Patent ID: 7520017
Filing Date: 2009-04-21
Classification: E01H

Abstract:
1. A sweeper for sweeping ground surfaces of a ground contact area generally beneath the sweeper, the sweeper having a front end, a back end, and a forward direction of motion, the sweeper further having a rotating brush having an outer peripheral surface and substantially radially extending bristles, said brush rotating on a substantially horizontal axis so that the outer surface of the brush moves at least in part towards the front end of the sweeper at the ground contact area; and a recirculation contact area generally rearward of the brush, the outer surface of the brush moving at least in part downwards at the recirculation contact area as the brush rotates about the horizontal axis; and a recirculation flap mounted behind the rotating brush, the recirculation flap engaging the recirculation contact area so that a portion of the debris traveling to the recirculation contact area is deflected back into the sweeper, the recirculation flap comprising: