Abstract: A vehicle mounted broom that has a modular construction, improved sweeping action and versatile mounting capabilities. The broom has brush strips and integral channels formed in a bottom side of the housings that reduce greatly or eliminate rocking of the brush strips with respect to the housing to which they are removably mounted. The main housing is extruded from aluminum.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted broom that has a modular construction, improved sweeping action and versatile mounting capabilities. The broom has brush strips and integral channels formed in a bottom side of the housings that reduce greatly or eliminate rocking of the brush strips with respect to the housing to which they are removably mounted. The main housing is extruded from aluminum.

Abstract: A sweeping unit which can be affixed to a carrier vehicle or a trailer, comprising a supporting frame and at least one motor-driven rotary brush which is rotationally mounted around the longitudinal axis thereof. The supporting frame is provided with supporting wheels, whereby the vertical distance of said wheels from the axis of the rotary brush can be modified by means of an adjusting device comprising at least one adjusting member and a control unit. A sensor is provided for the detection of driving torque or the driving power of the rotary brush or an associated variable, whereby the signal from said sensor is switched to the control unit. The control unit determines the working position of the adjusting member corresponding to an optimum contact surface between the brush and the ground as a function of the contact position between the ground and the adjusting member, characterized by a sharp increase in said sensor signal when the rotary brush is lowered.

Abstract: A brush assembly is provided in a movable sweeper in which the sweeper includes a vehicle frame to which a rotatable cylindrical brush is connected. The sweeper comprises a turning equipment to turn a brush frame around the vertical axle. The turning equipment comprises a first hydraulic cylinder by means of which an articulated auxiliary bar is turned around its articulating joint. A second hydraulic cylinder is fixed to the auxiliary bar from one of its ends and the second hydraulic cylinder is fixed to the brush frame on its other end. The working positions of the brush are obtained by driving one of the hydraulic cylinders to its longest or correspondingly shortest position. A transporting position for the brush is obtained by driving the other one of the cylinders (first or second one) to its extreme position.

Abstract: Curb Brush is an implement for displacing debris from the top and bottom of rounded curbs with a steel scraper cut to the shape of the curb to remove large debris; a gutter broom mounted behind the steel scraper spinning counter clockwise to displace debris from the top of the curb onto the edge of the street; a second gutter broom mounted behind the first and offset from the curb to displace debris from the bottom of the curb onto the edge of the street. A preferred embodiment includes a water tank with two water nozzles mounted in front of each gutter broom to lower amount of airborne dust. A safe embodiment includes rubber shields mounted at front and along side of implement and a carpenter mesh shield above gutter brooms to stop any loose or dangerous debris. A preferred embodiment includes wherein said steel scraper, gutter brooms, and universal backing plate are welded to steel tubing frame for use with a skid steer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle mounted sweeping apparatus to be mounted on a variety of vehicles for sweeping the inside surfaces of vessels such as a barge, generally comprising a rectangular steel base plate positioned horizontally with two perpendicular rectangular side plates attached to each end of the base plate. All three plates are attached to a rectangular steel frame which further comprises a mounting plate for attachment to a vehicle. The horizontal base plate and vertical side plates comprise multiple sweeping elements arranged in parallel rows perpendicular to the direction of vehicle travel and removeably attached to the outside surfaces of the plates, for replacement when worn.

Abstract: A rotary brush assembly that is mounted to a traction vehicle, such as a skid steer type vehicle. The brush assembly is allowed to move relative to the traction vehicle within three degrees of freedom including yaw, roll, and up and down linear motion. The degrees of freedom reduce brush wear and facilitate more effective cleaning over uneven surfaces. Up and down linear motion is accommodated by a linear sliding joint. The sliding joint is further equipped with markings that indicate to the operator where, in the range of up and down motion, the brush is located. The brush assembly is also equipped with a mounting mechanism that translates motion of a skid steered vehicle implement arm joint into yaw motion of the brush. This eliminates the need for additional hydraulic cylinders or controls to actuate yaw motion.

