Patents by Inventor Robert A. Salo

Robert A. Salo 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).

  • Publication number: 20220273151
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine includes a supply tank configured to store a cleaning fluid and a base configured to be movable along a surface to be cleaned. The base includes a suction nozzle and an aperture configured to spray the cleaning fluid onto the surface. The extractor cleaning machine also includes a recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction nozzle and a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle and the recovery tank. The suction source is configured to draw the cleaning fluid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. The extractor cleaning machine further includes a body pivotally coupled to the base between an upright position and an inclined position. The body includes an outlet in fluid communication with the suction source such that an airflow generated by the suction source is discharged from the outlet toward the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Inventors: Robert Salo, Luke Phalen
  • Patent number: 11330950
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine includes a supply tank configured to store a cleaning fluid and a base configured to be movable along a surface to be cleaned. The base includes a suction nozzle and an aperture configured to spray the cleaning fluid onto the surface. The extractor cleaning machine also includes a recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction nozzle and a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle and the recovery tank. The suction source is configured to draw the cleaning fluid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. The extractor cleaning machine further includes a body pivotally coupled to the base between an upright position and an inclined position. The body includes an outlet in fluid communication with the suction source such that an airflow generated by the suction source is discharged from the outlet toward the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Salo, Luke Phalen
  • Patent number: 10786132
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine that includes a base movable along a surface to be cleaned, the base including a distribution nozzle and a suction nozzle. The extractor further includes a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. A recovery tank is in fluid communication with the suction source and the suction nozzle to receive the fluid drawn through the suction nozzle. The extractor further includes a supply tank including a first chamber for storing a first fluid, a second chamber for storing a second fluid, and a third chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber to receive the first and second fluids, the third chamber also in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle for supplying a mixture of the first and second fluids to the distribution nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Harald Krondorfer, Steven J. Paliobeis, Robert A. Salo, Patrick Quinn, Kevin Vail, Euan Macleod
  • Publication number: 20190374082
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine includes a supply tank configured to store a cleaning fluid and a base configured to be movable along a surface to be cleaned. The base includes a suction nozzle and an aperture configured to spray the cleaning fluid onto the surface. The extractor cleaning machine also includes a recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction nozzle and a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle and the recovery tank. The suction source is configured to draw the cleaning fluid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. The extractor cleaning machine further includes a body pivotally coupled to the base between an upright position and an inclined position. The body includes an outlet in fluid communication with the suction source such that an airflow generated by the suction source is discharged from the outlet toward the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Robert Salo, Luke Phalen
  • Patent number: 10405721
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine that includes a base having a base exhaust duct having an exhaust outlet directed toward a surface being cleaned. The extractor further includes a suction source that is operable to generate an airflow that is discharged through the exhaust outlet of the base and onto the surface, which is configured to at least partially dry the surface. The extractor further includes a body pivotally coupled to the base such that the body is pivotable between an upright position and an inclined position, and the body includes a body exhaust duct that is movable relative to the base exhaust duct as the handle pivots between the upright position and the inclined position. The base exhaust duct and the body exhaust duct cooperate to form an exhaust passageway between the suction source and the exhaust outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Salo, Luke Phalen
  • Publication number: 20180228337
    Abstract: A floor cleaning machine for cleaning a surface. The cleaning machine includes a body, an actuator supported by the body, a distribution nozzle supported by the body, and a supply tank assembly coupled to the body in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle. The supply tank includes a first tank that stores a first cleaning solution, a second tank that stores a second cleaning solution that is different from the first cleaning solution, and a third tank that stores water. The floor cleaning machine is operable in a first mode to wash the surface, in a second mode to sanitize the surface, and a third mode to rinse the surface. The distribution nozzle delivers the first cleaning solution onto the surface when the floor cleaning machine is in the first mode and delivers the second cleaning solution onto the surface when the floor cleaning machine is in the second mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Kevin Vail, Patrick J. Quinn, Robert A. Salo, John R. Bantum, Lucas W. Phalen, Gino S. Lovano, Phonesacksith G. Kettavong, Brent Noward, Kyle J. Wheaton
  • Patent number: 9968235
