Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a surface cleaning head having a hard floor cleaning brush and a carpet cleaning brush, wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is operable in a hard floor cleaning configuration in which a liquid is delivered from at least one nozzle to the soft brush bar, and the surface cleaning apparatus is operable in a carpet cleaning configuration in which a liquid is delivered from at least one nozzle to the carpet cleaning brush.

Abstract: Methods for utilizing virtual boundaries with robotic devices are presented including: positioning a boundary component having a receiver pair to receive a first robotic device signal substantially simultaneously by each receiver of the receiver pair from a robotic device only when the robotic device is positioned along a virtual boundary; operating the robotic device to move automatically within an area co-located with the virtual boundary; transmitting the first robotic device signal by the robotic device; and receiving the first robotic device signal by the receiver pair thereby indicating that the robotic device is positioned along the virtual boundary.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to diagnose a valve using electric valve actuators are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an electric motor to actuate a valve, rotation sensors to monitor a rotation of a drive shaft associated with the electric motor to determine a distance travelled by the drive shaft, and a valve position sensor to monitor a position of a flow control member of the valve. The example electric valve actuator further includes a processor to generate an alert based on feedback from the rotation sensors and the valve position sensor, the alert associated with a failure of the valve.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes include at least a recovery system for removing the spent cleaning fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and debris. The recovery system is provided with a recovery tank having a removably strainer that is configured to strain large debris and hair out of the recovery tank prior to emptying the recovery tank.

Abstract: An intelligent dust mop has an air inlet and at least one air outlet. A dust collection component and a mop component in a detachable connection with the dust collection component are disposed at the position of the air inlet. The dust collection component and the mop component are arranged at the front and the back in parallel, and the dust collection component floats up and down along the thickness direction of the mop component. The intelligent dust mop integrates dust collection and mopping functions, performing dust collection and mopping synchronously, thus realizing one-step cleaning. In addition, the dust collection component is positioned at the front end of the mop component, solving the problem where dust or hair on the ground moves along with the mopping, thus improving labor productivity.

Abstract: A surface maintenance machine comprising two front wheels, at least one rear wheel, a motive source for providing motive force to at least one front wheel to drive the machine on a surface. Embodiments also include an operator platform allowing an operator to stand thereon extending at least partly around the rear wheel, for supporting an operator in a standing position with the operator's feet on either side of the rear wheel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include steam appliances and methods which apply steam and a liquid containing a cleaning agent to the floor via separate outlets. In some embodiments, the liquid containing a cleaning agent is applied to an area of the floor that is physically separated from a steam application area. The steam may be applied to the floor through a steam-permeable fabric. The liquid containing a cleaning agent may be heated before being applied to the floor or being mixed with steam.

Abstract: A robot cleaner enables a wet cleaning, has a replaceable cleaning unit, and ensures a sufficient friction force for doing a wet cleaning of a floor. The robot cleaner includes a frame including a wheel for driving, a replaceable cleaning unit formed at a lower part of the frame to clean a bottom surface and disposed in front of the wheel, a tank disposed at an upper part of the wheel and configured to supply fluid to the cleaning unit, a pump configured to pump the fluid contained in the tank such that the fluid contained in the tank is supplied to the cleaning unit, a hose configured to extend to the pump and the upper part of the cleaning unit and through which the fluid pumped by the pump flows, and a bumper formed on a side of the frame.

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.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a heated vapor generator for generating steam and a supply tank for containing a supply of fluid. A liquid conduit that is in fluid communication with the supply tank is in heat exchange relationship with a vapor conduit that is in fluid communication with the heated vapor generator.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a floor includes a housing, wheels by which the apparatus is adapted to move; a motive device for moving the apparatus, a steering mechanism, and a cleaning assembly including a cleaning unit and an offset mechanism adapted to move the cleaning unit to or from an offset position projecting beyond one lateral side of the apparatus. In another embodiment, an apparatus for cleaning a floor includes a housing, wheels by which the apparatus is adapted to move, a motive device for moving the apparatus, a steering mechanism, and a cleaning assembly including a cleaning unit and a swing mechanism indirectly linking the cleaning unit to the steering mechanism such that when the apparatus is in an operative mode, the cleaning unit reorients its position in synchronization with the path of travel of the apparatus. Optionally, a lifting device may raise and lower the cleaning assembly.

