Riding floor polishing machine

Abstract

A riding floor polishing machine with dust and exhaust filtering apparatus is disclosed. The riding floor polishing machine provides a vehicle-driven surface processing apparatus capable of performing a large scale surface polishing operation in an indoor setting with reduced dust accumulation and reduced exhaust emission to the working environment. The riding floor polishing machine includes generally a grinder assembly, an exhaust control device, and a dust collection device, each carried by a vehicle. The grinder assembly includes a plurality of planetary polishing heads carried by a frame. The frame is movably attached to the vehicle such that the planetary polishing heads can be moved in either lateral or vertical directions proximate the vehicle. The vehicle provides mobility to the riding floor polishing machine and includes a power source to provide power for operating the various functions of the grinder assembly, the exhaust control device, and the dust collection device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention pertains to surface polishing machines. More particularly, this invention pertains to a riding surface polishing vehicle for conducting various surface polishing operations such as scrubbing, buffing, grinding, or other polishing of floor surfaces or similar, essentially continuous surfaces.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is often necessary to grind, polish, or otherwise refinish large areas of flooring surface, such as basketball gyms, warehouses, or other such structures. The conventional tool used in performing this type of surface polishing is a hand operated polishing machine. This type of machine typically utilizes surface processing apparatus including at least one planetary frictional surface rotated by an electric motor, a combustion engine, or similar power means. Conventionally, the machine includes a handle, and a user operates the machine by walking behind the machine, pushing the handle and manually directing the surface processing apparatus across the flooring surface.

A large scale surface polishing operation is often time consuming, labor intensive, and tiresome. In order to make such a surface processing job easier and less time consuming, the use of riding vehicles has been employed. Thus, a traditional surface processing apparatus is coupled to a vehicle. A user, sitting atop the vehicle, controls both the vehicle and the surface processing apparatus and, overall, gets the job done faster than if the user had to walk behind a traditional surface processing machine.

However, use of a conventional combustion engine vehicle results in the emission of exhaust fumes. When working indoors, this exhaust typically accumulates within the room housing the working surface, often resulting in significantly increased concentrations of toxins immediately surrounding the working surface. The excessive presence of combustion-engine exhaust leads to an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous work environment for the user of the surface polishing machine. Therefore, such use of a vehicle in assisting with large scale surface polishing has been previously limited to outdoor operations or other significantly well ventilated environments.

Furthermore, there has been a perennial problem associated with most surface polishing operations, and even more so with surface polishing operations that are conducted using high speed mechanical equipment. The material that is removed from the finished surface is given off in the form of dust. Frequently, this dust is so light that it hangs in the air for a period of time before settling. In large scale surface polishing operations, using high speed mechanical equipment, a large quantity of dust is generated which creates uncomfortable working conditions for the user. The dust floats in the air for a considerable amount of time and is breathed in by the user. Furthermore, the dust settles on the user's clothing, as well as all exposed surfaces surrounding the surface polishing operation.

Many attempts have been made to reduce the dusting problem associated with high speed, large scale surface polishing operations. One method of reducing the dusting problem is to continuously bathe the working surface with a moving film of liquid that carries away the dust. However, this system, while it keeps dust to a minimum, often necessitates that the user wear waterproof clothing to ensure that the user remains dry. This often creates an uncomfortable working environment for the user.

Other devices have been developed to overcome these and similar problems associated with surface polishing machines. Typical of the art are those devices disclosed in the following U.S. patents:

U.S. Pat. No.	Inventor(s)	Issue Date
3,701,221	Frank P. Vinella	Oct. 31, 1972
3,936,212	Orvill H. Holz, Sr. et. al.	Feb. 3, 1976
4,058,936	Miksa Marton	Nov. 22, 1977
5.253,384	Charles W. Joines et. al.	Oct. 19, 1993
Re. 34,822	Bryan Mattson	Jan. 10, 1995
6,540,305	Edward W. Phillips	Apr. 1, 2003

