Abstract:
Floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment including a hydraulic system and adjustable linkages to allow a user to adjust particular features to suit the equipment for different applications.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     Conventional floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment have means to raise and lower the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms and the skirt mechanisms. These systems generally have two positions: down to engage the floor surface and up to disengage the floor surface. The downward force on the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms and skirt mechanisms is not adjustable. Further, the lateral position of the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms and skirt mechanisms is not adjustable in conventional floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0002]     In general, one embodiment the floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment of the present invention includes a hydraulic system and adjustable linkages to allow a user to adjust particular features to suit the equipment for different applications. Adjustable features include hydraulic cylinders that allow adjustments in the downward pressure on the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms and on the skirts such that the equipment may be configured for applications such as brushing, grinding, or polishing. Further, the lateral position of the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms and the skirts is adjustable such that a user may increase the coverage area or increase the overlap in coverage by the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms as required by any particular application. Moreover, a preferred embodiment incorporates means for adjusting both the forward and backward speed of the equipment as well as the rotational speed of the motor(s) driving the brushing, grinding, or polishing wheels.  
         [0003]     A second embodiment of the floor grinder/scrubber is a ride-on machine designed and engineered for heavy duty grinding of concrete floors using special planetary heads and grinding pads. Water from a 60-gallon supply tank mounted on the floor grinder/scrubber is supplied to the floor under the grinding pads for the grinding process. The used slurry is vacuumed through a rear squeegee into an 80-gallon recovery tank mounted on the floor grinder/scrubber.  
         [0004]     The floor grinder/scrubber can also be used as a floor scrubber for a wide range of applications when equipped with the appropriate scrubbing wheels and can be used in conjunction with other systems providing complete wastewater filtration, recycling and disposal. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0005]     The features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become apparent and be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a side view of the floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment of the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0007]      FIG. 2  is a bottom view of the floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0008]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a scrubbing/resurfacing mechanism of the floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0009]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a skirt mechanism of the floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0010]      FIG. 5  is an image of the quick-disconnect mechanism of the floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0011]      FIG. 6   a  is a front view of the drive knuckle of the quick-disconnect mechanism of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0012]      FIG. 6   b  is a side view of the drive knuckle of the quick-disconnect mechanism of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0013]      FIG. 6   c  is an image of the hydraulic valve and the drive knuckle of the quick-disconnect mechanism of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0014]      FIG. 7  is an image of the receiver of the quick-disconnect mechanism of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 8  is a second image of the receiver of the quick-disconnect mechanism of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 9  is an image of the receiver of the quick-disconnect mechanism of  FIG. 5  in the open position;  
         [0017]      FIG. 10   a  is an illustration showing a sweeper in detail;  
         [0018]      FIG. 10   b  is an illustration showing a vacuumized debris hopper along with the sweeper of  FIG. 10   a;    
         [0019]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the floor grinder/scrubber of the second embodiment;  
         [0020]      FIG. 11   a  is an image of the grind motor speed lever of the floor grinder/scrubber of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0021]      FIGS. 12 and 13  are images of the rear of the floor grinder/scrubber of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 14  is an image of the instruments and controls of the floor grinder/scrubber of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0023]      FIGS. 15 and 16  are images of the front end of the floor grinder/scrubber of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0024]      FIGS. 17   a - 17   e  are images of the planetary heads and drive motors of the floor grinder/scrubber of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0025]      FIGS. 18-20  are images of a mounting deck of the floor grinder/scrubber of  FIG. 1 ; and  
         [0026]      FIGS. 21-23  illustrate generally another embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0027]     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a preferred embodiment of the floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment  10  is shown. Floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment  10  includes frame  12 , two frontmost scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms  14   a  and a rearmost scrubbing/resurfacing mechanism  14   b , two skirt mechanisms  16 , compressor  18 , water distribution and collection system  20  having a rear squeegee  21 , a vehicle portion  22  including a front wheel  24  and two rear wheels  26 , and a hydraulic drive system  28 .  
