Abstract: An automated (robotic) floor cleaner (100) is adapted to allow sterile cleaning of sensitive environments, such as hospital room. In particular, the floor-cleaner chassis (124) is redesigned to be mounted on a deck (102) containing cleaning devices that contact the floor. The cleaning devices mounted on the deck (102) include vacuum head (132), brushes (120), cleaning fluid sprays (128), and conceivably sanitizing devices such as UV germicidal light, are provided pre-sterilized. As such, the adapted floor-cleaner chassis (124) allows the deck (102) to be mounted to the bottom of the chassis (124), the floor-cleaner (100) is then used to clean a floor, after which, the deck (102) is removed from the chassis (124) and disposed. The robotic-floor cleaner (100) and sterilization system cleans floor between or even during cases. Further, the robotic floor cleaner (100) reduces the “turnover time” required between cases, as it operates simultaneously while the staff prepares the room for the next case.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for suction of waste and contaminating substances from the ground of the type used in machines for cleaning roads and similar, comprising a suction pipe (2) and a recirculation pipe (3), the device comprising: an inlet aperture (2a) of the suction pipe (2a) and an outlet aperture (3a) of the recirculation pipe (3); the outlet aperture (3a) being a slot surrounding the inlet aperture (2a) near the ground; the device further comprising a system for adjustment (12) of the distance from the ground consisting of an articulated quadrilateral (13), a fluid dynamic cylinder (14) and at least one castor (15) in contact with the ground.

Abstract: An electrically driven single-drive-axis vehicle with a platform for a driver, driven about a common wheel axis, which provides the single-drive-axis to improve its handling and its range of uses. The vehicle includes at least one attachment, the attachment being connected to the single-axle vehicle pivotably about at least one first attachment axis.

Abstract: A pick-up head for a mobile sweeping vehicle comprises a housing defining a substantially hollow interior and a suctioning bottom opening for suctioning dust and small debris. A suctioning front opening is disposed in the front of the housing for receiving debris into the substantially hollow interior of the housing. A door is mounted on the pick-up head for selectively opening and closing the suctioning front opening. A dust and debris outlet in the housing permits dust and debris to be suctioned from the substantially hollow interior. A gutter broom is mounted within the housing adjacent one end, for sweeping dust and small debris inwardly from the selected one of the left end and the right end and towards the dust and debris outlet. An opening in the housing at the selected end permits the gutter broom to extend beyond the end of the housing, thus allowing the gutter broom to sweep against a curb, for sweeping dust and small debris towards a central path.

Abstract: A road sweeper includes a blower housing having an opening, a hopper having an opening, and the openings being in axial alignment when the hopper and blower housing are each in a sweeping position thereof. The blower housing is biased for tilting movement from its sweeping position to an inclined dump position upon relative movement of the hopper to preclude abrasion, wear and damage to an O-ring seal disposed between the openings. The blower housing can also be moved to a third repair position in which components thereof are accessible from the cab side of the sweeper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cleaning a ground surface of artificial turf with filler, comprising a frame, moving and supporting means arranged on the frame for the purpose of moving the device over the ground surface, and processing means arranged on the frame for processing a flow of material taken up from the ground surface, such as dirt and filler, wherein the processing' means comprise: a take-up means, a separating means, a collecting means, a feedback means. The invention is characterized in that the processing means further comprise a dust suction device, wherein the dust suction device comprises at least a pump means for creating an underpressure and a dust inlet which is connected to a suction side of the pump means and which is arranged in the vicinity of the separating means in the device.

Abstract: A vacuum assembly module mountable to a work machine attachment for providing dust-reducing capabilities is provided. The vacuum assembly module is a self-supported unit and can be mountable to work machine attachments such as rotary brooms, cold planers, and the like to retrofit the attachment with dust-reducing capabilities. The vacuum assembly module includes a central frame that provides an air flow passage. The central frame supports a filter and a fan within the air flow passage. A fan motor operably drives the fan to draw air through the air flow passage and filter. The fan motor is operably connected to an auxiliary power source, such as a work machine. An optional vibrator may be included for operably shaking and dislodging debris from the filter. The vacuum assembly module may be attached to a debris collecting bin to form a vacuum having a hose.

