Patents by Inventor Christopher M. Knowlton
Christopher M. Knowlton has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20210137340Abstract: A floor scrubber cleaning system includes a a combustion engine powered floor scrubber using at least one rotating scrubbing brush. A tank or reservoir is used for supplying a cleaning solution for cleaning a floor. A heat exchanger heats the cleaning solution flowing from the tank using hot exhaust gasses from the floor scrubber.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2021Publication date: May 13, 2021Inventors: Jonathan Sanchez, Dean W. Theobold, John C. Peklo, Christopher M. Knowlton, John M. Hill
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Publication number: 20200129033Abstract: A floor scrubber cleaning system includes a combustion engine powered floor scrubber using at least one rotating scrubbing brush. A tank or reservoir is sued for supplying a cleaning solution to the scrubbing brush for cleaning a floor. A heat exchanger uses hot exhaust gasses from the combustion engine to heat the cleaning solution where it is dispensed directly onto the floor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2018Publication date: April 30, 2020Inventor: Christopher M. Knowlton
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Patent number: 9924844Abstract: An industrial floor scrubber includes a solution tank and delivery system for applying the solution to the floor, and one or more rotating brushes for removing dust and debris from the floor and respectively directing same to a squeegee and to a debris hopper. The trailing squeegee removes the remaining solution from the floor and, in combination with a vacuum system, directs the recovered solution to a cleaning solution recovery tank in the scrubbing mode of operation. In a sweeping mode of operation, the use of a dust filter is eliminated as the dust-laden air is directed past the debris hopper and onto the upraised squeegee which confines and directs the dust-laden air into a spray of fine water particles which adhere to and transport the dust-bearing water particles to the recovery tank via an applied vacuum. The heavy dust-bearing water particles drop into the recovery tank, while a demister removes the remaining water vapor with the dry air discharged to the atmosphere via a vacuum impeller.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: MINUTEMAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Barry M. Person, Kevin P. Sheehan, Christopher M. Knowlton
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Patent number: 9649002Abstract: A mobile floor scrubber sweeper includes operator and engine compartments, clean solution and reclaimed dirty solution tanks, and a clean solution delivery system for applying clean solution to a floor ahead of a pair of counter-rotating cylindrical scrub/sweep brushes. Also included are a debris hopper coupled to a first lift system for moving the debris hopper between an operating position within the scrubber sweeper and an elevated aft position for discharging debris/dirty solution into an external debris container, and a rear squeegee coupled to a second lift system for independently moving the rear squeegee from a lowered, floor engaging, operating position to an elevated non-use position to facilitate squeegee inspection, adjustment, maintenance or replacement, without moving the debris hopper. The hopper and squeegee lift systems operate independently of one another, and the hopper lift system is compatible with standard high, i.e., sixty (60) inch, debris containers.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2016Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Minuteman International, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey W. Pollack, Christopher M. Knowlton
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Patent number: 6357070Abstract: A cleaning machine that can simultaneously perform the cleaning operations of sweeping, scrubbing and burnishing is provided. The cleaning machine is battery-operated and is driven by a riding operator. A pivotal door is located at the rear of the cleaning machine. The burnishing assembly is pivotal with the door. Upon opening the door, access to a battery pack and a cart that supports the battery pack is available. The battery pack can be removed from the cleaning machine at its rear using the cart. A charged battery pack with cart is then positioned in the battery storage assembly of the cleaning machine to replace the removed battery pack and cart. A pair of ramp members facilitate desired placement of the cart and battery pack within the cleaning machine.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Windsor Industries, Inc.Inventors: Daniel C. Venard, Christopher M. Knowlton, Robert J. O'Hara
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Patent number: 6073304Abstract: Squeegee adjustment in connection with a floor maintenance mechanism is provided. A single adjustment such as a laterally movable camming bar, permits rapid and reproducible squeegee height adjustment without the need for tools. A spring-urged squeegee pitch coupling is adjustable by a manually operable knob. Indicators or gauges provide an operator with information regarding the current height and/or pitch value of the squeegee.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Windsor Industries, Inc.Inventors: Christopher M. Knowlton, Robert J. O'Hara
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Patent number: 5881417Abstract: A contouring broom assembly is provided for following contours of a surface. The assembly includes an angling contour mechanism (600) for allowing a cylindrical side broom (140) to angle relative to horizontal and an elevating contour mechanism (610) for allowing the cylindrical side broom to rise and fall in a substantially linear fashion. The mechanisms (600 and 610) operate separately to allow for independent elevating and angling and each of the mechanisms can be operated without active user involvement, for example, responsive to pressure exerted on the cylindrical side broom by the surface due to traversing a contour. A scrubber squeegee assembly (620) formed from discrete units (622, 624 and 626) is also disclosed. The assembly (620) allows for independent selection of the materials or characteristics of each unit (622, 624 or 626).Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1995Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: Windsor Industries, Inc.Inventor: Christopher M. Knowlton
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Patent number: 5802665Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Widsor Industries, Inc.Inventors: Christopher M. Knowlton, Robert J. O'Hara, Timothy A. Strickland
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Patent number: 5742975Abstract: The present invention provides an articulated vehicle for scrubbing floors that provides an operator station for riding on the vehicle and is particularly useful in cleaning relatively large floor surfaces that are defined by intersecting aisles of relatively narrow width. In this regard, the dimensional characteristics of the vehicle body facilitate tight turns in such aisles. Further, the location and/or shape of components of the vehicle and/or the positional relationship of one component to another component facilitate turns in narrow aisles. The vehicle also incorporates shock absorbing systems for the scrub head and vacuum squeegee that benefit the noted application.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1996Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: Windsor Industries, Inc.Inventors: Christopher M. Knowlton, Robert J. O'Hara
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Patent number: 5630246Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1995Date of Patent: May 20, 1997Assignee: Windsor Industries, Inc.Inventors: Christopher M. Knowlton, Robert J. O'Hara, Timothy A. Strickland
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Patent number: 5628086Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1995Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Assignee: Windsor Industries, Inc.Inventors: Christopher M. Knowlton, Robert J. O'Hara
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Patent number: 5611108Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1995Date of Patent: March 18, 1997Assignee: Windsor Industries, Inc.Inventors: Christopher M. Knowlton, Timothy A. Strickland, Robert J. O'Hara
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Patent number: 5608947Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1995Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Assignee: Windsor Industries, Inc.Inventors: Christopher M. Knowlton, Timothy A. Strickland, Robert J. O'Hara
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Patent number: 5555596Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1995Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Assignee: Windsor Industries, Inc.Inventors: Christopher M. Knowlton, Robert J. O'Hara
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Patent number: 5485653Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1994Date of Patent: January 23, 1996Assignee: Windsor Industries, Inc.Inventors: Christopher M. Knowlton, Robert J. O'Hara, Timothy A. Strickland
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Patent number: D376227Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1994Date of Patent: December 3, 1996Assignee: Windsor Industries, Inc.Inventors: Christopher M. Knowlton, Robert J. O'Hara
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Patent number: D382383Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1994Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Windsor Industries, Inc.Inventors: Christopher M. Knowlton, Robert J. O'Hara
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Patent number: D391697Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1996Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Assignee: Windsor Industries, Inc.Inventors: Christopher M. Knowlton, Robert J. O'Hara
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Patent number: D880266Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2017Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Minuteman International, Inc.Inventor: Christopher M. Knowlton
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Patent number: D913612Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Minuteman International, Inc.Inventor: Christopher M. Knowlton