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).
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Patent number: 10786132Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 21, 2016Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology LimitedInventors: Harald Krondorfer, Steven J. Paliobeis, Robert A. Salo, Patrick Quinn, Kevin Vail, Euan Macleod
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Publication number: 20180228337Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2018Publication date: August 16, 2018Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 9968235Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technologies LimitedInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20160227976Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2016Publication date: August 11, 2016Inventors: Harald Krondorfer, Steven J. Paliobeis, Robert A. Salo, Patrick Quinn, Kevin Vail, Euan Macleod
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Patent number: 9320402Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology LimitedInventors: Harald Krondorfer, Steven J. Paliobeis, Robert A. Salo, Patrick Quinn, Kevin Vail, Euan Macleod
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Patent number: 8887347Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 1, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology LimitedInventors: Jeffrey S. Louis, Patrick J. Quinn, Steven J. Paliobeis, Robert A. Salo, John Bantum
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Publication number: 20140259514Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 8756752Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 1, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology LimitedInventors: Harald Krondorfer, Robert A. Salo, Euan Macleod, Patrick Quinn, John Bantum
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Patent number: 8726461Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 22, 2008Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology LimitedInventors: Sergey V. Makarov, Robert A. Salo, Mark E. Cipolla, Steven W. Kegg
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Publication number: 20130111693Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Inventors: Harald Krondorfer, Steven J. Paliobeis, Robert A. Salo, Patrick Quinn, Kevin Vail, Euan Macleod
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Patent number: 8370991Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology LimitedInventors: Steven J. Paliobeis, Robert A. Salo
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Patent number: 8291546Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 1, 2011Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology LimitedInventors: Jeffrey S. Louis, David Chaney, Harald Krondorfer, Ronald Rich, Robert A. Salo, Steven J. Paliobeis, Patrick J. Quinn, Kevin Vail
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Publication number: 20120131760Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Inventors: Jeffrey S. Louis, David Chaney, Harald Krondorfer, Ronald Rich, Robert A. Salo, Steven J. Paliobeis, Patrick J. Quinn, Kevin Vail
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Publication number: 20120066858Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Inventors: Harald Krondorfer, Robert A. Salo, Euan Macleod, Patrick Quinn, John Bantum
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Publication number: 20120066861Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Inventors: Jeffrey S. Louis, Patrick J. Quinn, Steven J. Paliobeis, Robert A. Salo, John Bantum
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Publication number: 20120047677Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: Steven J. Paliobeis, Robert A. Salo
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Patent number: 7632324Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.Inventors: Sergey V. Makarov, Robert A. Salo, Steven J. Paliobeis, Jeffrey C. Loebig
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Publication number: 20080289139Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventors: Sergey V. Makarov, Robert A. Salo, Mark E. Cipolla, Steven W. Kegg
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Publication number: 20070266678Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2006Publication date: November 22, 2007Inventors: Sergey V. Makarov, Robert A. Salo, Steven J. Paliobeis, Jeffrey C. Loebig
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Patent number: RE39473Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 6, 2004Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.Inventors: Robert A. Salo, Charles J. Thur, Paul D. Stephens, Mark E. Cipolla, Michael F. Wright