With Conveying Means Additional To Air Stream Patents (Class 15/348)
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Patent number: 12042117Abstract: The invention relates to a retainer plate for a vacuum cleaner filter bag, comprising a base plate in which a passage opening is formed, and a sealing element which is arranged at the edge of the passage opening, wherein the sealing element comprises at least one extruded film made of a thermoplastic elastomer, TPE.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2019Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: EUROFILTERS HOLDING N.V.Inventors: Ralf Sauer, Jan Schultink
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Patent number: 11993898Abstract: In a self-propelled construction machine or mining machine, in particular milling machine for working a ground surface, including a machine frame, a working device for working the ground surface, which is supported on the machine frame, wherein the working device is at least partially enclosed by a housing, at least one movable side plate, which closes the housing on at least one of the two sides of the working device , wherein the movable side plate rests on the ground surface in floating position during the working operation, it is provided that a clearing scraper is arranged in front of the at least one movable side plate as seen in the direction of travel, wherein the clearing scraper comprises at least one clearing edge for penetrating ground material lying on the ground surface in front of the movable side plate, and clears the ground material for the movable side plate so that the movable side plate may rest on the ground surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2022Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: Wirtgen GmbHInventors: Holger Thieme, Winfried von Schönebeck
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Patent number: 11926971Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignees: APT Advanced Polymer Technology Corp., Polytex Sportbeläge Produktions-GmbHInventor: Kris Brown
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Patent number: 11602251Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 1, 2022Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLCInventors: Kai Xu, AiMing Xu, Michael D'Amico, Peter Hutchinson
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Patent number: 11129468Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 25, 2018Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: EncoreNetworks Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hae Young Jung, Sang Yong Jang
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Patent number: 9795909Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 29, 2012Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences ABInventors: Henrik K. Eriksson, Patric Fricking, L. Johan Carlsson
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Publication number: 20150143660Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2014Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventor: Dennis Lickteig
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Patent number: 8961633Abstract: 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 overpType: GrantFiled: September 5, 2009Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Nilfisk-Advance A/SInventors: Martin Kienzle, Günther Werbach, Rainer Hafenrichter, Klaus Dietz
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Patent number: 8713752Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 9, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Sung Su Kang
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Patent number: 8510907Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 10, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
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Publication number: 20130031744Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2011Publication date: February 7, 2013Inventor: Tetsu Ota
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Patent number: 8186006Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 7996955Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Inventor: Mirek Byczynski
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Patent number: 7802338Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 10, 2009Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Inventor: Ira George Hall
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Patent number: 7779507Abstract: 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 tType: GrantFiled: December 8, 2004Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jae Duck Jung, Ha Jong Sung
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Publication number: 20100125969Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2008Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventors: Michael Genna, Connie Genna
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Patent number: 7669282Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 8, 2004Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jae Duck Jung, Ha Jong Sung
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Patent number: 7662199Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Tennant CompanyInventors: Richard William Wellens, Michael Thomas Basham, Karl Hansen
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Patent number: 7636982Abstract: 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 brushType: GrantFiled: August 10, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: iRobot CorporationInventors: Joseph L. Jones, Newton E. Mack, David M. Nugent, Paul E. Sandin
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Patent number: 7608123Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 26, 2004Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Inventor: Massimiliano Pineschi
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Patent number: 7527699Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 13, 2007Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Inventor: Robert L. Mendenhall
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Patent number: 7430784Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Inventor: Timothy L. Cowan
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Patent number: 7341612Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: ZNN Technologies, LLCInventors: Davis Dang Hoang Nhan, Rongguo Zhao, William Hung Nguyen
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Publication number: 20070289444Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2007Publication date: December 20, 2007Inventor: Yoshihiro Tsuchiya
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Patent number: 7281296Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 13, 2003Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Federal Signal CorporationInventor: Daniel P. Strauser
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Patent number: 7171725Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Aktiebolaget ElectroluxInventors: Goran Sjoberg, Fredrik Bergling
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Patent number: 7086118Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Tennant CompanyInventors: Gregory J. Engel, Steven L. Boomgaarden
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Patent number: 6966097Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Tennant CompanyInventors: Gregory J. Engel, Theodore J. Olsonoski
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Patent number: 6959466Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Tennant CompanyInventors: Musibau O. Alowonle, Craig D. Block, Robert J. Erko, Richard F. Milun
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Patent number: 6902594Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Inventor: Kuo-Chin Cho
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Patent number: 6854157Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Federal Signal CorporationInventor: Daniel P. Strauser
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Patent number: 6449800Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 3, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Inventor: Brooks M. Gotham
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Patent number: 6195837Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 22, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: Roger P. Vanderlinden
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Patent number: 6195836Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 10, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: Roger P. Vanderlinden
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Patent number: 6185782Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 25, 2000Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Inventor: Ira George Hall
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Patent number: 6146434Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 24, 1999Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: The Hoover CompanyInventors: Adam C. Scalfani, Douglas E. Gerber, A. Ronald Keebler, Raymond L. Lawter, Daniel R. Miller
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Patent number: 5902414Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 29, 1996Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: Air Force LimitedInventors: Mark Anthony Keal, Charles Clifford Seager Lawrence
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Patent number: 5784756Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 26, 1996Date of Patent: July 28, 1998Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Alexander H. Slocum, Martin L. Culpepper
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Patent number: 5697293Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 30, 1995Date of Patent: December 16, 1997Assignee: Delta Neu (S.A.)Inventor: Daniel Mogenier
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Patent number: 5540001Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 3, 1993Date of Patent: July 30, 1996Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventors: Jean-Marie Bouretz, Herve Bernard
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Patent number: 5428864Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 28, 1994Date of Patent: July 4, 1995Assignee: Suk-cess LimitedInventor: Peter Pemberton
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Patent number: 5249332Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 31, 1991Date of Patent: October 5, 1993Assignee: Commercial Sweeper Systems, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth R. Wilkerson
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Patent number: 5010620Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 22, 1989Date of Patent: April 30, 1991Inventor: Ronald E. Young
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Patent number: 4972541Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 1989Date of Patent: November 27, 1990Inventor: O. K. Smith, Jr.
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Patent number: 4930530Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 5, 1988Date of Patent: June 5, 1990Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.Inventors: John B. Crego, Ronald T. Sheehan, Robert M. VanGinhoven
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Patent number: 4914774Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 5, 1988Date of Patent: April 10, 1990Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.Inventors: Ronald T. Sheehan, Robert M. VanGinhoven, John B. Crego
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Patent number: 4884313Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 19, 1988Date of Patent: December 5, 1989Assignee: Dulevo S.p.A.Inventor: Sergio Zoni
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Patent number: 4825495Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 5, 1988Date of Patent: May 2, 1989Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. VanGinhoven, John B. Crego, Ronald T. Sheehan
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Patent number: 4819676Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 16, 1986Date of Patent: April 11, 1989Assignee: Tennant CompanyInventors: Michael L. Blehert, Archie A. Weidner
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Patent number: 4809380Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 6, 1987Date of Patent: March 7, 1989Assignee: Ford New Holland, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. VanGinhoven, John B. Crego, Ronald T. Sheehan