Abstract: The cutter implement may include a housing, a cutter, and a curtain. The housing has a forward end for engaging the crop material when moving in a direction of operation. The housing at least partially defines a cutting region disposed at the forward end. The cutter is coupled to the housing and can cut the crop material in the cutting region. The curtain is coupled to the forward end of the housing and is positioned forward of the cutter relative to the direction of operation for engaging and leaning the crop material upstream of the cutter. The curtain includes a stiffness control feature operable to control a vertical stiffness of the curtain to provide a variable vertical stiffness that increases with an increase in a bend angle of the curtain rearward relative to the direction of operation.

Abstract: Provided is disclosure for hybrid material post-CMP brushes and methods for forming the same. Embodiments of a hybrid material post-CMP brush may comprise at least two layers, where the hybrid brush is used to clean various surfaces, such as surfaces of semiconductor substrates. An example hybrid brush for cleaning a surface includes a mandrel, a molded first layer formed about the mandrel, where the molded first layer comprises a first material, and a molded second layer surrounding the molded first layer, where the molded second layer comprises a second material.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus such as a vacuum cleaner includes a suction source, a recovery container, and a base assembly with at least one agitator within an agitator chamber. The recovery container can be coupled to a separator assembly configured to remove dirt and debris from working fluid through the vacuum cleaner. In addition, a brake assembly can be provided on an upper portion of the base assembly and be configured to engage at least one wheel of the base assembly.

Abstract: A power rake and multi-purpose bucket combo attachment includes a power rake drum, a multi-purpose bucket and a frame. The multi-purpose bucket is configured to dig, scoop, lift, carry, clamp, pinch or hold. The frame is configured to hold the power rake drum and the multi-purpose bucket in positions for operation on a loader machine. The frame also includes a plate configured for attachment to a loader machine. Wherein, the power rake and multi-purpose bucket combo attachment is configured to combine the power rake drum and the multi-purpose bucket that can dig, scoop, lift, carry, clamp, pinch or hold in a single attachment, whereby the power rake multi-purpose bucket combo attachment provides operations of both the power rake drum and the multi-purpose bucket.

Abstract: A grass treatment system includes a first ground engaging rolling element, a second ground engaging rolling element, a comb having a leading edge including a plurality of comb teeth spaced apart at intervals, the comb is mounted between the first and second rolling elements and transversely to a direction of travel, a substantially cylindrical brush positioned above the comb and configured to engage at least a portion of a top surface of the comb, wherein the brush rotates relative to the comb to propel debris lifted from an area of turf grass by the comb.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle support device comprising a polygonal surface which may be affixed to a front edge of an at least one circumferential plate (110) or to a midline of an at least one circumferential plate (110). The polygonal surface (105) may be a pentagon polygon having five sides, a hexagon polygon having six sides, an octagon polygon having eight sides, or any polygonal shape. The polygonal front surface may have an at least one asymmetrical side. The polygonal front surface (105) may have a plurality of lug bolt supports (120), which may have five lug bolt supports (120), seven lug bolt supports (120), eight lug bolt supports (120), or twelve lug bolt supports (120). The vehicle support device may have an axle support centerline (125), a vehicle support device centerline (130), and an non-zero centerline offset (135) between the axle support centerline (125) and the vehicle support centerline (130) to provide for offset alignment of the vehicle support device in a vehicle wheel well.