    Abstract: A floor cleaning machine for cleaning a surface includes a body, a distribution nozzle supported by the body, a supply tank assembly coupled to the body in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle, a suction nozzle supported by the body, and a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The suction source is operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle. The floor cleaning machine also includes a recovery tank coupled to the body in fluid communication with the suction source to receive and store fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle. The floor cleaning machine is operable in a first mode to wash the surface and is operable in a second mode to sanitize the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Vail, Patrick J. Quinn, Robert A. Salo, John R. Bantum, Lucas W. Phalen, Gino S. Lovano, Phonesacksith G. Kettavong, Brent Noward, Kyle J. Wheaton
  • Publication number: 20170215675
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine that includes a base having a base exhaust duct having an exhaust outlet directed toward a surface being cleaned. The extractor further includes a suction source that is operable to generate an airflow that is discharged through the exhaust outlet of the base and onto the surface, which is configured to at least partially dry the surface. The extractor further includes a body pivotally coupled to the base such that the body is pivotable between an upright position and an inclined position, and the body includes a body exhaust duct that is movable relative to the base exhaust duct as the handle pivots between the upright position and the inclined position. The base exhaust duct and the body exhaust duct cooperate to form an exhaust passageway between the suction source and the exhaust outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Salo, Luke Phalen
  • Patent number: 9615713
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine that includes a base having a base exhaust duct having an exhaust outlet directed toward a surface being cleaned. The extractor further includes a suction source that is operable to generate an airflow that is discharged through the exhaust outlet of the base and onto the surface, which is configured to at least partially dry the surface. The extractor further includes a body pivotally coupled to the base such that the body is pivotable between an upright position and an inclined position, and the body includes a body exhaust duct that is movable relative to the base exhaust duct as the handle pivots between the upright position and the inclined position. The base exhaust duct and the body exhaust duct cooperate to form an exhaust passageway between the suction source and the exhaust outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Salo, Luke Phalen
  • Publication number: 20160227976
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine that includes a base movable along a surface to be cleaned, the base including a distribution nozzle and a suction nozzle. The extractor further includes a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. A recovery tank is in fluid communication with the suction source and the suction nozzle to receive the fluid drawn through the suction nozzle. The extractor further includes a supply tank including a first chamber for storing a first fluid, a second chamber for storing a second fluid, and a third chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber to receive the first and second fluids, the third chamber also in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle for supplying a mixture of the first and second fluids to the distribution nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Harald Krondorfer, Steven J. Paliobeis, Robert A. Salo, Patrick Quinn, Kevin Vail, Euan Macleod
  • Publication number: 20160220085
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine that includes a base having a base exhaust duct having an exhaust outlet directed toward a surface being cleaned. The extractor further includes a suction source that is operable to generate an airflow that is discharged through the exhaust outlet of the base and onto the surface, which is configured to at least partially dry the surface. The extractor further includes a body pivotally coupled to the base such that the body is pivotable between an upright position and an inclined position, and the body includes a body exhaust duct that is movable relative to the base exhaust duct as the handle pivots between the upright position and the inclined position. The base exhaust duct and the body exhaust duct cooperate to form an exhaust passageway between the suction source and the exhaust outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Salo, Luke Phalen
  • Patent number: 9320402
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine that includes a base movable along a surface to be cleaned, the base including a distribution nozzle and a suction nozzle. The extractor further includes a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. A recovery tank is in fluid communication with the suction source and the suction nozzle to receive the fluid drawn through the suction nozzle. The extractor further includes a supply tank including a first chamber for storing a first fluid, a second chamber for storing a second fluid, and a third chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber to receive the first and second fluids, the third chamber also in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle for supplying a mixture of the first and second fluids to the distribution nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Harald Krondorfer, Steven J. Paliobeis, Robert A. Salo, Patrick Quinn, Kevin Vail, Euan Macleod
  • Patent number: 9307881
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine that includes a base having a base exhaust duct having an exhaust outlet directed toward a surface being cleaned. The extractor further includes a suction source that is operable to generate an airflow that is discharged through the exhaust outlet of the base and onto the surface, which is configured to at least partially dry the surface. The extractor further includes a body pivotally coupled to the base such that the body is pivotable between an upright position and an inclined position, and the body includes a body exhaust duct that is movable relative to the base exhaust duct as the handle pivots between the upright position and the inclined position. The base exhaust duct and the body exhaust duct cooperate to form an exhaust passageway between the suction source and the exhaust outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Salo, Luke Phalen
  • Publication number: 20150257620