         [0028]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the frontmost and rearmost scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms  14   a  and  b  are situated in front of the front wheel  24 . The rearmost scrubbing/resurfacing mechanism  14   b  is centrally located. The two frontmost scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms  14   a  are configured in substantially the same way and the rearmost scrubbing/resurfacing mechanism  14   b  is configured in substantially the same way as the frontmost scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms  14   a  except that the rearmost scrubbing/resurfacing mechanism  14   b  is mounted to the frame in the reverse direction to thereby position the rearmost scrubbing/resurfacing mechanism  14   b  behind the frontmost scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms  14   a . Therefore, for simplicity, only one of the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms  14  will be discussed. Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanism  14  of the floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment  10  is shown. The scrubbing/resurfacing mechanism  14  includes a first linkage  30 , a second linkage  32 , a scrubbing/resurfacing head  34 , cylinder linkage  36 , and hydraulic cylinder  38  having a piston  38   a . The first linkage  30  is affixed to the frame  12  at one end such that the first linkage  30  does not pivot about the fixed end. The second linkage  32  is pivotally connected to the first linkage  30  at one end and is pivotally connected to the scrubbing/resurfacing head  34  at the other end. An arm  40  is affixed to or integral with the first linkage  30 . A return spring  42  connects the arm  40  to the second linkage  32  such that the second linkage  32  and thus the scrubbing/resurfacing head  34  are biased towards the frame  12 .  
         [0029]     The scrubbing/resurfacing head  34  includes a stationary link  44  pivotally connected to the second linkage  32 , a hydraulic valve  46 , and a brush  48 . The brush  48  may be configured in segments that are removably attached to a brush plate  49  by screws, a clasp, or other suitable fastening means. Thus, the separate segments may be replaced independently. A grinding head  48   a  or a polishing head  48   b  may be used in place of the brush  48 .  
         [0030]     The cylinder linkage  36  is affixed to frame  12  at one end such that the cylinder linkage  36  does not pivot about the fixed end. The hydraulic cylinder  38  is pivotally connected to the cylinder linkage  36 . The piston  38   a  is connected to the second linkage  32  via a ball joint to thereby allow some lateral movement of the second linkage  32 . In a preferred embodiment, the hydraulic cylinders  38  have a 3-in bore and 4.5-in of travel.  
         [0031]     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the first linkage  30  connects to the frame by a fastener  50 . The fastener  50  may be loosened to allow the first linkage  30  to slide along a slot  52 .  
         [0032]     The two skirt mechanisms  16  are situated on either side of the two front scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms  14  and have a shape and position to direct water toward the center of rear squeegee  21 . The two the skirt mechanisms  16  are configured in substantially the same way. Therefore, for simplicity, only one of the skirt mechanisms  16  will be discussed. Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the skirt mechanism  16  includes slide rails  54 , support plate  56 , hydraulic cylinder  58  having a piston  58   a , rear arm  60 , front aim  62 , return spring  64 , and skirt  66 . The slide rails  54  are affixed to the frame  12  such as by welding. The slide rails  54  are substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the length of the frame  12 . The support plate  56  is fastened to slide rails  54  such that the fasteners may be loosened to allow lateral motion of the support plate  56  along the length of the slide rails  54 . The rear arm  60  and the front arm  62  are connected to opposite ends of the support plate  56  such that the rear arm  60  and the front arm  62  pivot about their respective connections to the support plate  56 . Similarly, the rear arm  60  and the front arm  62  are pivotally connected to the skirt  66  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The hydraulic cylinder  58  is pivotally connected to the frame  12  and the piston  58   a  is connected to the rear arm via a ball joint to thereby allow some lateral movement of the rear arm  60 . The return spring  64  connects the rear arm  60  to the skirt  66  such that the skirt mechanism  16  is biased in the raised position.  
         [0033]     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the compressor  18  is situated above the frame  12  and approximately centrally located along the length of the floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment  10 . The compressor  18  includes an fluid reservoir  68  and the compressor  18  maintains a predetermined pressure in the fluid reservoir  68  that is determined for each particular application and surface. The compressor  18  is hydraulically connected to the three hydraulic cylinders  38  and the two hydraulic cylinders  58 . In a preferred embodiment, the compressor  18  has a maximum of 100-psi which should be sufficient for most applications. The fluid reservoir  68  has a capacity of 3 gallons in the preferred embodiment.  
