Abstract: A method of maintaining a floor comprises discharging a diluting fluid from a first reservoir to a mixing apparatus, discharging a cleaner concentrate from a second reservoir to the mixing apparatus, continuously identifying changes in fluid level within the first reservoir with a level sensor, providing a first signal indicative of an identified change in fluid level, passing the cleaner concentrate and diluting fluid through a flow control device, and processing the first signal to generate an output signal and controlling operation of the pump and the flow control device in response to the output signal to provide a flow of fluid to a cleaning device at a substantially constant ratio of the diluting fluid from the first reservoir to the cleaner concentrate from the second reservoir for substantially all fluid levels of the first reservoir.

Abstract: Vibration dampening elements that are made of rubber and/or an elastomer may fail when subjected to vertical and/or horizontal stresses caused by repeated lifting of the cleaning head assembly and/or unintentional bumping of the cleaning head assembly into door frames, walls or other non-movable objects. The present invention includes, among other things, at least one stabilizer element and preferably two stabilizer elements to reduce damage to certain vibration dampening elements caused by vertical and/or horizontal stress. Alternative embodiments of the stabilizer element are also disclosed.

Abstract: A floor maintenance machine is provided. The machine can be used to clean hard or soft floors. A cleaning fluid is dispensed by a dispensing system containing at least two reservoirs, one for a diluting bulk fluid and another for cleaner concentrate. The dispensing system effects both a controlled ratio of bulk fluid to cleaner concentrate and the rate of cleaning solution dispensed for cleaning.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a floor using a cleaning device is provided. The cleaning device includes a cleaning solution fluid dispensed adjacent to the cleaning device. The cleaning solution is comprised of at least two components, a bulk diluting fluid like water and one or more cleaning chemicals which are dispensed from separate reservoirs carried by a maintenance machine. The cleaning chemical is pumped to mix it with the bulk fluid in a controlled ratio. Operation of the pump and a discharge flow control device are controlled by a controller system which permits dispensing of a mixed cleaning solution of combined cleaning chemical(s) and bulk fluid at a desired ratio and at a desired flow rate of dispensing of cleaning solution components.

Abstract: In combination, a removable tool may be selectively attached to the cleaning wand of a carpet extractor to alternatively clean hard surfaced floors, such as grouted tile and when not attached, clean carpeted floors. The removable tool may be sold as an aftermarket item for existing carpet extractors. A method of using the carpet extractor with the removable tool allows the apparatus to fulfill dual purposes, e.g., cleaning hard surfaced floors and when the tool is attached to the cleaning wand, and when the tool is removed from the wand to clean carpeted floors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a floor maintenance vehicle comprises a transaxle rear drive system and a powered front wheel steering system; and a joystick control system providing integrated control of the transaxle rear drive system and the powered steering system by controlling the traverse speed of the transaxle drive with respect to the steering angle such that the sharper the steering angle the lower the maximum traverse speed. A joystick control process for controlling a floor maintenance vehicle comprises receiving a turn signal to a steering control function from a joystick representing an operator desired turn angle, and outputting from the steering control function a turn angle signal; and receiving a speed signal to a traverse control function from a joystick representing an operator desired speed, and receiving the turn angle signal and outputting a transaxle speed control signal based on the speed signal and the turn angle signal.

Abstract: A self-propelled floor cleaning machine or scrubber of the walk-behind type includes a one-piece molded main body incorporating an integral solution tank. The main body includes a central cavity in which is received a one-piece molded secondary body defining a recovery tank. The main body receives the secondary body in an interlocking fashion such that the entire unit is self-supporting, such that the use of gaskets or sealers between the tanks and other components is eliminated. The main body is supported on a steel frame which also supports the batteries, cables, wheels, brushes, squeegee, and the like (frame components). The main body fits over the frame components and together with the secondary body provides a water shedding cover therefore.

Abstract: The floor cleaning machine utilizes an integrated sound baffle to reduce the noise level of the machine during operation. The floor cleaning machine relies upon a vacuum motor to create a negative pressure in a recovery tank for operation of a vacuum squeegee. The integrated sound baffle is a hollow u-shaped body having an interior passageway through which the exhaust from the vacuum motor is directed. The noisy exhaust is required to turn four 90.degree. corners as it passes through the interior passageway of the baffle which reduces the noise level of the exhaust. The moist exhaust is also isolated from the brush motor and the vacuum motor while it passes through the hollow baffle. The baffle is an integrated component of the apparatus and is a load bearing member for the solution tank and the recovery tank. The baffle can be roto-molded using conventional techniques with a thermoplastic such as HDPE.