With Conveying Means Additional To Air Stream Patents (Class 15/348)
  • Patent number: 11926971
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an artificial turf system provides for collecting infill from an existing artificial turf, wherein the collected infill comprises collected rubber granulates, mixing the collected rubber granulates and a binding agent for generating an elastic binding composition, applying the elastic binding composition over a base layer or over an optional existing artificial turf on top of the base layer, and applying a new artificial turf over the elastic binding composition, and the artificial turf system generated therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignees: APT Advanced Polymer Technology Corp., Polytex Sportbeläge Produktions-GmbH
    Inventor: Kris Brown
  • Patent number: 11602251
    Abstract: A removable rotatable driven agitator is used in a surface cleaning head and is driven by a drive mechanism that axially engages a driven end of the agitator. The removable rotatable driven agitator may be located in an openable agitator chamber for purposes of removing debris and/or removing the agitator. The openable agitator chamber may be covered by an external cover that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The removable agitator may be secured in the agitator chamber by the external cover. The removable rotatable agitator may have an end cap mounted on a rotatable bushing at a non-driven end and may have a splined driven member at the driven end to engage a splined drive member on the drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Kai Xu, AiMing Xu, Michael D'Amico, Peter Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 11129468
    Abstract: A cleaning device including a covering hood having a lower surface facing a surface to be cleaned and an inlet on an upper surface thereof, through which contaminants are sucked; an air knife provided on a circumference of the covering hood and having an outlet for spraying high pressure air to the surface to be cleaned; a sweeper installed inside the covering hood and rotated by a driving motor to guide foreign objects swept away from the surface to be cleaned and contaminants floated by the high pressure air injection of the air knife to the inlet; a rotary member including a shaft passing through a circumferential surface of the covering hood and the air knife, and a rotary knob coupled to one end of the shaft to rotate the air knife to adjust an air spray angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: EncoreNetworks Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hae Young Jung, Sang Yong Jang
  • Patent number: 9795909
    Abstract: A gas exhaust filter device for a bioreactor with reduced blockage by condensed liquid is disclosed, which comprises a housing with a filter medium, a gas inlet and a gas outlet and also further comprises a plurality of ribs extending from at least one inner wall of the housing in a region between the gas inlet and the filter medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventors: Henrik K. Eriksson, Patric Fricking, L. Johan Carlsson
  • Publication number: 20150143660
    Abstract: A debris collector and associated systems and methods are disclosed. The debris collector is configured to receive and process debris, such as lawn debris, by way of a variety of intake systems, such as a basket and vacuum tube. After intake, the debris collector is configured to process the debris by way of an auger and agitators, so as to be passed through a blower fan for disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Dennis Lickteig
  • Patent number: 8961633
    Abstract: The invention relates to filter cleaning in a vacuum having a switchable flap element, the cleaning of the filter or of parts of the filter being carried out by supplying a secondary air flow to the interior of the filter to be cleaned, and air being able to flow through the filters separately from each other from the outside to the inside in the vacuum container in a sealed manner, and a flap element disposed in a chamber housing being pivotable, by means of the pivoting of which openings may be closed and released, the secondary air flow reaching the surface of the filter to be cleaned from the inside toward the outside in pulses, characterized in that the flap element comprises at least two partial flaps, the pivoting of which is actuated by a pivot drive, the respective partial flap optionally closes the outflow opening of the respective filter chamber in the direction of the intake opening of the suction turbine, the blow-out side of the suction turbine delivers the created overpressure air into an overp
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nilfisk-Advance A/S
    Inventors: Martin Kienzle, Günther Werbach, Rainer Hafenrichter, Klaus Dietz
  • Patent number: 8713752
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner may include a vacuum cleaner, comprising a main body, and a dust separator selectively on the main body, the dust separator comprising a dust separation device, a dust compression device having at least one compression member disposed therein, the at least one compression member being configured to be rotated to compress dust, and a storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sung Su Kang
  • Patent number: 8510907