         [0034]     The water distribution and collection system  20  having a rear squeegee  21  includes a water tank  70 , a water pump  71 , distribution hoses  72 , a vacuum hose  76 , a vacuum  78 , and a wastewater reservoir  80 . The water pump  71  is fluidly connected to the water tank  70 . The distribution hoses  72  each have an inlet fluidly connected to the water pump  71  and an outlet over one of the scrubbing/resurfacing heads  34  such that each scrubbing/resurfacing head  34  has at least one distribution hose outlet. Alternatively, the water pump  71  is omitted and the water is gravity fed through distribution hoses  72 .  
         [0035]     The rear squeegee  21  is situated directly behind the front wheel  24  and, as can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the rear squeegee is arc-shaped to direct water to the center of the rear squeegee  21  while the floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment  10  moves forward. The vacuum hose  76  has an inlet that is fluidly connected to the rear squeegee  21  and an outlet that is fluidly connected to the vacuum  78 . The vacuum  78  is also fluidly connected to the wastewater reservoir  80 . As best shown in  FIG. 1 , the rear squeegee  21  is raised and lowered by a hydraulic cylinder  81  which is actuated to lower the rear squeegee  21  when the vehicle portion  22  is put into a forward gear. The rear squeegee  21  is automatically raised when the vehicle portion  22  is put into neutral or reverse.  
         [0036]     The vehicle portion  22  includes the front wheel  24 , the rear wheels  26 , a motor  82 , a throttle  84 , breaks  86 , a break pedal  88 , a seat  90 , a steering mechanism  92 , a gear box  94 , and a control panel  96 . The seat  90  is situated above the frame  12  towards the front of the floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment  10  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The motor  82  may be an electric motor powered by batteries or an internal combustion engine for larger applications. The motor  82  is situated in the center of the floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment  10  behind the seat  90 . The motor  82  may be configured to drive the rear wheels  26  independently of each other such that one wheel may turn faster than the other while turning corners. The throttle  84  is configured as a foot pedal in front of the seat  90  and is mechanically or electrically coupled to the motor  82  such that pushing down on the throttle  84  increases the speed of the floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment  10 . The breaks  86  are coupled to the rear wheels  26 . The break pedal  88  is configured as a foot pedal situated to the left of the throttle  84  and is coupled to the breaks  86  such that pushing down on the break pedal  88  increases the break pressure of the breaks on the rear wheels  26 . Alternatively, the breaks  86  are omitted and the motor  82  is used to stop the equipment  10  in smaller applications.  
         [0037]     The steering mechanism  92  includes a steering wheel configured for turning the front wheel  24  to the left or right. The gearbox  94  is coupled to the motor  82  to provide gear choices such as reverse, neutral, and forward. A shift lever is situated near the seat  90 . The control panel  96  is situated near the seat  90  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The control panel  96  includes switches for starting up the various components including the compressor  18 , the hydraulic drive system  28 , the water pump  70 , the vacuum  78 , and the motor  82 . The control panel  96  further includes controls to actuate the hydraulic cylinders  38  to lower or raise the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms  14  and the hydraulic cylinders  58  to lower or raise the skirt mechanisms  16 . The control panel  96  also includes gauges to indicate the level of water in the water tank  70 , the level of wastewater in the wastewater reservoir  80 , the fluid pressure in the fluid reservoir  68 , the hydraulic fluid pressure in the hydraulic drive system  28 , and the fuel level for an internal combustion engine.  
         [0038]     The front wheel  24  is connected to a front wheel housing  97  by an axle. The front wheel housing  97  is connected to the frame  12  by a bearing such that the front wheel housing  97  may rotate within the frame  12 . The front wheel housing  97  is further coupled with the steering mechanism  92  such that turning the steering mechanism  92  to the right will turn the front wheel  24  to the right. The rear wheels  26  are each connected to a respective rear wheel housing  98  by an axle.  
         [0039]     The hydraulic drive system  28  includes a hydraulic pump  100  and hydraulic distribution hoses  102 . The hydraulic distribution hoses  102  are in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump  100  and the hydraulic valves  46  to form a circuit. The hydraulic pump  100  is configured to pump hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic distribution hoses  102  at high pressure to thereby turn turbines within hydraulic valves  46 , which, in turn, rotate the scrubbing/resurfacing heads  34  at high speed.  
         [0040]     The on/off switch for the hydraulic drive system  28  is tied is a micro-switch located on the throttle  84  such that the scrubbing/resurfacing head  34  is only rotating while the vehicle is in motion. Further, the hydraulics that actuate the rear squeegee  21  are configured to raise the rear squeegee  21  when the floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment  10  is in neutral or reverse.  