Abstract: A broom assembly for a vehicle includes a frame, a broom core axle rotatably coupled to the frame and defining an axis around which a broom rotates, an actuator coupled to the frame and positioned to raise and lower the axle relative to the frame, and a controller. The controller has an output for adjusting the actuator and an input for receiving information from a sensor. To account for the estimated wear, the controller is configured to use the received information to automatically lower the axle over a period of operation and use the sensor input to controllably adjust the actuator to a position setpoint changing over the period of operation. After operation, the controller is configured to use the sensor input to determine a current position, add an offset to the current position to achieve a new sensor target setpoint, and use the new setpoint to adjust the output.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a desired amount of mechanical abrasion to plants and selective cutting of undesirable plant material. The apparatus includes a base, a brush and an elevation device for maintaining the base at desirable height. The base has a first longitudinal axis and a plurality of grooves, the grooves being oriented approximately perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. The brush has a second longitudinal axis and a plurality of bristles and/or blades extending outwardly from the second longitudinal axis. The brush is attached to the apparatus such that the second longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis and the brush is rotatable about the second longitudinal axis. The brush is spaced from the base such that the plurality of bristles engage the plurality of grooves. The base is adjustable enabling the operator to move the base closer or further from the rotating brush/blades.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing material from the ground is disclosed, with a path-clearing blade, a vehicle mounting, a body supporting the blade, and a jointed connection between the vehicle mounting and the body permitting the axis of the blade and body to rotate within a plane parallel to the ground. The jointed connection has first and second pivot arm each pivotally connected about a proximal axis of rotation relative to the vehicle mounting and pivotally connected about a distal axis of rotation relative to the body. As the body's axis rotates in the clockwise sense, the first and second arms each pivot counterclockwise about their respective proximal axes of rotation, and vice versa. The arms are preferably disposed above the body and the distal axes of rotation are mounted forwardly of the rear edge of a horizontal rotating brush mounted in the body behind the blade.

Abstract: A sweeping machine for working ground surfaces, in particular lawns comprises a machine frame adapted to be moved in the traveling direction, at least one wheel axle with at least one wheel, said wheel axle being supported in the machine frame transversely to the traveling direction, said wheel axle supporting the machine frame parallel to the ground surface, a least one sweeping element adapted to be driven for rotation about a sweeping element axis, said sweeping element axis extending substantially parallel to the ground surface, and said sweeping element is in contact with the ground surface when in an operating position. The sweeping machine of the invention provides that the sweeping element axis of the at least one sweeping element is adapted to be moved from a first operating position, assumed when travelling straight, to a second operating position, assumed when driving a curve, in which second position the sweeping element axis is in a position pivoted towards the inner side of the curve.

Abstract: A lawn sweeper including a swing arm rotatably connected to a wheel axle including a first end connected to a biasing element and a second end including a rotatably connected idler gear that meshingly engages a wheel gear in a first position and is disengaged from the wheel gear in a second position.

Abstract: A broom assembly for attachment to a vehicle is adapted to rotate a brush having a tubular core. The broom assembly includes a center section, a left side plate, a right side plate, an idle hub on one of the side plates and a drive hub on the other of the side plates. These hubs define a core axis about which the brush is rotated. A first linear actuator is adapted to move the left side plate along an axis that is parallel to the core axis between a left open position and a left closed position, and a second linear actuator is adapted to move the right side plate along an axis that is parallel to the core axis between a right open position and a right closed position. The broom assembly may be operated in a work mode and a maintenance mode.

Abstract: A broom assembly for a vehicle includes a frame, a broom core axle rotatably coupled to the frame and defining an axis around which a broom rotates when in use, an actuator coupled to the frame and positioned to raise and lower the broom core axle relative to the frame, and a controller. The controller has an output for adjusting the actuator and an input for receiving position information from a sensor. The controller is configured to use the received position information to automatically lower the broom core axle over a period of operation to account for an estimated wear of the broom.

Abstract: Provided is a lawn maintenance vehicle including a frame having a first axle and a second axle mounted to the frame. A first drive wheel and a second drive wheel are mounted to the first and second axle. An energy storage device and an electric motor having a motor shaft are mounted to the frame. The electric motor is in electrical communication with the energy storage device and the energy storage device provides electrical power to the electric motor. The lawn maintenance vehicle further includes a traction drive. The traction drive is operably connected to the motor shaft, and the traction drive is operably connected to the first and second axles. The lawn maintenance vehicle includes an implement mounted to the frame. The lawn maintenance vehicle can also include an internal combustion engine operably connected to the electric motor.

