Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes an air pathway having a suction inlet. A motor is configured to generate airflow through the air pathway. One or more operating parameters of the motor may vary when the suction inlet is engaged or disengaged with a surface. A power level of the motor may be controlled based, at least on part, on changes in one or more operating parameters of the motor.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a battery powering one or more electric components. The surface cleaning apparatus can have a power conversation mode that is executed by a controller. The surface cleaning apparatus can be provided with a sensing unit configured to detect inactivity of the surface cleaning apparatus and the controller is configured to receive a signal from the sensing unit to execute the power conservation mode based on the signal.

Abstract: A handheld extraction cleaner includes a unitary body including a suction source and defining a front side and a receiving cavity extending inwardly from the front side. A recovery unit defines a recovery flow path extending between a suction inlet defined on a first end of the recovery unit and an outlet port positionable in communication with the suction source. The recovery unit includes a tank defining a collection chamber having an open top side and a front face on an exterior of the collection chamber and a lid positionable over the open top side of the tank to enclose the collection chamber and having a front portion extending along the front face of the tank.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a steam delivery system, a liquid delivery system, and a recovery system. The steam delivery system may include a steam dispenser having one outlet to dispense steam toward the surface to be cleaned and another outlet to dispense steam away from the surface to be cleaned as visible steam vapor. The apparatus may have multiple cleaning modes, including a mode where liquid is dispensed and a mode where liquid and steam are dispensed. Methods for operating a surface cleaning apparatus and for self-cleaning a surface cleaning apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A cleaning tool adapted to couple with a hose of an extraction cleaner including a suction source is disclosed. The cleaning tool includes a tool body defining a suction pathway in fluid communication with the suction source. A removable tank defines an access opening to a reservoir. A hose adapter defines an outlet to the suction pathway. A suction nozzle defines a suction nozzle inlet in fluid communication with the suction pathway. An agitator block coupled to the suction nozzle, wherein the agitator block is adjustable between an agitation position and a self-clean position.

Abstract: A suction head for an extraction cleaner including a base forming a suction chamber and a suction outlet in fluid communication with the suction chamber; and a piezoelectric element coupled to the base, the piezoelectric element comprising a first surface open to the suction chamber, a second surface facing an external environment away from the suction chamber, a thickness between the first surface and the second surface, and a through-via through the thickness open at both the first surface and the second surface. An extraction cleaner including the suction head.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a controller coupled to a sensor or a set of sensors that collects and transmits data to a remote computing device. The surface cleaning apparatus can use wireless or networking technology with a protocol for wireless communication with the remote computing device. The remote computing device is configured to identify an event at the surface cleaning apparatus and/or a change in the cycle of operation of the surface cleaning apparatus based on the transmitted data. Sensor data can be transmitted from the remote computing device to a different surface cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting behavior of an autonomous wet surface cleaner to avoid, reduce, or remedy situations where too much cleaning fluid is left on the surface. During certain autonomous floor cleaner events excess cleaning fluid can pool beneath the cleaner. For example, a cleaning fluid pool can form as the cleaner slows or stops approaching an obstacle, becomes stuck in a location, or executes certain navigation routines, such as certain turning maneuvers or cleaning patterns. The cleaning fluid pooling can be mitigated by executing a cleaning fluid pooling mitigation strategy that prevents the cleaning fluid from pooling, reduces the amount of cleaning fluid that pools, or addresses the cleaning fluid pooling. The cleaning fluid pool mitigation strategies can include various adjustments to the drive system, dispenser system, recovery system, and other autonomous wet surface cleaner systems, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. The surface cleaning apparatus can dock within a storage tray and charge a power supply. Electrical contacts on the surface cleaning apparatus and the storage tray can be shielded when the surface cleaning apparatus is not docked within the storage tray. Furthermore, the storage tray can include a reservoir for a self-cleaning mode.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a base and an outer housing with a sidewall that is operably coupled with the base. The sidewall defines an interior of the outer housing and has an outer surface. A recess is formed in the outer surface of the sidewall and is defined at least in part by a recess top wall, a recess bottom wall, and a recess rear wall that extends between the recess top wall and the recess bottom wall. A vent is disposed in the recess and defines at least one port in the recess rear wall that provides fluid communication to the interior. A holder is coupled with the sidewall and has a portion disposed opposite the recess rear wall such that the holder covers a front of the at least one port. The holder is configured to secure a component for the cleaning apparatus with the outer housing.

Abstract: An accessory tool for use with a vacuum cleaner. The accessory tool has a hair removal system configured to collect hair from various surfaces to be cleaned, including soft surfaces such as upholstery, dog beds, pillows, and automobile interiors. The collected hair is gathered by the hair removal system and ingested via the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes an upright body and a base adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned, a fluid delivery system, and a recovery system. The surface cleaning apparatus can be configured to clean multiple surfaces, including hard and soft surfaces, and for different cleaning modes, including wet cleaning, dry vacuum cleaning, and self-cleaning. Methods for self-cleaning a surface cleaning apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus that includes an illumination system having lighting to illuminate a floor surface or other area being cleaned. The lighting for the illumination system includes a plurality of lights, light sources, and/or lighting zones disposed around a housing of the apparatus. The illumination system can output a condition, status, state, alert or error to a user by emitting visible light and varying an intensity, color, wavelength, temperature, or animation of the light. Methods for operating the illumination system are also provided.