing in the second direction during a normal circuit operation, each as a read operation, wherein the first and second directions are opposite of one another. Thus the invention facilitates the use of a low programming potential while minimizing leakage current.

Abstract: A low cost spread spectrum modulator for BPSK, or Binary Phase Shift Keying capable of outputting the high modulation rate and suppressed carrier output needed in spread spectrum systems. The present invention provides high quality BPSK modulation without the double balance mixers as required in the prior art, thereby dispensing with the necessity of complex transistor/potonciometer or diode/transformer arrangements. The present invention provides BPSK modulation utilizing only one transformer, which can be adjusted for carrier suppression and two transistors. FET's, or digital logic gates or the like, allowing the present system to be driven from low power CMOS logic levels, yet producing eight db of gain. The present invention may also be utilized as a frequency multiplier, with the utilization of the appropriately high frequency transistor, FET, digital logic gate, or the like.

Abstract: The invention is a bicycling device and method of use thereof, whereby muscle power can be more efficiently transferred from the cyclist's upper-extremities (arms) to the conventional footpedals via the cyclist's lower-extremities (legs) without need of mechanical contrivance and associated drain on fractional human-power capability. The device is attached proximally to the knee region as a method by which a cyclist may obtain a firm manual handhold, whereby the cyclist can grasp the device with his hand and proceed to exert appropriate downward-thrust or upward-thrust (during up-stroke using shoe/pedal-cleats) supplied from upper-extremities according to the regular cyclic rotation of the associated footpedal. Since upper extremity thrusting is applied directly through mechanism of the cyclist's own lower extremities, the need for manufactured mechanical contrivance and its associated weight penalty has been averted.

Abstract: A zipperless wetsuit constructed of a plurality of panels of material, some of which are stretchier than others. A majority of an upper body region of the wetsuit is constructed of panels of highly stretchable wetsuit material which utilizes a central layer of foam rubber and one or two surrounding laminates of nylon having a higher denier value than previous wetsuits. Strategic panels of the wetsuit are constructed of single nylon laminate foam rubber material which has maximum pliability and stretchability. A double-collar upper entryway allows a wearer to enter the suit without the use of a zipper. An inner collar includes an aperture which may be stretched apart to allow entry of the wearer. An outer collar extends over the head of the wearer in a continuous circle to seal the inner collar against the wearer's neck.

Abstract: A cushion for absorbing impacts from baseballs and the like. The cushion is worn beneath a glove, and comprises a base panel fabricated from leather and an absorbent panel fabricated from foam rubber. That portion formed by foam rubber overlies the upper palm of the user's hand. The leather panel extends over one finger just sufficiently far to support a band encircling that finger. The band immobilizes the cushion when worn. The band is an open loop closed by hook and loop material, thereby enabling adjustment of the circumference of the band when closed. The leather panel extends laterally to the side of the palm at which point a tether is attached. The tether retains the novel cushion together with a particular glove.

Abstract: An inflatable safety apparatus comprising an exterior shell and a chamber located inside the exterior shell. Inflation means, capable of inflating the apparatus are contained within the exterior shell. A tether is secured to the inflation means. In the event of an emergency at a high altitude location, an individual secured an end of the tether to a fixed object at the location, enters the chamber and exits the location via a window or balcony to free-fall to the ground below. As the tether becomes taught and disengages the inflation means, the inflation means are actuated and cause the exterior shell to fill with gas and inflate. When the apparatus strikes the ground, the individual contained within the chamber is unharmed due to the protective layer of gas which surrounds the chamber and is contained by the exterior shell.

Abstract: A midi weighted jacket to be worn above the breastline by athletes and healthy persons during various exercises and comprised of a front panel, back panel, shoulder panel and no sides for improving the physical fitness and general posture of a wearer over time through specific exercises. The jacket is comprised of a plurality of pockets in the front panel, back panel and shoulder panel, with each of the pockets comprising secured openings for admitting and removing weights. The jacket is equipped with a rectangular opening located about the neck area where the front panel integrally connects to the back panel, to facilitate easy access for head and neck entry, during attachment and removal of the jacket from the shoulder. The jacket is also comprised of a shoulder panel that is connected to the front panel and back panel.

Abstract: An examination gown is formed of fabric and includes six panels. Two upper body panels are joined with four lower skirt panels. The panels are seamed so that two lower side access slits are provided and front and back access slits are provided through the upper body panels.

Abstract: A garment which contains about 50 weight percent of cotton and a strip of tire rubber is durably affixed to at least one part of the garment. The strip of tire rubber has a length of at least about 20 inches, a width of from about 8 to about 14 inches, and an aspect ratio of at least about 2.5/1.