         [0041]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanism  14  further includes a quick-disconnect mechanism  110  that makes changing the scrubbing/resurfacing head  34  a quick and easy process. The quick-disconnect mechanism  110  includes a drive knuckle  112  and a receptor  114 . The drive knuckle  112  is illustrated in  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b . The drive knuckle  112  includes a drive interface  116  and a keyed adaptor  118 . The drive interface  116  includes a somewhat cone-shaped end  120  and a substantially cylindrical projection  122  on the opposite end. The cone-shaped end  120  includes slots  124   a ,  124   b ,  124   c , and  124   d . The centerlines of each of slots  124   a ,  124   b , and  124   c  are approximately 110 degrees from one another. The centerline of slot  124   d  is approximately 180 degrees from slot  124   a . The projection  122  is welded to a first end  126  of the keyed adaptor  118 . The keyed adaptor  118  includes a keyed center bore for receiving the keyed drive shaft of the hydraulic valve  46 . A set screw through the side of the keyed adaptor  118  and into the drive shaft holds the keyed adaptor  118  in place. A key couples the drive shaft to the keyed adaptor  118  such that rotation of the drive shaft is transferred to the keyed adaptor  118 .  FIG. 6   c  shows the drive knuckle  112  assembled to the hydraulic valve  46 .  
         [0042]     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the receptor  114  includes a cylindrical wall  128 , a circular flange  130 , a spring loaded clasp  132 , and pins  134   a  and  134   b . The cylindrical wall  128  and the circular flange  130  are best shown in  FIG. 8 . Referring again to  FIG. 7 , the circular flange  130  is affixed to the brush plate  49  such as by screws, adhesive or other suitable affixing means. The clasp  132  includes anchor bar  136 , lock bars  138   a  and  138   b , and finger levers  140   a  and  140   b . The anchor bar  136  is affixed to or integral with the cylindrical wall  128 . The lock bar  138   a  is pivotally connected to one end of the anchor bar  136  and the lock bar  138   b  is pivotally connected to the other end of the anchor bar  136 . The lock bars  138   a  and  b  each penetrate a side of the cylindrical wall  128  such that the lock bars  138   a  and  b  are slidable within the slots in the sides of the cylindrical wall  128 . A torsion spring  139   a  engages the pivotal connection of the lock bar  138   a  to the anchor bar  136  to bias the lock bar  138   a  into the slot in the cylindrical wall  128 . Similarly, torsion spring  139   b  engages the pivotal connection of the lock bar  138   b  to the anchor bar  136  to bias the lock bar  138   b  into the slot in the cylindrical wall  128 . The finger levers  140   a  and  140   b  are affixed to or integral with a respective lock bar  138   a  or  138   b . The pins  134   a  and  134   b  are affixed to or integral with the inner surface of the cylindrical wall  128  and are substantially directly opposite to one another. In an alternate configuration, there are three pins  134   c ,  134   d , and  134   e , each having an axis approximately 110 degrees from one another.  
         [0043]     When the quick disconnect mechanism  110  is engaged, the lock bars  138   a  and  b  rest behind the cone-shaped end  120  of the drive interface  116 , proximate to the projection  122 . The two pins  134   a  and  134   b  engage the slots  124   a  and  124   d , respectively to transfer rotation of the drive knuckle  112  to the receptor  114 , and thus to the brush  48 . In the alternative having three pins, the pins  134   c ,  134   d , and  134   e  engage the slots  124   a ,  124   b , and  124   c , respectively. Therefore, the drive knuckle  112  can accommodate multiple receptor configurations.  
         [0044]     In use, the floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment  10  must first be configured for the particular application. The force applied to the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms  14  is independently variable by separately adjusting the fluid pressure applied to the pistons  38   a  in the hydraulic cylinders  38 . The force applied is determined for each particular application. The factors to consider include the application, such as sweeping, grinding, polishing, etc., the coefficient of friction between the brush  48  or grinding head  48   a  or polishing head  48   b  and the floor surface, and the flatness of the floor surface. An application with a high coefficient of friction may require a lower force applied to the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms  14  to avoid stalling the brush  48  or grinding head  48   a  or polishing head  48   b . Also, a particularly wavy floor surfaces may require a higher force applied to the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms  14  to ensure contact with the high and low areas of the floor surface. In the preferred embodiment, the operable range of pressures applied to each of the pistons  38   a  in a scrubbing application is approximately 0.5-psi to 1.5-psi.  