Abstract: A surface-cleaning machine is provided, which includes an appliance body on which a suction apparatus device is arranged, a cleaning head on which at least one cleaning roller is arranged, and a drive device for driving the at least one cleaning roller in rotation, wherein the cleaning head has, between a first face side and an oppositely situated second face side, a first region, a second region and a central region situated between the first and second regions, and wherein at least one first suction mouth is positioned at the first region and associated with the at least one cleaning roller and at least one second suction mouth is positioned at the second region and associated with the at least one cleaning roller, wherein the at least one first suction mouth and the at least one second suction mouth are fluidically connected to the suction apparatus device.

Abstract: A system can include: a street sweeper configured to clean a street, the street sweeper including: a meter module to detect a consumption of water by the street sweeper, wherein the meter module is programmed to quantify an amount of water used by the street sweeper and to send the amount of water to a central server; and a street surface deviation detection device coupled to the street sweeper, the street surface deviation detection device being configured to measure changes in a surface of the street and send the changes to the central server; and the central server programmed to receive the amount of water.

Abstract: Provided is a suction unit to be provided in an electric vacuum cleaner including an electric blower. The suction unit includes a suction inlet arranged to extend in a longitudinal direction, and arranged opposite to a surface to be cleaned; a connection opening to be connected to the electric blower; a suction passage arranged to extend along a center line joining a middle of the suction inlet in the longitudinal direction and a middle of the connection opening in the longitudinal direction to connect the suction inlet and the connection opening; and a plurality of first partition walls each of which is arranged in the suction passage, and is arranged to extend from a side on which the connection opening is defined to a side on which the suction inlet is defined. The suction passage includes a first main passage and a plurality of first division passages.

Abstract: A hand carriable surface cleaning apparatus, such as a cyclonic hand vacuum cleaner, is provided wherein a pre-motor filter is positioned in a pre-motor filter housing.

Abstract: A cleaner includes: a cleaner body having therein a module mounting portion; a rotation driving portion provided at one side of the module mounting portion; and a cleaning module detachably mounted to the module mounting portion through one side of the cleaner body, wherein the cleaning module includes: a holder linearly inserted into or withdrawn from the module mounting portion in a side direction of the cleaner body; and a cleaning member supported by the holder so as to be inserted or withdrawn into or from the module mounting portion, together with the holder when the holder is inserted thereinto or withdrawn therefrom, and the cleaning member rotated by a driving force provided from the rotation driving portion.

Abstract: A portable hard surface cleaning appliance includes a suction nozzle with a suction opening on which at least one drawing-off lip is arranged, a suction unit in flow connection with the suction nozzle for sucking up a liquid-air mixture from the suction opening, a separation chamber arranged between the suction nozzle and the suction unit and having a separation device arranged within for separating liquid from the liquid-air mixture, and a tank accommodating compartment in which a dirty liquid tank for receiving the separated liquid is releasably held. The tank accommodating compartment includes at least one supporting element engaged under a lower tank section of the dirty liquid tank, and at least one holding element releasably connectable to an upper tank section of the dirty liquid tank. The portable hard surface cleaning appliance includes two holding elements which receive between them the upper tank section of the dirty liquid tank.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a surface cleaning head, an upright section movably mounted to the surface cleaning head between a storage position and a floor cleaning position and a hand vacuum cleaner removably mounted to the upright section wherein the surface cleaning head has a first suction motor and the hand vacuum cleaner has a second suction motor, the first suction motor and second suction motor co-operate to convey air through the surface cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus, a chassis for the mobile apparatus and an angle change method for the chassis are provided. The chassis includes: a chassis body including a first body and a second body, with each of the first body and the second body including a bottom surface and a support surface arranged opposite to each other; an angle change device, which is respectively connected with the first body and the second body, disposed between the first body and the second body in an arrangement direction of the first body and the second body, and configured to change an angle between the bottom surfaces of the first body and the second body; and a moving device, configured to move the chassis body.

