Abstract: A surface treating apparatus (10) includes a tank (100) containing a cleaning solution (102) supplied to a supply point (SP) via a fluid flow line (106) under control of a flow control module (108). A chemical pump (144) controls flow of a chemical supplied to the fluid flow line (106). A controller (130) controls the flow control module (108) to operate at an operating flow rate based on a level of the cleaning solution (102) sensed by a solution sensor (120). The controller (130) controls the chemical pump (144) to operate at a flow rate based on the operating flow rate so that the chemical is supplied to the supply point (SP) at a selected chemical dilution ratio. An agitating element (105) agitates the surface with scrubbing pressure which is adjusted by the controller (130). A spike button (168) is coupled to controller (130) and operable to momentarily increase the flow rate, chemical dilution ratio, and/or scrubbing pressure to remove unusually dirty spots.

Abstract: A surface treating apparatus (10) includes a tank (100) containing a cleaning solution (102) supplied to a supply point (SP) via a fluid flow line (106) under control of a flow control module (108). A chemical pump (144) controls flow of a chemical supplied to the fluid flow line (106). A controller (130) controls the flow control module (108) to operate at an operating flow rate based on a level of the cleaning solution (102) sensed by a solution sensor (120). The controller (130) controls the chemical pump (144) to operate at a flow rate based on the operating flow rate so that the chemical is supplied to the supply point (SP) at a selected chemical dilution ratio. An agitating element (105) agitates the surface with scrubbing pressure which is adjusted by the controller (130). A spike button (168) is coupled to controller (130) and operable to momentarily increase the flow rate, chemical dilution ratio, and/or scrubbing pressure to remove unusually dirty spots.

Abstract: A floor-cleaning machine (10) has a chassis (12) that is mobile on a surface and carries an agitating mechanism (14) to engage the surface. A fluid delivery system (18) conveys fluid from a reservoir (16) to the surface proximate the agitating mechanism (14). The fluid delivery system (18) includes a flow control valve (20) having a body (24) and a flow control member in the form of a ball (22) constrained within the body (24) and rotatable about an axis. A first passage (30) and a second passage (32) are defined in the ball (22), with the second passage (32) having a cross sectional area smaller than a cross sectional area of the first passage (30). The ball (22) is pivotable between a high flow position and a low flow position. In the high flow position, the ball (22) is positioned to allow fluid flow from a upstream duct (26) to a downstream duct (28) through the first passage (30).

Abstract: A squeegee assembly is allowed to float on the floor surface by first, second and third linkage arms having first ends pivotably mounted to the chassis and second ends pivotably mounted to a mount for the squeegee assembly and allowing movement in more than one plane. The squeegee assembly is maintained at a generally constant angle independent of the pivotable movement of the linkage arms, with the generally constant angle being variable by adjusting the length of the third linkage arm. First and second extension springs have first ends attached to the chassis and have second ends attached to the mount at differing spacing than the first ends to cause the squeegee assembly to center the squeegee assembly relative to the chassis. In the preferred form, the ends of the extension springs attached to the chassis are vertically below the ends of the extension springs attached to the mount of the squeegee assembly to bias the squeegee assembly towards the floor surface.

Abstract: A riding floor scrubber (10) is disclosed having a relatively narrow cleaning width for passing through relatively narrow passages such as conventional doorways. The riding floor scrubber (10) includes a recovery tank (16) that is vertically and laterally arranged and removably attached to the back of a clean solution tank (14). The clean solution tank (14) includes spaced parallel side portions (26, 28) and the recovery tank (16) extends between the rear ends of the side portions (26, 28). The recovery tank (16) is secured by first and second brackets (42) that extend into recesses (44) on the clean solution tank (14), with the bottom of the recovery tank (16) including a lip portion (46) resting on a metal plate (20) of a chassis (18), with a battery pack (52) being supported on the plate (20) between the side portions (26, 28) of the clean solution tank (14).

Abstract: A riding machine (10) includes a battery pack positioned as low as possible in the chassis (12) between the front and rear wheels (14, 15) and removable in a horizontal movement direction while supported by the bottom by a pallet jack. A steering system includes steering shafts (58, 76) which are rotatable together while allowing relative pivotable movement therebetween and which are rotatably connected to the spindle (38) of the steerable rear wheels (15) through a jack shaft (44). In one preferred form, the burnishing head of the machine (10) is raised and lowered relative to the floor surface by an electric actuator (104) which pivots a linkage (92) through a connection allowing floating travel. The pressure which the treating member (16) engages the floor surface is controlled in response to the current level of the electric motor (86) which rotates the treating member (16).