Abstract: A side brush assembly mechanism for a floor surface maintenance vehicle including a linkage assembly supporting a brush deck, a pivot assembly and a cable connected to the linkage assembly, and a cable tensioning device for retracting the cable. The cable tensioning device is capable of lifting and retracting the brush deck. The side brush assembly mechanism may include a biasing mechanism for lowering and extending the brush deck.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lawn sweeper designed to collect debris, such as grass clippings and leaves, from a surface such as a lawn, and more particularly to a lawn sweeper with an adjustable brush assembly and characteristics associated with improved storage of such a device. A user may adjust the brush assembly with respect to the housing without needing to move the wheels. The hopper assembly may include a panel movable to be placed in at least two orientations, thereby allowing a user to change the volume within which the hopper assembly may collect debris. Methods are also disclosed for adjusting the brush assembly and for storing a lawn sweeper unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lawn sweeper designed to collect debris, such as grass clippings and leaves, from a surface such as a lawn, and more particularly to a lawn sweeper with an adjustable brush assembly and characteristics associated with improved storage of such a device. A user may adjust the brush assembly with respect to the housing without needing to move the wheels. The hopper assembly may include a panel movable to be placed in at least two orientations, thereby allowing a user to change the volume within which the hopper assembly may collect debris. Methods are also disclosed for adjusting the brush assembly and for storing a lawn sweeper unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lawn sweeper designed to collect debris, such as grass clippings and leaves, from a surface such as a lawn, and more particularly to a lawn sweeper with a tilt-able hopper frame and hopper bag that includes a handle such that an operator may tilt the hopper frame and hopper bag, using the handle, to empty the hopper bag contents. The hopper bag and hopper frame are connected to a lawn sweeper unit using a hopper rod which is inserted into two slots at the ends of two hopper support bars and secured within the slots by two corresponding latch plates, one latch plate at each end of the two hopper support bars. The latching mechanism allows the hopper frame and hopper bag to be easily removed from the lawn sweeper unit for storage.

Abstract: A turf cleaning machine includes a bowed plate swept by a cylindrical plate. The bowed plate, when successively swept by a cylindrical brush, catches waste not ejected by the brush into a collecting pan to ensure collection of the waste. The waste is picked up a second time for ejection from the brush into the pan.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lawn sweeper designed to collect debris, such as grass clippings and leaves, from a surface such as a lawn, and more particularly to a lawn sweeper with an adjustable brush assembly and characteristics associated with improved storage of such a device. A user may adjust the brush assembly with respect to the housing without needing to move the wheels. The hopper assembly may include a panel movable to be placed in at least two orientations, thereby allowing a user to change the volume within which the hopper assembly may collect debris. Methods are also disclosed for adjusting the brush assembly and for storing a lawn sweeper unit.

Abstract: A grout cleaning device includes a housing having a front end, a lower region, and a handle; the lower region being separated from the handle. The cleaning device includes a rotatable brush operatively coupled to the housing at the housing front end for scrubbing grout. A motor is located in the housing and operatively coupled to the brush for rotating the brush. An ultraviolet light is operatively coupled to the housing at the housing lower region for sanitizing grout.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to debris collection devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a debris collection vehicle utilizing a side broom having memory recall functionality.

Abstract: A rotary broom mounts upon a slotted plate that pivots upon a double gearbox. The broom has bristles upon an axle within a shield that receives power from a chain drive that receives its power from a driveline from a top gear box. The top gearbox orients in the direction of the chain driveline and delivers its power through an output shaft. The top gearbox joins to a slotted plate that turns in the same direction as the broom. The top gear box receives its power through an input shaft perpendicular to the output shaft. The top gearbox input shaft extends downwardly and becomes the output shaft of the bottom gearbox. The bottom gearbox has an input shaft that connects to a power take off. This rotary broom receives rotational power, rotates it 90° upwardly, then rotates it 90° downwardly and at an angle laterally to drive the broom.

Abstract: In an overhead throwing sweeping machine, the cylindrical sweeping roller (4) which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis is retained on jointly adjustable pivoted arms, and the dirt container (6) arranged behind the sweeping roller (4) has a receiving opening, the bottom edge (15) of which lies adjacent to the sweeping roller (4). In order to reset the sweeping area of the sweeping roller (4) after wear of the bristles, a cable control (20) is provided which runs over a bearing surface (11) which, at a pivoted arm designed as a double-armed lever and intended for the sweeping roller (4), is formed on that arm (7) of said double-armed lever which is remote from the longitudinal axis (4?) of the sweeping roller (4).