Abstract: A pet therapeutic glove for use with or without a power-operated massager is disclosed for grooming and/or massaging a pet. The glove may be used with a power-operated massager which is inserted into a pocket on the back side of the glove. The glove has openings for fingers and thumb to contact the animal and a palm side with bristles for collecting hair and/or further facilitating massaging and/or grooming the animal.

Abstract: An exercise and rehabilitation device consisting of a weighted pair of gloves, each glove having a permanently affixed weighted section on the back-hand side of the glove and paired contoured weights which encircle the end of each individual finger and thumb sleeve. The digit sleeves are open ended to expose the individuals fingertips. A hook-and-pile attachment strip on the palm of the glove is operatively associated with a hook-and-pile covered cylindrical weight which can be detachably grasped by the wearer. A weighted wrist support strap detachably secures the glove to the individual's hand.

Abstract: A glove with projections or tabs attached to the thumb and finger sheaths of the glove. The tabs can easily be grasped to provide an axial removal force along each finger sheath, thus enhancing removal of the glove from a wearer's hand. In one embodiment, each tab is an integrally formed triangular fin attached to the top portion of each glove finger at the distal-most end of the glove finger. The tabs permit the application of an axial force along each finger and have been found to be particularly effective in removing sports gloves that are provided with one-half and three-quarter finger sheaths that fit snugly around a wearer's fingers. In another embodiment, the tabs project beyond the ends of the finger sheaths.

Abstract: The sportswear undergarment for a residual leg includes an expansible waist band for encircling a waist of a wearer, a fabric seat portion connected to the waist band, a fabric abdomen portion connected to the seat portion and waist band in a manner such that the seat and abdomen portions substantially enclose the seat and abdomen of the wearer while defining a pair of oppositely disposed open surfaces, a first fabric leg portion connected to one part of the open surfaces and extending in an encircling manner therefrom to a predetermined region about one thigh and a second fabric leg portion connected to another of the open surfaces and extending in an encircling manner therefrom to a predetermined region about another thigh, wherein at least one of the leg portions further includes an enclosed end configured to conformingly receive a residual leg portion of an amputee.

Abstract: A hosiery article with moisture absorbing pads including a pair of panty hose. A pair of cotton foot pads are dimensioned for securement to an interior lower surface of a pair of foot portions of the pair of panty hose. The foot pads are disposed under the wearer's feet when wearing the pair of panty hose to absorb perspiration.

Abstract: A toy vehicle and helmet combination includes a protective helmet suitable for wearing on a user's head. The helmet, which can be suitable for riding a bicycle, includes a rigid shell with an open bottom, an upper section with one or two slots formed therein, and a lower section extending around the open bottom. Pairs of holes can be formed in the lower section with the holes of each pair located in opposite sides of the lower section and substantially aligned. A toy body section with an upper body member is mounted on top of the shell and has one or two downwardly extending connecting members sized to extend through the slots in the shell. There are also toy wheels and shafts rotatably mounting same to the helmet.

Abstract: A head protector includes two bands of material, one of which extends from beneath the chin to the top of the head, and the other of which extends from the forehead to the rear of the head. These bands are interconnected together to form a unitary device although, if desired, each band may be used individually. Each band includes padded portions which are preferably filled with a silastic gelin material which is located in areas designed to protect the eye sockets and eyes, zygoma, temporal bones and occiput which are the major bone complexes making up the lower sides and lower back of the skull. Additionally, the head protector protects the ear zygoma, the jaw and the top of the head vertex.

Abstract: The invention concerns goggles, in particular for sports and/or leisure wear, having a side piece, a curved front bar, a visor and a bridge for the nose. The side piece and the visor can be pivoted relative to each other. In the operating position they lie in different planes at an angle to each other and, in the rest position, they lie in planes substantially parallel to each other. The visor is resilient and is connected to the side piece by means of hinges or guides disposed in an eccentric or lateral area of the visor such that, when the side piece pivots towards the visor, the latter is resiliently deformed and is adapted to the shape of the front bar. If non-resilient visors are provided, the bridge connecting them is resilient and deformed resiliently when the side piece is pivoted towards the visors. In this way, the visors are moved into the desired operating position.

Abstract: A spine protector comprising a garment formed of a stretch-type material to provide a close fit about the trunk of a wearer is disclosed, the garment including means for receiving and retaining an elongate segmented member in a position substantially along the median line of the dorsal panel of the garment, whereby the garment, when worm, holds the segmented member tightly against the spine of the wearer. The elongate segmented member comprises a generally linear array of segments configured so as to allow said member to flex in the manner of a human spinal column.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism capable of making fluidic damping action ineffective or reducing fluidic damping action to the least possible extent so that the seat or the seat lid of a toilet bowl can be lightly raised when raising the seat or the seat lid, holds in the seat or the seat lid in a self-supporting state. Fluidic damping action is so that the seat or the seat lid can be turned gently when turning the seat or the seat lid to its fully lowered position and prevent damaging a fluid damping mechanism by overloading.

Abstract: A toilet seat includes a substantially rigid lid coupled to a pliant top. The seat seals against the rim of the standard toilet bowl and forms a pressure-adjustable cavity with the bowl and the surface of the water. Once sealed, the seat is pumped to inject air into the cavity, thereby increasing the pressure in the cavity to cause a flush operation. The lid and top each have one way pressure valves permitting air to flow into the cavity as the top is pumped. In another embodiment, the toilet has a standard toilet seat and is connected to a vacuum source via a selectively operable valve. The valve is selectively operable between an open state and a closed state, the open state creating a fluid communication path between the vacuum source and the void volume, the closed state providing a substantially airtight seal between the void volume and the vacuum source.

Abstract: An emergency shower apparatus comprising a deluge shower positioned in the vicinity of a wall, a removable access panel, a valve located behind the access panel having an open position and a closed position, and a shower control lever movable between an open position, in which the valve is open, and a closed position, in which the valve is closed, wherein the shower control lever does not project substantially from the wall when the shower control means is in the closed position.

Abstract: A tent-like structure to partially enshroud the space between an upper and lower mattress of a bunk bed; the structure is composed of panels suspended from the bed about the upper mattress which extend at least to the lower mattress.

Abstract: An audiometric crib for infants includes a housing having a floor and walls upstanding from the floor, and a door connected to the housing and adapted to move between an open position for moving an infant into and out of the housing and a closed position for isolating the infant from ambient noise and for conducting auditory tests on the infant. Ventilators are provided for directing air into the housing and exhausting air from the housing. Means are provided in one or more of the walls for accommodating in an air-tight manner a transmission line for introducing controlled acoustic signals from outside the crib to the infant in the crib, and for carrying signals from a sensor on the infant in the crib to instrumentation outside of the crib.

Abstract: A modular RV furniture apparatus includes a platform, a U-shaped frame having enlargements formed at its leg extremities for insertion through selected socket openings of the platform. A key panel movable under the platform has key openings formed therein for locking the frame in place with the enlargements blocked by the key openings. The leg extremities of the frame are spaced at a distance D, pairs of the socket openings also being spaced at the distance D for permitting the frame to be selectively engaged with the platform and locked in place in a plurality of fixed positions. At least some socket openings are spaced at a center spacing S that is a submultiple of the distance D, a back-support on the frame having a width W being the distance D plus a multiple of the spacing S. A manual or powered locking device holds the key panel in the locked position, an electrical interlock deactivating a vehicle ignition circuit when the key panel is not in the locked position.

Abstract: A headrest which can be used on an operating table to maintain the head of a supine, unconscious patient in steady position for the surgeon to conduct an operation is described. The headrest has a low profile to provide maximum unobstructed access to the top, forehead, sides and face of the head. The headrest includes two, tapered, elongated lobes rigidly spaced apart in a V-shape configuration which allows one headrest to fit many different size heads. In use, the patient's head is wedged at points of tangency between the lobes. The V-shape configuration also permits the surgeon to easily adjust the head position to a new, steady position with only minor head movement, and therefore, reduced risk of dislodging the patient's breathing tube.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for placing a cover or coat on a mattress spring core assembly. The cover has a first cover portion and a second cover portion. Each cover portion is generally padded and has an attached annular skirt for covering the sides of the spring core assembly. The cover portions are fitted with fasteners having hook shaped ends which extend away from the attached cover and protrude inwardly for attaching the top and bottom cover portions to the top and bottom portions of the spring core assembly. After the first and second cover portions are attached to the spring core assembly, the annular skirts are connected together to completely enclose the spring core assembly.

Abstract: An integrated modular ice axe head is disclosed including a first base member fixedly attached to a handle and a second base member, attachable to the first base member, which has an accessory, such as a hammer head or adze formed integrally therewith. Preferably, the two base members form a receiving slot when they are attached to one another for receiving and holding the base of an accessory, such as an ice pick. Because the first and second base members can move toward and away from one another before attachment is completed, the receiving slot is of variable width and facilitates pieces having loose tolerances.

