Patent ID: 7540053

Claim:
A sweeping apparatus, comprising: a frame, the frame including a means for attaching a pulling agent; a first drive wheel supporting the frame; and a first rotary brush member structure supported by the frame; a first brush height adjustment mechanism for adjusting a distance between the first rotary brush member with respect to ground over which the sweeping apparatus travels; a first traction drive mechanism mechanically connecting the first drive wheel to the first rotary brush member, the first traction drive mechanism configured to transfer power from the first drive wheel to the first rotary brush member, the first traction drive mechanism further configured to rotate the first brush member no less than one complete rotation over a travel distance equal to six times the circumference of the first brush member and no more than three complete rotations over a travel distance equal to the circumference of the first brush member; a second drive wheel supporting the frame; a second rotary brush member supported by the frame; a second brush height adjustment mechanism for adjusting a distance between the second rotary brush member with respect to the ground over which the sweeping apparatus travels; a second traction drive mechanism mechanically connecting the second drive wheel to the second rotary brush member, the second traction drive mechanism configured to transfer power from the second drive wheel to the second rotary brush member, the second traction drive mechanism further configured to rotate the second brush member no less than one complete rotation over a travel distance equal to six times the circumference of the second brush member and no more than three complete rotations over a travel distance equal to the circumference of the second brush member; a transport lift mechanism attached to the frame; and at least one transport wheel attached to the transport lift mechanism; wherein the transport lift mechanism is movable between a first position in which the frame is supported by at least the first and second drive wheels and a second position in which the frame is supported by the at least one transport wheel.