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises at least one cyclone and at least one dirt collection chamber. The dirt collection chamber has a removeably mounted door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20130031744
    Abstract: An objective of the invention is to eliminate the need of a frequent dust waste by the user and to provide efficient device for wasting the dust that has been collected in the robot cleaner. The invention provides a robot cleaner capable of discharging dust out to a dust discharge station, wherein the robot cleaner is capable of moving autonomously to collect dust, the robot cleaner comprising: a dust container for storing dust; a dust inlet for collecting dust into the dust container; and an opening and closing mechanism of the dust container, provided at a bottom surface of the robot cleaner, for discharging dust collected in the dust container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Tetsu Ota
  • Patent number: 8186006
    Abstract: A distribution unit for a dust separating apparatus of a vacuum cleaner is provided. The distribution unit distributes air and dust to the dust separation unit includes a body having an inlet for introducing the air and dust to the body, a plurality of branch passages for distributing the air introduced into the body to the dust separation unit, and a main passage for connecting the inlet with the branch passages, and wherein a passage cross-sectional area of the main passage at the branch passage is greater than a passage cross-sectional area of the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kie-Tak Hyun, Hae-Seock Yang, Kyeong-Seon Jeong, Chang-Hoon Lee, Seong-Koo Cho, Geun-Bae Hwang, Jin-Wook Seo, Heon-Pyeong Ji, Man-Tae Hwang, Young-Ho Kim, Hyo-Churl Shin, Jin-Hyouk Shin, Hoi-Kil Jeong, Moo-Hyun Ko
  • Patent number: 7996955
    Abstract: A modular street sweeper includes a pair of side brooms to sweep debris laterally inwardly from opposing sides of the sweeper and a pickup mechanism to convey the swept debris from the ground to a collection hopper. The pickup mechanism includes a conveyor module in which a main broom at a rear of the sweeper sweeps the debris forwardly onto a rotating conveyor and a vacuum module in which a vacuum head spans laterally across the sweeper in proximity to the ground and communicates with a fan to direct the swept debris into the hopper. The vacuum pick up module is interchangeable with the conveyor pickup module so that a single sweeper investment can perform both a spring function of sand collection with the conveyor and a fall function of leaf collection with the vacuum head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Mirek Byczynski
  • Patent number: 7802338
    Abstract: A rain-gutter cleaning system has an agitator head that is mounted to the top end of a long suction tube and pole and supported aloft by them. A vacuum pump on the ground is connected to bring rain-gutter debris down the suction tube and into a collection bag. The agitator head includes opposite, synchronized rotating paddles that tear and break up tangles and clogs encountered in a rain gutter and that helps direct the loosened debris down the throat of the suction tube. An optional camera mounted atop the agitator head allows an operator on the ground below to see the performance inside of the rain gutter on a small monitor screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Ira George Hall
  • Patent number: 7779507
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum cleaner including a suction nozzle; a dust collecting assembly including a dust collecting container having an opened top surface, a top lid for opening and closing the top of the dust collecting container, an inlet, a filtering device provided in the dust collecting container, a separation plate for preventing the impurities collected in a lower part of the dust collecting container from being risen by air flow, and an outlet for discharging clean air; and a cleaner body including a dust collecting assembly receiving recess for detachably receiving the dust collecting assembly, a polluted air outlet coupled with the inlet of the dust collecting assembly, and a clean air inlet provided on an inner wall of the dust collecting assembly receiving recess, so as to face the direction of mounting the dust collecting assembly, and communicating with the outlet of the dust collecting assembly, and a clean air conduit having a fan provided therein and discharging the clean air to the outside of t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jae Duck Jung, Ha Jong Sung
  • Publication number: 20100125969
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, such as fins, evaporation coils, and condenser coils. The apparatus comprises a container having a first compartment and a second compartment, a first pump accommodated in the first compartment and a second pump accommodated in the second compartment. The apparatus further comprises a first hose detachably coupled to the first compartment, a second hose detachably coupled to the second pump, and a cleaning attachment detachably coupled to the first hose and the second hose. The cleaning attachment comprises a housing, a cleaning member, and a fluid dispensing pipe. The housing comprises a front end portion mounting the cleaning member thereon, a rear end portion coupled to the first hose, and a passage extending between the front end portion and the rear end portion. Further, the fluid dispensing pipe is coupled to the housing and the second hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Genna, Connie Genna
