Patent ID: 6192542
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: E01H

Abstract:
A sweeping machine including a frame, wheels supporting the frame for movement over a surface to be swept, a hopper on the frame and pivotally mounted for movement between a lower operating position and a raised non-operating position, a cylindrical rotating cleaning brush mounted generally transversely of the frame,a conveyor mounted on the frame in a generally upright position and movable between a lower operating position and a raised non-operating position, said conveyor being located to collect debris swept by the brush and to raise such debris for deposit in the hopper through an opening in the hopper generally in alignment with an upper portion of the conveyor, an enclosure for said conveyor and having an upper opening generally in alignment with the hopper opening, a seal extending at least partially about the aligned hopper and conveyor openings to prevent debris moved by the conveyor to the hopper from falling into a space between the hopper and conveyor enclosure,and a ramp, fixed on the frame and extending from adjacent the conveyor enclosure upwardly and rearwardly toward and beneath the hopper and generally adjacent the bottom of the space between the hopper and conveyor enclosure, a seal between said ramp and conveyor enclosure, a lower opening in the conveyor enclosure, said lower opening being located beneath the ramp seal, said seal preventing debris on the ramp from reaching the lower conveyor opening when the conveyor and hopper are in the lower operating position, said ramp being aligned with the lower conveyor opening when the conveyor and hopper are in a raised non-operating position whereby any debris in the space between the hopper and conveyor enclosure will fall from the ramp into the conveyor enclosure.