Of these patents, U.S. Pat. No. 3,701,221, issued to Vinella, discloses a machine for the dry grinding of terrazzo floors which utilizes a vaccum cleaner attachment for the collection of dust raised during the grinding operation. The machine includes a chamber which houses multiple grinding stones. This chamber has a vacuum pick-up head and the chamber is formed in part by a loose fitting skirt assembly. The skirt assembly is resiliently biased in a downwardly direction. A wear shroud forming the lower part of the skirt assembly is biased into firm engagement with the floor and adjustable vent plates are provided for controlling the flow of air through the chamber. The vacuum unit comprises a drum mounted on a wheeled cart which is closely coupled to the machine so that the drum is within the lateral confines of the handle of the machine.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,936,212 ('212), issued to Holz, discloses a vehicle used for troweling large areas of concrete. The '212 patent includes a frame supported by a plurality of troweling rotors. Each troweling rotor has three or four troweling blades, the pitch of which is controlled by the user. The pitch control is extended from all rotors to be separately accessible to the user in the user's seat. The user can steer the vehicle by applying a tilting pressure to one or more rotors with selectivity as to the points along the rotor paths at which the increased downward pressure is applied.

Marton, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,058,936, discloses a vacuum sanding device that has one or more vacuum openings in the central area of the sanding disc, or, one or more vacuum openings about the periphery of the sanding disc. As the sanding disc is rotated, a vacuum pump applies suction through the vacuum openings. Sanding dust is therefore collected by the vacuum system as the rotating sanding disc makes contact with the sanding surface.

An electric buffing machine and method of buffing waxed floors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,253,384, issued to Joines, et. al. The buffing machine comprises a molded plastic housing, a foldable handle and a DC drive motor directly driving a buffing pad holder. The pad is movable into and out of engagement with the floor by a pad lifter mechanism which raises and lowers the pad holder along a splined drive shaft of the drive motor. The pad lifter mechanism comprises a reversible motor mounted to the housing and connected to the pad holder. Rotation of the threaded shaft in one direction or the other moves the lifter arm into which the shaft is threaded together with the pad holder and pad up or down relative to the floor. By observing the current draw of the drive motor, control of pad pressure is achieved. The pad holder design provides a directed air flow into the housing to collect dust, dirt and debris generated by the buffing operation.

U.S. Pat. No. Re. 34,822, issued to Mattson, discloses a power riding trailer for an implement. The power riding trailer includes a vehicle having two driven wheels disposed at or near the vehicle rear end and positioned to rotate parallel to the length of the vehicle. A power system provides power to rotate the two driven wheels. At least one non-steered wheel is located at or near the front end, the non-steered wheel being rotatable about an axis, which axis is at least partially rotatable. A seat is affixed to the trailer to provide access for a user to sit on the vehicle and control the vehicle. The power riding trailer is capable of being attached to a standard walk-behind implement, such as a drum sander. The user steers the vehicle by applying lateral pressure to the handle of the walk-behind implement, upon which the power riding trailer follows behind the implement.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,540,305 ('305), issued to Phillips, discloses an electric floor covering removal apparatus. The '305 invention includes an electric motor fitted in a frame for driving a fan, a pair of hydrostatic pumps hydraulically connected to independent, hydraulically-operated wheel motors and a hydraulic gear pump. The hydraulic gear pump raises and lowers a landing gear with respect to the frame, deploys the floor covering engaging-implements of the apparatus, and drives the apparatus to remove the floor covering. A pair of control-arm levers is spring-loaded to neutral and serves to independently operate the hydrostatic pumps and the wheel motors in infinitely variable fashion, in both the forward and reverse directions. The driver's seat is mounted on an insulated cover or shroud that covers the electric motor, hydrostatic pumps and the hydraulic gear pump, as well as electrical gear and a hydraulic fluid reservoir located beneath these operating components. An electric cord handling system, pneumatic rear tires and accessory equipment complete the electric floor covering removal apparatus.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A riding floor polishing machine with dust and exhaust filtering apparatus is disclosed. The riding floor polishing machine provides a vehicle-driven surface processing apparatus capable of performing a large scale surface polishing operation in an indoor setting with reduced dust accumulation and reduced exhaust emission to the working environment. The riding floor polishing machine includes generally a grinder assembly, an exhaust control device, and a dust collection device, each carried by a vehicle. The vehicle includes a chassis, a combustion engine mounted on the chassis, and an exhaust port for releasing exhaust from the combustion engine. The vehicle provides mobility to the riding floor polishing machine and includes an electric generator to provide power for operating the various functions of the grinder assembly, the exhaust control device, and the dust collection device. The exhaust control device has a catalytic converter which receives exhaust from the exhaust port and subjects the exhaust to at least one chemical reaction to reduce the hydrocarbon content of the exhaust from the combustion engine. The grinder assembly includes a plurality of planetary polishing heads carried by a frame. The frame is movably attached to the vehicle such that the planetary polishing heads can be moved in either lateral or vertical directions proximate the vehicle. The dust collection device includes a dust shroud substantially covering the planetary polishing heads and a vacuum cleaner configured to draw dust and air from beneath the dust shroud. The vacuum cleaner then directs the dust and air into a filter apparatus, which separates the dust from the air and direct the dust to a storage vessel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a riding floor polishing machine constructed in accordance with several features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view, showing the vehicle portion of the riding floor polishing machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic of the exhaust control device portion of the riding floor polishing machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, showing the grinder assembly portion of the riding floor polishing machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of another embodiment of the riding floor polishing machine, illustrating the grinder assembly constructed in accordance with several features of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a simplified cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a planetary polishing head;

FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic of the dust collection device of the riding floor polishing machine of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with several features of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic of the hydraulic system of the riding floor polishing machine of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with several features of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a simplified schematic of an alternate embodiment of the power source, constructed in accordance with several features of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A riding floor polishing machine with dust and exhaust filtering apparatus is disclosed. The riding floor polishing machine, illustrated at 10 in the figures, provides a vehicle-driven surface processing apparatus capable of performing a large scale surface polishing operation in an indoor setting with reduced dust accumulation and reduced exhaust emission to the working environment.

FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a riding floor polishing machine 10 constructed in accordance with several features of the present invention. The riding floor polishing machine 10 includes generally a grinder assembly 12 and a dust collection device 36, both carried by a vehicle 16. The grinder assembly 12 includes a plurality of planetary polishing heads 18 carried by a frame 20. The frame 20 is movably attached to the vehicle 16 such that the planetary polishing heads 18 can be moved in either lateral or vertical directions proximate the vehicle 16. As discussed in greater detail below, the vehicle 16 provides mobility to the riding floor polishing machine 10 and provides power to operate various functions of the grinder assembly 12 and the dust collection device 36.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view, showing one embodiment of the vehicle 16 of the riding floor polishing machine 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 16 in the illustrated embodiment includes generally a chassis 42, a pair of coaxial wheels 44, a pair of steering wheels 46, and a power source 13. A housing 54 is removably attached to the chassis 42. A driver's seat 48 is mounted on the housing 54 and a steering control 50 projects upwardly from the vehicle 16 forwardly of the driver's seat 48. The coaxial wheels 44 are rotatably mounted to the chassis 42, while the steering wheels 46 are both pivotally and rotatably mounted to the chassis 42. The steering wheels 44 serve to steer the vehicle in response to the steering control 50. To this end there is a conventional mechanical link provided between the steering control 50 and the steering wheels 44.

In the present embodiment, the power source 13 includes a combustion engine 40 and an electric generator 66. The combustion engine 40 and the electric generator 66 are each mounted to the vehicle 16 beneath the housing 54. The combustion engine 40 includes a drive shaft 38, and an exhaust system 39 for discharging exhaust from the combustion engine 40. The combustion engine 40 turns the drive shaft 38, and the drive shaft 38 mechanically engages the electric generator 66 to allow the combustion engine 40 to power the electric generator 66. The electric generator 66 includes an output 68 to provide electricity for powering various other functions of the riding floor polishing machine 10. In addition, the electric generator 66 provides electricity to an electric motor 15 to power the electric motor 15. The electric motor 15 is configured to engage a sprocket 17, which in turn mechanically engages at least one of the wheels 44, 46 to propel the vehicle 16.

