A system and method for efficient engine operation of a material collection system is provided. A material collection system can have a control system, a boom that supports a conduit, a power source, and a vacuum generator. Sensors can provide data on operation of the material collection system. The control system can adjust the vacuum generator power output based on sensor data to efficiently manage energy usage.

A system for applying and recovering de-icing chemicals from a surface. The system includes a spray system for applying a de-icing chemical to the surface and draws the de-icing chemical from the surface. The de-icing chemical and contaminants are conveyed to a reservoir to form a combined solution. A recovery system includes a filter device for removing solids from the combined solution, at least one sensor for measuring a property of the combined solution, and a source of additive chemical. A controller is configured to determine a property of the combined solution based on signals provided by the at least one sensor, move a valve to an open position to cause the additive chemical to mix with the combined solution if the property is less than a predetermined minimum value, and move the valve to a closed position if the property is greater than the predetermined minimum value.

A waste collection device including a compartment for receiving pet waste or other waste. The device is attached to the end of a leaf blower, hand vacuum, or other device which provides suction. Accessories may be included which allow universal mounting to most or all types of vacuums and leaf blowers. A removable filter bag may be included for cleaner removal of waste.

A system for applying and recovering de-icing chemicals from a surface. The system includes a spray system for applying a de-icing chemical to the surface and draws the de-icing chemical from the surface. The de-icing chemical and contaminants are conveyed to a reservoir to form a combined solution. A recovery system includes a filter device for removing solids from the combined solution, at least one sensor for measuring a property of the combined solution, and a source of additive chemical. A controller is configured to determine a property of the combined solution based on signals provided by the at least one sensor, move a valve to an open position to cause the additive chemical to mix with the combined solution if the property is less than a predetermined minimum value, and move the valve to a closed position if the property is greater than the predetermined minimum value.

A vacuuming apparatus for collecting and disposing of sharps waste is disclosed. The sharps waste may include a used hypodermic needle. The vacuuming apparatus includes a passageway including a sidewall defining an interior chamber. The passageway includes an open suction end and an open nozzle end dimensioned to receive the sharps waste. The vacuuming apparatus includes a discharge port located at the suction end and in gaseous communication with a container, such as a used sharps container. The vacuuming apparatus includes a fan, that when operated, is configured to move air from the open nozzle end to the suction end and into the container such that the sharps waste may be moved in an airstream from a surface proximate to the open nozzle end into the container.

A fan with airfoil blades is provided for a regenerative air vacuum street sweeper. The blades are formed using cut and pressed upper and lower panels which are welded at a forward edge to a rod to form the airfoil leading edge and welded at the rear edges to form the airfoil trailing edge. Pins extend laterally outwardly from the rod for mounting each blade in corresponding holes in the front and rear plates of the fan housing. The side edges of the blade are welded to the plates at a 9-11 angle of attack. The airfoil blades allow for reduced size, horse power, noise, and manufacturing and shipping costs.

A leaf collection vehicle utilizing a vehicle body from a refuse collection vehicle having a receiving hopper, a storage compartment, a tailgate assembly, an operator cab and a packer mechanism for transferring refuse from the receiving hopper to the storage compartment, the refuse collection vehicle body being transformed into a leaf collection vehicle by removably installing a fan assembly within the receiving hopper, the fan assembly providing suction for gathering leaves, a suction hose removably attachable to the fan assembly for collecting and transferring leaves initially to the storage compartment and then to the receiving hopper, and a boom member for holding the suction hose, the boom member being operable from the cab compartment of the vehicle and being movable from a storage position along a side of the vehicle body to an operative position for gathering leaves.

The present invention provides a single-tube blowing suction device, including a body (1), an airflow generation apparatus, a collection apparatus, and a blowing-suction tube (2). The airflow generation apparatus has an air inlet portion and an air outlet portion. The airflow generation apparatus is rotatably mounted on the body (1). The airflow generation apparatus rotates relative to the body (1) to enable the single-tube blowing suction device to switch between a suction mode and a blowing mode. In the suction mode, the air inlet portion of the airflow generation apparatus is in fluid communication with a first end (21) of the blowing-suction tube (2), and the air outlet portion of the airflow generation apparatus is in fluid communication with a connection port of the collection apparatus. In the blowing mode, the air outlet portion of the airflow generation apparatus is in fluid communication with the first end (21) of the blowing-suction tube. In the single-tube blowing suction device of the present invention, one tube is used for both blowing and suction. It is not necessary to detach and change a blowing tube and a suction tube to switch between blowing and suction. It is only necessary to rotate the airflow generation apparatus relative to the body by a particular angle to implement switching between blowing and suction. The human-machine interaction is desirable, so that the use comfort and work efficiency is improved.

A debris-collecting apparatus includes a draft inducer operable to draw air and debris, an input portion for receiving incoming air and debris caused by operation of the draft inducer, and a bagging portion. The bagging portion includes a hood having an arcuate portion, a bag removably positioned below the hood and having an inner face, and a bagging passage for directing the air and debris from the input portion to the hood. The arcuate portion extends from the bagging passage to the bag such that the air and debris from the bagging passage travels along the arcuate portion and thereafter apply a dislodging force to dislodge debris collected at the inner face of the bag.

A leaf collection vehicle utilizing a vehicle body from a refuse collection vehicle having a receiving hopper, a storage compartment, a tailgate assembly, an operator cab and a packer mechanism for transferring refuse from the receiving hopper to the storage compartment, the refuse collection vehicle body being transformed into a leaf collection vehicle by removably installing a fan assembly within the receiving hopper, the fan assembly providing suction for gathering leaves, a suction hose removably attachable to the fan assembly for collecting and transferring leaves initially to the storage compartment and then to the receiving hopper, and a boom member for holding the suction hose, the boom member being operable from the cab compartment of the vehicle and being movable from a storage position along a side of the vehicle body to an operative position for gathering leaves.