Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning floors. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes four wheels, two of which are steerable wheels, and a steering mechanism that permits the two steerable wheels to turn to a degree that allows very tight turns to be made by the sweeper. In another embodiment, the apparatus is a sweeper with a cylindrical side broom. Yet a further embodiment of the sweeper includes flaps or seals that form a skirt about the broom and a mounting mechanism for slidably receiving the flap or seal. In a further embodiment, the apparatus is a sweeper that employs flaps with wear indicators that tell an operator when to adjust or replace the flap. In another embodiment, the apparatus is a sweeper that utilizes a pre-filter to remove debris that remains in the vacuum airstream after having passed through the hopper and that is of a size that can require frequent cleaning of a subsequent filtering device.

Abstract: A floor cleaning assembly including a gimballing connector is disclosed. The floor cleaning assembly includes a mounting member having an annular ring of bristles attached to the bottom surface thereof. The upper surface includes a centrally disposed hub and plurality of spokes and passageways extending radially therefrom. An annular barrier wall disposed adjacent the passageways extends upwardly from the upper surface of the barrier wall. The floor assembly is coupled to a motor drive by a gimballing connector which allows the axis of rotation of the floor assembly to shift relative to the axis of rotation of the motor drive. The geometry of the gimballing connector results in an evenly distributed wear pattern on the gimballing surface of the connector.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning floors. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes four wheels, two of which are steerable wheels, and a steering mechanism that permits the two steerable wheels to turn to a degree that allows very tight turns to be made by the sweeper. In another embodiment, the apparatus is a sweeper with a cylindrical side broom. Yet a further embodiment of the sweeper includes flaps or seals that form a skirt about the broom and a mounting mechanism for slidably receiving the flap or seal. In a further embodiment, the apparatus is a sweeper that employs flaps with wear indicators that tell an operator when to adjust or replace the flap. In another embodiment, the apparatus is a sweeper that utilizes a pre-filter to remove debris that remains in the vacuum airstream after having passed through the hopper and that is of a size that can require frequent cleaning of a subsequent filtering device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the use of wear measuring elements to monitor the wear of cleaning elements on cleaning devices, such as cleaning machines and vacuum cleaners. The wear measuring elements are located adjacent to cleaning elements and have a length corresponding to a minimum desired length for the cleaning elements. When the length of the cleaning elements decreases due to usage to the length of the wear measuring elements, the user will realize that the cleaning elements need replacement.

Abstract: A cleaning machine for cleaning floor surfaces is disclosed characterized by a squeegee blade assembly that utilizes a number of connectors for dual functions. The squeegee blade assembly includes a holding subassembly for maintaining the squeegee blades in place. A plurality of connectors are used to connect the squeegee blades to the squeegee holding subassembly. A first set of these connectors also connects the squeegee holding subassembly to a squeegee mounting assembly, which is attached to the body of the cleaning machine. A second set of these connectors is also used to connect rollers to the holding subassembly. A third set of these connectors also attaches a caster assembly to the holding subassembly. Each squeegee blade is an integral, one-piece member but with an upper section having a greater hardness than the lower section.

Abstract: A surface treating tool such as a floor polisher and method and apparatus for detecting the absence of a pad or other surface treating member on the tool. In the preferred manner of operation, the invention monitors the amperes being drawn by an electric motor rotating the pad support. If the amperage draw during initial start up of the tool is less than a predetermined amount (representing the absence of a pad on the support, the tool is prevented from lowering the padless support into potentially damaging contact with the floor or other surface.

Abstract: A robotic cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an automatically controlled cleaning machine and coded reflective targets used to provide information to the cleaning machine for positioning it along desired cleaning paths. The apparatus determines it position on a real time basis, particularly in the case of obstacles that are encountered by the cleaning machine during its cleaning operation. Hardware and software are provided for controlling movement of the cleaning machine relative to side and end walls of the floor surface section being cleaned, as well as controlling the functions of cleaning equipment.

Abstract: A surface treating tool such as a floor polisher and method and apparatus for detecting the absence of a pad or other surface treating member on the tool. In the preferred manner of operation, the invention monitors the amperes being drawn by an electric motor rotating the pad support. If the amperage draw during initial start up of the tool is less than a predetermined amount (representing the absence of a pad on the support), the tool is prevented from lowering the padless support into potentially damaging contact with the floor or other surface.