Abstract: A street sweeper for cleaning municipal streets and commercial parking lots uses a single engine with a modified torque converter on the automatic transmission. The torque converter is designed to lock up or engage higher than on a standard torque converter. This increases the horsepower and torque output of the engine for driving the sweeping apparatus without propelling the vehicle at speeds too high for the sweeping function. As engine rotational speeds increase further, the modified torque converter engages fully and drives the vehicle at desired road speeds.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a hard floor surface with a surface maintenance vehicle including the steps of generating a foam-like aerated cleaning liquid, selectively conveying the foam-like aerated cleaning liquid to the hard floor surface and a scrubbing medium operatively coupled to the surface maintenance vehicle, scrubbing the hard floor surface with said rotating scrubbing medium and said foam-like aerated cleaning liquid so as to loosen soil from the hard floor surface leaving behind a soiled solution of cleaning liquid and soil, and removing at least a portion of the soiled solution from the hard floor surface through a fluid recovery device. Additional aspects of the present invention include devices for performing the cleaning method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for clearing a playing surface are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a chassis or frame, a sensor connected to the chassis to sense a location of a line on a playing surface that needs to be cleaned, and a drive connected to the chassis to drive the chassis in a selected direction of travel. The apparatus also preferably includes a controller connected to the chassis, in communication with the drive, and responsive to the sensor to control the drive to thereby direct the chassis to move along the line that needs to be cleaned in the selected direction of travel and a cleaning device connected to the chassis to clean the line with the chassis is being driven along the line. Associated software is provided as well.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted broom that has a modular construction, improved sweeping action and versatile mounting capabilities. The broom has brush strips and integral channels formed in a bottom side of the housings that reduce greatly or eliminate rocking of the brush strips with respect to the housing to which they are removably mounted. The main housing is extruded from aluminum.

Abstract: A rotary brush assembly that is mounted to a traction vehicle, such as a skid steer type vehicle. The brush assembly is allowed to move relative to the traction vehicle within three degrees of freedom including yaw, roll, and up and down linear motion. The degrees of freedom reduce brush wear and facilitate more effective cleaning over uneven surfaces. Up and down linear motion is accommodated by a linear sliding joint. The sliding joint is further equipped with markings that indicate to the operator where, in the range of up and down motion, the brush is located. The brush assembly is also equipped with a mounting mechanism that translates motion of a skid steered vehicle implement arm joint into yaw motion of the brush. This eliminates the need for additional hydraulic cylinders or controls to actuate yaw motion.

Abstract: A manipulator assembly for attachment to a bucket of a construction vehicle is disclosed. The manipulator assembly includes a universal attachment apparatus for attaching a utility tool to the bucket. The universal attachment apparatus includes a housing adapted to support the utility tool, at least one mounting bracket connected to the housing, and at least one mounting arm having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the mounting bracket. The mounting arms further include feet positioned adjacent the quick-release connector for allowing the utility tool to pivot relative to the bucket. A quick-release connector is mounted to the second end of the mounting arm for selectively securing the housing to the bucket. A biasing device is disposed on the quick-release connector for continuously urging the quick-release connector into engagement with the bucket.

Abstract: A tractor pavement-scrubbing implement having a rotating transverse cylindrical short-bristle brush attachable to a 3-point tractor hitch such that the brush may be lifted off the pavement surface or may be lowered against the pavement surface by the hydraulically-actuated 3-point hitch. The implement rides on wheels on each side of the transverse implement with the brush mounted forward of the wheels. Thus, when the hitch is lowered or lifted by the tractor 3-point hitch, the implement pivots on its rearward wheels. The implement comprises a first rotatable cylindrical brush mounted transverse in the implement adapted to rotate counterclockwise opposite the direction of travel for increased scrubbing action. Optionally, a second cylindrical brush parallel and axially offset from the first is included, rotating counter to rotation of the first brush clockwise to provide opposite scrubbing action complementary to the first brush. The brush or brushes are driven by a tractor power take-off drive.

Abstract: A movable sweeper having a frame to which a rotatable cylindrical brush is coupled, a flap arrangement locating at least in front of the rotatable brush with the flap leading brushed loose water and snow to the side, an adjustable support wheel for controlling the height of the sweeper and a mechanism for adjusting the distance between the flap arrangement and the brush. The sweeper includes a rotatable axle, which has a plurality of fixing arms locating on the outer surface of the axle, a plurality of connection rods being fixed to the arms from their ends and the rods transmitting adjusting motion for the supporting wheel and the flap arrangement when the axle is rotated by an activator, like a hydraulic cylinder with the activator being fixed to the frame from its one end and to the arm on the axle from its other end.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted broom that has a modular construction, improved sweeping action and versatile mounting capabilities. The modular construction allows wings to be attached to the main housing to increase the length of the broom and, if desired, the sweep angle. The broom has uniquely configured brushes that reduce greatly or eliminate rocking of the brushes with respect to the housing to which they are removably mounted. The versatile mounting system includes mounting brackets fixed to the housing which receive various mounting packages for mounting to different vehicles.

