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).

  • 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: 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: 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
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 8291546
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine includes a base having a distribution nozzle and a suction nozzle, a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, a recovery tank removably coupled to the base and having a recovery tank handle, an extractor handle pivotally coupled to the base, and a supply tank coupled to the extractor handle for pivotal movement with the extractor handle with respect to the base. At least a portion of the supply tank is positioned above and over the recovery tank in a direction normal to a surface to be cleaned when the extractor handle is in an upright storage position. The supply tank is in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle to supply cleaning fluid to the distribution nozzle. The extractor cleaning machine is liftable by the recovery tank handle when the extractor handle is in the upright storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Louis, David Chaney, Harald Krondorfer, Ronald Rich, Robert A. Salo, Steven J. Paliobeis, Patrick J. Quinn, Kevin Vail
  • Publication number: 20120131760
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine includes a base having a distribution nozzle and a suction nozzle, a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, a recovery tank removably coupled to the base and having a recovery tank handle, an extractor handle pivotally coupled to the base, and a supply tank coupled to the extractor handle for pivotal movement with the extractor handle with respect to the base. At least a portion of the supply tank is positioned above and over the recovery tank in a direction normal to a surface to be cleaned when the extractor handle is in an upright storage position. The supply tank is in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle to supply cleaning fluid to the distribution nozzle. The extractor cleaning machine is liftable by the recovery tank handle when the extractor handle is in the upright storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Louis, David Chaney, Harald Krondorfer, Ronald Rich, Robert A. Salo, Steven J. Paliobeis, Patrick J. Quinn, Kevin Vail
  • Publication number: 20120066858
    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: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Harald Krondorfer, Robert A. Salo, Euan Macleod, Patrick Quinn, John Bantum
  • Publication number: 20120066861
    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: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Louis, Patrick J. Quinn, Steven J. Paliobeis, Robert A. Salo, John Bantum
  • Publication number: 20120047677
    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: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Steven J. Paliobeis, Robert A. Salo
  • Patent number: 7632324
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an upright vacuum cleaner including a housing and a nozzle base having a main suction opening. The housing is pivotally mounted on the nozzle base. The housing comprises a cyclonic separator including a dirty air inlet and a sidewall. A lower end of the separator being secured to a lower skirt. A dust collector section is located beneath the separator and includes a sidewall. A perforated tube is disposed within the separator. The perforated tube includes a shroud extending away from a closed lower end of the perforated tube. A diameter of the shroud is larger than a diameter of the separator lower end. The lower skirt and the shroud define a first air channel for directing air from the separator into the dust collector section. The first air channel has a substantially constant volume for maintaining airflow velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Sergey V. Makarov, Robert A. Salo, Steven J. Paliobeis, Jeffrey C. Loebig
  • Publication number: 20080289139
    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: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Sergey V. Makarov, Robert A. Salo, Mark E. Cipolla, Steven W. Kegg
  • Publication number: 20070266678
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an upright vacuum cleaner including a housing and a nozzle base having a main suction opening. The housing is pivotally mounted on the nozzle base. The housing comprises a cyclonic separator including a dirty air inlet and a sidewall. A lower end of the separator being secured to a lower skirt. A dust collector section is located beneath the separator and includes a sidewall. A perforated tube is disposed within the separator. The perforated tube includes a shroud extending away from a closed lower end of the perforated tube. A diameter of the shroud is larger than a diameter of the separator lower end. The lower skirt and the shroud define a first air channel for directing air from the separator into the dust collector section. The first air channel has a substantially constant volume for maintaining airflow velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Sergey V. Makarov, Robert A. Salo, Steven J. Paliobeis, Jeffrey C. Loebig
  • Patent number: RE39473
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes an upright housing section and a nozzle base section. A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber is defined in the upright housing section. A suction source pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening formed in the underside of the nozzle base section and into the cyclonic airflow chamber. The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container that defines the chamber. A main filter element filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. An exhaust filter housing includes an airstream suction duct in fluid communication with an outlet of the airflow chamber and an inlet of the suction source. An outlet of the suction source is in fluid communication with an exhaust plenum of the exhaust filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Robert A. Salo, Charles J. Thur, Paul D. Stephens, Mark E. Cipolla, Michael F. Wright