Abstract: A scraper truck includes a main scraper mounted to a wheeled vehicle and side scrapers pivoted to the main scraper at its ends. The side scrapers are pivotally movable between extended lateral positions where the side scrapers extend outboard of the opposite ends for collecting debris located outboard of the vehicle's width, and a retracted position where the side scrapers are in overlapped juxtaposed storage positions close to and in front of the main scraper. The main scraper has a front face that is concavely shaped. The scraper mount defines a vertical pivot axis and the scraper assembly is rotatable about the vertical pivot axis upon striking an object toward an end of the scraper. A biasing mechanism is provided for biasing the scraper toward a centered forwardly-facing position, and a shear pin is configured to break prior to damage to the scraper or vehicle frame.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle comprising: a chassis (1a) extending in a longitudinal direction (1b) and with lateral sides (1c) parallel to the longitudinal direction (1b); a storage apparatus (5) for a fuel gas; an engine (2) utilizing fuel gas; wheels (2a) at least partly driven by the engine (2); driving means (14); a container (3) for refuse and pollutants; and conveying members (4) suitable to convey refuse and pollutants towards the container (3); the container (3) having side panels (3a) provided with recesses (15) expanding inward and extending above the lateral sides (1c); and the storage apparatus (5) comprising a plurality of tanks disposed in the recesses (15) and supported by the chassis (1a). The recesses (15) are also provided with connecting walls suitable to facilitate the flow of refuse inside said container (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning a ground surface of synthetic grass and a filler comprising a frame (4), moving and supporting means (5) arranged on the frame (4) for moving the apparatus over the ground surface, cleaning means for the filler arranged on the frame (4), wherein the cleaning means comprise at least one cleaning space for the filler and an air pump (14), wherein a suction side of the air pump (14) is connected to the cleaning space, wherein supply means (25-29, 30) are arranged on the frame for supplying the filler to the cleaning means. Moreover, a pressure side of the air pump is connected to the supply means.

Abstract: A robotic vacuum cleaner is disclosed in the present invention, which comprises a controller, at least a driving wheel module, and a dust-collecting module. The controller is disposed on a housing plate. The driving wheel module, electrically connecting to the controller, further includes: a driver; a wheel connecting to the output shaft of the driver; a linkage rod, having two ends pivotally fixed on the housing plate and the driver respectively; and a resilience element, having two ends pivotally connected to the housing plate and the driver respectively. The dust-collecting module, disposed on the housing plate, is capable of vacuuming for filtering and collecting dust.

Abstract: An apparatus for collection and reduction of yard debris combining a frontally facing vacuum pick up with a chipper-shredder-blower unit to induce airflow for entraining debris collected at the vacuum pick up; reduce the entrained debris to a more manageable volume; impel the reduced debris to a two-stage free-flow-separator device for removing the debris from the air in which it is entrained; and deposit the debris in a detachable accumulator for subsequent dumping.

Abstract: A cartridge is disclosed comprising a reel-to-reel roll of cleaning material, for use in a hand-held or robotic cleaning device. The cartridge provides either an electrostatic dust cloth or wet mop, and includes a fluid reservoir for maintaining the wet mop cloth during use. A dust bin is also provided on the cartridge, and includes a hinged lid for providing selective access to the dust inside of the bin. A motor, optical sensor, and fluid pump inside of a cleaning apparatus control the operation of the reel-to-reel cloth, and control fluid delivery to the wet cloth.

Abstract: Extraction surface cleaning wherein a cleaning liquid is applied to a surface to be cleaned and extracted to remove the soiled cleaning fluid from the surface, and the surface is heated prior to or concurrent with the application of the cleaning fluid to the surface. A method and apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A hopper opening mechanism for a hopper in a suction sweeping machine, the opening mechanism comprising an actuator mechanism for opening the hopper for cleaning of the hopper, wherein the actuator mechanism rotates a lid or door of the hopper and a base of or a mesh screen for a cyclone unit for cleaning of otherwise inaccessible surfaces of the machine. A tipping mechanism for the hopper inverts and raises the hopper for tipping out the contents of the hopper At the same time, the door and mesh screen are opened for facilitating the cleaning of the inside of the hopper.

