Collector Patents (Class 15/83)
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Patent number: 11730330Abstract: A floor washing machine includes a handle assembly; a control unit provided at the handle assembly; a power supply unit electrically connected to the control unit; a rod assembly connected to the handle assembly; a base assembly connected to a lower portion of the rod assembly; a sweeping/scrubbing assembly provided at the base assembly and having a motor controlled by the control unit and a scrubbing roller to be driven into forward or reverse rotation by the motor; and a water supply assembly having a water outlet pipe, wherein the water outlet pipe has a water outlet opening and can be rotated in order to point the water outlet opening to a forward-of-roller direction or a rearward-of-roller direction of the sweeping/scrubbing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2020Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: SUMEC HARDWARE & TOOLS CO., LTD.Inventors: Lin-Miao Chen, Feng Zhou
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Patent number: 11596103Abstract: A lawn mower includes a mower frame with a first connection point and a second connection point spaced apart from the first connection point. The lawn mower also includes a prime mover supported by the mower frame forward of the first and second connection points, a mower deck mounted to the mower frame, a cutting blade mounted below the mower deck, and an accessory releasably coupled to the mower frame. The accessory includes a first linkage member that extends from the accessory toward the first connection point, and a second linkage member that extends from the accessory toward the second connection point. A hook is coupled to an end of the first linkage member and engages the first connection point. A latch is coupled to an end of the second linkage member and is operable to engage the second connection point to selectively secure the accessory to the mower frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2019Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: Ariens CompanyInventors: Ricky A. Cracraft, Daniel J. Gindt, Trenton J. Meyer, Brent P. Berglund
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Patent number: 11510544Abstract: A surface cleaning device for removing debris from a surface is described. The surface cleaning device comprises a cleaning head comprising a housing, wherein the housing defines an inlet and comprises brush chambers; at least one vent coupled to a top portion of the housing; and a sweeper assembly coupled to the housing and comprising brushes having bristles, wherein the cleaning head is configured create a suction with a surface by directing air flow into the housing through the inlet and out of the housing through the at least one vent.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: ONTEL PRODUCTS CORPORATIONInventor: Ashok Khubani
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Patent number: 11414001Abstract: A motorized vehicle is provided for transporting material and selectively dumping the material from the vehicle. In one example, the motorized vehicle includes a frame, first and second forward wheel assemblies coupled to the frame, and a rearward wheel assembly coupled to the frame. An engine is supported by the frame and configured to rotate the first and second forward wheel assemblies to move the motorized vehicle. The motorized vehicle also includes a bucket supported by the frame adjacent the first and second forward wheel assemblies. The bucket is configured to rotate about a vertical axis between a first radial positon in which a longitudinal axis of the bucket is generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the frame and a second radial positon in which the longitude axis of the bucket is oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2021Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: LHD Machinery LLCInventors: Tony Abrams, Jeff Zurawski, Kevin Stutey
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Patent number: 11286640Abstract: A microtrencher having a vacuum system configured to clean spoil from a microtrench having a rotating brush. A method of using the microtrencher to cut a microtrench in a roadway and using the vacuum system to clean spoil from the roadway and microtrench.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: CCIIP LLCInventors: Angelo J. Pino, Jr., Daniel Urban
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Patent number: 10808369Abstract: A device for collecting debris from a ground surface, comprising a flexible generally planar member with an opening therethrough such that when the device is laid on and moved forwardly over the ground surface debris on the ground surface passes upwardly through the opening onto a collection surface of the device, the device having an inclined surface extending upwardly and rearwardly from a transverse edge which forms a rear edge of the opening, wherein the device further includes at least one longitudinal retaining barrier extending at least partly across the collection surface such that at least part of the debris on the collection surface is retained from transverse movement along the collection surface by the longitudinal retaining barrier.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2016Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: AERO-TECH PTY LTD.Inventor: Warwick Tozer
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Patent number: 10492655Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor-sweeper for cleaning large surfaces such as streets or industrial facilities. In particular it refers to an apparatus for collecting garbage and debris from the ground to apply to a motor-sweeper, wherein the broom for collecting garbage always remains adherent to the ground and the space between the garbage conveyor assembly toward the collecting container and the broom, and between the broom and the container remains uniform despite the wear of the brooms. Thus, the cleaning capability is not lost and the machine efficiency is improved.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2016Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: NILFISK A/SInventors: Giancarlo Vetrucci, Alfonso Colletti