Additionally, a fuel tank 41 is disposed on the vehicle 16. The fuel tank 41 supplies a conventional combustible fuel such as natural gas or gasoline to the combustion engine 40. The fuel tank 41 includes a fuel line 37 to provide fuel to the combustion engine 40, and a throttle control 11 is provided to regulate the intake of fuel to the combustion engine 40, thereby regulating the speed of the combustion engine 40. At least one brake 45 is disposed proximate the driver's seat 48. The brake 45 communicates mechanically with at least one wheel 44, 46 to selectively decelerate the vehicle 16. A safety pedal 43 is provided to enable driving the riding floor polishing machine 10 and to enable the planetary polishing heads 18. If the safety pedal 43 is released, the vehicle travel ceases and the planetary polishing heads 18 cease to rotate. This override feature automatically turns the riding floor polishing machine 10 off in the event the driver falls off or otherwise leaves the riding floor polishing machine 10. From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a typical combustion-engine vehicle has been provided.

In the present embodiment, the vehicle 16 includes an exhaust control device 14. FIG. 3 illustrates a simplified schematic of one embodiment of the exhaust control device 14. The simplified schematic does not illustrate various connections, for example, power and ground connections to the various components; however, those skilled in the art will recognize the need for such wiring and understand how to wire such a circuit, based on the components ultimately selected for use. The exhaust control device 14 includes a catalytic converter 98, an oxygen sensor 100, an electronic control module 102, a linear actuator 104 and a pressure regulator 106. The oxygen sensor 100 is configured along the exhaust system 39 so as to sample the composition of the exhaust produced by the combustion engine 40 and to sense deviations from an ideal intake air-fuel ratio through changes in oxygen content of the exhaust gas. The oxygen sensor 100 communicates electronically with the electronic control module 102. The electronic control module 102 is a programmable microprocessor configured to process signals from the oxygen sensor 100 and also from the combustion engine 40. Upon processing of signals from the oxygen sensor 100 and the combustion engine 40, the electronic control module 102 is configured to provide a command signal to the linear actuator 104 and the pressure regulator 106. The linear actuator 104 and the pressure regulator 106 communicate with the combustion engine 40 to adjust the fuel flow from the fuel line 37 to the combustion engine 40. This adjustment of the fuel flow to the combustion engine 40 in turn regulates the air-fuel ratio within the combustion engine 40. The catalytic converter 98 is a typical automotive catalytic converter configured such as to receive exhaust from the combustion engine 40 and subject the exhaust to a series of chemical reactions. These chemical reactions ultimately result in a reduction of the hydrocarbon content of the exhaust, upon which the exhaust is discharged from the exhaust control device 14 through a discharge conduit 99. From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a typical exhaust control system, such as the TermiNOX™ system by Engine Control Systems, a Lubrizol Company, has been provided.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment of the riding floor polishing machine 10, a first imaging device 92, a second imaging device 96, and a monitor 94 are provided. The first imaging device 92 is positioned on the vehicle 16 rearward of the driver's seat 48. The second imaging device 96 is positioned on the vehicle 16 forward of the grinder assembly 12. The first imaging device 92 is configured such as to observe the portion of the working surface 70 directly rearward of the riding floor polishing machine 10. The second imaging device 96 is configured such as to observe the portion of the working surface 70 directly forward of the riding floor polishing machine 10. The monitor 94 is mounted on the housing 54 proximate the driver's seat 48 such that the monitor is visible to a user seated in the driver's seat 48. Both the first and second imaging devices 92, 96 communicate with the monitor 94 to produce a series of optical images depicting the periphery of the riding floor polishing machine 10. By observing the monitor 94, the user is better able to view the periphery of the riding floor polishing machine 10 and to direct the riding floor polishing machine 10 in such a way as to avoid any obstructions in the working surface 70. Of course, it is understood by those skilled in the art that more or fewer imaging devices 92, 96 may be used to maximize the visibility of the periphery of the riding floor polishing machine 10 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. To this extent, it is appreciated that provision of the imaging devices 92, 96 and the monitor 94 are not necessary to accomplish the riding floor polishing machine 10 of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the grinder assembly 12 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the grinder assembly 12 includes a plurality of planetary polishing heads 18 carried by a frame 20. The frame 20 includes a support structure 22 adapted to be attached to the vehicle 16. In the present embodiment, the frame 20 includes a support structure 22 slidably attached to a boom 21. The boom 21 is then slidably attached to a mast 23, and the mast 23 is fixed to the vehicle 16. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the power source 13 selectively engages the mast 23 and communicates mechanically with the mast 23 to allow the support structure 22 and the boom 21 to be variably positioned in a vertical direction. Additionally, the power source 13 selectively engages the boom 21 and communicates mechanically with the boom 21 to allow the support structure 22 to be variably positioned horizontally. In the illustrated embodiment, a hydraulic cylinder 25 is provided along the length of the boom 21. As is further discussed below, the hydraulic cylinder 25 is selectively engaged by the power source 13 to move the support structure 22 horizontally along the boom 21. A chain and sprocket assembly 27 is provided along the length of the mast 23, with the chain 29 fixably attached to the boom 21. The power source 13 selectively engages the chain and sprocket assembly 27 to raise and lower the boom 21 and the support structure 22 along the mast 23. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many additional devices and configurations which are suitable to allow the support structure 22 to be selectively positionable horizontally and vertically proximate the vehicle 16 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