  • Patent number: 7669282
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum cleaner including a suction nozzle; a dust collecting assembly which includes a dust collecting container having a dust collecting space and an opened bottom, an inlet, a filtering device provided in the dust collecting container, and an outlet; and a cleaner body which includes a dust collecting assembly receiving recess for detachably receiving the dust collecting assembly, a polluted air outlet provided at the dust collecting assembly receiving recess and communicating with the inlet of the dust collecting assembly, a clean air inlet provided on an inner wall of the dust collecting assembly receiving recess to face the dust collecting assembly and communicating with the outlet of the dust collecting assembly, and a clean air conduit having a fan provided therein, for exhausting the clean air to the outside of the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jae Duck Jung, Ha Jong Sung
  • Patent number: 7662199
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Richard William Wellens, Michael Thomas Basham, Karl Hansen
  • Patent number: 7636982
    Abstract: An autonomous floor-cleaning robot comprising a housing infrastructure including a chassis, a power subsystem; for providing the energy to power the autonomous floor-cleaning robot, a motive subsystem operative to propel the autonomous floor-cleaning robot for cleaning operations, a command and control subsystem operative to control the autonomous floor-cleaning robot to effect cleaning operations, and a self-adjusting cleaning head subsystem that includes a deck mounted in pivotal combination with the chassis, a brush assembly mounted in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to sweep up particulates during cleaning operations, a vacuum assembly disposed in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to ingest particulates during cleaning operations, and a deck adjusting subassembly mounted in combination with the motive subsystem for the brush assembly, the deck, and the chassis that is automatically operative in response to an increase in brush torque in said brush
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Jones, Newton E. Mack, David M. Nugent, Paul E. Sandin
  • Patent number: 7608123
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a collection chamber located along an intended path through which air current and detritus is conveyed, said collection chamber being provided with a collection zone in which said detritus is receivable, wherein said collection chamber is provided with a compacting device movable across said collection zone for compacting said detritus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Massimiliano Pineschi
  • Patent number: 7527699
    Abstract: A surface cleaning system having a storage container, debris collection apparatus and debris conduit is disclosed. Water discharged from spray nozzles configured in a circular arrangement forces debris into a debris collection ring and then a debris conduit. An auger, water pressure or air pressure is used to force the debris through debris conduit into the storage container for disposal. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Robert L. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 7430784
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Timothy L. Cowan
  • Patent number: 7341612
    Abstract: A disposable open bag for a power tool such as a Shop-Vac cleaner has a mounting plate with an opening for receiving debris from the intake of the power tool. The mounting plate is also provided with a vent opening(s), e.g., to prevent the bag from closing in on the air filter and blocking the airflow. The said bag provides a cleaner and more convenient means of collection of the debris, leaves, and particulate matters directly into the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: ZNN Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Davis Dang Hoang Nhan, Rongguo Zhao, William Hung Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20070289444
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a motor-driven blower for drawing air and a dust-catching unit for separating dust from the air drawn by the blower and catching the dust separated from the air. A receptacle is located between the blower and the dust-catching unit and holds a filter for filtering the air that has passed through the dust-catching unit. An airflow control device is arranged between the filter and the blower. The airflow control device generates a first airflow, which passes through the dust-catching unit and the filter and goes toward the motor-driven blower. The airflow control device generates a second airflow, too, which bypasses the filter, passes through at least a part of the dust-catching unit, and goes toward the motor-driven blower. The part of the dust-catching unit is located downstream of the receptacle, with respect to a direction in which the second airflow goes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 7281296
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel P. Strauser
  • Patent number: 7171725