Abstract: A window-cleaning robot provided with a closed wiper (13), comprising a rotating base (10) and an outer frame (20); said rotating base (10) being rotatably disposed on the outer frame (20); the bottom of said outer frame (20) being provided with a cleaning unit (21); said rotating base (10) being provided with a travel unit (11) and a suction cup (12); the bottom surface of the rotating base (10) also being provided with a wiper (13); said wiper (13) being disposed on the bottom surface such that the wiper (13) surrounds the rotating base (10) in a closed shape; the travel unit (11) and/or the suction cup (12) being enclosed within said closed shape. The wiper (13) is entirely closed such that regardless of where the robot travels, 360° wiping can be accomplished, effectively preventing the travel unit (11) and the suction cup (12) from becoming wet, resulting in more effective wiping and effectively preventing slippage.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus is provided with a nozzle cover having multiple functions, including sealing an opening for an above-the-floor vacuum hose, aiding in removal of a suction nozzle from the apparatus and acting as a handle for the suction nozzle upon removal of the suction nozzle from the apparatus. A locking mechanism prevents the suction nozzle from accidentally releasing from the apparatus when the vacuum hose is installed.

Abstract: A squeegee device (10) for cleaning includes a main supporting base (20) in which an opening (24) is formed along a cleaning width direction of a cleaning surface (W), and a pair of squeegees (30) and (40) arranged to extend along the cleaning width direction along the periphery of the opening (24) and formed of an elastic body. Tips of the pair of squeegees (30, 40) are arranged at an angle relative to each other and contact each other in an airtight state, and pressing the tips against the cleaning surface (W) can open a gap between the tips.

Abstract: A surface cleaning machine including at least one cleaning roller, a drive device for rotary driving of the at least one cleaning roller, a wetting device for applying cleaning liquid to the at least one cleaning roller, and a suction unit arrangement for generating a suction stream is provided. The suction unit arrangement is fluidically connected to at least one suction duct and at least one suction nozzle that is associated with the at least one cleaning roller. The wetting device includes at least one pressure-controlled switch that opens a fluid path for cleaning liquid to the at least one cleaning roller and shuts off the fluid path, and the at least one pressure-controlled switch is coupled to the at least one suction duct, wherein a suction stream in the at least one suction duct moves the pressure-controlled switch into the open position and/or maintains the open position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with a dispensing system for applying a treating agent stored on the vacuum cleaner to the surface to be cleaned. The dispensing system can include at least one container for storing a supply of treating agent and a dispenser for dispensing the treating agent to the surface to be cleaned. The dispensing system uses filtered working exhaust air to blow treating agent off the treating agent dispenser.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a floor includes a housing, chassis, wheels, motor, steering mechanism, cleaning assembly, optionally a squeegee assembly, and at least one of a side sweeping system, front sweeping system, and pick-up system. The side sweeping system includes a turntable with central axis, a drive wheel disposed in coaxial relationship with the turntable, a sweeper motive device in communication with the drive wheel, a plurality of brushes distributed radially around the drive wheel and adapted to be driven by rotation of the drive wheel, and a pivoting connector configured to enable the side sweeping system to pivot laterally in response to contact with a wall while at least one of the brushes maintains contact with the floor adjacent the wall while the apparatus is in operation, and the brushes move debris disposed on the floor adjacent the wall toward the front of the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and Apparatuses for steam cleaning comprise a steam cleaning device/system employed for steam cleaning or treating operations. In an embodiment, a steam cleaning device may comprise agitation features employed for steam cleaning or treating. In another embodiment, the steam cleaning device may be a steam accessory employed for steam cleaning or treating. In yet another embodiment, the steam cleaning device may comprise various features employed for multi-purpose steam cleaning or treating.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing including an upright handle assembly and a base mounted to the handle assembly and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned The surface cleaning apparatus is further provided with a fluid delivery system comprising a fluid dispenser and at least one fluid delivery channel forming a portion of a fluid delivery pathway. The fluid delivery channel can be formed by a portion of a suction nozzle assembly on the base. A light provided on the base can be configured to illuminate the fluid delivery channel when cleaning fluid is being delivered.

