Collector Patents (Class 15/83)
  • Patent number: 11730330
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: SUMEC HARDWARE & TOOLS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lin-Miao Chen, Feng Zhou
  • Patent number: 11596103
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Ariens Company
    Inventors: Ricky A. Cracraft, Daniel J. Gindt, Trenton J. Meyer, Brent P. Berglund
  • Patent number: 11510544
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: ONTEL PRODUCTS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ashok Khubani
  • Patent number: 11414001
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: LHD Machinery LLC
    Inventors: Tony Abrams, Jeff Zurawski, Kevin Stutey
  • Patent number: 11286640
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: CCIIP LLC
    Inventors: Angelo J. Pino, Jr., Daniel Urban
  • Patent number: 10808369
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: AERO-TECH PTY LTD.
    Inventor: Warwick Tozer
  • Patent number: 10492655
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: NILFISK A/S
    Inventors: Giancarlo Vetrucci, Alfonso Colletti
  • Patent number: 10309069
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventor: Keith E Smith
  • Patent number: 10188038
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
  • Patent number: 9885160
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Kevin Stone
  • Patent number: 9845856
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Johnston Sweepers Limited
    Inventor: Ross Gutteridge
  • Patent number: 9719230
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: VAC-TRON EQUIPMENT, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Showley
  • Patent number: 9587374
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas L. Bennett
  • Patent number: 9422682
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Don L. Faught, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8955188
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Agri-Fab, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Hickenbottom, Doug Moore
  • Patent number: 8910340
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Glenn Allen Bradbury, Brent Michael Willey
  • Patent number: 8774970
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy F. Knopow, David Curtis, Everett F. Carter, Jr., Ted Larson, Bob Allen
  • Patent number: 8646141
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Agri-Fab, Inc.
    Inventors: John Johnson, Evan T. Ward, Miroslav Vuckovic
  • Patent number: 8640294
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Agri-Fab, Inc.
    Inventors: John Johnson, Evan T. Ward, Miroslav Vuckovic
  • Patent number: 8549689
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Agri-Fab, Inc.
    Inventors: John Johnson, Ronald Hickenbottom
  • Patent number: 8418304
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: SAS Dairon
    Inventors: Michel Maurice Dairon, Jose Alain Loyer
  • Patent number: 8393039
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Agri-Fab, Inc.
    Inventors: John Johnson, Ronald Hickenbottom
  • Patent number: 8359694
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Agri-Fab, Inc.
    Inventors: John Johnson, Evan T. Ward, Miroslav Vuckovic
  • Patent number: 8359695
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: 9089-1557 Quebec Inc. (Entretien de Stationnement M.A.)
    Inventors: Michel Arsenault, Stéphane Arsenault
  • Patent number: 8307487
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: SAS Dairon
    Inventors: Michel Maurice Dairon, Jose Alain Loyer
  • Patent number: 8230540
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Marc O. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8205681
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 8186009
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventors: Shawn M. Smith, Shannon D. Phegley
  • Patent number: 8132282
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: 9089-1557 Quebec Inc. (Entretien de Stationnement M.A.)
    Inventors: Michel Arsenault, Stéphane Arsenault
  • Patent number: 8056177
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Adnan A. Hammad
  • Patent number: 8038030
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Hako-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Marco Peters, Heinrich Katenhusen
  • Patent number: 7882587
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Dulevo International, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabrizio Tagliaferri
  • Patent number: 7837751
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: BestRake, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Everett Dunning, Richard Bernard Saathoff
  • Patent number: 7810202
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: FPR Solutions Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Eddie Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 7716773
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Gaylord M. Pahl, Jack R. Gust, Miguel A. Pizano, Dennis J. Deets
  • Patent number: 7665172
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Phong Tran, Gary A. Kasper
  • Patent number: 7610646
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Ohio Steel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Zellefrow, Joseph Chattin, Richard Biggs
  • Publication number: 20090235472
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: AGRI-FAB, INC.
    Inventors: John Johnson, Evan T. Ward, Miroslav Vuckovic
  • Patent number: 7578885
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventors: Robert L. Mendenhall, Gilbert Cabrera
  • Patent number: 7555801
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Hako-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Marco Peters, Henrich Katenhusen
  • Patent number: 7520017
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Tennant
    Inventors: Michael S. Wilmo, Gregory J. Engel
  • Publication number: 20090083920
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Roger P. Vanderlinden
  • Patent number: 7461428
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Hako-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Nowak
  • Patent number: 7334284
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Nicholas Gerald Grey
  • Patent number: 7320147
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Schiller-Pfeiffer, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Robert Eberle, Jason Matthew Banowetz
  • Patent number: 7313839
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventor: Kevin L. Shinler
  • Patent number: 7051402
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Robert B. Rigby
  • Patent number: 7024719
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventor: Michael S. Wilmo
  • Patent number: 6892414
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventor: Michael S. Wilmo
  • Patent number: RE40761
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Bobby L. Truitt