Abstract: A riding floor scrubber (10) is disclosed having a relatively narrow cleaning width for passing through relatively narrow passages such as conventional doorways. The riding floor scrubber (10) includes a recovery tank (16) that is vertically and laterally arranged and removably attached to the back of a clean solution tank (14). The clean solution tank (14) includes spaced parallel side portions (26, 28) and the recovery tank (16) extends between the rear ends of the side portions (26, 28). The recovery tank (16) is secured by first and second brackets (42) that extend into recesses (44) on the clean solution tank (14), with the bottom of the recovery tank (16) including a lip portion (46) resting on a metal plate (20) of a chassis (18), with a battery pack (52) being supported on the plate (20) between the side portions (26, 28) of the clean solution tank (14).

Abstract: A riding floor scrubber (10) is disclosed having a relatively narrow cleaning width for passing through relatively narrow passages such as conventional doorways. The riding floor scrubber (10) includes a recovery tank (16) that is vertically and laterally arranged and removably attached to the back of a clean solution tank (14). The clean solution tank (14) includes spaced parallel side portions (26, 28) and the recovery tank (16) extends between the rear ends of the side portions (26, 28). The recovery tank (16) is secured by first and second brackets (42) that extend into recesses (44) on the clean solution tank (14), with the bottom of the recovery tank (16) including a lip portion (46) resting on a metal plate (20) of a chassis (18), with a battery pack (52) being supported on the plate (20) between the side portions (26, 28) of the clean solution tank (14).

Abstract: A riding floor scrubber (10) is disclosed having a relatively narrow cleaning width for passing through relatively narrow passages such as conventional doorways. The riding floor scrubber (10) includes a recovery tank (16) that is vertically and laterally arranged and removably attached to the back of a clean solution tank (14). The clean solution tank (14) includes spaced parallel side portions (26, 28) and the recovery tank (16) extends between the rear ends of the side portions (26, 28). The recovery tank (16) is secured by first and second brackets (42) that extend into recesses (44) on the clean solution tank (14), with the bottom of the recovery tank (16) including a lip portion (46) resting on a metal plate (20) of a chassis (18), with a battery pack (52) being supported on the plate (20) between the side portions (26, 28) of the clean solution tank (14).

Abstract: A riding floor scrubber (10) is disclosed having a relatively narrow cleaning width for passing through relatively narrow passages such as conventional doorways. The riding floor scrubber (10) includes a recovery tank (16) that is vertically and laterally arranged and removably attached to the back of a clean solution tank (14). The clean solution tank (14) includes spaced parallel side portions (26, 28) and the recovery tank (16) extends between the rear ends of the side portions (26, 28). The recovery tank (16) is secured by first and second brackets (42) that extend into recesses (44) on the clean solution tank (14), with the bottom of the recovery tank (16) including a lip portion (46) resting on a metal plate (20) of a chassis (18), with a battery pack (52) being supported on the plate (20) between the side portions (26, 28) of the clean solution tank (14).

Abstract: A handle assembly (10) for a floor maintenance machine (12) includes a hollow handle pole (26), a handle (84) formed of a foamed polymer, and a device (36) for adjustably locking the handle pole (26) relative to the housing (14) of the floor maintenance machine (12). The locking device (36) includes a foot-operated lever (44) of a stamped, generally U-shape. The handle (84) is formed of a top section (90) and a bottom section (92), with hand grips (156) being integrally formed solely with the top section (90). Pivotable triggers (120) are pivotally mounted to cylindrical pivot bosses (118) formed in the handle (84), with unintentional pivoting of the triggers (120) being prevented by a slideably mounted, lock-out device (164). Trapezoid-shaped extensions (106) are formed on the bottom section (92) and include edges (108) for abutting with the floor when the handle assembly (10) is tipped to reduce the risk of the handle (84) cracking at the upper end of the handle pole (26).