Abstract: A leaf gathering apparatus includes upper and lower conveyor axes, a conveyor extending around the upper and lower conveyor axes that is continuously rotatable, and a rotatable sweeping mechanism having a generally horizontal axis of rotation, the sweeping mechanism being configured to move leaves from a ground surface onto the conveyor. The apparatus includes a bag and a channel extending from the conveyor to the bag to direct leaves therebetween. A shredder is located along the channel. A frame, the upper and lower conveyor axes, and the sweeping mechanism are operatively coupled to the frame. A plurality of wheels are operatively coupled to the frame to allow the frame to be easily transported and a motor is operatively coupled to the sweeping mechanism to rotate the sweeping mechanism, the motor being operatively coupled to at least one of the upper and lower conveyor axes to rotate the conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning tool for a cleaning device, the cleaning tool being subject to wear during operation. In order to make it easier to identify wear, the invention proposes that the cleaning tool comprise a sensor device with a sensor element which has a physical characteristic variable which changes as a function of the degree of wear of the cleaning tool. The invention also proposes a cleaning device having such a cleaning tool, the cleaning device having a detector device which is coupled to the sensor device for the purpose of sensing the change in the physical characteristic variable of the sensor element, and having an indicator device which is connected to the detector device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the suspension of a work implement such as sweeping rollers and ploughs on a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a frame mounted at one end of the vehicle and a carrier (11) fixed to the frame and running essentially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Adjacent to each of its outer ends the carrier can be provided with at least one link (14, 15) having a pivot axis (16, 17) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the carrier at a first end. The ends of the links remote from the carrier are fixedly supported at outer ends of the work implement, the links pivoting independently about each pivot axis (16, 17).

Abstract: A vehicle for removing an accumulation of particles comprises a vehicle body, a system configured to remove the particles in bulk, and an arm coupled to and extending from the vehicle body. The arm comprises a first sweeping element and a second sweeping element. Each sweeping element includes a shaft member rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and a set of bristles projecting away from the axis along the shaft member. The first and second longitudinal axes are a distance apart, and the sweeping elements define a concerted sweeping area. The arm may be movably coupled to the vehicle body and may be configured to move the sweeping element around the vehicle body by rotating the arm about a horizontal axis. When a sweeping element rotates in proximity to the ground, the longitudinal axis is substantially vertical. The vehicle may further include a computer system for tracking the location of an object.

Abstract: A debris collecting device includes a rotatable drum 4 having a plurality of radially extending tynes 5 and a rake adapted to cooperate with the drum, the rake having dual arcuate shaped blades, including a debris releasing blade 7 and a reversing blade 9 adapted to contiguously contact either side of the drum over the whole length thereof at the respective leading edges thereof. The blades include elongate slots 11 adapted to intersect and accommodate the travel path of the tynes as the drum rotates such that debris pierced and picked up by the tynes rotating in a first direction is dislodged for transfer to a catcher 2.

Abstract: A rotating broom system to be installed on the front of a self-propelled vehicle such as a truck used for the high speed sweeping and removal of snow or debris from paved surfaces such as airport runways assembly has two major components: a rotating broom drive assembly, and a support structure. The rotating broom assembly is connected to the support structure using a non-rigid connection.

Abstract: A low-profile sweeper that employs rotary brushes. The low-profile sweeper is especially suited for low overhead clearance applications, as typically found in nut harvesting. The low-profile sweeper has an armature for locating one or more brushes in an array, or attached to a conventional agricultural sweeper. The armature attaches to a chassis or frame of a steerable drive. When used in a parallel oriented array, the brushes rotate in the same, common direction and in substantially the same, common plane of rotation, slightly skewed to avoid contact between the brushes. The bristles of the radial brushes are emanate fro a central hub and are approximately parallel to the plane of rotation. A fan can be utilized to aid the pick-up action of the brushes. The fan is preferably mounted to direct an airstream to the area to be swept. Also, a spray-bar can be attached to the armature or alternatively to the chassis, to aid in dust abatement.