Abstract: Loose material is transferred from a surface primarily laterally outward with respect to a forward direction of movement. A plurality of elongated strip brush members are oriented at a predetermined acute angle and moved in an oval rotational pattern about a rotational axis and simultaneously in longitudinal movement parallel to the rotational axis. The movement of the strip brush members induces substantially more pushing movement on the loose particles in a direction laterally outward parallel to the rotational axis than in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis. The strip brush members contact with and withdraw from the surface in a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: A vehicular apparatus which is adapted for removing fluids including snow and/or ice and de-icing or anti-icing liquids from a surface as the apparatus traverses the surface. The apparatus comprises: a first container for receiving a first portion of the fluids removed from a zone of the surface; apparatus for collecting and transferring the first portion of the fluids from the zone to the first container; a second container for collecting residual fluids remaining on the zone of the surface after the first portion is removed; a tank for containing water and a diaphragm pump for pumping water from the tank through nozzles at high pressure on the zone of the surface to loosen the residual fluids or make them airborne; and an air sweep connected in fluid communication with the second container for drawing or sweeping the loosened residual fluids and water into the second container concurrently with impinging high pressure water on the surface.

Abstract: A janitorial cart is small, and narrow enough for use indoors, and will pass through conventional-width doorways. The cart is electrically powered, and the batteries are mounted very low so the lower center of gravity will stabilize the cart. The steering mechanism utilizes a single, rear wheel that can be turned about 90.degree. in each direction to give the cart a small turning radius. Accessories can be mounted on the front and/or the rear of the cart. The preferred accessory for the front is a dust mop apparatus for dust mopping large floor areas, but it is contemplated that brushes, burnishers and carpet sweepers will also be used. The rear accessory is contemplated to be a container for materials or supplies.

Abstract: A vehicle-mountable push broom has a generally horizontal frame provided with a plurality of transverse downwardly-opening generally C-shaped channels, and a plurality of removable bristle strips positionable one in each channel. Each strip has a holder specifically configured to be accommodated within the channel, and a plurality of bristles mounted in and extending downwardly from the holder. The strips are loosely held within the channels, such that the holders are permitted to rock within the channels, for example through an angle generally in the range of 10 to 20 degrees.

Abstract: A vehicular apparatus which is adapted for removing fluids including snow and/or ice and de-icing or anti-icing liquids from a surface as the apparatus traverses the surface. The apparatus comprises: a first container for receiving a first portion of the fluids removed from a zone of the surface; apparatus for collecting and transferring the first portion of the fluids from the zone to the first container; a second container for collecting residual fluids remaining on the zone of the surface after the first portion is removed; a tank for containing water and a diaphragm pump for pumping water from the tank through nozzles at high pressure on the zone of the surface to loosen the residual fluids or make them airborne; and an air sweep connected in fluid communication with the second container for drawing or sweeping the loosened residual fluids and water into the second container concurrently with impinging high pressure water on the surface.

Abstract: A brush assembly apparatus for cooperation with a snow plow mounting apparatus which includes apparatus for attachment to the associated snow plow mounting apparatus and an elongated main body. A plurality of bristles mounted in the main body extend generally downwardly during normal operation and apparatus is provided to bias the main body downwardly to insure thorough sweeping. In some form of the invention the apparatus also includes at least a first generally L-shaped axial extremity for the main body. Other forms of the invention may also include a second generally L-shaped axial extremity for the main body.

Abstract: At least one dust mop is fixed to a carrier, the carrier being receivable on the forks of a fork lift. The forks can be used to position the mop with respect to the floor, and the mop is carried on a pivoted arm so the mop floats for proper pressure even with some variation in height of the carrier. The mop defines an angle for collecting and retaining dirt, and the mop is resiliently allowed to pivot when the mop engages an obstruction. One mop bent at an angle may be used, or two mops angularly disposed with respect to each other may be used.

Abstract: A bumper is fixed to the frame of a dust mop so the bumper will engage stationary objects and prevent damage to the mop head on the mop frame. Dust mops are generally carried under a carrier, and the bumper is primarily needed only on the portion of the mop that extends from under the carrier; and, the bumper extends beyond the mop frame to protect the complete mop when the mop is run at an angle with respect to the direction of motion. Bumpers can be provided on each end of a mop frame. For the short reversible frame, the bumpers will be on opposite sides; for long nonreversible frames, the bumpers will be on the same side. A new mop head is attachable to the mop frame around the bumpers by having a plurality of flaps making up the top. The flaps can be fastened around the frame with the bumper in place on the frame.

Abstract: Dust mops are fixed to a carrier, the carrier being receivable on the forks of a fork lift. The forks can be used to position the mops with respect to the floor, and the mops are carried on pivoted arms so the mops float for proper pressure even with some variation in height of the carrier. The mops are arranged with one laterally disposed, and two others angled to direct dirt and debris towards the first. Connectors on each arm fixed the conventional mop frame to the arm.