Abstract: A steam mop includes a housing comprising a foot assembly movable along a surface to be cleaned and a handle assembly coupled to the foot assembly, a supply tank for storing a supply of fluid, a steam generator fluidly coupled with the supply tank for producing steam from the fluid, and a light source selectively illuminating the supply tank.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine having a movable adjustment element, a suction foot, a cleaning head and a drive. The adjustment element is coupled to the cleaning head, the suction foot and the drive. The drive is configured to move the adjustment element between a first position, in which the cleaning head and suction foot are raised, a second position, in which the cleaning head is raised and the suction foot is lowered, and a third position in which the cleaning head and suction foot are lowered.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine can comprise a chassis, a cleaning mechanism, a control system, and a cleaning operation sensing system connected to the chassis. The chassis can be configured for movement along a cleaning path. The cleaning mechanism can perform a cleaning operation. The liquid system can provide liquid to the cleaning mechanism. The recovery system can recover liquid from the cleaning operation. The control system can control performance of the cleaning operation. The cleaning operation sensing system can detect a condition of the cleaning operation. The cleaning operation sensing system can comprise a water trailing detection system comprising: a frame connected to the chassis aft of the recovery system, an absorbent medium connected to the frame; and a moisture sensor in communication with the control system to alter a signal in response to moisture in the absorbent medium.

Abstract: A cleaner that includes a nozzle assembly; a cleaner body that is coupled to the nozzle assembly and that is configured to rotate; and a water cleaning device that is coupled to the nozzle assembly, the water cleaning device including: a water tank that is configured to (i) hold a cloth and (ii) store water to provide to the cloth and that includes an air hole through which air enters the water tank from outside of the water tank, and an adjusting device that is configured to open or close the air hole based on a rotation of the cleaner body is disclosed.

Abstract: The aquarium vacuum is a cleaning device adapted for use with aquarium. The aquarium vacuum is adapted for use in cleaning algae from the walls and corners of an aquarium while water is in the aquarium. The aquarium vacuum comprises a scrubbing device, a pump, and a filtration unit. The scrubbing device is used to remove the algae from the aquarium wall and corner. Algae released from the aquarium wall is drawn into the filtration unit with the pump. The filtration unit removes the algae and other particulate matter from the water before returning the processed water back to the aquarium.

Abstract: An autonomous vacuum cleaner comprising a main body defining a first axis and housing a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet, an airflow path between the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet and a separating apparatus arranged in the air flow path between the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet, the separating apparatus defining a second axis, wherein the separating apparatus is oriented so that the second axis is substantially parallel with the first axis of the main body and wherein a portion of the separating apparatus protrudes from a forward portion of the main body of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering a heated fluid. The apparatus includes at least a preheat zone, an expansion zone, and an expanded zone comprising a plurality of trim heaters, at least one fluid flow-distribution sheet, and an outlet. The apparatus may be used for delivering the heated fluid onto a moving fluid-permeable substrate.

Abstract: A hand-held laundry treating apparatus includes a portable body formed in the shape of a bar having a predetermined length for washing a localized portion of a laundry item placed on a vertical plane or a horizontal plane while being in contact with the laundry item, and a water tank mounted at a middle part of the portable body at an angle to the portable body for supplying wash water to the portable body and, at the same time, for collecting and storing contaminated water generated from the localized portion of the laundry item according to a use state of the portable body when washing the localized portion of the laundry item placed on the vertical plane or the horizontal plane.

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.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning floors and/or surfaces, having a container for holding a cleaning fluid, a discharge device for discharging the cleaning fluid onto a floor and/or surface to be cleaned, and a heating device for heating and/or tempering and/or evaporating the cleaning fluid. The cleaning apparatus can easily be supplied with energy for heating and/or tempering and/or evaporating the cleaning fluid, and the apparatus can be operated cordlessly.

Abstract: A self-propelled surface cleaning machine is proposed, including a floor cleaning device, a steerable front wheel, a steering device associated with the front wheel, a rear wheel device having at least one left rear wheel and at least one right rear wheel, a first drive device for driving the front wheel, a second drive device for driving the rear wheel device and a differential device for the rear wheel device that allows different speeds of rotation for the at least one left rear wheel and the at least one right rear wheel.

Abstract: A hand-held laundry treating apparatus includes a portable body for storing wash water and contaminated water, supplying wash water according to positive pressure air supplied into the portable body, collecting contaminated water generated during washing of a laundry item using negative pressure air created during generation of the positive pressure air, and washing a localized portion of the laundry item while being in contact with the laundry item placed on a vertical plane or a horizontal plane, and a water tank separately mounted at the portable body for storing wash water to be supplied when washing the localized portion of the laundry item placed on the vertical plane or the horizontal plane and contaminated water generated after washing of the laundry item.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a fluid delivery system having a manifold with a plurality of release openings for delivering a cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: The present system relates to a water and debris recovery system for a water blasting device suitable for mounting upon the frame of a mobile vehicle for easy transport and use. The system includes a liquid reservoir connected to a high pressure fluid pump for directing ultra-high pressure water through a blast head to remove the coatings or markings from a surface. The blast head includes a shroud which surrounds the blasting area to at least partially contain the water and debris dislodged from the surface. A vacuum pump is secured to the shroud with the vacuum passing through a cyclone type separator, allowing the water and debris to settle to the bottom portion of the cyclone. The tank includes a floating floor and bladder assembly that allows the same space to be utilized for clean as well as dirty water while maintaining separation of the two.