Abstract: There is disclosed a self-propelled apparatus for cleaning roads and urban areas, having a longitudinal axis (1a) and comprising: propulsion and control members (2) including wheels and steering means (3) defining an axis of steering (3b) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (1a) and passing through the centre of turning (3a) of the wheels; an accumulation system (8) on the ground of the refuse comprising brushes (11) defining a reference line (10a) transverse to the longitudinal axis (1a); and a collection system (12) to suck up the refuse comprising a collection inlet (13) positioned at ground level; the steering means (3), the accumulation system (8) and the collection system (12) being predisposed suitably to dispose said axis of steering (3a) in a position intersecting a segment (15) parallel to the longitudinal axis (1a) and extending between the collection inlet (13) and the reference line (10a).

Abstract: A filter system for a surface maintenance machine having a hopper assembly for receiving brush-thrown debris including a cyclonic separator for separating dust and debris from air drawn through the hopper via vacuum action. The cyclonic separator may include multiple cyclone and may be in fluid communication with the hopper assembly so as to periodically receive dust and debris exiting the filter system.

Abstract: A robot cleaner is mainly comprised of a base case whose upper portion is equipped with a driving part for running and a suction part for removing dust or dirt; and a top case covering on top of said base case, wherein said base case is formed at lower portion thereof with an inside vertical wall protruding so as to surround dust suction aperture, and with an outside vertical wall external to said inside vertical wall so that a hollow part may be formed in-between surrounding said inside vertical wall; and an auxiliary suction wall is installed between said inside vertical wall and outside vertical wall in such a manner that said auxiliary suction wall is movable by force of spring external to said inside vertical wall between a No. 1 position locating toward floor (F) and a No. 2 position locating withdrawn from said No. 1 position opposite to floor (F), said auxiliary suction wall being positioned toward floor (F) when no external forces are applied.

Abstract: A road/pavement sweeper is provided with a pickup head or debris-intake hood that operates in a conventional manner to entrain or aspirate particles and/or debris from the pavement surface. The air-inlet structure of the debris-intake hood is provided with an air-flow control member that selectively directs the air flow through the debris-intake hood in order to conventionally entrain debris or particles from the surface being swept or through an opening in the side of the air-inlet structure to create an air blast useful to blow debris from the pavement or roadway surface. One or more fixed-position or controlled-position air flow vanes can be provided to selectively direct the air blast.

Abstract: A mobile surface maintenance machine with a debris hopper and a filter module providing at least two filter stages for separating dust and debris within the debris hopper, the filter module including a filter shaking mechanism and a housing adapted to seal against the upper opening of the debris hopper, and wherein the debris hopper is removed from air communication with the exhaust fan when the debris hopper is in a debris dump configuration and is returned to air communication with the exhaust fan when the debris hopper is lowered into an operational configuration.

Abstract: A surface cleaning system having a storage container, debris collection apparatus and debris conduit is disclosed. Water discharged from spray nozzles forces debris into a debris collection apparatus such that a series of rotating brushes can transport the debris to an open end of the debris conduit. An auger, water pressure or air pressure is used to force the debris through the debris conduit into the storage container for disposal. The storage container includes a single unit having multiple joined compartments or individual units for separating debris, particulates and water. The design of the debris collection apparatus also facilitates the capture of most of the water used to force the debris into the debris collection apparatus. Accordingly, the system is able to reuse the water thereby extending the surface area that may be cleaned with a specified amount of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for cleaning or otherwise treating a floored surface that includes a platform adapted to support the weight of an operator. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is capable of generally performing 360° turns to facilitate the treatment of difficult to access portions of the floored surface.