Abstract: A laundry washing machine in which a suitable level of water is automatically determined for any particular load size. The machine is operated to first determine an initial estimation of the clothes load and to then fill to a water level suitable to the initial load estimation. The machine is then operated in such a way to check if the estimated water level is actually sufficient for the clothes load, essentially by determining the resulting load on the laundry machine motor. If the water level is found to be insufficient, then more water is added before the checking routine is carried out once again. When the water level is determined to be suitable for the clothes load, washing is commenced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of adaptively filling a washing machine uses a water level signal from an analog pressure sensor to determine the appropriate fill level of the machine. A fuzzy logic knowledge base uses various inputs which are scaled and added together to create an output value. The inputs to the fuzzy logic knowledge base include the current pre-defined level, the Ross input, the last rate difference value, and the peak rate level. The present invention may also be used to determine the fabric type of the clothing in the washing machine.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine includes a plurality of injection nozzles for linearly injecting a washing liquid toward laundry in a drum which is rotatable about a horizontal shaft. The drum type washing machine includes decision unit for deciding an amplitude of vibration which is detected based on vibration detected at a predetermined low rotation speed and a controller for controlling a drive unit that applies a driving force of forward/reverse rotation to a drum to correct localization of laundry in the drum. A drum type dryer includes a refrigerating cycle provided to an air-circulating line between a discharge port and a hot air supply port of a drum, and performs air-conditioning of outer air. A drum type washing machine includes a controller for controlling a drive unit to rotate a drum once or the plural number of times at a high speed to dehydrate laundry heated by hot air in an initial period of drying.

Abstract: A drying method for a drum-type washing machine includes the steps of: draining water from a load of laundry by maintaining a predetermined drying speed for a predetermined time in an initial drying step performed during a drying stroke of the drum-type washing machine; and sensing whether an eccentricity exists after expiration of a predetermined time and, if the eccentricity is not sensed, accelerating the drying speed to accomplish drying of the laundry. The drying method prevents a drum of the washing machine from generating a flushing noise in the case where an imbalance occurs during drying, and also prevents the laundry from becoming crumpled from sticking to the drum at the end of the drying procedure.

Abstract: Device comprising a conveyor designed to transport trays some of which have lasts covered with uppers and soles. The claimed device comprises: a table having several tracks perpendicular to the conveyor and each track is provided with a device for transferring a tray between the conveyor and a remote reference position; the tracks being designed to receive trays with uppers and soles; a transfer robot located on the side of the table opposite the conveyor; a press located on one side of the robot; and a manual station, for assembling uppers and soles, located on the opposite side of the robot.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for spanning between a first lower surface and a second relatively elevated upper surface defined by a structure has an elongated runner that is supported in an inclined orientation, wherein the runner extends between the upper and lowers surfaces at an angle relative to the lower surface, by a support member attached to the runner and having a first portion thereof configured for engaging the upper surface. The assembly further includes an adjustable retainer for releasably securing the plank in its oblique orientation, wherein the retainer is connectable between the runner and the structure.

Abstract: A self-contained swimming pool vacuum includes a submersible vacuum head having a housing including opposing symmetrical halves which attach together to define an elongate vacuum mouth at a bottom end, a discharge opening at the opposite upper ends and a thrust channel extending therebetween. A motor supported within the thrust channel when the symmetrical halves of the housing are joined together, drives a propeller to create a thrust through the housing from the vacuum mouth through the thrust channel and out from the discharge opening at the top of the housing. A catch bag, removably secured to the top discharge opening, collects debris sucked through the vacuum mouth. First and second primary wheels are rotatably mounted on opposite ends of the housing, adjacent the vacuum mouth, to provide a cantilever effect when maneuvering the vacuum head along a surface.

Abstract: A rotary floor machine having a base, a pole handle, a pole structure, a handlebar, a trigger bar, and a lock-out device. The pole handle is pivotally secured to the base and is movable between a vertical position and a rear angular position. The pole structure is secured to the pole handle. The handlebar is secured to the pole structure so as to be substantially perpendicular to the pole handle. The trigger bar controls the starting and stopping of the rotary floor machine and is mounted to the handlebar so as to be movable between proximate and distal positions relative to the handlebar. The trigger bar starts the rotary floor machine when in the proximate position and stops the rotary floor machine when in the distal position. The lock-out device has an element that is movable between a blocking position and an un-blocking position in response to movement of the pole handle between the vertical position and the rear angular position.