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Patent number: 10309069Abstract: An industrial street sweeper attachment removably attaches to a prime mover with a quick coupler and has a forward debris collecting hopper mounted on the front of a rotary brush compartment having a floating sweeping brush therein. The debris collecting hopper is hingedly attached to the brush compartment and has a linkage therebetween having a lifting arm and a lifting hydraulic cylinder which can remotely lock the debris collecting hopper to the brush compartment to receive swept debris from the rotary sweeping brush and can be remotely lifted to an open position for discharging debris.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2016Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Inventor: Keith E Smith
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Patent number: 10188038Abstract: A corn reel assembly that allows for quick connection and detachment from a corn reel is provided. The corn reel finger assembly may be quickly assembled and disassembled without the need for tools so that corn reel fingers may be connected or detached from mounts connected to a corn reel axle in the field. By allowing for rapid connection and disconnection of corn reel fingers from mounts, the corn reel fingers may be utilized only in those portions of the field requiring it. Enabling for the elongated fingers of the corn reel finger assembly to be detached from a mount attached to the corn reel axle without requiring disconnection of the mount from the corn reel axle also allows for more compact storage, as well as replacement of individual fingers if damaged, as opposed to replacement of an entire assembly. In some embodiments, adjustments to the particular angle of the fingers relative to the corn stalks being harvested can also be quickly made in the field.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2015Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
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Patent number: 9885160Abstract: A snow pusher, also known as a box plow has a blade that is configured to be disposed in a first position for pushing snow forwardly, as is typical of snow pushers, and is further configured to be disposed in a second position for pulling snow rearwardly. The blade of the snow pusher may be contained within a snow plow box that may be reversible, allowing the blade to be disposed at a rear of the box for pushing the snow forwardly and at a front of the box for pulling snow rearwardly.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2017Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Inventor: Kevin Stone
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Patent number: 9845856Abstract: This invention is directed toward a powertrain for a road cleaning vehicle. In particular, the powertrain includes a hydrostatic gearbox (34) having a casing (50) for directing power from a primary gearbox to a drivetrain and/or one or more road cleaning tools. The casing (50) comprises first and second sections (51, 52) and a plurality of passageways (107, 107) defined by the edges of both the first and second sections (51, 52). An input shaft is provided having an integral gear extending orthogonally therefrom and having an outer portion extending outside of the internal volume of the casing.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Johnston Sweepers LimitedInventor: Ross Gutteridge
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Patent number: 9719230Abstract: A mobile vacuum system includes a mobile support frame, a vacuum source connected to selectively vacuum materials into a primary collection tank and a secondary collection tank. The primary collection tank is mounted on the frame, while the secondary collection tank is connected to either the frame of the primary collection tank by a boom. The boom, which can be in the form of an articulated arm, allows the secondary collection tank to be moved through a wide range of motion relative to the frame, e.g., for dumping debris from the secondary tank.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2011Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: VAC-TRON EQUIPMENT, LLCInventor: Brian Showley
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Patent number: 9587374Abstract: A movable machine having a chassis, wheels and propulsion to be driven in a forward direction for raking undesirable plant matter. The chassis having a pair of arms, a loader bucket operable by a rotatable cylinder, a rake having three grates attached between the arms, a pair of movable controllable rake level adjusters to provide variable spacing between the loader bucket and the grates, a rotatable cylinder mounted across one end of the grates, a plurality of tines secured to the rotatable cylinder, and a hydraulic motor attached to the rotatable cylinder. The hydraulic motor configured to rotate the rotatable cylinder with plurality of tines as a single unit. A controller can operate the rake and the loader bucket as defined by a user.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Inventor: Thomas L. Bennett
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Patent number: 9422682Abstract: The box broom sweeper with adjustable bottom surface attachment can include a box broom having a broom and a housing. The housing can include a top portion, a bottom portion having a guard, opposing front and rear ends, two opposing side walls connecting the top portion and the bottom portion, and an adjustable bottom surface attachment. The adjustable bottom surface attachment includes a plate and two opposing sides extending from the plate. The two opposing sides of the adjustable bottom surface attachment extend along corresponding side walls of the housing. The adjustable bottom surface attachment can be detachably coupled to the side walls of the housing to allow the adjustable bottom surface attachment to be detached when a front portion of the plate becomes damaged. The adjustable bottom surface attachment can be coupled to the box broom housing by welding.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2014Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Inventor: Don L. Faught, Jr.
