Patents Assigned to Karcher North America, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8978190
    Abstract: A floor care machine is provided that includes a replaceable floor care element that is quickly and easily attached and detached. To attach the floor care element, an operator positions the floor care element under a motor and lifts the element up to a motor interface. The motor interface aligns with a complementary interface of the floor care element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Leifheit, Steven Tucker
  • Patent number: 8887340
    Abstract: A floor treatment apparatus is provided that includes a chassis that supports at least one cleaning element. The chassis is supported by a plurality of wheels, one which is steerable via a steering wheel interconnected to a housing also associated with the chassis. The chassis provided includes a plurality of movable housing members, one of which is associated with the steering wheel. To access the internal components of the floor treatment apparatus, the front housing is rotated or moved away from the other housings wherein the steering wheel does not require disconnection to allow this movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Kärcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Pedlar, Daniel Pearson, Eric L. Shark, Daniel C. Venard, Brian J. Doll, Rusty Simmons, Nevin Green, Loi X. Tran, Robert S. Gorsky, Steven W. Tucker, Todd Leifheit
  • Patent number: 8888016
    Abstract: A pressure washer device is provided that employs an unloader bypass valve that directs a selective amount of fluid via a small diameter bypass line back to a water storage tank. The small amount of fluid allows for the pump to remain working and introduces cooler water into a bypass circuit, thereby allowing the thermal relief valve to be omitted. The diameter of the bypass line is of such a diameter to prevent siphonage of the detergent associated with the pressure washer system into the water storage tank as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Linton, Derek Knight
  • Patent number: 8876577
    Abstract: A floor care apparatus is provided that utilizes at least one cylindrical pad to remove a floor finish. More specifically, a cylindrical pad having an abrasive surface is integrated onto a cylindrical scrubber brush or associated core or roller commonly used in the art. The main outwardly-facing surface of the pad contacts the floor to remove a predetermined amount of floor finish wherein generated debris is expelled away from the pad. After finish removal, a new layer of finish is applied to the floor. Thus, the need to remove all finish layers from a flooring surface is alleviated, which saves time and money.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Lombard, James L. Young
  • Patent number: 8783587
    Abstract: A mobile pressure washing system is provided. The system comprises a frame with hinged elements for transitioning the frame between an upright position of use and a compact position for secure transport and storage of the system. System features further include a removable and replaceable tank adapted to fit on a portion of the frame, storage features, and pressure washing features such as a motor and pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Dean Bearup, Glenn Richard Schmierer, Roger Pedlar, Agustin Garcia Arellano, Jerry G. Gradwohl, Gerardo Angel Gonzalez Chapa
  • Publication number: 20140196230
    Abstract: A gravity feed solution distribution system for use with surface maintenance and conditioning machines includes front and rear counter-rotating brush rollers within a shroud, a manifold having delivery ports and disposed within the shroud above the counter-rotating brush rollers, an agitating blade extending from an inner surface of the shroud and underneath the manifold to contact the front counter-rotating brush roller, and a baffle extending downward from an inner surface of the shroud above the front counter-rotating brush roller to contact the front counter-rotating brush roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Pyne, Pete William Von Vett, Todd Leifheit, Steven Tucker
  • Publication number: 20140130292
    Abstract: A floor treatment apparatus is provided that includes a chassis that supports at least one cleaning element. The chassis is supported by a plurality of wheels, one which is steerable via a steering wheel interconnected to a housing also associated with the chassis. The chassis provided includes a plurality of movable housing members, one of which is associated with the steering wheel. To access the internal components of the floor treatment apparatus, the front housing is rotated or moved away from the other housings wherein the steering wheel does not require disconnection to allow this movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Kärcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger PEDLAR, Daniel PEARSON, Eric L. SHARK, Daniel C. VENARD, Brian J. DOLL, Rusty SIMMONS, Nevin GREEN, Loi X. TRAN, Robert S. GORSKY, Steven W. TUCKER, Todd LEIFHEIT
  • Patent number: 8721805
    Abstract: A device and method of use for a towed portable cleaning facility is disclosed. The device employs storage tanks for both the storage and transport of cleaning fluids. The tanks serve the additional function of surrounding and enclosing the cleaning area an area that may be used for cleaning or storage. By utilizing the tanks as walls, the present invention provides a portable cleaning station. The device may further include the ability to treat and clean used fluids in order to either reuse or safely dispose of the used fluids as well as the ability to recover heat energy from an engine compartment to heat cleaning fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Guillermo Morales Barrios, Hector Valdez Jaramillo, Gerardo Angel Gonzalez Chapa, Roger Pedlar
  • Publication number: 20140068885