    Abstract: A device for a vacuum cleaner comprising a particle separator, which is provided with an inlet (11) for dust laden air, an outlet (16) for the separated particles, and an outlet (14) for cleaned air that is connected to a vacuum source (14). The particle outlet (16) is connected to a screw conveyor (18, 19), which is provided with an outlet part ending in a mainly closed collecting chamber (23) for the separated particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventors: Goran Sjoberg, Fredrik Bergling
  • Patent number: 7086118
    Abstract: A street sweeper with vacuumized dust control where a rotary broom chamber surrounds a rotary broom. The rotary broom chamber connects by a conveyor housing containing a conveyor mechanism to a hopper having a powered fan and a filter. A vacuum or low pressure is created within the hopper which communicates through the conveyor housing to the rotary broom chamber which creates an airflow therebetween which carries dust or other light debris to a filter which filters out the dust particles or other light debris. The conveyor housing and other components are positionable to accommodate various modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Gregory J. Engel, Steven L. Boomgaarden
  • Patent number: 6966097
    Abstract: Street sweeper having dust control from two or more cleaning heads with one air source where one fan provides vacuum for a centrally located rotating broom which is surrounded by a vacuumized chamber and for a gutter broom which is surrounded by a vacuumized chamber. A plenum having a unique valving system and a filter shaker mechanism provides for filter cleaning and for a dirt and debris path from the plenum to a hopper bottom during filter cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Gregory J. Engel, Theodore J. Olsonoski
  • Patent number: 6959466
    Abstract: A power management system for a surface maintenance machine, such as a street sweeper is disclosed. The system includes a variable speed engine for transporting the surface maintenance machine, a hydraulic pump powered by the engine, a vacuum fan motor powered by the hydraulic pump, an engine speed sensor coupled to the engine, an electric proportional valve coupled between the hydraulic pump and the vacuum fan motor, said valve for selectively restricting a flow rate to the vacuum fan motor, and a control unit operatively coupled to the engine speed sensor and the proportional valve, said control unit receiving engine speed information from the engine speed sensor and communicating a predetermined signal to the proportional valve to control the flow rate to the vacuum fan motor as a function of engine speed. A method of managing engine power from a single-engine street sweeper is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Musibau O. Alowonle, Craig D. Block, Robert J. Erko, Richard F. Milun
  • Patent number: 6902594
    Abstract: An industrial dust-collector is provided with an air blower in the bottom of the base. An air-inlet line and an air-out line are provided at the front of the air blower. A cover is provided on the top of the base, a sucking pipe is provided at the top of the cover, and both sides of the cover are respectively provided with a buckle article. A door and a pushing rod are provided at the exterior of the base. An air-guiding block is provided in the bottom of the cover, a plurality of air-guiding holes are provided in the bottom of the air-guiding block, an elastic ring is provided at the bottom of the air-guiding block to secure the top section of a dust-collecting bag and a sleeve tube, and a plurality of through holes are provided around the sleeve tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Kuo-Chin Cho
  • Patent number: 6854157
    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 through 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel P. Strauser
  • Patent number: 6449800
    Abstract: A blower head, comprising a frame, a brush rotatably supported by the frame, a sweeper drive adapted for rotating said brush to sweep a surface, and a blower unit adapted for removing swept-up particles away from the surface. The frame includes a mouth portion and a throat portion. The brush is rotatably supported by the frame within the mouth portion. The sweeper drive rotates the brush to sweep particles such as snow or ice on a surface toward the frame. The mouth portion and the throat portion are constructed and arranged to funnel swept-up particles from the mouth portion and into the throat portion and the blower unit positioned therein. The blower head further includes an exit chute. The blower unit creates a pressure differential between the mouth portion and the exit chute sufficient to draw the swept-up particles from the mouth portion and into the throat portion, and to blow the swept-up particles out through the exit chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Brooks M. Gotham
  • Patent number: 6195836
    Abstract: A mechanical surface sweeping vehicle has a cylindrically-shaped rotating sweeping broom to propel forwardly debris disposed on a contacted portion of a surface being cleaned, thereby creating a forwardly propelled stream of debris. A mechanical debris elevator is disposed to receive and retain the forwardly propelled stream of debris and to deposit the received and retained debris into the hopper. A deflector flap is disposed forwardly of the rotating sweeping broom and immediately rearwardly of the debris accepting lower end portion of the mechanical debris elevator, to receive at least a portion of the forwardly propelled stream of debris and to deflect it upwardly and forwardly onto the mechanical debris elevator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Roger P. Vanderlinden