Abstract: A debris sweeper has a powered rotary brush for sweeping debris, such as aerator cores, from a turf surface into a debris collecting hopper. The brush and hopper are carried on a wheeled tow frame. The hopper is pivotally supported on a pivotal lift frame that moves the hopper between a lower, debris collecting position and an upper, debris dumping position. The lift frame pivots on the tow frame behind an axis of a pair of wheels while the hopper pivots on the lift frame in front of the wheel axis. This ensures that positive weight is kept on the tongue of the tow frame at all times.

Abstract: A sweeper apparatus is disclosed, which concerns at least one wheel, at least one brush and a means for attaching a pulling agent. The wheels are pulled in one direction causing the one or more brushes to spin at a desired speed flicking sand particles into small or large holes on the ground. The brushes are in mechanical cooperation with the wheels allowing the wheels and brushes to spin in substantially opposite directions. The wheels are driven through the use of a pulling agent like golf cart, truckster, tractor or other movement device which can cause the sweeping apparatus to be moved over a desired area.

Abstract: A towable lawn sweeper comprising a housing, a hitch assembly, a sweeper assembly and a sweeper height adjustment assembly. The hitch assembly is rigidly coupled to the housing and includes a clevis comprising a plurality of connector members forming a plurality of connection positions to adjustably couple the lawn sweeper to a tow vehicle. The sweeper assembly is rotatably coupled to the housing and includes at least one brush that is attached to an axle of the sweeper assembly in a spiral pattern about a longitudinal axis of the axle. The sweeper height adjustment assembly is pivotably coupled to the housing and includes a height adjustment bar pivotally mounted to the housing, a lever extending from the height adjustment bar generally perpendicular, a height retention member pivotally connected to the hitch assembly, and a fastener to releasably secure the lever to the height retention member.

Abstract: A sweeper apparatus is disclosed, which concerns at least one wheel, at least one brush and a means for attaching a pulling agent. The wheels are pulled in one direction causing the one or more brushes to spin at a desired speed flicking sand particles into small or large holes on the ground. The brushes are in mechanical cooperation with the wheels allowing the wheels and brushes to spin in substantially opposite directions. The wheels are driven through the use of a pulling agent like golf cart, truckster, tractor or other movement device which can cause the sweeping apparatus to be moved over a desired area.

Abstract: A street sweeper system is used typically in a motorized vehicle. The sweeper utilizes a cylindrical brush rotating about an axis generally perpendicular to the vehicle's direction of motion. A conveyor belt catches debris thrown forwards and upward by the brush and moves the debris to a hopper. A recirculation flap is mounted contacting a lower rear portion of the brush. The recirculation flap deflects debris that has traveled over the top of the brush back into the brush to be recollected at the conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved mechanical coupling for rapidly adjusting the elevation of a working edge portion of a tool which working edge portion is subject to wear that decreases the effective length of the working edge portion. In one embodiment, the bristles of a drum-type brush comprise the working edge portion. Once the working edge is properly adjusted with respect to a work surface, the amount of downforce imparted by the working edge and the pattern of the working edge on a work surface are maximized. In use an operator compares the length of the working edge to a first indicia set displayed adjacent the working edge and adjusts the elevation of the working edge with reference to a second indicia set which corresponds to the first indicia set. Surface maintenance vehicles which support an adjustable height tool with a working edge that wears down may utilize the present invention.

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

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

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

Abstract: A hood for a mechanized sweeper comprises an upper surface, an adjustable front flap, an adjustable rear flap, and end skirts. The adjustable front flap is configured to extend perpendicularly downward from the upper surface. The adjustable rear flap is configured to extend perpendicularly downward from the upper surface. The end skirts are configured to extend perpendicularly downward from the upper surface and further configured to extend perpendicular from the front flap and the rear flap such that the adjustable front and rear flaps are adjusted to maintain a depth equal to the depth of the end skirts.

Abstract: A sweeper apparatus is disclosed, which concerns at least one wheel, at least one brush and a means for attaching a pulling agent. The wheels are pulled in one direction causing the one or more brushes to spin at a desired speed flicking sand particles into small or large holes on the ground. The brushes are in mechanical cooperation with the wheels allowing the wheels and brushes to spin in substantially opposite directions. The wheels are driven through the use of a pulling agent like golf cart, truckster, tractor or other movement device which can cause the sweeping apparatus to be moved over a desired area.