A further embodiment of the grinder assembly 12 is illustrated in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the frame 20 includes a support structure 22 and a hinged support member 24. The hinged support member 24 is pivotally disposed between the support structure 22 and the vehicle 16. At least one mechanical piston 26 is pivotally secured between the vehicle 16 and the hinged support member 24. The axial dimension of the mechanical piston 26 is configured in a direction biased to the axial dimension of the hinged support member 24 such that extension and retraction of the mechanical piston 26 causes rotation of the hinged support member 24 proximate the vehicle 16. This, in turn, causes the support structure 22 and the adjoining planetary polishing heads 18 to be raised and lowered.

The support structure 22 is adapted to receive a plurality of planetary polishing heads 18. FIG. 6 is a simplified cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a planetary polishing head 18. Although FIG. 6 does not illustrate various connections, for example, power and ground connections to the various components; those skilled in the art will recognize the need for such wiring and understand how to wire such a circuit, based on the components ultimately selected for use. As shown in FIG. 6, each planetary polishing head 18 includes a motor 32 that rotates a central shaft 30. At least one polishing plate 28 is mounted on each central shaft 30, and a series of bearings 34 is positioned between each motor 32 and each polishing plate 28. A service box 62 is mounted above each motor 32 for receiving power from the power source 13. In the illustrated embodiment, a cable 64 extends from each service box 62 and attaches to the output 68 of the electric generator 66 to provide electricity to the cooperating motor 32 (see FIG. 2). Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize other suitable means for providing power to the motor 32 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Each motor 32 pivots the cooperating central shaft 30 which causes each polishing plate 28 to rotate about its associated central shaft 30. The polishing plates 28 contact and apply frictional force to a working surface 70 to effect polishing of the working surface 70.

In one embodiment, each planetary polishing head 18 includes a series of grinding plates 28 constructed from diamond-based grinding stone. As each motor 32 selectively rotates each grinding plate 28 about its cooperating central shaft 30, the grinding plates 28 make contact with the working surface 70 to grind and abrade a superficial layer of material from the working surface 70. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that grinding is merely one application of the present invention. To this extent, it is appreciated that each grinding plate 28 may be constructed from numerous other materials to accomplish a wide variety of polishing functions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, a grinder control 60 is disposed on the housing 54 of the vehicle 16 proximate the steering wheel 50. The user selectively manipulates the grinder control 60 to position the support structure 22 in both vertical and horizontal directions, and to control the pitch of the planetary polishing heads 18 proximate the vehicle 16. The user further selectively manipulates the grinder control 60 to engage and disengage the planetary polishing heads 18. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate many possible configurations for the grinder control 60 which may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic of one embodiment of the dust collection device 36 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the dust collection device 36 includes a dust shroud 56 connected to a vacuum cleaner 52 by an intake conduit 76 having a first end 75 and a second end 77. The dust shroud 56 is defined by a housing that substantially covers the polishing plate 28. The working surface 70 cooperates with the dust shroud 56 to substantially enclose the polishing plates 28 and to limit the release of dust into the work environment. The dust shroud 56 defines an opening 78 which is adapted to receive the intake conduit first end 75. The vacuum cleaner 52 defines an intake opening 74 which is adapted to receive the intake conduit second end 76.

