Patent ID: 8132282

Claim:
A self-propelled mechanical sweeper for cleaning debris from a surface, said mechanical sweeper comprising: a frame mounted on wheels for motion on said surface; a pickup broom assembly mounted to said frame for lifting said debris from said surface; a first belt conveyor mounted to said frame for collecting said debris lifted by said pickup broom assembly and conveying the same away from said surface; a deployable conveyor assembly mounted to said frame and operable for conveying debris conveyed by said first conveyor toward another vehicle, said deployable conveyor assembly comprising: a first conveyor portion comprising a coupling means; a second conveyor portion mounted to said first conveyor portion via said coupling means, said coupling means enabling movement of said second portion relative to said first portion between a folded position and an extended position; at least one belt operatively mounted on said first conveyor portion and said second conveyor portion and operable for motion thereon; an actuator assembly mounted to said deployable belt conveyor for urging said movement of said second conveyor portion between said folded position and said extended position; and a drive assembly mounted to said frame for driving operation of said pickup broom, said first belt conveyor, said deployable conveyor assembly and said actuator assembly.