         [0045]     Similarly, the force applied by the pistons  58   a  on the skirt mechanisms  16  must also be adjusted. The factors to consider include the skirt  66  material and the abrasiveness of the floor surface. The downward force should be sufficient to prevent the wastewater from passing by the skirts  66  such that it is guided to the rear squeegee  21 . A downward force that is too high may cause excessive drag on the floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment  10 . Further, an excessive downward force may cause damage to the skirts  66 , particularly when applied to an abrasive floor surface.  
         [0046]     The lateral position of the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms  14  and the skirt mechanisms  16  may also be adjusted. The lateral position of the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms  14  may be adjusted by loosening fasteners  50  and sliding the first linkage  30  along a slot  52 . The range of lateral motion of the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms  14  is limited by the range of motion allowed by the ball joint between the piston  38   a  and the second linkage  32 . Similarly, the skirt mechanisms  16  are adjusted by loosening the fasteners and sliding the support plate  56  along the slide rails  54 . The range of lateral motion of the skirt mechanisms  16  is limited by the range of motion allowed by the ball joint between the piston  58   a  and the rear arm  60 . Moving the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms  14  toward each other decreases the coverage area while increasing the overlap in coverage between the frontmost brushes  48 , grinding heads  48   a , or polishing heads  48   b  and the rearmost brush  48 , grinding head  48   a , or polishing head  48   b . Alternatively, widening the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms  14  increases the coverage area while decreasing the overlap in coverage between the frontmost brushes  48 , grinding heads  48   a , or polishing heads  48   b  and the rearmost brush  48 , grinding head  48   a , or polishing head  48   b . A larger coverage area is desirable in cleaning applications using brushes  48 , while more overlap in coverage between the front grinding heads  48   a  and the rear grinding head  48   b  is desirable in a grinding application.  
         [0047]     Once the adjustments are made, the user may start up the components of the floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment  10  using the control panel  96 . The user puts the gearbox  94  into a forward gear while actuating the brakes. The rear squeegee  21  is automatically lowered. The user actuates the compressor  18  to lower the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms  14  and the skirt mechanisms  16 . Then actuates the water distribution and collection system  20 , which pumps water through the distribution hoses  72  to the scrubbing/resurfacing heads  34  and activates the vacuum  78 . Releasing the brakes and pressing the throttle  84  actuates the micro-switch for activating the hydraulic drive system  28 .  
         [0048]     The floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment  10  is now moving in the forward direction. The water cools the brush  48 , grinding head  48   a , or polishing head  48   b  and carries any dirt or particles of the floor surface away from the scrubbing/resurfacing heads  34  as wastewater. The skirts  66  guide the wastewater to the rear squeegee  21 . The vacuum  78  draws the wastewater into the vacuum hose  76  and outlets the wastewater into the wastewater reservoir  80 .  
         [0049]     The floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment  10  is able to drive up to a wall ensuring coverage up to the wall by the frontmost scrubbing/resurfacing heads  14   a . The user may still turn left or right because of the three wheel configuration of the vehicle portion  22 . The configuration of the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms  14  having the rearmost scrubbing/resurfacing mechanism  14   b  in front of the front wheel  24  ensures that substantially no part of the floor surface that passes under the floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment  10  is missed by the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms  14  while the equipment is turning a corner.  
         [0050]     In order to attach the brush  48  to the hydraulic valve  46  using quick-disconnect mechanism  110 , the pins  134   a  and  b  are lined up with the slots  124   a  and  d  and the receptor  114  is pushed onto the drive knuckle  112  such that the lock bars  138   a  and  b  are forced outward by the cone-shaped end  120  of the drive interface  116 . When the drive knuckle  112  fully engages the receptor  114 , the lock bars  138   a  and  b  are forced back into place by torsion springs  139   a  and  b . The lock bars  138   a  and  b  now rest behind the cone-shaped end  120  of the drive interface  116  and hold the receptor  114  onto the drive knuckle  116 . This procedure is the same for the three-pin alternative except that the pins  134   c, d , and  e  are lined up with the slots  124   a, b , and  c.    