  • Patent number: 6195837
    Abstract: A debris suctioning and separating apparatus for use in a surface sweeping vehicle having an elongate cylindrically-shaped rotating sweeping broom, a debris receiving and retaining hopper, and a debris conveying mechanism to receive debris from said rotating sweeping broom and convey it to said hopper, comprises a debris separator that is mounted on the surface sweeping vehicle exteriorly to the hopper and has an air inlet for receiving debrisladen air into the debris separator, an air outlet for exhausting separated air from the debris separator, and a debris release outlet for selectively releasing separated debris from the debris separator. A fan is operatively mounted at the air outlet of the debris separator, to draw the debris-laden air through the air inlet and into the debris separator, and to exhaust the separated air from the debris separator to ambient surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Roger P. Vanderlinden
  • Patent number: 6185782
    Abstract: A rain-gutter cleaning system has an agitator head that is mounted to the top end of a long suction tube and pole and supported aloft by them. A vacuum pump on the ground is connected to bring rain-gutter debris down the suction tube and into a collection bag. The agitator head includes rotating paddles that tear and break up tangles and clogs encountered in a rain gutter and has a rotating auger screw inside that helps direct the loosened debris down the throat of the suction tube. A camera mounted atop the agitator head allows an operator on the ground below to see the inside of the rain gutter on a small monitor screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Ira George Hall
  • Patent number: 6146434
    Abstract: A cyclonic dirt cup assembly for a vacuum cleaner has a generally conical truncated cone positioned within a dirt cup of the vacuum cleaner. The dirt cup has a wall formed with an air inlet opening for receiving a stream of dirt-laden air within the dirt cup. The cone is pivotally connected to a frame member which is removably mounted within the dirt cup. A baffle extends outwardly from a wall of the cone and is positioned adjacent the air inlet opening of the dirt cup for directing the stream of dirt-laden air in a cyclonic manner. The baffle includes a top wall, a side wall and a bottom wall. The baffle walls, the wall of the dirt cup and a wall of the cone form an air directing compartment which receives the dirt-laden air input through the inlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Adam C. Scalfani, Douglas E. Gerber, A. Ronald Keebler, Raymond L. Lawter, Daniel R. Miller
  • Patent number: 5902414
    Abstract: An apparatus (5) for renovating synthetic grass playing surfaces (1) which include a layer of particulate material. The apparatus (5) comprises a plenum chamber (20) which directs a fast moving jet of air against the particulate so as to dislodge it and direct the particulate into a collection chamber (40). The plenum chamber (20) may be adapted to effect a reciprocating motion parallel to a playing surface (1) and orthogonal to a direction of conveyance of the apparatus (5) over the playing surface (1). The collection chamber (20) may incorporate a screw conveyor system (44) to displace particulate material directed into the collection chamber (20) to an appropriate container which may be conveyed along side the apparatus (5) by a separate vehicle. The apparatus (5) may further include a particulate dispensing apparatus for applying an evenly spread layer of fresh particulate material in place of that which has been dislodged and removed from the playing surface (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Air Force Limited
    Inventors: Mark Anthony Keal, Charles Clifford Seager Lawrence
  • Patent number: 5784756
    Abstract: A debris cleaning device is equipped with a compound auger which has a rigid inner auger portion with auger fighting and a plurality of compliant combing attachments connected to the edge of the fighting. Instead of the compound auger, a helical rotary brush with a dense inner region of shorter stiffer bristles and a less populous outer region of longer bristles may be used. The cleaning device also has a suction mechanism with a nozzle located about at the midway point of the length of the auger (or rotary brush). The auger (or rotary brush) is positioned horizontally with its rotational axis co-linear with, or parallel to, an axle of supporting wheels so that the auger (or rotary brush) follows the contour of the surface being cleaned as do the wheels, thereby preventing the auger (or rotary brush) from digging into uneven terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Alexander H. Slocum, Martin L. Culpepper
  • Patent number: 5697293
    Abstract: The waste suction and storage device includes a box (3) which, on the one hand, comprises waste storage means and at least one separation compartment (6) whose lower part is open and connects with the waste storage means and which, on the other hand, is equipped with ventilation means and includes a waste introduction opening and an air discharge opening (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Delta Neu (S.A.)
