Abstract: An apparatus and method for a floor maintenance vehicle comprises a transaxle rear drive system and a powered front wheel steering system; and a joystick control system providing integrated control of the transaxle rear drive system and the powered steering system by controlling the traverse speed of the transaxle drive with respect to the steering angle such that the sharper the steering angle the lower the maximum traverse speed. A joystick control process for controlling a floor maintenance vehicle comprises receiving a turn signal to a steering control function from a joystick representing an operator desired turn angle, and outputting from the steering control function a turn angle signal; and receiving a speed signal to a traverse control function from a joystick representing an operator desired speed, and receiving the turn angle signal and outputting a transaxle speed control signal based on the speed signal and the turn angle signal.

Abstract: An extraction machine for cleaning a floor surface has a front and a rear and is movable by an operator relative to the floor surface in a forward direction of travel to clean the floor surface. The extraction machine also has a cleaning solution dispenser capable of dispensing a cleaning solution onto the floor surface and a recovery system for extracting a dirty solution from the floor surface. A towline is connected at one end to the extraction machine and is configured for being supported by the operator at an opposite end thereof such that movement of the operator in the forward direction of travel causes tensioning of the towline. The tension in the towline applies a pulling force to the extraction machine to move the extraction machine in the forward direction of travel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a floor maintenance vehicle for performing floor maintenance operations, which comprises a transaxle rear drive system and a powered steering system for controlling steering of a front wheel; and a joystick control system for providing integrated control of the transaxle rear drive system and the powered steering system by controlling the traverse speed of the transaxle drive with respect to the steering angle such that the sharper the steering angle the lower the maximum traverse speed.

Abstract: An extraction machine for cleaning a floor surface has a front and a rear and is movable by an operator relative to the floor surface in a forward direction of travel to clean the floor surface. The extraction machine also has a cleaning solution dispenser capable of dispensing a cleaning solution onto the floor surface and a recovery system for extracting a dirty solution from the floor surface. A towline is connected at one end to the extraction machine and is configured for being supported by the operator at an opposite end thereof such that movement of the operator in the forward direction of travel causes tensioning of the towline. The tension in the towline applies a pulling force to the extraction machine to move the extraction machine in the forward direction of travel.

Abstract: A recovery system for use in a floor cleaning machine of the type including a dispensing system and a recovery system. The dispensing system configured for dispensing a liquid cleaning solution onto a floor surface to facilitate the removal of dirt from the floor surface. A recovery system configured for recovering cleaning solution and dirt from the floor surface thereby leaving a cleaned floor surface. The recovery system comprises a recovery tool movable over the floor surface. The recovery tool comprises a body including an interior suction chamber in fluid communication with a source of vacuum. At least one blade is secured to the tool body and depending therefrom for engagement with the floor surface to provide fluid communication between the suction chamber and the floor surface, whereby cleaning solution and dirt are suctioned from the floor surface.

Abstract: An extraction machine for cleaning a floor surface, such as carpeting, has a cleaning solution dispenser capable of dispensing a chemical cleaning agent onto the floor surface, and a source of chemical cleaning agent carried onboard the extraction machine and defining an interior space for holding chemical cleaning agent. The container has an opening and a closure for the opening, with the closure having a passage extending therethrough in fluid communication with the interior space of the container. A chemical delivery line provides fluid communication between the passage and the cleaning solution dispenser for delivering chemical cleaning agent from the container to the cleaning solution dispenser. A metering device is disposed generally adjacent the container closure in fluid communication with the passage for metering the flow of chemical cleaning agent from the source of cleaning agent.

Abstract: An extraction machine for cleaning a floor surface, such as carpeting, has a cleaning solution dispenser capable of dispensing a chemical cleaning agent onto the floor surface, and a source of chemical cleaning agent carried onboard the extraction machine and defining an interior space for holding chemical cleaning agent. The container has an opening and a closure for the opening, with the closure having a passage extending therethrough in fluid communication with the interior space of the container. A chemical delivery line provides fluid communication between the passage and the cleaning solution dispenser for delivering chemical cleaning agent from the container to the cleaning solution dispenser. A metering device is disposed generally adjacent the container closure in fluid communication with the passage for metering the flow of chemical cleaning agent from the source of cleaning agent.

Abstract: A self-propelled floor cleaning machine or scrubber of the walk-behind type includes a one-piece molded main body incorporating an integral solution tank. The main body includes a central cavity in which is received a one-piece molded secondary body defining a recovery tank. The main body receives the secondary body in an interlocking fashion such that the entire unit is self-supporting, such that the use of gaskets or sealers between the tanks and other components is eliminated. The main body is supported on a steel frame which also supports the batteries, cables, wheels, brushes, squeegee, and the like (frame components). The main body fits over the frame components and together with the secondary body provides a water shedding cover therefore.