Abstract: A street sweeper system is used typically in a motorized vehicle. The sweeper utilizes a cylindrical brush rotating about an axis that is typically perpendicular to the vehicle's direction of motion. A conveyor belt catches debris thrown forwards and upward by the brush and moves the debris to a hopper. A conveyor lip is mounted on a lower edge of the conveyor to improve sweeping performance. The conveyor lip covers a space between the lower edge of the conveyor and the ground. The lip's lower edge is angled towards the brush to deflect debris back towards the brush to recirculate the debris.

Abstract: A brush wear adjustment system for use in a powered street sweeper to provide for consistent sweeping performance where wear of rotary brush bristles is constantly sensed and the rotational speed of the rotary brush is automatically increased to maintain a desired bristle tip speed to maintain desirable sweeping attributes. Rotary brush support arm angular displacement is monitored in order for an electro-hydraulic controller to influence rotational speed of the rotary brush and to provide a readout relative to bristle length.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved mechanical coupling for rapidly adjusting the elevation of a working edge portion of a tool which working edge portion is subject to wear that decreases the effective length of the working edge portion. In one embodiment, the bristles of a drum-type brush comprise the working edge portion. Once the working edge is properly adjusted with respect to a work surface, the amount of downforce imparted by the working edge and the pattern of the working edge on a work surface are maximized. In use an operator compares the length of the working edge to a first indicia set displayed adjacent the working edge and adjusts the elevation of the working edge with reference to a second indicia set which corresponds to the first indicia set. Surface maintenance vehicles which support an adjustable height tool with a working edge that wears down may utilize the present invention.

Abstract: A sweeper drag shoe used with a rotary broom in sweeping, whereby escaping debris from under a contact skid is recaptured. The sweeper drag shoe contains a deflection plate that redirects bristle tip movement inwardly to allow the broom to recapture debris which escapes during normal operation. The sweeper drag shoe also includes an angled wedge for concentrating outer bristles of the broom into a rotating barrier to prevent debris migration to the end of the broom.

Abstract: In a brush assembly of a cleaner including plural brushes arranged at the bottom surface of a cleaner body radially at regular intervals; plural supporting shafts for rotatively supporting the brushes; and a driving unit connected to the brushes in order to rotate the brushes, by arranging the plural brushes radially, dust and filth can be collected in a wider region, and accordingly a cleaning performance can be improved. In addition, by forming the brushes as a curved shape, it is possible to compact a size of the cleaner.

Abstract: A street sweeper drag shoe of cast austempered ductile iron used with a rotary broom in sweeping, whereby escaping debris from under a contact skid is recaptured. The street sweeper drag shoe contains a deflection plate that redirects bristle tip movement inwardly to allow the broom to recapture debris which escapes during normal operation. The street sweeper drag shoe also includes an angled wedge for concentrating outer bristles of the broom into a rotating barrier to prevent debris migration to the ends of the broom. The contact skid exhibits total planar contact with the roadway without interceding carbide wear plates.

Abstract: A street sweeper system is used typically in a motorized vehicle. The sweeper utilizes a cylindrical brush rotating about an axis generally perpendicular to the vehicle's direction of motion. A conveyor belt catches debris thrown forwards and upward by the brush and moves the debris to a hopper. A cutoff flap is mounted contacting a front portion of the brush. The cutoff flap deflects debris that moves upwards along a front portion of the brush back downwards to be recollected at the conveyor.

Abstract: A sweeper includes a support structure having parallel arms which may be moved apart to allow a brush held between the arms to be replaced. Each of the arms has a hub mounted thereon by a universal joint which provides automatic alignment of the two hubs to provide a single axis of rotation for the brush. One of the hubs is connected to a hydraulic drive motor and includes a plurality of slots, one of which receives a drive lug on the interior of the brush which is preferably of the type having a core of a thin metal tube. A raising and lowering mechanism comprises a parallelogram having a hydraulic cylinder in the center for controlling the configuration of the parallelogram. As the brush is raised its support mechanism remains parallel to the vehicle and moves closer to it. A unique stop element is mounted to the hydraulic cylinder to provide a minimum height for the sweeper.