Abstract: A modified mop head and a handle for holding the mop head is described. The invention comprises a mop handle which has a flexible tubular band with at least one open end. The invention further comprises a mop head which is curved, also has at least one open end and is of substantially slightly larger size than the interior size of the tubular band so that when the mop head is placed within the tubular band it flexes the tubular band and is then held by the action of the tubular band attempting to go back to its pre-flexed position.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a brush part and a hollow handle part exhibiting an axial bearing, a coupling rod, which is slidably mounted in the axial bearing and which is connected to the brush part, a return spring, which is pretensioned on the coupling rod in the direction of the handle part opposite the brush part, and a latching device for rotationally locking the coupling end of the brush part and the coupling end of the handle part. A securing device serves to prevent axial motion of the coupling rod. A first part of the securing device is associated with the coupling rod and a second part of the securing device is associated with the handle part. The second part of the securing device is movable between a securement setting and a release setting and is pretensioned by a spring in the direction of the securement setting. An actuating device in the wall of the handle part serves to actuate the second part of the securing device.

Abstract: An optical connector cleaner includes a cloth for cleaning a ferrule end surface, a casing for protecting the cloth provided with a portion for inspecting a ferrule end surface, a guide member arranged in the casing and formed with a plurality of various-shaped holes into which a ferrule can be inserted and moved therealong, and a unit of moving guide member, by which it is possible not only to accommodate and clean various shapes of the ferrule end surfaces, but also to inspect the cleaned ferrule end surface at optical connector junction job sites or in the manufacturing process thereof.

Abstract: A connector member which connects a primary lever of a wiperblade having spaced parallel side walls at lengthwise central portion of the primary lever and a pivot pin extending between the side walls with a U-shaped tip end of a wiperarm, in which the connector member comprises spaced parallel side walls for slidably engaging with the side walls of the primary lever, a body portion integrally connecting the side walls, a transverse opening formed in the body portion for pivotally receiving the pivot pin, and a through opening formed in the body portion and extending vertically at the location rearward of the pivot pin or in the direction toward the base end of the wiperarm.

Abstract: A debris removal system removes debris from a work site by flowing fluid away from the work site toward the periphery of a structure. The fluid flow can be kept constant around the periphery so that debris is removed evenly. The structure can have a reduced cross section between the fluid inlet and the work site so that the resulting increased fluid velocity works to prevent debris from escaping.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and system for cleaning the interior of conduits, gun barrels, or pipes, including drain pipes. The pipe cleaning device of the present invention is capable of (a) penetrating and removing restrictions that block flow, (b) scouring the interior wall of conduits or pipes to remove the buildup of undesirable solids that result in flow restriction, and (c) coating the wall of the pipe with a suitable substance. The present invention comprises a connecting member housed within a bendable or flexible conduit, a retraction handle attached to one end of the connecting member, and elastic or flexible strands attached to the opposite end of said connecting member. The strands are outwardly expandable in a radial dimension when said connecting member is retracted. The system of the present invention further comprises a pressure/suction source coupled to the conduit.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improvement to a movable floor cleaning machine with integral clean and dirty liquid compartments which are separated from each other by a solid partition with an opening which allows liquid to pass through, and is provided with a closure member which can be opened. By virtue of the improvement, the floor cleaning machine is easy to handle and functions reliably both for recycling cleaning liquids and in normal operation. The closure member which can be opened is a valve body which is resiliently urged from one side of the partition towards the edge of the opening in the closed position. On the other side, and in the region of the opening, the partition is provided with a tubular coupling connection to one end of which a tubular coupling with an associated filter can be coupled.

Abstract: A clean fan debris collecting apparatus is disclosed in which the suction of debris is performed by an entrained stream of air (34). The apparatus comprises a motor (24) which drives an impeller (20) which generates at air steam which is directed down an air supply duct (6). The air stream is then directed into a collecting duct (4) through an air inlet (8) which is located adjacent to a collecting mouth (5) of the collecting duct. The air stream, upon entering the collecting duct (4) generates the entrained stream of air (34) which sucks debris into the collecting mouth (5) and transports it up the collecting duct (4) to a collecting bag (30). An air stream dispersing apparatus (26) is located adjacent to the air inlet (8) to disperse the air stream as it enters to collecting duct (4). This dispersion improves the efficiency with which the entrained stream of air can be generated. Alternatively the air inlet (8) can be formed to include the static air dispersing apparatus.

Abstract: Waste collection apparatus 10 comprises a first fluid duct 12 having an inlet at 14. A fan 16 creates a first fluid flow path 18 to draw waste material into the inlet 14, for collection. A second duct 20 directs air back along the periphery of the flow path 18 to deflect waste material up into the main path 18. Rotating air jets 32 are located near the inlet 14 to sweep an area to either side of the vehicle, to deflect waste material in to the path 18. The apparatus includes a compactor, which can be used alone.