Abstract: A sweeping broom apparatus comprises a main body having a debris receiving outlet and connecting means for operatively connecting the main body to a vehicle. A broom shroud has an open bottom defined by a bottom edge. The broom shroud has a front end and a back end, and defines a longitudinal horizontal axis extending between the front end and the back end. An airflow obstructing skirt is disposed around the bottom edge of the broom shroud for substantially obstructing the egress of air from between the bottom edge of the broom shroud and the surface being cleaned. There is a forwardly facing debris outlet in the broom shroud for permitting the directed egress of debris therefrom as a forwardly propelled stream of debris. A main sweeping broom is mounted within the broom shroud for propelling debris forwardly from a surface being cleaned generally along the longitudinal horizontal axis, thereby creating a stream of debris propelled forwardly through the forwardly facing debris outlet.

Abstract: The present application relates to a pneumatic device for cleaning ventilation ducts, which includes a guiding air hammer, a turning conduit, an air-supply pipe and a slewing mechanism for the conduit. The guiding air hammer has a hollow spherical or hemispherical shape and is connected to the turning conduit. A cleaning fumarole and a guiding fumarole are provided on the rear arc wall of the guiding air hammer. When in operation, the air-supply pipe stretching means retracts and stretches the air-supply pipe, which enables the guiding air hammer to clean out the dust on the inner walls and in the corners of a ventilation duct without the need of an operator entering the ventilation duct. The air-supply pipe stretching means may be controlled by manual operation or program composition. The device may be used for cleaning ventilation ducts with a polygonal section.

Abstract: A pick-up head for a mobile sweeping vehicle comprises a housing defining a substantially hollow interior and a suctioning bottom opening for suctioning dust and small debris. A suctioning front opening is disposed in the front of the housing for receiving debris into the substantially hollow interior of the housing. A door is mounted on the pick-up head for selectively opening and closing the suctioning front opening. A dust and debris outlet in the housing permits dust and debris to be suctioned from the substantially hollow interior. A gutter broom is mounted within the housing adjacent one end, for sweeping dust and small debris inwardly from the selected one of the left end and the right end and towards the dust and debris outlet. An opening in the housing at the selected end permits the gutter broom to extend beyond the end of the housing, thus allowing the gutter broom to sweep against a curb, for sweeping dust and small debris towards a central path.

Abstract: A sweeping broom apparatus comprises a main body having a debris receiving outlet and connecting means for operatively connecting the main body to a vehicle. A broom shroud has an open bottom defined by a bottom edge. An airflow obstructing skirt is disposed around the bottom edge of the broom shroud for substantially obstructing the egress of air from between the bottom edge of the broom shroud and the surface being cleaned. There is a forwardly facing debris outlet in the broom shroud for permitting the directed egress of debris therefrom as a forwardly propelled stream of debris. A main sweeping broom is mounted within the broom shroud for propelling debris forwardly from a surface being cleaned generally along the longitudinal horizontal axis, thereby creating a stream of debris propelled forwardly through the forwardly facing debris outlet. There is a source of compressed air having an outlet for permitting the egress of compressed air therefrom.

Abstract: A turf sweeping machine having a frame, front and rear wheels coupled to the frame and an elongated chute mounted to the frame, the chute having an exit and an entrance at a level proximate to the grass of the turf. Rubber skirts are affixed to the chute and extend down to the grass of the turf across front, rear, and side walls of the chute. A rotatable brush is mounted to the frame, proximate to a bottom of the chute and extends across a width of the frame so that the brush brushes grass of a turf support surface. A hopper, which is also mounted on the frame, has an opening in fluid communication with the exit of the chute, and is positioned to receive material swept up the chute by the brush. A partial vacuum is created by rotation of the brush within the confines of the skirts and chute. This vacuum assists the brush in picking up waste material from the support surface.

Abstract: A sweeper unit well-suited for use for sweeping paved areas includes a debris-retaining hopper with an associated fan assembly that includes an air outlet duct for connection to one side of a pick-up head and an inlet duct for connection between the other side of the pickup head and the debris-retaining hopper. A fan drive arrangement includes at least a first and a second hydraulic displacement device to drive the fan and, when required, provide a flow of hydraulic fluid for auxiliary devices including the gutter broom motor(s).