    Abstract: A lift device is provided which allows a surface-contacting feature to articulate. The device raises and lowers a squeegee regardless of its lateral location. An actuator arm is provided on one end of a pivot arm channel such that when the actuator arm fully extends it disengages from the one end of the pivot arm channel. An actuator cable remains in tension such that it may be raised or lowered regardless of whether the surface-contacting feature's lateral position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Fischer, Ronald Matthew Forbes
  • Publication number: 20140041146
    Abstract: A compact machine for cleaning floors includes a solution tank and dispensing system for dispensing solution onto the surface to be cleaned, a deck assembly for guiding dirty solution to a recovery pickup point, a mechanically operated pump for collecting the dirty solution from the recovery pickup point, and a recovery tank for receiving the collected fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Venard, Adam Bearup
  • Patent number: 8640360
    Abstract: An overall restoration system useful in removing moisture from structures is provided. The contemplated system includes a power and control device, a series of sensors, and a number of various different drying equipment, all capable of communication with a remote server. The system is highly portable, flexible and cost-efficient to manufacture and operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen John Stamm, Eric Lynn Shark, Nicholas Brian O'Kane, Ray Chapman, E. Scott Geschwentner, Sean William Flickinger
  • Patent number: 8597434
    Abstract: A device and method of use for a towed portable cleaning facility is disclosed. The device employs storage tanks for both the storage and transport of cleaning fluids. The tanks serve the additional function of surrounding and enclosing the cleaning area an area that may be used for cleaning or storage. By utilizing the tanks as walls, the present invention provides a portable cleaning station. The device may further include the ability to treat and clean used fluids in order to either reuse or safely dispose of the used fluids as well as the ability to recover heat energy from an engine compartment to heat cleaning fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Guillermo Morales Barrios, Hector Valdez Jaramillo, Gerardo Angel Gonzalez Chapa, Roger Pedlar
  • Publication number: 20130291973
    Abstract: A pressure washer device is provided that employs an unloader bypass valve that directs a selective amount of fluid via a small diameter bypass line back to a water storage tank. The small amount of fluid allows for the pump to remain working and introduces cooler water into a bypass circuit, thereby allowing the thermal relief valve to be omitted. The diameter of the bypass line is of such a diameter to prevent siphonage of the detergent associated with the pressure washer system into the water storage tank as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Karcher North America, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8528142
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for cleaning or otherwise treating a floored surface that includes a platform adapted to support the weight of an operator. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is capable of generally performing 360° turns to facilitate the treatment of difficult to access portions of the floored surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Pedlar, Daniel Pearson, Eric L. Shark, Daniel C. Venard, Brian J. Doll, Rusty Simmon, Nevin Green, Loi X. Tran, Robert S. Gorsky
  • Patent number: 8496188
    Abstract: A pressure washer device is provided that employs an unloader bypass valve that directs a selective amount of fluid via a small diameter bypass line back to a water storage tank. The small amount of fluid allows for the pump to remain working and introduces cooler water into a bypass circuit, thereby allowing the thermal relief valve to be omitted. The diameter of the bypass line is of such a diameter to prevent siphonage of the detergent associated with the pressure washer system into the water storage tank as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Linton, Derek Knight
  • Patent number: 8480888
    Abstract: A system and process for continuously and immediately removing contaminants from wastewater and treating wastewater, where the wastewater is treated to supply fluid that can be reused in the cleaning system or discharged safely into the environment is disclosed. The system and method comprises one or more pumping means for circulating and recirculating fluids captured or collected by the system to one or more of the processes in the system, such as wash water applications or further treatment cycles. According to one embodiment, the wastewater is transported through purification sections of the device. Depending on the system used, these sections could include several of the following: pretreatment to remove debris and certain heavy solids; treatment by methods such as a conductivity solution injection system and/or electrolytic coagulation system, a polymer injection system, and a inline mixer for mixing the polymer in the wastewater stream; and an ozone treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Ashley, Ben Checketts, Shannon L. Taylor, Bernie L. Larson, Richard W. Frederick, Paul W. Linton
  • Patent number: D690888
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Pearson, Adam Dean Bearup, Eric Lynn Shark, Nathan Hammer, Richard James Couch, Al Jesse Varney
  • Patent number: D693529
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Trent Garner
  • Patent number: D701357
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Karcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Guillermo Morales Barrios, Hector Valdez Jaramillo, Gerardo Angel Gonzalez Chapa, Shannon L. Taylor, Jerry G. Gradwohl, Joseph Samuel Nicolich, Jr., Chris Alan Valentine
  • Patent number: D726382
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Kärcher North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Shannon L. Taylor, Chris Alan Valentine, Joseph Samuel Nicolich