         [0051]     To detach the brush  48  from the hydraulic valve  46  using the quick-disconnect mechanism  110 , the finger levers  140   a  and  140   b  are depressed as shown in  FIG. 9 . This forces the lock bars  138   a  and  b  out from behind the cone-shaped end  120  of the drive interface  116  and the receptor  114  easily slides off the drive knuckle  112 . As the finger levers  140   a  and  b  are released, the torsion springs force the lock bars  138   a  and  b  back into the slots in the cylindrical wall  128 .  
         [0052]     It should be particularly pointed out that in the preferred embodiment, the compressor  18  has a maximum output of 100-psi and the fluid reservoir  68  has a 3-gallon capacity. The hydraulic cylinders  38  and  58  have a 3-inch bore and 4.5-inches of travel.  
         [0053]     It should further be particularly noted that a desirable advantage of the preferred embodiment is that the present invention is configured such that all the scrubbing/resurfacing mechanisms  14  are situated in front of the front wheel  24  such that the present invention maintains substantially complete coverage of the surface while turning a corner whereas the conventional configuration of having one scrubbing/resurfacing mechanism behind the front wheel may leave uncovered areas on the surface at turns.  
         [0054]     It should even further he particularly noted that the advantages of situating the rear squeegee  21  directly behind the front wheel  24  as described in the preferred embodiment rather than behind the rear wheels  26  as in the conventional art include the fact that the rear wheels and other components that may be included with the floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment  10  are kept substantially clean and dry because the majority of the wastewater is picked up by the water distribution and collection system  20  prior to reaching these components. Further, less wastewater is lost out the side of the floor surface scrubbing and resurfacing equipment  10  while turning than is lost in the conventional art.  
         [0055]     It should still further be particularly noted that the floor scrubbing and resurfacing equipment  10  may include a sweeper such as the one shown in  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b . Sweepers are often used alternatively with the water distribution and collection systems in the conventional art. In the present invention, however, the sweeper may be used in conjunction with the water distribution and collection system  20  because the rear squeegee  21  collects the wastewater prior to reaching the sweeper in the preferred embodiment.  
         [0056]     In the preferred embodiment, the rear squeegee  21  is located directly behind the front wheel  24 . Alternatively, the rear squeegee  21  may be located behind the rear wheels  26 . Further in the preferred embodiment, the rearmost scrubbing/resurfacing mechanism  14   b  is located in front of the front wheel  24 . Alternatively, the rearmost scrubbing/resurfacing mechanism  14   h  may be located behind the front wheel  24 .  
         [0057]     In an alternative, the floor surface cleaning and resurfacing equipment of the present invention is configured in a walk behind unit rather than the vehicle configurations described above.  
         [0058]     In a more preferred embodiment, the floor grinder/scrubber  200  shown in  FIG. 11  is an industrial duty, ride-on machine for grinding concrete floors or scrubbing floors.  
         [0059]     The floor grinder/scrubber  200  grinding system, including a planetary head mounting deck  202 , a hydraulic system  204 , a water distribution and collection system  206  and controls  208 , provides for precise grinding performance and machine maneuvering during the grinding or scrubbing operation.  
         [0060]     The water distribution and collection system  206  shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  includes a vacuum system  210  that recovers the grind slurry or scrub water into an recovery tank  212 . The recovery tank  212  has a level sensor that shuts off the vacuum  210  when the level of the recovered water or slurry reaches the capacity of the recovery tank  212 . The recovery tank  212  also includes a clean out port  214  on the top of the floor grinder/scrubber  200 . A fill port  216  for a supply tank  218  is on the top of the floor grinder/scrubber  200 , opposite to the clean out port  214 . A clean out port  220  for the vacuum  210  is also located on the top of the floor grinder/scrubber  200 .  FIG. 13  shows the drain hose  222  connected to the recovery tank  212 . The drain hose  222  is used to drain the waste water in the recovery tank  212 . A rear squeegee  224  and vacuum hose  226  are connected to the vacuum system  210 . The rear squeegee  224  can be raised or lowered by hydraulic cylinders  227  using the squeegee control  228  ( FIG. 14 ). Lowering the rear squeegee  224  also activates the vacuum system  210 . The rear squeegee  224  directs used slurry toward the vacuum hose  226 . The vacuum system  210  draws the slurry through the vacuum system  210  into the recovery tank  212 .  FIG. 11  shows the water outlet tubes  230 , which direct the slurry or scrub water over the planetary heads  232 . The slurry or scrub water is pumped or gravity fed from the supply tank  218  and the flow is controlled by the solution supply control  234  on the control panel  208 . Each of the planetary heads  232  is surrounded by a shroud  236 , which directs the slurry or scrub water to the floor below the planetary heads  232 .  
