With Liquid Or Other Cleaning Material Application To Work Patents (Class 15/320)
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Publication number: 20140246048Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a carpet. In some embodiments, the appliance includes a pad attached to a cleaning head, the pad having a non-absorbent portion that agitates the carpet with a reciprocating movement to work an encapsulant or other cleaning agent into the carpet fibers. The pad also may include an absorbent portion to absorb moisture from carpet.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2013Publication date: September 4, 2014Inventors: David Jalbert, Robert Finnance
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Publication number: 20140245559Abstract: A rotary cleaning device having a plurality of flush pad extractors can provide improved debris removal and reduced residual material. More specifically, a rotary cleaning device can include a plurality of flush pad extractors which are oriented generally circumferentially about a common rotation axis. These unique flush pad extractors can include a fluid applicator and a vacuum member oriented behind the fluid applicator such that during operation of the device the fluid applicator contacts a surface to be cleaned prior to contact by the vacuum member. In accordance with the present invention, the fluid applicator provides passive delivery of fluid to the surface to be cleaned. Passive delivery of fluid allows for reduced fluid usage and more controlled and even distribution of fluid across a surface without overwetting.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: Pearl Enterprises, LLCInventor: Dennis Pearlstein
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Patent number: 8823222Abstract: A motor assembly, especially for home appliances such as a cleaner, has an electric motor and a cooling system. The motor may be a fractional horsepower universal motor with a stator and a rotor. The cooling system has a cooling pipe thermally coupled to an element of the stator, such as a core of the stator and providing a flow path for a liquid to cool the motor.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Johnson Electrica S.A.Inventors: James Ching Sik Lau, Zhan Cai
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Publication number: 20140237753Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a flexible electrified air flow conduit having an air inlet end that is electrified.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2013Publication date: August 28, 2014Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
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Patent number: 8806703Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a device for dispensing atomized liquid, the device having a reservoir for holding liquid and an ultrasonic transducer arranged to atomize the liquid in the reservoir. An airflow is created through the reservoir via the exhaust gasflow from the vacuum cleaner, the airflow carrying the atomized liquid via an elongate tube to dispensing outlet provided on a cleaning head of the vacuum cleaner. The ultrasonic transducer is simple and inexpensive, yet is able to reliably atomize the liquid for dispensing.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Hoover LimitedInventor: Alexander Anthony Denny Bassett
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Publication number: 20140223687Abstract: A table cleaner includes a main body case; a storage battery disposed on an upper portion of the main body case and configured to store power supplied from outside; a steam generation unit disposed inside the main body case and configured to generate and supply steam by heating water injected through a lower portion spaced from the storage battery by using power supplied from the storage battery; and an ejection cleaning unit disposed on a lower portion of the main body case and configured to clean a table surface by ejecting steam, which is generated by the steam generation unit, in a downward direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2012Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: KYORYU ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Yongoh Kim
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Publication number: 20140224284Abstract: In a mobile floor sweeper/scrubber, a closed hydraulic system directs hydraulic fluid, or oil, to power various subsystems, such as the drive, steering, sweeping, scrubbing, etc., subsystems, which results in heating of the hydraulic fluid to an elevated temperature. The heated hydraulic fluid is provided to a heat exchanger, to which is also providing the scrub water for heating the water prior to application to the floor for improved, more efficient cleaning of the floor. This arrangement allows for the use of higher scrub water temperatures without using a dedicated system limited to the generation of higher scrub water temperatures, or without operating the sweeper/scrubber's drive motor at elevated temperatures higher than its specified normal operating temperature. The use of heated or ambient scrub water can be selected as desired by the sweeper/scrubber operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2013Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: Minuteman International, Inc.Inventors: Ethan Martin, Jeffrey W. Pollack
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Patent number: 8800102Abstract: The forwardly projecting wand of a conventional commercial carpet steam cleaner is propped up by a connected stabilization leg extension so as to reduce the weight imposed upon the operator by the cleaner during its operation. The stabilizing leg extension is provided the same cleaning capabilities the conventional cleaner has so that, modified in this way, the number of cleaning members is doubled and twice as much of the cleaning area is covered with each stroke of the wand. Handlebars are added to further ease the task and an attached stowage nest is incidentally included for a supplementary cleaning extension.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2012Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Inventor: Gordon Wright Massey