Abstract: A disclosed road sweeping machine (1) including a filter device (6) and comprising: movement means (2), suitable to allow movement of the road sweeping machine (1), collection means (3), suitable to allow collection of refuse and air including pollutants from the outside environment, a container (4), suitable to contain the refuse and the pollutants, means (5) for conveying the air from the container (4) to the outside environment and wherein the filter device (6) is suitable to filter the air conveyed from the conveying means (5) and comprises a filter layer (7) having a filter membrane (7a) provided with a first membrane (7b) made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: A vacuum-cleaning apparatus for a stable, the apparatus adapted for being towed behind a powered vehicle having a power take off unit and including a two-wheel trailer; a tank with an air-tight cavity mounted on the trailer; a hydraulic pump powered by the power take off unit of the powered vehicle; a vacuuming unit powered by a hydraulic motor and having a vacuum input and a conduit connecting the vacuum input to the tank cavity, a debris-removing unit having an intake unit with a scoop element and a hand-operated handle with rotating tines powered by the hydraulic motor and having a first vacuum hose connecting the intake unit to the tank cavity; and a debris-scattering unit powered by the hydraulic motor, including a conveyor for scattering debris rearwardly and an auxiliary scattering portion for scattering debris transversely behind the trailer. The apparatus may also include a hand-held rake with hollow tines connected to the tank cavity.

Abstract: A sweeper including a rotating brush or drum supported by a float arm movably coupled to a bucket. The float arm is coupled to a linkage to movably support the float arm between a retracted position and a forward position. Float arm is supported independently of a hood connected to the bucket and is movable through linkage relative to hood. In an illustrated embodiment, float arm is rotationally coupled to linkage to compensate for height variations and/or provide a mechanism to rotate linkage to move the float arm forward relative to the bucket.

Abstract: Provided is a street sweeper for collecting debris from a street surface. The street sweeper includes a chassis mounted on wheels, a rotating broom for removing debris from a street surface, and a hopper for collecting the removed debris. A passageway extends between the broom and the hopper to transfer the debris removed from the street surface. To remove debris from areas difficult to access with the rotating broom, the street sweeper also includes a litter hose connected to an air flow generating device that communicates with the hopper. The airflow generating device provides a suction force within the litter hose for removing debris and discharges that debris into the hopper. The airflow generating device and suction force work independently of the internal conditions of the hopper. In an embodiment, the airflow discharged into the hopper can exhaust through the passageway extending between the broom and the hopper.

Abstract: A cleaning appliance includes a housing with a brushroll and a wheel mounted thereto. A floor-type sensor is disposed within a mounting tube secured to the housing. The floor-type sensor emits sonic energy toward a surface being traversed by the cleaning appliance and receives corresponding sonic energy reflected by the surface. A comparator, electrically coupled to the floor-type sensor, compares the received reflected sonic energy to one or more associated predetermined values to determine the type of surface being traversed. A processor analyzes the results of the comparison and controls at least one of a suction fan, said wheel and said brushroll, based at least in part on the analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an upright vacuum cleaner with a swing brush. The upright vacuum cleaner comprises an upright cleaner body having a suction nozzle, a drive unit mounted in the cleaner body for moving the cleaner body forward or rearward, a grip unit slidably mounted to the upper end of the cleaner body, the grip unit having a sensor for sensing a sliding direction of the grip unit, a control unit for controlling the drive unit to be operated, such that the cleaner body is moved forward or rearward, based on information sensed by the sensor, a movement converting unit for converting a rotating movement of the drive unit to an angular reciprocating movement, and a swing brush connected to the movement converting unit for performing the angular reciprocating movement. The swing brush is mounted in a suction nozzle of the cleaner body while being in contact with the floor.

Abstract: A system for removing material from a surface comprises at least one conduit that also has an outlet at a distal end. A straight stream nozzle may be disposed within the outlet and the conduit. Another end of the conduit is fixed with respect to the vehicle and is in communication with a fluid source. A cam assembly may be in mechanical communication with the conduit and be adapted to provide an oscillation motion at the distal end within the conduit's elastic range. The straight stream nozzle may be adapted to direct a stream of fluid to a removal mechanism.