         [0061]     The hydraulic system  204  includes a pump that is driven directly by the engine and has an output of 8 gallons per minute. The hydraulic system  204  supplies power from the engine to the motor for the drive wheel  238  (the right rear wheel), the three grinding/scrubbing head motors  240 , the squeegee cylinders  227  and deck cylinders  242 . The speed of the motor for the drive wheel  238  is controlled by the forward speed control  244  shown in  FIG. 14 . The motor for the drive wheel  238  is engaged in forward, reverse, or dynamic breaking by the foot pedals  246  shown in  FIG. 15 . The foot pedals  246  do not control the speed of the drive wheel  238 , only the forward speed control  244  does this. The reverse speed is fixed. The speed of the grinding/scrubbing head motors  240  is controlled separately from the forward speed by a grind motor speed lever  248  shown in  FIG. 11   a . The grinding/scrubbing head motors  240  are activated by grinder control  250 . The hydraulics driving the grinding/scrubbing head motors  240  form a circuit such that the hydraulic fluid travels from the engine, to each of the motors in succession and back to the engine. The squeegee cylinders  227  are activated by the squeegee control  228  as stated above. The deck cylinders  242  are controlled by deck lift controls  252  to raise and lower the mounting deck  202 . The down pressure gauge  254  indicates the pressure that the deck cylinders  242  apply to the mounting deck  202 . This down pressure is adjusted by the down pressure manifold  256  shown in  FIG. 16 . A down pressure of 200-psi to 600-psi is desirable for most scrubbing and grinding operations.  
         [0062]     The details of one planetary head  232  are shown in  FIGS. 17   a - 17   e . The drive motor  240  is mounted on mounting deck  202  and includes a spindle  258 , which is similar to that described in the first embodiment.  FIGS. 17   b  and  17   e  show the installation of a media pad  260  to a grinding planetary head  232 . The media pad  260  is pressed firmly onto a rotating planetary carrier  262 . This configuration allows the grind media  260  to be changed easily.  FIGS. 17   d  and  17   e  show how the planetary head  232  connects to the drive motor  240 . Similarly to the first embodiment, a head chuck  264  affixed to the planetary head  232  engages the spindle  258 . The system has an interlock that prevents the drive motors  240  from turning on while the mounting deck  202  is in the raised position to prevent damage to the machine or nearby objects.  
         [0063]     To use the grinder/scrubber  200 , fill the supply tank  218  with the proper solution as required for the scrubbing or grinding application. A solution of detergent and water is desirable for scrubbing applications and a grinding slurry is desirable for grinding applications. Mount the appropriate planetary heads  232  on the grinding motor spindles  258  as shown in  FIGS. 17   a - 17   e  and as described above. Start the engine and allow it to warm up for at least 5 minutes to warn the hydraulic fluid. A longer warm-up period may be required in colder weather. Start the engine using the ignition switch  268  and adjust the engine speed with the engine speed control throttle  270 .  
         [0064]     Set the Grind Motor Speed for the application by changing the position of the grind motor speed lever  248  and securing the position selected. The recommended motor speed range is 80-190 rpm. Lower the rear squeegee  224  using the squeegee control  228  on the control panel  208 . For certain applications, the rear squeegee  224  is not used for the initial passes of the grinding operation. Lower the planetary head mounting deck  202 . Lowering the deck  202  without the planetary heads  232  could severely damage the spindles  258 . Start the solution flow through the water outlet tubes  230 , over the planetary heads  232  to the floor with the solution supply control  234  on the control console  208 . Adjust the solution flow to the desired level with the solution supply control  234 . Start the grinding/scrubbing head motors  240  using the grinder control  250  on the console  208 . Release the parking brake and use the foot pedals  246  to start the floor grinder/scrubber  200  moving over the area to be scrubbed or ground. Set the forward speed with the forward speed control  244  on the console  208 . To stop the machine, the foot pedal  246  is released. The pedal will return to the middle position and the dynamic brake will stop the floor grinder/scrubber  200 . The foot pedals  246  are also used to set the parking break and to move in the reverse direction. Pressing down further on the foot pedal  246  will not cause the floor grinder/scrubber  200  to increase speed in either the forward or reverse directions. The forward speed is controlled by the forward speed control  244  on the console  208 . Thus, a consistent forward speed is provided for grinding and scrubbing operations.  