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Patent number: 8955188Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Agri-Fab, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Hickenbottom, Doug Moore
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Patent number: 8910340Abstract: A cleaning system. The system has a floor cleaning device, disposable floor sheet removably attachable to the device and a rotatable beater bar. The device has a single wheel, and moves on the target surface by rolling action of the wheel and gliding of the floor sheet. This arrangement, not having multiple wheels, provides enhanced maneuverability, and improves cleaning performance. The cleaning system may be used to clean hard surfaces, such as a floor.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Glenn Allen Bradbury, Brent Michael Willey
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Patent number: 8774970Abstract: A floor cleaning device that is manually trainable for subsequent automatic operation. Prior to automatic operation, a user trains the cleaning device by manually manipulating the device through one or more desired cleaning paths. After training of the device, the device is configured to automatically initiate subsequent cleaning operations in accordance with the trained routine(s). Preferably, the training routine includes user specification of one of a number of cleaning modalities that are supported by the flooring cleaning device. In addition to automatic navigation, the floor cleaning device is configured to initiate a desired cleaning modality as a function of the device's position with respect to one or more of the trained routine(s).Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2010Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy F. Knopow, David Curtis, Everett F. Carter, Jr., Ted Larson, Bob Allen
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Patent number: 8646141Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2013Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Agri-Fab, Inc.Inventors: John Johnson, Evan T. Ward, Miroslav Vuckovic
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Patent number: 8640294Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2013Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Agri-Fab, Inc.Inventors: John Johnson, Evan T. Ward, Miroslav Vuckovic
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Patent number: 8549689Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2013Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Agri-Fab, Inc.Inventors: John Johnson, Ronald Hickenbottom
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Patent number: 8418304Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: SAS DaironInventors: Michel Maurice Dairon, Jose Alain Loyer
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Patent number: 8393039Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2009Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Agri-Fab, Inc.Inventors: John Johnson, Ronald Hickenbottom
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Patent number: 8359694Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Agri-Fab, Inc.Inventors: John Johnson, Evan T. Ward, Miroslav Vuckovic
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Patent number: 8359695Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a mechanical sweeper. The mechanical sweeper comprises a pickup broom for lifting debris toward a first belt conveyor. The sweeper further comprises a second deployable conveyor assembly mounted on a turntable and adapted for conveying the debris from the first conveyor to an auxiliary vehicle such as a dump truck.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2011Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: 9089-1557 Quebec Inc. (Entretien de Stationnement M.A.)Inventors: Michel Arsenault, Stéphane Arsenault
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Patent number: 8307487Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning device particularly for grassed areas. The cleaning device includes a cylindrical brush in contact with a rear roller to clean the roller. The brush can be adjusted to a working height relative to the chassis of the device, along an arcuate path having a center situated on the longitudinal axis of the roller.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: SAS DaironInventors: Michel Maurice Dairon, Jose Alain Loyer
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Patent number: 8230540Abstract: A floor and carpet sweeper has a pair of side-by-side brush assemblies rotated in opposite rotational directions with a battery operated electric motor operable to pickup dust, dirt and debris materials from a surface and deposit the materials into a replacement filter box.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Inventor: Marc O. Nelson