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Publication number: 20140208536Abstract: A dual-use steam-vacuum cleaner is provided in a parallel structure having a vertical frame and a floor brush connected to a lower end of the vertical frame, as well as a dust cup fixed in front of the vertical frame and a water tank fixed in front of the vertical frame in parallel with the dust cup. The dust cup and the water tank are arranged in the front of the vertical frame in parallel, thereby providing good visualization and conforming to ergonomics. The structure also maximally increases the capacity of the water tank. Additionally, the vacuuming path and the water path do not interfere with each other, and are of a simple structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2011Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: KINGCLEAN ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Zugen Ni
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Publication number: 20140202492Abstract: A system and method for cleaning a collector surface of a solar collector. The system includes a first liquid-dispensing unit configured to deliver a first spray of liquid to the collector surface. The system also includes a brush element having a longitudinal side oriented along a first direction and disposed adjacent to the first liquid-dispensing unit. A first squeegee element is oriented along the first direction and adjacent to the brush element. The first squeegee element, the brush element, and the first liquid-dispensing unit define a first cleaning area. A second squeegee element is oriented along the first direction and separated from the first squeegee element by a gap to define a second cleaning area. The system also includes a second liquid-dispensing unit configured to deliver a second spray of liquid to the second cleaning area located between the first and second squeegees.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: SunPower CorporationInventors: Marc GROSSMAN, Cedric JEANTY
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Publication number: 20140196242Abstract: A bare floor cleaner with an upright assembly pivotally mounted to a base assembly, a steam generator, a fluid distributor which distributes steam onto the surface to be cleaned, and a mop cloth provided on the base assembly. The mop cloth is mounted to the base assembly by a mop cloth plate that is removable from the base assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Inventors: Gary A. Kasper, Joseph M. White, John L. Jansen, Aaron P. Griffith, Yu Xiaoming, Yang Caiyin
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Publication number: 20140196243Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning surfaces, particularly solid surfaces, includes an outer housing and an inner housing configured to substantially encapsulate a surface being cleaned, a vacuum source traversing the outer housing, a rotating coupler, an impeller, at least one fluid jet coupled to the impeller, and at least one air induction port. The vacuum source is configured to induce air through the air induction ports past the impeller blades causing the impeller to rotate, which causes the rotating coupler and the fluid jets to rotate. Because the rotation of the fluid jets is due to induced air, the fluid jets can be positioned at any angle desired, including a negative angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: Sapphire Scientific, Inc.Inventor: Paul Kappos
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Patent number: 8776304Abstract: A device for collecting waste and for disintegrating and self-cleaning and evacuating waste, the device including a waste collection system for collecting the waste, a fluid dispensing system for disintegrating the waste which is collected by the waste collection system, and a discharge system for evacuating the disintegrated waste from the device.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Inventor: Lawrence Orubor
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Patent number: 8776305Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus is provided, including a dirt collection device for picking up dirty liquid from a floor surface to be cleaned as well as a dirty liquid tank, into which the dirty liquid can be transferred. In order to provide a floor cleaning apparatus of this type, which can be handled in a more user-friendly manner, it is proposed that the floor cleaning apparatus has a tank rinsing mechanism with at least one rinsing line, which includes at least one inlet opening for rinsing liquid, which can be provided for the tank rinsing mechanism, as well as at least one outlet opening for delivering rinsing liquid into an interior of the dirty liquid tank.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Gilles Troff, Brunhold Roppelt, Rainer Schaefer
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Patent number: 8774970Abstract: A floor cleaning device that is manually trainable for subsequent automatic operation. Prior to automatic operation, a user trains the cleaning device by manually manipulating the device through one or more desired cleaning paths. After training of the device, the device is configured to automatically initiate subsequent cleaning operations in accordance with the trained routine(s). Preferably, the training routine includes user specification of one of a number of cleaning modalities that are supported by the flooring cleaning device. In addition to automatic navigation, the floor cleaning device is configured to initiate a desired cleaning modality as a function of the device's position with respect to one or more of the trained routine(s).Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2010Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy F. Knopow, David Curtis, Everett F. Carter, Jr., Ted Larson, Bob Allen
