Abstract: A cleaning machine for cleaning a surface is provided. The cleaning machine includes a base assembly that moves along the surface and a liquid distribution system associated with the base assembly for distributing the cleaning solution to the cleaning surface. A suction nozzle assembly is mounted to the base assembly and includes a front nozzle portion and a rear nozzle portion. The front nozzle portion defines a fluid flow path having an inlet opening and an outlet opening and the rear nozzle portion defines a fluid flow path having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for applying suction to draw the cleaning solution and dirt from the surface and through the suction nozzle assembly. The fluid flow path of the front nozzle portion is closed in response to the base assembly moving in one of the forward direction and rear direction.

Abstract: A floor care appliance is provided with a microprocessor based control arrangement. The microprocessor adjust the height of the suction nozzle through a motorized suction nozzle height gear and cam arrangement. The microprocessor is programmed to adjust the current to the motor-fan assembly and the agitator drive motor based upon the height of the suction nozzle such that the total current consumed does not exceed a predetermined amount. The microprocessor is programmed to turn the current off to either of the motor-fan assembly or the agitator drive motor when the current consumed by either exceeds a predetermined amount based upon the nozzle height. The height of the suction nozzle is selected by one or more switches located on the appliance handle. A separate switch is provided to select bare floor mode and the microprocessor is programmed to store the height of the suction nozzle prior to bare floor mode being selected.

Abstract: A floor care appliance is provided with a microprocessor based control arrangement having a communications port for connection to a computer. Once connected to a computer, software updates for the microprocessor may be downloaded or diagnostic information stored in the microprocessor's memory may be uploaded for diagnostic purposes. In one embodiment of the invention, the communication port is configured to be connected to a local computer for possible further connection to a remote computer over a computer or telephone network. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the communication port is configured to connect to and dial up a remote computer over a telephone network.

Abstract: A cleaning machine for cleaning a surface is provided. The cleaning machine includes a base assembly that moves along the surface and a liquid distribution system associated with the base assembly for distributing the cleaning solution to the cleaning surface. A suction nozzle assembly is mounted to the base assembly and includes a front nozzle portion and a rear nozzle portion. The front nozzle portion defines a fluid flow path having an inlet opening and an outlet opening and the rear nozzle portion defines a fluid flow path having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for applying suction to draw the cleaning solution and dirt from the surface and through the suction nozzle assembly. The fluid flow path of the front nozzle portion is closed in response to the base assembly moving in one of the forward direction and rear direction.

Abstract: A self propelled upright vacuum cleaner is provided with a hall effect sensor to provide a varying voltage according to the position of the cleaner handle. The varying voltage is input to a microprocessor which controls the speed and direction of the propulsion motor. The microprocessor is programmed with one or more desirable response characteristics for the propulsion motor based upon the input from the hall effect sensor. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, two hall effect sensors are utilized to provide a pair of voltages to a microprocessor to control the speed and direction of the motor. In another alternate embodiment, a wheel sensor is used to detect the movement of the suction nozzle and provide an output to the microprocessor to control the speed and direction of the propulsion drive motor.

Abstract: A cleaner for cleaning a surface comprises a floor-engaging portion for moving along the surface. A magnet and a hall effect sensor located in the cleaner handle generates a control signal. The control signal is provided to a control circuit which controls one or more operational features of the cleaner. One such operational features includes at least one pump for mixing and distributing cleaning solution to the surface. In an alternate embodiment, the control circuit controls an electric motor for propelling the cleaner over the surface.