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Patent number: 8205681Abstract: A core processor comprises a frame that supports a housing. The housing carries a rotary pulverizer inside a semi-cylindrical drum and a rotary pick up brush in a pick up head below the drum. The drum is open at the rear to form a rear discharge opening. The pick up head includes a full width rear roller behind the brush to support the housing for rolling movement over the ground in a work mode of the processor. In the work mode, the brush picks up aeration cores from the ground, delivers them to the rotary pulverizer which comminutes or pulverizes the aeration cores, and the particle debris so created exits through the rear discharge opening beneath a hood or shroud. A powered roller is located at a junction between the orbits of the brush and the pulverizer to help keep the junction free of a build up of core material. In a transport mode of the core processor, a pair of transport wheels are lowered into engagement with the ground until the pick up head is lifted out of engagement with the ground.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2008Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventors: Gaylord M. Pahl, Jack R. Gust, David J. Scherbring, Robert C. Comer, Reta Comer Wee, legal representative, Dan Comer, legal representative, Steve Comer, legal representative
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Patent number: 8186009Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly having a suction inlet and a rotary agitator. A canister assembly is pivotally connected to the nozzle assembly. The vacuum cleaner also includes a suction generator and a dirt collection vessel. Still further, the vacuum cleaner includes a clutch assembly for controlling power transmission from the drive motor of the suction generator to the rotary agitator. The clutch assembly includes a pulley driven by the drive motor, a first clutch element connected to the pulley, a second clutch element connected to the rotary agitator and an actuator for displacing the second clutch element between a first, engaged position and a second, disengaged position.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Panasonic Corporation of North AmericaInventors: Shawn M. Smith, Shannon D. Phegley
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Patent number: 8132282Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a self-propelled mechanical sweeper. The mechanical sweeper comprises a pickup broom for lifting debris toward a first belt conveyor. The sweeper further comprises a second deployable conveyor assembly mounted on a turntable and adapted for conveying the debris from the first conveyor to an auxiliary vehicle such as a dump truck.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: 9089-1557 Quebec Inc. (Entretien de Stationnement M.A.)Inventors: Michel Arsenault, Stéphane Arsenault
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Patent number: 8056177Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Inventor: Adnan A. Hammad
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Patent number: 8038030Abstract: A floor-cleaning machine which can be driven over the floor, includes a driven brush for sweeping the floor to be cleaned. The brush picks up dirt and debris from the floor and carries it, assisted by forced air flow, in an overhead motion and through a transfer duct to a pair of dirt containers in the form of buckets located side-by-side at the rear of the machine. A manual linkage at the rear of the machine moves a pivoted carrier frame which holds the dirt containers, between a raised use position in which the upper rims of the dirt containers are sealed to the machine for collection of debris, and a lowered access position for removal of the containers. Each container is independently accessible for emptying, and includes a bail-type handle pivotally attached such that a bucket, the opening of which faces forwardly and upwardly in the use position, extends generally horizontal when removed, to avoid spillage.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Hako-Werke GmbHInventors: Marco Peters, Heinrich Katenhusen
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Patent number: 7882587Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle comprising: a chassis (1a) extending in a longitudinal direction (1b) and with lateral sides (1c) parallel to the longitudinal direction (1b); a storage apparatus (5) for a fuel gas; an engine (2) utilizing fuel gas; wheels (2a) at least partly driven by the engine (2); driving means (14); a container (3) for refuse and pollutants; and conveying members (4) suitable to convey refuse and pollutants towards the container (3); the container (3) having side panels (3a) provided with recesses (15) expanding inward and extending above the lateral sides (1c); and the storage apparatus (5) comprising a plurality of tanks disposed in the recesses (15) and supported by the chassis (1a). The recesses (15) are also provided with connecting walls suitable to facilitate the flow of refuse inside said container (3).Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Dulevo International, S.p.A.Inventor: Fabrizio Tagliaferri
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Patent number: 7837751Abstract: An apparatus for collection and reduction of yard debris combining a frontally facing vacuum pick up with a chipper-shredder-blower unit to induce airflow for entraining debris collected at the vacuum pick up; reduce the entrained debris to a more manageable volume; impel the reduced debris to a two-stage free-flow-separator device for removing the debris from the air in which it is entrained; and deposit the debris in a detachable accumulator for subsequent dumping.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: BestRake, LLCInventors: Charles Everett Dunning, Richard Bernard Saathoff