Abstract: A rotary disc floor apparatus (A) is disclosed for cleaning surfaces of floors or the like. The apparatus (A) includes a rotary block (30) having bristles (40) for scrubbing a floor surface with cleaning solution. The apparatus (A) further includes a wiper and vacuum nozzle assembly (20) having a ring (88) with squeegees (128) and nozzles (154) forming vacuum nozzle openings (163). The squeegees (128) and nozzles (154) include respective wiping portions (148, 166) having portions disposed outwardly of and located at a greater distance from the axis (B) than the nozzle openings (163). The squeegees (128) and nozzles (154) are readily removable and readily attachable to the ring (88) via shafts (140, 142, 158, 160). The apparatus (A) further includes flat springs (186) for biasing the ring (88) downward toward the floor surface and relative to the rotary block (30).

Abstract: A floor polishing machine (10) according to the preferred form of the teachings of the present invention includes a body portion (12) having a platform (20), and a handle (16) pivotally mounted to the platform (20). First and second sets of wheels (68, 70) are provided adjacent the rear of the platform (20) and on opposite sides of the handle pivot (50). For coupling the handle (16) and the platform (20) together, a gas spring (53) is provided having a first end pivotally connected to the platform (20) and having a second end pivotally connected to the handle (16). The gas spring (53) urges the platform to pivot about the first set of wheels (68) downwardly in the rear and upwardly in the front. The motor (24) for rotating the polishing member (14) is pivotally mounted to the platform (20) by ears (23) so that the polishing member (14) can flushly abut the floor surface.

Abstract: A floor scrubber is disclosed including a frame including a drive wheel, rear wheels, brushes, vacuum squeegee system, batteries, solution tanks, and an operator seat. The rear wheels are rotatably mounted on the opposite ends of a steel rod. Arms are attached rigidly to the axle and each include a cylindrical pivot in which an elastomer bushing is press fit. Pivot pins extend through first and second pairs of first and second plates and the elastomer bushing for pivotably mounting the arms to the frame while isolating any transmitted vibrations. Elastomeric isolator mounts are provided each including a frusto-conical shaped body and each having a nut embedded in the lower end for threadable receipt of a bolt passing through an attachment plate attached to the axle. The upper ends of the elastomeric isolator mounts each include a plate secured thereto and secured to the frame.

Abstract: An automatic floor scrubber (10) is disclosed having its frame divided into a truck (12) and an upper assembly (14) isolated from each other by a multiplicity of elastomeric isolator mounts (106) arranged in a nonlinear fashion. The wheels (18, 20), the drive motor (22), the squeegee system (26), and the brush scrub system (28) are mounted to the subframe (16) of the truck (12). The control handle (46), solution tanks (48, 50), and batteries (74) are mounted to the chassis (44) of the upper assembly (14). The mounts (106) include integral first and second portions (108, 110), with the first portion (108) sandwiched between the subframe (16) and the chassis (44) and the second portion (110) insertable into a mount aperture (118) and axially compressed into a mushroom shape by bolts (122) to capture the mount aperture (118). An acoustical tunnel (84) extends longitudinally in the chassis ( 44) intermediate the batteries (74) and defines a closed volume lined with foam sheets (88).

Abstract: A dust collection/control system is disclosed utilized in a floor polishing machine (10) according to the most preferred form of the present invention. The floor polishing machine (10) includes a rotating working member in the form of a polishing member (16) for maintaining a floor surface as it is moved along the floor. The polishing member (16) is located and rotated within a housing or shield (186) including a circular, planar portion (92) terminating at its periphery in a downwardly extending flange (94) including a flexible skirt (95) which engages the floor. The rotation of the polishing member (16) within the housing (186) passively generates an air current contained within the housing (186).

Abstract: A steering mechanism (14) and a locking mechanism (80) are disclosed in their most preferred form for use in a mobile floor treating machine (10) including first and second handles (68, 70) which are pivotally mounted to the machine chassis (12). The handles (68, 70) pivot L-shaped levers (28, 46) which are pivotably mounted to a bracket (58) which is connected to the gear box for rotating treating members (16, 18). The bearing blocks (22) of the shafts (20) of the treating members (16, 18) are pivotably connected via spherical rod ends (36, 52) to the horizontal legs (26) of the levers (28, 46). Therefore, the shafts (20) and thus treating members (16, 18) can be tilted to create a pressure differential on the contact area of the treating members (16, 18) with the floor surface.