Abstract: Provision is made for a rotating brush controlling apparatus (8) in a floor sweeping machine (1), comprising: a lifting device (15) suitable for applying a lifting force (15a) which is capable of lifting a rotating brush (8) to remove the same from a surface to be swept (7), and an actuating device-(16) which is suitable for applying a working force (16a) on command against the lifting force (15a), where the rotating brush (8) and the actuating device (16) are linked to each other and where moreover some adjusting devices (24) are provided, which are suitable both for optionally selecting the working force (16a) to selectively force the rotating brush (8) on the surface (7) to be swept, and for keeping the working force (16a) substantially constant in the presence of irregularities in the surface to be swept (7).

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.

Abstract: A carpet extractor (10) operable in either a restorative cleaning mode or a maintenance cleaning mode includes a constant rate pump (96) which dispenses clean solution through a manually operated valve (98) to one of two lines (100, 102) having nozzles which restrict dispensing to high and low solution flow rates. In the preferred form, clean solution is dispensed at the high flow rate directly upon the carpeted surface and at the low rate upon the agitating brush (88). When restorative cleaning is desired, the valve (98) is manually moved to dispense at the high flow rate and a switch (110) is also manually moved resulting in the chassis (18) being propelled at a slow working speed. When maintenance cleaning is desired, the valve (98) is manually moved to dispense at the low flow rate and the switch (110) is also manually moved resulting in the chassis (18) being propelled at a fast working speed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an upright vacuum cleaner having a movement control grip that is capable of performing switch between automatic operation mode and manual operation mode on the movement control grip. The grip comprises a grip body, having a square section, connected to the upper end of a cleaner body while being bent to the cleaner body, upper and lower guide members vertically connected to each other while surrounding the grip body such that the upper and lower guide members can be slid along the outer surface of the grip body, a grip returning unit disposed at the grip body for resiliently returning the upper and lower guide members to their original positions, and a grip sensor unit mounted at the grip body for sensing the forward or rearward movement direction of upper and lower guide members relative to the grip body.

Abstract: A floor-cleaning machine (10) has a chassis (12) that is mobile on a surface and carries an agitating mechanism (14) to engage the surface. A fluid delivery system (18) conveys fluid from a reservoir (16) to the surface proximate the agitating mechanism (14). The fluid delivery system (18) includes a flow control valve (20) having a body (24) and a flow control member in the form of a ball (22) constrained within the body (24) and rotatable about an axis. A first passage (30) and a second passage (32) are defined in the ball (22), with the second passage (32) having a cross sectional area smaller than a cross sectional area of the first passage (30). The ball (22) is pivotable between a high flow position and a low flow position. In the high flow position, the ball (22) is positioned to allow fluid flow from a upstream duct (26) to a downstream duct (28) through the first passage (30).

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 vacuum sweeper vehicle has a sweeper body including a frame. A pair of front wheels are supported by an axle apparatus at a forward end of the sweeper body. The axle apparatus is constructed to provide a space between the front wheels. A pair of rear wheels are supported at a rearward end of the sweeper body. A container is coupled to the sweeper body for receiving debris. A suction hose extends between the container and a vacuum nozzle proximal a forward end of the body. The suction hose extends through the space between the the front wheels. A suction device draws the debris from the nozzle, into the container, and a brush coupled to a forward end of the sweeper body sweeps debris from a ground surface.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus having a cleaning system including at least one downwardly directed spray nozzle is supported by the chassis proximal the chassis forward end and in fluid communication with at least one cleaning solution tank. The at least one spray nozzle sprays cleaning solution from the tank onto the floor. At least one ground engaging agitation brush is disposed rearwardly of the at least one spray nozzle for agitating the cleaning solution sprayed onto the floor. At least one vacuum shoe is supported by the chassis rearwardly of the at least one agitation brush, and in fluid communication with the at least one recovery tank. Cleaning solution drawn into the vacuum shoe is deposited into the at least one recovery tank. In one embodiment, the apparatus is drivable. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a second cleaning system including a vacuum squeegee.