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Patent number: 7810202Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2005Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: FPR Solutions Pty. Ltd.Inventor: Eddie Fitzgerald
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Patent number: 7716773Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: The Toro CompanyInventors: Gaylord M. Pahl, Jack R. Gust, Miguel A. Pizano, Dennis J. Deets
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Patent number: 7665172Abstract: A powered floor sweeper comprises a foot assembly with a motor driven primary agitator and a pair of edge agitators coupled to wheels such that manual propulsion of the sweeper rotates the wheels and thereby the edge agitators. The sweeper includes a slip clutch mechanism to protect the primary agitator and the motor in case the agitator become jammed. Additionally, the sweeper comprises a ramp assembly along an agitator opening to help collect dirt and dust at the primary agitator. A dust bin removably mounted in an open top dust bin recess is in communication with the agitator opening and receives the dirt and dust collected at the agitator opening. Furthermore, the sweeper comprises a handle assembly having a detent mechanism that interacts with a pivot cradle in the foot assembly to retain the handle assembly in a generally vertical position.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2005Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.Inventors: Phong Tran, Gary A. Kasper
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Patent number: 7610646Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2006Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Ohio Steel Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark Zellefrow, Joseph Chattin, Richard Biggs
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Publication number: 20090235472Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2008Publication date: September 24, 2009Applicant: AGRI-FAB, INC.Inventors: John Johnson, Evan T. Ward, Miroslav Vuckovic
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Patent number: 7578885Abstract: A surface cleaning system having a storage container, debris collection apparatus and debris conduit is disclosed. Water discharged from spray nozzles forces debris into a debris collection apparatus such that a series of rotating brushes can transport the debris to an open end of the debris conduit. An auger, water pressure or air pressure is used to force the debris through the debris conduit into the storage container for disposal. The storage container includes a single unit having multiple joined compartments or individual units for separating debris, particulates and water. The design of the debris collection apparatus also facilitates the capture of most of the water used to force the debris into the debris collection apparatus. Accordingly, the system is able to reuse the water thereby extending the surface area that may be cleaned with a specified amount of water.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Inventors: Robert L. Mendenhall, Gilbert Cabrera
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Patent number: 7555801Abstract: A floor-cleaning machine which can be driven over the floor, includes a driven brush for sweeping the floor to be cleaned. The brush picks up dirt and debris from the floor and carries it, assisted by forced air flow, in an overhead motion and through a transfer duct to a pair of dirt containers in the form of buckets located side-by-side at the rear of the machine. A manual linkage at the rear of the machine moves a pivoted carrier frame which holds the dirt containers, between a raised use position in which the upper rims of the dirt containers are sealed to the machine for collection of debris, and a lowered access position for removal of the containers. Each container is independently accessible for emptying, and includes a bail-type handle pivotally attached such that a bucket, the opening of which faces forwardly and upwardly in the use position, extends generally horizontal when removed, to avoid spillage.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2004Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Hako-Werke GmbHInventors: Marco Peters, Henrich Katenhusen
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Patent number: 7520017Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: TennantInventors: Michael S. Wilmo, Gregory J. Engel
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Publication number: 20090083920Abstract: A sweeping broom apparatus comprises a main body having a debris receiving inlet, and connecting arms for operatively connecting the main body to a vehicle. A broom shroud has a forwardly facing debris outlet for permitting the directed egress of debris therefrom as a forwardly propelled stream of debris. There are arms for mounting the broom shroud on the main body, for free vertical movement of the broom shroud with respect to the main body. A main sweeping broom is operatively mounted free vertical movement within the broom shroud for propelling debris forwardly from a surface being cleaned, thereby creating a stream of debris propelled forwardly through the forwardly facing debris outlet to a the debris receiving inlet of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2008Publication date: April 2, 2009Inventor: Roger P. Vanderlinden