Abstract: A dirt pick-up device for a floor cleaner is provided, including a carrying part fixable to the floor cleaner and a holding part releasably connectable to the carrying part with a suction strip held on the holding part, the carrying part and the holding part locked to each other by a locking device, the dirt pick-up device including an actuating element which is transferable from an unactuated position to an actuated position for transferring the locking device to an unlocked position in which the holding part is releasable from the carrying part. The dirt pick-up device can include or form a grip element held on at least one of the holding part and the suction strip, and in the unactuated position, the actuating element can be at a greater distance from the grip element than in the actuated position. A floor cleaner with a dirt pick-up device is also provided.

Abstract: An improved pump control device includes a control device that controls power supplied to a pump, a working device that is connected to the pump to control fluid to flow, and a detection device for detecting the working device. The detection device, when detecting the working device is making a specific operation, transmits operation information to the control device to change the operation condition of the pump so as to achieve advantages of easy use, power saving, and cost reduction.

Abstract: A cleaner including a cleaner body provided with a driving part configured to generate a suction force, a head unit connected to the cleaner body and configured to come into close contact with a surface to be cleaned by allowing external air to be introduced thereinto by the suction force of the driving part, and a cleaning member detachably provided on the head unit, wherein the cleaning member includes a member body detachably coupled to the head unit and having a floor cleaning part making contact with the surface to be cleaned, and a dust collecting container extending from the member body and configured to filter out foreign substances from air that is suctioned into the head unit.

Abstract: A compact machine for cleaning floors includes a solution tank and dispensing system for dispensing solution onto the surface to be cleaned, a deck assembly for guiding dirty solution to a recovery pickup point, a mechanically operated pump for collecting the dirty solution from the recovery pickup point, and a recovery tank for receiving the collected fluid.

Abstract: A compact machine for cleaning floors includes a solution tank and dispensing system for dispensing solution onto the surface to be cleaned, a deck assembly for guiding dirty solution to a recovery pickup point, a mechanically operated pump for collecting the dirty solution from the recovery pickup point, and a recovery tank for receiving the collected fluid.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle having a rotatable member arranged around a longitudinal axis for picking up particles from a surface to be cleaned, and a cleaning arrangement for removing articles entangled on the rotatable member. The nozzle includes a nozzle cover that at least partly is made of transparent material such that the rotatable member may be visible through the nozzle cover.

Abstract: A dishwasher has a liquid supply system with a first conduit portion through which the liquid passes, and an air supply system with a second conduit portion through which the air passes. The first conduit portion at least partially forms the second conduit portion to define a thermal transfer interface. A heating system includes a heating element provided on the thermal transfer interface. Activation of the heating element provides heat to both the liquid supply system and the air supply system.

Abstract: A hand-guided floor treatment device includes a bottom part, which includes at least one tool which is rotatable on a floor by a drive, as well as a guide part which includes at least one handle and is connected to the bottom part by an articulated arrangement which is developed in such a manner that the guide part, proceeding from a perpendicular, is pivotable in relation to the perpendicular in angular positions rotating in all directions and is operatively connected to the bottom part so as to transmit torque in an angularly limited manner in each angular position in relation to the perpendicular. The at least one rotatable tool is arranged in such a manner on the bottom part that when the floor treatment device is operating the at least one rotatable tool exerts permanent linear propulsion on the bottom part.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a surface cleaning head including a cleaning pad mount that is configured to receive a water absorbent cleaning pad and a fluid distribution system in communication with the cleaning pad mount. An automatic dispensing system is provided. The automatic dispensing system is operatively connected to the fluid distribution system and comprises a detector that receives a signal indicative of the usage of a cleaning pad provided on the cleaning pad mount and a controller configured to adjust the amount of at least one of steam and cleaning solution delivered based on a signal from the detector.