    Inventor: Daniel Mogenier
  • Patent number: 5540001
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for removing dust from nuclear fuel pellets.The object of the invention is to embody a device able to simply and effectively remove dust from pellets coated with dust, including non-electrically charged dust.This aim is obtained by using a device including a dedusting tube (1) inside which said pellets (35) circulate, said tube (1) being provided at its inlet extremity (2) with a gas injection orifice, an opening for introducing the pellets to be dedusted and means to create a laminar flow of dedusting gas around the pellets circulating in said tube, said tube (1) being further provided at its outlet extremity (4) with a gas and dust suction opening and an opening for recovering the dedusted pellets (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Bouretz, Herve Bernard
  • Patent number: 5428864
    Abstract: A refuse collecting machine in which a collection hose sucks refuse into a delivery chamber containing a rotating perforated wheel for separating lighter weight refuse from the air flow to a fan, and the refuse then drops into a rotary compression screw to be compressed into a replaceable bag supported at the machine outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Suk-cess Limited
    Inventor: Peter Pemberton
  • Patent number: 5249332
    Abstract: An apparatus for automated sweeping of debris from pavement surfaces is provided with a rigid housing, paired roller brooms rotatably mounted transversely within the housing parallel in relation to each other such that the right end of the forward roller broom, as from the position of an operator of the apparatus, rotates clockwise and the right end of the rearward roller broom, from the same viewpoint, operates counterclockwise. A debris outlet for exit of debris from inside the housing to the exterior thereof is provided along with an auger conveyor for focusing movement of debris between the housing and the rearward roller broom toward the debris outlet. A plurality of support wheels are rotatably attached to the housing and welded connections are provided for attaching the apparatus to a prime mover to permit propulsion of the apparatus along the surface to be swept, as well as for transport of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Commercial Sweeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 5010620
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stall and pasture vacuum machine which comprises a trailer frame supported by an axle and wheels, a receptacle which is pivoted at one end of the frame and at the other end of the frame is an extension which supports a centrifugal blower and its drive. In addition, the extension supports a sweeper head or mucking device which is mounted on a pair of sleds which will be pulled over the pasture or paddock. A body is attached to the sled such that the closed top and ends surround and support a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft has a plurality of modified spring tines or blades for breaking up the manure in the pasture and allowing it to be vacuumed by the centrifugal blower into the receptacle. Also on the extension is a water tank for supplying a fine mist of water to the receptacle especially when dust is also being drawn into the receptacle with the manure from the paddock or pasture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventor: Ronald E. Young
  • Patent number: 4972541
    Abstract: A feather duster includes a fan assembly and a dust catching assembly and a turbulence-inducing gap that ensures that dust-laden air will be forced to undergo at least one change of flow direction before entering the dust catching assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Inventor: O. K. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4930530
    Abstract: In a leaf loading method, leaves are picked up from the ground by operating a rotary beater and a rotary broom. The leaves are then delivered between the beater and the broom by rotating the beater and the broom in opposite directions. Next, the leaves are guided from between the beater and the broom toward an auger disposed rearwardly of the broom. Finally, the leaves are transferred from the auger into a thrower by rotating the auger and then the leaves are discharged by operating the thrower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Crego, Ronald T. Sheehan, Robert M. VanGinhoven
  • Patent number: 4914774
    Abstract: A leaf loading machine designed for use in combination with a towing vehicle includes a mobile frame with a tongue extending forwardly thereof for connection to the towing vehicle. The machine has a rotary beater and a rotary broom extending transversely of the mobile frame. The broom is disposed rearwardly of an in tandem relation to the beater. The beater and the broom have lower sides thereof disposed adjacent the ground and they are operable to counterrotate relative to one another so as to deliver material from the ground upwardly therebetween. The machine also includes an auger extending transversely of the frame rearwardly of the broom for receiving material from the broom, and a thrower mounted on the frame for receiving material from the auger and for discharging the material into the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald T. Sheehan, Robert M. VanGinhoven, John B. Crego
  • Patent number: 4884313
    Abstract: A street sweeper machine is provided for picking up and transporting trash comprising a frame having a main longitudinal dimension and engaging from and rear wheels, a driver's cab, motor members, a trash bin, a roll brush located between said wheels and having an axis symmetry parallel to a surface to be cleaned and transverse to said longitudinal dimension, a trash conveyor conveying rash from said roll brush to said bin, and steering members engaging all of said wheels to make all of them steerable and adapted to define an intersect point for the axes of said wheels in cornering which lies proximate a continuation of said axis of symmetry of said roll brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: Dulevo S.p.A.