The vacuum cleaner 52 includes an electrical box 84 mounted behind a vacuum motor 86 for receiving power from the power source 13. In the illustrated embodiment, a vacuum cable 88 extends from the electrical box 84 and attaches to the output 68 of the electric generator 66 to provide electricity to the vacuum motor 86. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize other suitable means for providing power to the vacuum motor 86 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The vacuum motor 86 turns a regenerative blower 90 to draw air and dust from beneath the dust shroud 56 through the intake conduit 76 and into a filter apparatus 58. The filter apparatus 58 is designed such as to separate the dust from the air and direct the dust to a storage vessel 72. The filter apparatus 58 includes an air output 82 through which clean air from the filter apparatus 58 is discharged and returned to the work environment.

Referring to FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 52 is disposed on the frame 20 above the planetary polishing heads 18. In another embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 52 is positioned above the vehicle 16. However, those skilled in the art will recognize many additional configurations for the vacuum cleaner 52 which can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, a hydraulic system 107 is used to mechanically position the planetary polishing heads 18 of the riding floor polishing machine 10. As shown in FIG. 8, a hydraulic fluid reservoir 109 is provided proximate the vehicle 16. The hydraulic fluid reservoir 109 is designed to hold a supply of hydraulic fluid (not illustrated), for operating the hydraulic cylinder 25 to move the support structure 22 horizontally along the boom 21. A hydraulic pump 110 is disposed proximate the hydraulic fluid reservoir 109. The hydraulic pump 110 is connected to the hydraulic fluid reservoir 109 and to the hydraulic cylinder by means of hydraulic lines 108. The combustion engine 40 selectively engages the hydraulic pump 110 to cause the hydraulic pump 110 to move hydraulic fluid into and out of the hydraulic fluid reservoir 109 and pump the hydraulic fluid to and from the hydraulic cylinder 25 by means of the hydraulic lines 108. In another embodiment, the hydraulic system 107 is also utilized to provide power to the steering functions of the vehicle 16. Of course, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other devices, such as a pneumatic system, may be used to provide various power functions to the riding floor polishing machine 10 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Another embodiment of the power source 13′ is schematically illustrated in FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the power source 13′ includes a combustion engine 40 configured to mechanically power a hydraulic system 107. The hydraulic system 107 includes a hydraulic fluid reservoir 109 designed to hold a supply of hydraulic fluid (not illustrated), and a hydraulic pump 110. The hydraulic fluid is fed to the hydraulic pump 110 through cooperating hydraulic lines 108. The combustion engine selectively engages the hydraulic pump 110 to cause the hydraulic pump 110 to move hydraulic fluid into and out of the hydraulic fluid reservoir 109 and pump the hydraulic fluid to and from the vacuum motor 86, the motors 32 of the grinder assembly 12, and the hydraulic cylinder 25. In this configuration, the hydraulic system 107 provides power to operate the various components of the grinder assembly 12 and the dust collection device 36. Additionally, the combustion engine 40 includes a drive shaft 38 which mechanically engages at least one of the wheels 44, 46 to propel the vehicle 16. In another embodiment, the power source 13 includes a battery (not illustrated) to provide electrical power to operate the various functions of the riding floor polishing machine 10. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that other devices and configurations suitable to provide the power source 13 exist, and such other devices and configurations are therefore intended for use without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1-6. (canceled)

7. A self-contained riding floor polishing machine comprising: a vehicle having: a chassis; and a power source mounted on said chassis; a grinder assembly adapted to be engaged by said power source, said grinder assembly having: a frame carried by said vehicle; and a polishing head mounted on said frame; an imaging device mounted on said vehicle; and a monitor in electrical communication with said imaging device, said monitor being configured to produce a series of optical images depicting the periphery of said riding floor polishing machine to assist an operator in guiding said riding floor polishing machine.