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Patent number: 8771432Abstract: System and method for cleaning rows of solar panels. Each solar row has an upper edge elevated above ground level and a lower edge to provide an inclination of the solar row. A cleaning assembly cleans the solar panel surfaces. A support frame supports the cleaning assembly and enables upward and downward motion in the width and length directions of the solar row. Operation and movement of the cleaning assembly is controlled so as to clean a surface of the solar panels during downward movement. The cleaning assembly is preferably not operative during upward movement. During downward movement, the cleaning assembly removes dirt, debris and dust from the surface of the solar panels and generates an air stream to blow off the dirt, debris, and dust. The system further includes a guide system for moving the cleaning assembly to align with successive solar panel rows.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2013Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Ecoppia Scientific, Ltd.Inventors: Moshe Meller, Eran Meller
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Patent number: 8769763Abstract: A floor cleaning device includes a base. A cleaning fluid supply tank is carried by the base. A source of pressure communicates with the cleaning fluid supply tank which pressurizes a cleaning fluid held in the cleaning fluid supply tank to an above atmospheric pressure. A fluid delivery system delivers pressurized cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid supply tank to a surface to be cleaned.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology LimitedInventors: Gregg M. Kloeppel, Mark Ilko, Andrew A. Amberik, Allan L. Horst, Glenn Matusz
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Publication number: 20140182627Abstract: A mobile surface cleaning robot including a robot body having a forward drive direction, a drive system supporting the robot body above a floor surface for maneuvering the robot across the floor surface, and a robot controller in communication with the drive system. The robot also includes a collection volume supported by the robot body and a cleaning module releasably supported by the robot body and arranged to clean the floor surface. The cleaning module includes a first vacuum squeegee having a first duct, a driven roller brush rotatably supported rearward of the first vacuum squeegee, a second vacuum squeegee disposed rearward of the roller brush and having a second duct, and a third duct in fluid communication with the first and second ducts. The third duct is connectable to the collection volume at a fluid-tight interface formed by selectively engaging the cartridge with the robot body.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2012Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: iRobot CorporationInventors: Marcus Williams, Joseph Johnson, Andrew Sweezey, Thomas P. Schregardus, John Reimels
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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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Publication number: 20140165324Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a supply tank and a distributor for delivering fluid to a surface to be cleaned. A constant flow of fluid can be delivered from the supply tank to the distributor via a regulator tank in fluid communication with the supply tank for exchanging liquid and air with the supply tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2013Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: BISSELL HOMECARE, INC.Inventors: Ming Luo, Wing-Hei Cho, Jeffrey A. Scholten
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Patent number: 8752236Abstract: A steam vacuum cleaner, having a suction port assembly including a suction hole formed on a bottom surface thereof and a dust receptacle detachably attached to the suction port assembly; a pump disposed in the suction port assembly to suction dust-laden air from an object being cleaned and to transfer the dust laden air to the dust receptacle; a steam unit disposed on the suction port assembly; a floorcloth unit disposed on the suction port assembly to scrub the object using steam supplied from the steam unit; and a handle member hinged with a portion of the suction port assembly, wherein the handle member has a variable length. Floorcloth plates having a plurality of steam passages radially formed on the bottom surface thereof may be rotatably mounted on the bottom surface of the suction port assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2008Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jang-Keun Oh, Hyoun-Soo Kim
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Patent number: 8752237Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a base; an upright handle assembly pivotally mounted to the base and including an upright housing at a lower portion thereof, a handle tube extending upwardly from an upper end of the upright housing and a push rod that is axially slidable within the handle tube; wherein the handle tube is mounted for telescoping movement within upright housing between an extended position and a stowed position within the upright housing; a fluid delivery system including a fluid supply tank for holding a supply of a cleaning fluid; a fluid distributor for distributing the cleaning fluid from the fluid supply tank onto the surface to be cleaned; and a fluid conduit, including a fluid flow controller, between the fluid supply tank and the fluid distributor. A locking collar on the upright housing locks the handle tube in the extended and stowed positions.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2012Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.Inventor: Mitchell DeJonge
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Publication number: 20140150201Abstract: An appliance includes a steam application device having a main body which includes an inlet section to receive steam, an applicator to apply the steam to a surface, and a swivel assembly to swivel the applicator and the main body relative to each other. The appliance further includes a portable steamer to (i) attach to the steam application device and (ii) detach from the steam application device (e.g., in a simple lift away manner). The portable steamer has a steam generator which generates the steam, and an outlet section which connects to the inlet section of the main body of the steam application device when the portable steamer is attached to the steam application device. The outlet section provides the steam from the steam generator to the inlet section of the main body of the steam application device when the portable steamer is attached to the steam application device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Inventors: Brian R. McGee, Stuart D. Babb