    Inventor: Sergio Zoni
  • Patent number: 4825495
    Abstract: A leaf loading machine has a rotary beater and a rotary broom extending transversely of a mobile frame. The broom is disposed rearwardly of and in tandem relation to the beater. The beater and the broom have lower sides thereof disposed adjacent the ground and they are operable to counterrotate relative to one another so as to deliver material from the ground upwardly therebetween. A shroud mounted on the frame fully covers an upper side of the beater and partially covers an upper side of the broom. The shroud is open at its front and rear ends, and includes a top wall and a pair of side walls. A housing is also mounted on the frame overlying and enclosing the broom and an auger disposed rearwardly of the broom. The housing is closed at its rear end but is open at its front end where it communicates with the rear end of the shroud to guide material delivered between the beater and the broom to the auger. The housing includes a top wall, a pair of side walls, and a rear wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. VanGinhoven, John B. Crego, Ronald T. Sheehan
  • Patent number: 4819676
    Abstract: This invention is concerned with a machine and/or system as well as a method of operation and an assembly whereby a sweeping unit may be quickly converted into a scrubbing unit and vice versa. The system is capable of operation either in a sweeping mode or a scrubbing mode and is also adaptable to include a vacuum wand assembly when the unit is to be operated in its sweeping mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Blehert, Archie A. Weidner
  • Patent number: 4809380
    Abstract: A leaf loading machine has a rotary beater and a rotary broom on a mobile frame, both of which extend transversely of the frame. The broom is disposed rearwardly of and in tandem relation to the beater. Both the beater and the broom are disposed adjacent to the ground and are operable to counterrotate relative to one another so as to deliver leaves from the ground upwardly therebetween. The broom rotates substantially faster than the beater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. VanGinhoven, John B. Crego, Ronald T. Sheehan
  • Patent number: 4771504
    Abstract: A leaf harvesting machine has an auxiliary rotary beater and main rotary pickup broom on a mobile frame which both extend transversely of the direction of travel of the frame. The main pickup broom is disposed rearwardly of and in tandem relation to the beater. Both the beater and pickup broom are disposed adjacent to the ground and operable to counterrotate relative to one another so as to deliver leaves from the ground upwardly therebetween. One feature of the machine relates to the provision of, and cooperation which occurs between, a plurality of lifting elements of the beater and pluralities of sweeping and lifting elements of the pickup broom. Another feature relates to an arrangement for adjustably mounting the beater for movement toward and away from the pickup broom for presetting the positional relationship of the beater lifting elements relative to the pickup broom sweeping and lifting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. VanGinhoven, John B. Crego
  • Patent number: 4754521
    Abstract: A machine with a frame supporting two side brushes downwardly, a center roller, and an auxiliary front brush movable on command in a crosswise direction to the frame, and upwardly a driver's cab, a trash container, a water tank and a trash conveyor. The water tank and trash conveyor are of reduced dimensions (i.e., short) with respect to the machine lengthwise direction are flattened and inserted between the cab and container. The conveyor has an open structure which extends vertically in an air-tight transport channel between a top end in communication with the container via an opening in the container and a bottom end placed forwardly close to the center roller. A dust suction unit is also provided in communication with the container interior, to draw in dust raised by said brushes through the opening into the trash container from a transport channel between the bottom and top ends of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: Dulevo S.p.A
    Inventor: Sergio Zoni