8. A self-contained riding floor polishing machine comprising: a vehicle having: a chassis; and a power source mounted on said chassis; a grinder assembly adapted to be engaged by said power source, said grinder assembly having: a frame carried by said vehicle, said frame comprising: a hinged member pivotally secured to said vehicle, said hinged member having an axial dimension; a support structure fixed to said hinged member, said support structure being adapted to receive said planetary polishing heads; and, a mechanical piston having a first end and a second end, said mechanical piston first end being pivotally secured to said vehicle and said mechanical piston second end being pivotally secured to said hinged member, said mechanical piston being configured in a direction biased to said axial dimension of said hinged member, whereby upon the extension and retraction of said mechanical piston, said hinged member rotates proximate said vehicle to facilitate selective repositioning of said planetary polishing heads proximate said vehicle; and a polishing head mounted on said frame.

9-16. (canceled)

17. A self-contained riding floor polishing machine comprising: a vehicle having: a chassis; and a power source mounted on said chassis, said power source comprising a combustion engine having at least one exhaust port; a driver's seat mounted on said vehicle; a plurality of coaxial wheels rotatably mounted to said chassis; a plurality of steering wheels rotatably and pivotally mounted to said chassis; and a steering control projecting upwardly from said chassis forwardly of said driver's seat, said steering control engaging said plurality of steering wheels to allow a user to steer said vehicle; a grinder assembly adapted to be engaged by said power source, said grinder assembly having: a frame carried by said vehicle; and a polishing head mounted on said frame; an exhaust control device having a catalytic converter in communication with said exhaust port, said catalytic converter being adapted to allow exhaust to enter said catalytic converter and to subject the exhaust to at least one chemical reaction; a first imaging device mounted on said vehicle rearward of said driver's seat, said first imaging device being configured to observe rearward of said vehicle; a second imaging device mounted on said grinder assembly, said second imaging device being configured to observe forward of said grinder assembly; and a monitor in electrical communication with said first and second imaging devices, said monitor being configured to produce a series of optical images depicting the periphery forward and rearward of said riding floor polishing machine.

18. A riding floor polishing machine comprising: a vehicle comprising: a chassis; a power source mounted on said chassis, said power source comprising: a combustion engine having at least one exhaust port, said combustion engine being configured to rotate a drive shaft; a driver's seat mounted on said vehicle; a plurality of coaxial wheels rotatably mounted to said chassis; a plurality of steering wheels rotatably and pivotally mounted to said chassis; and, a steering control projecting upwardly from said chassis forwardly of said driver's seat, said steering control engaging said plurality of steering wheels to allow a user to steer said vehicle; a first imaging device mounted on said vehicle rearward of said driver's seat, said first imaging device being configured to observe rearward of said vehicle; a second imaging device mounted on said grinder assembly, said second imaging device being configured to observe forward of said grinder assembly; and, a monitor in electrical communication with said first and second imaging devices, said monitor being configured to produce a series of optical images depicting the periphery forward and rearward of said riding floor polishing machine to assist an operator in guiding said riding floor polishing machine; a grinder assembly adapted to be engaged by said power source, said grinder assembly comprising: a frame carried by said vehicle; and, a polishing head mounted on said frame, said polishing head comprising: a central shaft; a motor configured to rotate said central shaft; and a polishing plate mounted to said central shaft, whereby said polishing plate is adapted to contact and apply frictional force to a working surface; a dust collection device in communication with said power source, said dust collection device comprising: a shroud substantially covering said polishing plate, said shroud defining an intake opening; a storage vessel; and, a vacuum cleaner comprising: a conduit having a first end and a second end, said conduit first end being adapted to be received by said intake opening; a regenerative blower disposed proximate said conduit second end; a motor configured to rotate said regenerative blower; and, a filter apparatus; whereby said regenerative blower is configured to draw dust from beneath said shroud and into said filter apparatus, said filter apparatus being configured to direct dust into said storage vessel; an exhaust control device comprising: a catalytic converter in communication with said exhaust port, said catalytic converter being adapted to allow exhaust to enter said catalytic converter and to subject the exhaust to at least one chemical reaction; an oxygen sensor fixed proximate said exhaust port, said oxygen sensor being configured to sample the composition of the exhaust produced by said combustion engine; a regulator in communication with said combustion engine for limiting fuel flow to said combustion engine; and, a programmable controller in electrical communication with said oxygen sensor and said regulator.