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Patent number: 7461428Abstract: A floor cleaning machine includes a driven brush for sweeping debris and dirt into a dirt container which is supported by a retracting arm actuated by a powered actuator, such as an hydraulic cylinder, between a use position in which said dirt container is sealed to a dirt discharge opening to collect all the dirt, and a raised, dumping position. Between the use position and the dumping position, the dirt container is maintained in the same disposition to avoid inadvertent spillage of its contents, by the cooperation of an articulating linkage which includes an auxiliary arm. The auxiliary arm is releaseably fixed to the machine by a latch to maintain the desired disposition of the dirt container while raising the container. When the dirt container is raised to the dumping position, and the latch is released, the dirt container pivots to dump its contents.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2004Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: Hako-Werke GmbHInventor: Harald Nowak
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Patent number: 7334284Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a surface cleaning strip and means responsive to movement of the surface cleaning apparatus over a surface to be cleaned for positioning the cleaning strip relative to the surface to be cleaned in dependence upon the direction of movement of the surface cleaning apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Inventor: Nicholas Gerald Grey
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Patent number: 7320147Abstract: A lawn sweeper for collecting debris from a surface includes a frame. At least one wheel is rotatable with respect to the frame for movement of the lawn sweeper along the surface. A collection bin is engaged with the frame for collecting the debris. A brush assembly has at least one brush for urging the debris from the surface into the collection bin. A reducing mechanism reduces a volume of the debris within the collection bin.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Schiller-Pfeiffer, Inc.Inventors: Jon Robert Eberle, Jason Matthew Banowetz
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Patent number: 7313839Abstract: A surface maintenance apparatus is described, having a sweeping system positioned near the front or leading edge of the apparatus. The sweeping system includes a plurality of brushes and a removable hopper for collecting debris. The sweeping system is capable of being raised off the surface being maintained when the sweeping system encounters an obstacle or irregularity on the surface. The brushes are pivotally mounted to the surface maintenance apparatus to allow the brushes to be rotated away from each other, providing access to the removable hopper from the front end of the surface maintenance apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2002Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Tennant CompanyInventor: Kevin L. Shinler
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Patent number: 7051402Abstract: A vehicle has a container that receives swept debris. A primary sweeper assembly has a primary axle with wound cables in a helical configuration. A primary shroud supports the primary sweeper assembly and the axle adjacent to its ends. Disk-shaped turbines are mounted on the axle within the shroud. A turbine is located adjacent to each end of the axle with a primary tube there above. A supplemental shroud encompasses the primary shroud. A supplemental turbine is coupled to and rotatable with the primary axle with a secondary tube.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2005Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Inventor: Robert B. Rigby
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Patent number: 7024719Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Tennant CompanyInventor: Michael S. Wilmo
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Patent number: 6892414Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Tennant CompanyInventor: Michael S. Wilmo
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Patent number: RE40761Abstract: An apparatus 10 for compacting and baling leaves, grass clippings, sticks, pine straw and other debris on lawns, yards, or fields is provided. The apparatus 10 may have diagonal brushes 26 to gather debris for processing though a crusher 28, a conveyor belt 30 to transport the crushed debris, and a baler 32 to compact and bale the debris. The baler 32 may compact the debris by rotating the debris in a continuous band 52, into which baling material 72 may be inserted to bale the debris. Alternatively, the debris may be gathered and feed into a crusher 28 that deposits the crushed debris directly into the baler 32 for compacting and baling. Further still, the apparatus 10 may gather the debris with brushes 26 and feed it onto a conveyor mechanism 30 that then introduces it into a crusher 28. The crushed debris may then be feed into a baling mechanism 32 that compacts and bales the debris for easy removal and disposal.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2005Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Inventor: Bobby L. Truitt