Abstract: A machine for floor maintenance comprising an electric motor in which armature coils are included in a stator and permanent magnets are included in a rotor. The armature coils are disposed substantially radial to the axis of the stator with the axial extent of each coil lesser than the radial extent of each coil, and the permanent magnets of the rotor are disposed substantially radially to the axis of rotation of the rotor with the axial extent of each permanent magnet lesser than the radial extent of each permanent magnet. A three phase switching circuit excites the armature coils in impart rotation to the rotor. As a consequence thereof, the motor has a configuration conforming substantially to the pad or brush of the machine. The pad is attached to the rotor by a pad holder which is formed with a convex surface for engaging the pad.

Abstract: An electric motor in which armature coils are included in a stator and permanent magnets are included in a rotor. The armature coils are disposed substantially radial to the axis of the stator with the axial extent of each coil lesser than the radial extent of each coil, and the permanent magnets of the rotor are disposed substantially radially to the axis of rotation of the rotor with the axial extent of each permanent magnet lesser than the radial extent of each permanent magnet. A three phase switching circuit excites the armature coils to impart rotation to the rotor.

Abstract: A machine for cleaning, polishing and otherwise finishing floors includes a friction-type mechanism for holding the handle of the machine in a preselected position, a dead-man switch control lever arranged for pivotal movement toward and away from the switch it controls, and an effective splash guard. Also disclosed is a helical gear transmission for driving the finishing pads, and a handle that has surfaces particularly adapting it for comfortable gripping by the operator's hands and for non-injurious contact by other parts of the operator's body.