Abstract: An vacuum cleaning robot has a drive system adapted to autonomously move a base housing along a horizontal surface and is controlled by a computer processing unit. A dusting assembly is mounted to the base housing and is adapted to selectively rest on a surface to be cleaned. A suction source draws dirt and debris through a suction nozzle and deposits the same in the recovery tank. A power source is connected to the drive system and to the computer processing unit. The computer processing unit is adapted to direct horizontal movement of the base housing within boundaries of the surface to be cleaned based upon input data defining said boundaries.

Abstract: A vacuum assembly module mountable to a work machine attachment for providing dust-reducing capabilities is provided. The vacuum assembly module is a self-supported unit and can be mountable to work machine attachments such as rotary brooms, cold planers, and the like to retrofit the attachment with dust-reducing capabilities. The vacuum assembly module includes a central frame that provides an air flow passage. The central frame supports a filter and a fan within the air flow passage. A fan motor operably drives the fan to draw air through the air flow passage and filter. The fan motor is operably connected to an auxiliary power source, such as a work machine. An optional vibrator may be included for operably shaking and dislodging debris from the filter. The vacuum assembly module may be attached to a debris collecting bin to form a vacuum having a hose.

Abstract: A bowling lane maintenance machine has its operating functions designed and controlled in such a manner that the machine may be battery-operated without loss of performance. Included in the operation are special movements of the machine at the pin deck to flick moisture off blades of the squeegee assembly and limited activation of the vacuum motor to reduce battery drain.

Abstract: A mobile floor or ground cleaning machine includes a hydraulic motor for propulsion and/or operating a cleaning brush. Airflow produced by a fan is directed through a housing located adjacent the cleaning brush for creating an area of low pressure adjacent the brush. The housing includes a filter system through which the airflow is directed. Under the influence of the airflow, the closed housing, which preferably is a unitary structure, directs dirt directly into a receptacle and directs dust through the filter system for subsequent deposit in the receptacle. The housing forms a reservoir for oil which drives the hydraulic motor, with the airflow within the housing serving to cool the oil.

Abstract: The invention provides debris collection devices that include a debris contacting mechanism, a debris transport mechanism that is configured to receive debris moved by the debris contacting mechanism at an inlet and move such debris towards a debris storage compartment, and a filter and vacuum assembly. The filter and vacuum assembly includes an inlet disposed downstream of the inlet of the transport mechanism and upstream of the debris storage compartment, relative to the path of transported debris. In operation, the filter and vacuum assembly generate a primary air flow that draws the airborne particles into the inlet of the transport mechanism, along a path proximate to the transport mechanism, into the inlet of the filter and vacuum assembly and though a filter located within the filter and vacuum assembly without generating a substantial airflow through the storage compartment. Related debris collection and processing systems and methods also are provided.

Abstract: A carrier, such as an autonomous cleaning apparatus, has a self-adjusting wheel assembly that can move vertically, thereby enabling the carrier to readily pass over a surface. The wheel assembly may include microswitch, which activates a control mechanism for the carrier when a wheel assembly is in a predetermined position along its path of vertical movement. Rollers can be located at the bottom of the carrier to function in cooperation with the wheel assemblies so as to facilitate the ability of the carrier to pass over obstacles. This ability may be enhanced by constructing the bottom of the front portion of the carrier so that it is slanted or inclined upwardly in a direction outward from the bottom of the carrier. A driving wheel may be rotatably attached to a wheel support, and which may also support a power source and a transmission.

Abstract: A combined floor edger and grinder having a grinding disk which can be adjusted from engaging the floor while flat to engaging the floor along a front, back or side edge of the disk, depending on the height adjustment of the wheels on either side of the frame. The wheels, shroud and handle can also be adjustable relative to the frame for moving the frame straight back and forth or at an angle such that with the disk adjusted to engage the floor on one side of the frame the wheels and handle can be adjusted such that they are angled with respect to a wall for use as an edger whereby a user can push the device along the edge of a wall in a straight line while edging. The shroud and disk sizes may be easily changed for different jobs. The shroud can be open or close ended.