19. The riding floor polishing machine of claim 18, said power source further comprising: a combustion engine mounted on said chassis, said combustion engine having at least one exhaust port, said combustion engine being configured to rotate a drive shaft; and, a hydraulic system comprising: a hydraulic reservoir configured to hold a supply of hydraulic fluid; a hydraulic pump, said hydraulic pump being adapted to move said hydraulic fluid into and out of the hydraulic fluid reservoir to provide power to operate various functions of said riding floor polishing machine; said frame comprising: a hinged member pivotally secured to said vehicle, said hinged member having an axial dimension; a support structure fixed to said hinged member; and, a mechanical piston having a first end and a second end, said mechanical piston first end being pivotally secured to said vehicle and said mechanical piston second end being pivotally secured to said hinged member, said mechanical piston being configured in a direction biased to said axial dimension of said hinged member.

20. A riding floor polishing machine comprising: a vehicle comprising: a chassis; a combustion engine mounted on said chassis, said combustion engine being configured to rotate a drive shaft; and, an exhaust port; a driver's seat mounted on said vehicle; a plurality of coaxial wheels rotatably mounted to said chassis; a plurality of steering wheels rotatably and pivotally mounted to said chassis; and, a steering control projecting upwardly from said chassis forwardly of said driver's seat, said steering control engaging said plurality of steering wheels to allow a user to steer said vehicle; a first imaging device mounted on said vehicle rearward of said driver's seat, said first imaging device being configured to observe rearward of said vehicle; a second imaging device mounted on said grinder assembly, said second imaging device being configured to observe forward of said grinder assembly; and, a monitor in electrical communication with said first and second imaging devices, said monitor being configured to produce a series of optical images depicting the periphery forward and rearward of said riding floor polishing machine to assist an operator in guiding said riding floor polishing machine; an electric generator in mechanical communication with said combustion engine, said electric generator being carried by said vehicle, said electric generator having at least one output to provide a source of electricity; a grinder assembly in electrical communication with said electric generator, said grinder assembly comprising: a frame carried by said vehicle, said frame comprising: a mast pivotally connected to said vehicle, said mast protruding substantially upwards from said vehicle; a boom configured substantially perpendicular to said mast, said boom being slidably attached to said mast, whereby said vehicle communicates with said boom to raise and lower said boom along said mast; and, a support structure slidably attached to said boom, whereby said vehicle mechanically communicates with said support structure to slide said support structure along said boom; a polishing head mounted on said frame, said polishing head comprising: a central shaft; a motor configured to rotate said central shaft; and, a polishing plate mounted to said central shaft, whereby said polishing plate is adapted to contact and apply frictional force to a working surface; a dust collection device in electrical communication with said electric generator, said dust collection device comprising: a shroud substantially covering said polishing plate, said shroud defining an intake opening; a storeage vessel; and, a vacuum cleaner comprising: a conduit having a first end and a second end, said conduit first end being adapted to be received by said intake opening; a regenerative blower disposed proximate said conduit second end; a motor configured to rotate said regenerative blower; and, a filter apparatus; whereby said regenerative blower is configured to draw dust from beneath said shroud and into said filter apparatus, said filter apparatus being configured to direct dust into said storage vessel; an exhaust control device comprising: a catalytic converter in communication with said exhaust port, said catalytic converter being adapted to allow exhaust to enter said catalytic converter and to subject the exhaust to at least one chemical reaction; an oxygen sensor fixed proximate said exhaust port, said oxygen sensor being configured to sample the composition of the exhaust produced by said combustion engine; a regulator in communication with said combustion engine for limiting fuel flow to said combustion engine; and, a programmable controller in electrical communication with said oxygen sensor and said regulator.