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine that includes a base having a base exhaust duct having an exhaust outlet directed toward a surface being cleaned. The extractor further includes a suction source that is operable to generate an airflow that is discharged through the exhaust outlet of the base and onto the surface, which is configured to at least partially dry the surface. The extractor further includes a body pivotally coupled to the base such that the body is pivotable between an upright position and an inclined position, and the body includes a body exhaust duct that is movable relative to the base exhaust duct as the handle pivots between the upright position and the inclined position. The base exhaust duct and the body exhaust duct cooperate to form an exhaust passageway between the suction source and the exhaust outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Salo, Luke Phalen
  • Patent number: 8887347
    Abstract: An extractor-type surface cleaning machine includes a base or foot having a suction nozzle and a handle that is pivotally coupled to the foot and moveable between upright and inclined positions. The recovery tank is removably securable to the foot and fluidly communicates with the suction nozzle and the accessory. The recovery tank defines a collection chamber and a passage having an inlet in communication with the suction nozzle and an outlet. A valve member is moveable between a closed position substantially covering the outlet and an open position. Movement of the handle to the upright position moves the valve member to the closed position to block the passage during cleaning with the accessory hose. Movement of the handle to the inclined position allows movement of the valve member to the open position so that suction from the collection chamber is communicated to the suction nozzle for floor cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Louis, Patrick J. Quinn, Steven J. Paliobeis, Robert A. Salo, John Bantum
  • Publication number: 20140259514
    Abstract: A floor cleaning machine for cleaning a surface includes a body, a distribution nozzle supported by the body, a supply tank assembly coupled to the body in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle, a suction nozzle supported by the body, and a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The suction source is operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle. The floor cleaning machine also includes a recovery tank coupled to the body in fluid communication with the suction source to receive and store fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle. The floor cleaning machine is operable in a first mode to wash the surface and is operable in a second mode to sanitize the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin Vail, Patrick J. Quinn, Robert A. Salo, John R. Bantum, Lucas W. Phalen, Gino S. Lovano, Phonesacksith G. Kettavong, Brent Noward, Kyle J. Wheaton
  • Patent number: 8756752
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine including a base or foot movable along a surface to be cleaned and a handle pivotally coupled to the foot for movement between an upright position and a reclined position. The handle includes a tank tray having an inlet and a drain. A channel communicates with the drain and extends away from the tank tray. A distributor communicates with the inlet and is operable to distribute cleaning fluid to the surface. A supply tank is removably coupled to the handle and has an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet when the supply tank is coupled to the handle. The supply tank is at least partially supported by the tank tray and the tank tray is configured to collect fluid spilt from the supply tank and to divert the fluid away from the tank tray by way of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Harald Krondorfer, Robert A. Salo, Euan Macleod, Patrick Quinn, John Bantum
  • Patent number: 8726461
    Abstract: A home cleaning appliance comprises a housing, an airstream suction source, a cyclone main body, and a dirt cup. The housing includes a main suction opening. The airstream suction source is mounted to the housing and includes a suction airstream inlet and a suction airstream outlet. The suction source selectively establishes and maintains a flow of air from the main suction opening, via the airstream inlet, to the airstream outlet. The cyclone main body is supported by the housing and is in communication with the main suction opening. The cyclone main body has a uniform outer circumference and includes a first stage separator, and a plurality of downstream second stage separators. The first stage separator has a longitudinal axis offset from a longitudinal axis of the cyclone main body in order to accommodate the second stage separators. The dirt cup is connected to the cyclone main body. The dirt cup includes a first particle collector and a second particle collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Sergey V. Makarov, Robert A. Salo, Mark E. Cipolla, Steven W. Kegg
  • Publication number: 20130111693
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine that includes a base movable along a surface to be cleaned, the base including a distribution nozzle and a suction nozzle. The extractor further includes a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. A recovery tank is in fluid communication with the suction source and the suction nozzle to receive the fluid drawn through the suction nozzle. The extractor further includes a supply tank including a first chamber for storing a first fluid, a second chamber for storing a second fluid, and a third chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber to receive the first and second fluids, the third chamber also in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle for supplying a mixture of the first and second fluids to the distribution nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Harald Krondorfer, Steven J. Paliobeis, Robert A. Salo, Patrick Quinn, Kevin Vail, Euan Macleod
  • Patent number: 8370991
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine includes a supply tank assembly having a first tank and a second tank. The first tank is in fluid communication with a distributor. The first tank has a rigid body defining a first storage chamber for storing a first cleaning fluid and supplying the first cleaning fluid to the distributor. The second tank is positioned within the first storage chamber of the first tank in fluid communication with the distributor. The second tank has a rigid body defining a second storage chamber for receiving a second cleaning fluid and supplying the second cleaning fluid to the distributor. At least a portion of the rigid body of the second tank defines a boundary of the first storage chamber to separate the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Steven J. Paliobeis, Robert A. Salo