Abstract: An improved sweeper system for use with a grass mowing machine for use in the care of golf course greens in which the lawn mowing machine has at least one mower assembly, the sweeper system including a sweeper structural support affixed to and extending from the mower assembly, an elongated broom having a horizontal head portion and bristles downwardly extending therefrom, an elongated structural head member affixed to the broom head portion, a cylindrical vertical shaft extending upwardly from the structural head member, a bearing trunnion affixed to the structural support member adjacent the outer end the shaft being rotatably received in the bearing trunnion and a plurality of spacers received on the shaft above the trunnions so that the elevation of the brush is adjustable and elastomeric members extending from the sweeper system to the structural head member on either side of the structural support, the broom following behind the mower assembly to sweep the golf green as it is mowed.

Abstract: The apparatus for clearing a trafficked surface such as a road, express highway and airport runway of snow, slush, water, dirt and the like comprises a framework in which two rotatable drums are mounted and around which a conveyor belt for the material to be cleared movable transverse to the direction of travel or inclined in the operating location is guided. The conveyor belt is movable into a position inclined at an acute angle with respect to the normal of the trafficked surface. One of two strands of the conveyor belt is contactable on the trafficked surface while the other oppositely movable strand of the conveyor belt is liftable from the trafficked surface.

Abstract: A grooming attachment particularly adapted to reconditioning the playing surface of tennis courts. The attachment is adapted to be drawn by a motorized vehicle capable of travelling over the entire surface of the court and comprising a plurality of brush elements pivotally mounted on a suitable support connected to a conventional hitch which are capable of being manually moved from an operative brushing position to an elevated position whereby the brushes are capable of being brought into an upright position when it is desired to move the attachment from one place to another and particularly through the entrance gate of a court, the width being of a conventional area.

Abstract: The sweeping brush of the machine is composed of two or more parts in order to maintain a constant pressure of the sweeping brush against the ground, to achieve faster clearance of the snow, and to avoid downtime for adjustments. These brush parts are swivellable relative to one another in a vertical plane. The common raising and lowering movement of the individual parts is controlled by a cylinder-piston unit, and the piston acting upon the brush parts is always impinged upon by a pressure opposite to the direction of movement. The individual brush parts may be connected to one another by torsion bars.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting flat or semiflat materials while simultaneously retrieving bottles and cans includes a ground engageable rotating drum (52) with a plurality of fingers (60) extending radially from the drum. A plurality of toothed discs (210) is rotatably mounted on a shaft and driven in conjunction with the rotation of the drum in a direction opposite that of the drum. The toothed discs (210) are positioned adjacent to but above ground level during operation of the apparatus and assists in the engagement and movement of objects by the drum and fingers to a collection location (32). A plurality of belts (130) is engaged between pulleys (212) mounted intermediate of the toothed discs (210) and corresponding pulleys (126) on a shaft spaced from the toothed discs. The belts are positioned on the trailing side of the drum and above the toothed discs and assist in engagement and movement of objects by the drum and fingers to the collection station.

Abstract: A mobile lawn rake attachment advantageous for use in conjunction with conventional riding mowers or other similar towing vehicles for providing a convenient method of raking large areas of accumulated grass clippings, leaves, and other associated lawn debris and effectively reducing the overall time required for such raking operations including a wheel frame assembly having a forwardly extending portion thereon for coupling to a conventional towing vehicle, a rake tine assembly mounted for pivotal movement on a tine carrying cross-bar member positioned above the wheel frame assembly and having three substantially identical overlapping tine sections which may be constructed in varying arrangements relative to each other including having the center tine section disposed aft of the two end tine sections positioned adjacent thereto, and a relatively simple linkage mechanism readily accessible from the seat of the towing vehicle for pivotally raising and lowering the rake tine assembly between a ground engaging o

Abstract: A machine for laying reinforcing mesh for concrete comprises a pair of spaced front wheels and a pair of power driven rear wheels. Several different forms of devices are provided for lifting the roll of reinforcing mesh and positioning it between the front wheels. From that position the wire is unrolled from the top of the roll and passes back under the rear wheels, thereby backbending the mesh as it is unrolled. In other embodiments not employing the front wheels, a pusher in front of the power driven wheels pushes the roll ahead of it along the ground as the latter wheels move along the mesh. In such embodiments hooks are provided on the pusher for engaging the roll in a manner such that, before unrolling, the roll may be lifted and transported to the desired location for unrolling. The safety hook is provided to the rear of the wheels to prevent the trailing edge of the non-backbended mesh from the roll from springing into the operator as the wheels move off that trailing edge.