         [0065]     If the speed of the grinding/scrubbing head motors  240  needs to be adjusted, bring the floor grinder/scrubber  200  to a complete stop using the dynamic break and set the parking brake using the foot pedals  246 . Then turn the forward speed control  244  to the lowest setting and adjust the speed of the grinding/scrubbing head motors  240  using the grind motor speed lever  248 . When the grinding or scrubbing operation is compete, stop the floor grinder/scrubber  200  by releasing pedal  246  and firmly pressing down on the brake pedal (left pedal). Lock the parking brake while continuing to engage the parking brake. Turn off the solution flow using the solution supply control  234 . Turn off the ignition and set the engine speed throttle  270  to the lowest setting. Then drain the recovery tank  212  by unclamping the drain hose  222  and clean thoroughly by rinsing with water or cleaning solutions. Also, clean the recovery tank filter  266  shown in  FIG. 15 . If the floor grinder/scrubber  200  is to be stored, also drain and clean out the solution tank  218 .  
         [0066]     It should be noted that heads designed for dry polishing may be mounted to the grinding/scrubbing head motors  240 . For dry polishing, the vacuum hose  226  is connected directly to the shrouds  236 .  
         [0067]     A mounting deck  302  is shown in  FIG. 18 . The deck  302  is mounted to the frame  304  by a central pivot  306 , two stabilizing arms  308  ( FIG. 19 ), and a lift arm  310  ( FIGS. 19 and 20 ). The lift arm  310  is hydraulically actuated to raise and lower the deck  302  as well as provide the down pressure to the deck  302  that is distributed to the planetary heads  232 . The lift arm  310  is centrally located behind the central pivot  306  to allow the deck  302  to pivot side to side about the central pivot  306  while still providing the down pressure. The ability of the deck  302  to pivot about the axis of the central pivot  306  ensures an even distribution of down pressure on the planetary heads  232  in situations that would otherwise cause an uneven down pressure. Such situations include turning the machine, variations in the surface being scrubbed or ground, and movement of the user that changes the distribution of weight over the deck  302 . The deck  302  is also able to pivot in the transverse direction to the axis of the central pivot  306  by a pivot that locks the transverse angular position prior to use of the floor grinder/scrubber  200 . Alternatively, the transverse pivot is free to allow the deck  302  to pivot front to back during use of the floor grinder/scrubber  200 . In a further alternative, a knuckle that allows the deck  302  to pivot side to side and front to back replaces the central pivot  306  and the transverse pivot.  
         [0068]     It should be noted that springs connecting each side of deck  302  to the frame  304  may be used to further stabilize the deck  302 . The springs prevent the deck  302  from tipping to one side or the other when the deck  302  is in the raised position.  
         [0069]     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 , grinder/scrubber  400  also uses the rapid changing planetary heads and drivers  402  previously described and by the positions of the grinder wheels or scrubber brushes  404  shown can provide a work surface of, e.g., 50 inches wide to work flush with walls. By the positioning of the various wheels as shown, the unit as illustrated is highly maneuverable by its ability to make a 180 degree turn in under 100 inches. A water cooled industrial LP, gasoline or diesel engine capable of operating at different precisely controlled speeds powers the grinder/scrubber  400 , with variable speed motors to turn the wheels and brushes and the hydraulic pressures adjusted as appropriate for the surface being worked and the operation being performed. The rear squeegee  406  can be a curved gum rubber blade, and preferably about a 60 gallon fiberglass supply tank and about an 80 gallon fiberglass recovery tank for the solutions applied and the waste recovered. At this capacity, the unit is capable of covering up to about 96,000 square feet per hour of operation.  
         [0070]     The grinder/scrubber  500  illustrated in  FIG. 22  is similar to that in  FIG. 21 , except that it also is provided with a full flexible rubber skirt  502  surrounding the grinder/scrubber wheels and engaging the floor surface to contain the solution applied and to draw by a conventional vacuum means the spent solution and waste material to the rearwardly mounted recovery tank  504 .  
         [0071]     Further details of the drivers and wheels as used in the embodiments of  FIGS. 21 and 22  may be seen in  FIG. 23 .