Abstract: A cleaning machine is provided with a recovery tank for containing recovered liquid from a floor or other surface that is being cleaned. The recovery tank has a chamber that houses the recovered liquid and within the chamber are a recovery inlet and a vacuum conduit. The recovery inlet carries the recovered fluid for discharge into the chamber and the vacuum conduit is used in creating a desired vacuum to cause the recovered liquid to be drawn into the chamber. The recovery tank is disposed on a cleaning tank for containing a liquid cleaning solution that is applied to the surface for cleaning purposes. The recovery tank covers an access opening in the cleaning tank for receipt of the liquid cleaning solution. A vacuum motor produces the vacuum and is located next to the cleaning tank below the recovery tank. Sealing members insure a proper seal at the junctions for the recovered liquid and the vacuum when the removable tank is joined to the cleaning tank.

Abstract: A cleaning tool is disclosed that includes a brush unit having bristles that is positionable in each of a selected one of a cleaning position and a storage position. In the cleaning position, the brush bristles contact the surface being cleaned using the tool. In the storage position, the brush bristles face in a different direction from the cleaning position and do not contact any surface being cleaned. The tool includes an attachment member for receiving the brush unit. In order to change the position of the brush unit, it is removed from remaining parts of the tool and rotated or otherwise changed in position before re-joining it to the attachment member. In changing between cleaning and storage positions, the ends of the brush unit are disposed at opposite ends of the attachment member. Preferably, the cleaning tool includes a spray control assembly for controlling the spraying of a liquid cleaner during use of the cleaning tool.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the use of wear measuring elements to monitor the wear of cleaning elements on cleaning devices, such as cleaning machines and vacuum cleaners. The wear measuring elements are located adjacent to cleaning elements and have a length corresponding to a minimum desired length for the cleaning elements. When the length of the cleaning elements decreases due to usage to the length of the wear measuring elements, the user will realize that the cleaning elements need replacement.

Abstract: A cleaning machine for cleaning floor surfaces is disclosed characterized by a squeegee blade assembly that utilizes a number of connectors for dual functions. The squeegee blade assembly includes a holding subassembly for maintaining the squeegee blades in place. A plurality of connectors are used to connect the squeegee blades to the squeegee holding subassembly. A first set of these connectors also connects the squeegee holding subassembly to a squeegee mounting assembly, which is attached to the body of the cleaning machine. A second set of these connectors is also used to connect rollers to the holding subassembly. A third set of these connectors also attaches a caster assembly to the holding subassembly. Each squeegee blade is an integral, one-piece member but with an upper section having a greater hardness than the lower section.

Abstract: A robotic cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an automatically controlled cleaning machine and coded reflective targets used to provide information to the cleaning machine for positioning it along desired cleaning paths. The apparatus determines it position on a real time basis, particularly in the case of obstacles that are encountered by the cleaning machine during its cleaning operation. Hardware and software are provided for controlling movement of the cleaning machine relative to side and end walls of the floor surface section being cleaned, as well as controlling the functions of cleaning equipment.