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Publication number: 20140143975Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid system (50) for cleaning machine (1), which comprises a floor treating brush and/or disc (7) rotatably driven by a motor (4) and exhibiting surrounding ring-shaped rim (8) and conduit for washing liquid and vacuum suction duct for the supply (11) of washing liquid (12) and suction (13) of washing liquid (14), respectively. A disc-shaped bottom part (25) provided with substantially radially extending vacuum suction ducts (24) is located above said rotatable brush and/or disc (7). A bottom cover (51) is connected to said bottom part (25), and nozzles (27) are connected to said vacuum ducts (24) along the periphery of said bottom part (25) and bottom cover (51) in order to suck up dirty washing liquid (14). Said bottom cover (51) and said bottom part (25) can be released from one another in order to reach said substantially radial vacuum suction ducts (24) located between them (25, 51).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2012Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: QLEENO ABInventors: Ludvig Brunnström, Patrik Andreasson
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Patent number: 8726455Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a fluid delivery system including a supply of cleaning fluid stored in a fluid supply chamber and a fluid recovery system for drawing dirty cleaning fluid using suction from the surface to be cleaned. The apparatus has an inline fluid heater having a metal body with an embedded heating element and a polymeric cover provided with a fluid inlet fitting and a fluid outlet fitting. The fluid inlet and fluid outlet fittings are preferably integrally molded with the polymeric cover.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.Inventor: Gary A. Kasper
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Patent number: 8726454Abstract: A surface treatment robot includes a chassis having forward and rear ends and a drive system carried by the chassis. The drive system includes right and left driven wheels and is configured to maneuver the robot over a cleaning surface. The robot includes a vacuum assembly, a collection volume, a supply volume, an applicator, and a wetting element, each carried by the chassis. The wetting element engages the cleaning surface to distribute a cleaning liquid applied to the surface by the applicator. The wetting element distributes the cleaning liquid along at least a portion of the cleaning surface when the robot is driven in a forward direction. The wetting element is arranged substantially forward of a transverse axis defined by the right and left driven wheels, and the wetting element slidably supports at least about ten percent of the mass of the robot above the cleaning surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: iRobot CorporationInventors: Duane L. Gilbert, Jr., Marcus R. Williams, Andrea M. Okerholm, Elaine H. Kristant, Sheila A. Longo, Daniel E. Kee, Marc D. Strauss
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Publication number: 20140130291Abstract: A steam appliance having a split handle with the upper part biased away from the handle base and an actuator for a water pump. When the appliance is pushed, the handle upper part is depressed and displaces a pump actuator to activate the pump. Use of a steam frame and steam towel allows an iron to be used as a steam cleaner. When a pole is mounted on the upper handle part, the appliance may be used as a steam mop that is activated by pushing the pole which depresses the handle to actuate the pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2013Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: Euro-Pro Operating LLCInventors: Maximilian Rosenzweig, Ognjen Vrdoljak
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Publication number: 20140130292Abstract: A floor treatment apparatus is provided that includes a chassis that supports at least one cleaning element. The chassis is supported by a plurality of wheels, one which is steerable via a steering wheel interconnected to a housing also associated with the chassis. The chassis provided includes a plurality of movable housing members, one of which is associated with the steering wheel. To access the internal components of the floor treatment apparatus, the front housing is rotated or moved away from the other housings wherein the steering wheel does not require disconnection to allow this movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2013Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: Kärcher North America, Inc.Inventors: Roger PEDLAR, Daniel PEARSON, Eric L. SHARK, Daniel C. VENARD, Brian J. DOLL, Rusty SIMMONS, Nevin GREEN, Loi X. TRAN, Robert S. GORSKY, Steven W. TUCKER, Todd LEIFHEIT
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Patent number: 8719998Abstract: A light-sensitive stain sensing system for an extractor for detecting and treating biological stains, such as food or pet stains. The stain sensing system comprises an ultraviolet light-emitting element, a visible light-emitting element, and at least one light reader. Ultraviolet and visible light beams are reflected off the surface to be cleaned into a light reader that measures reflectance values and transmits the values to a processor. The processor compares a relative reflectance value to a predetermined threshold value. The presence of a biological stain is indicated when the relative reflectance value is greater than the threshold value, and may trigger a controller to automatically adjust one or more cleaning parameters of the extractor.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.Inventor: Eric C. Huffman
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Patent number: 8719999Abstract: A mobile surface cleaner includes a mobile body, a least one wheel, a source of a fluid, a pump, a sprayer hose connectable to a fitting on the mobile body, a high pressure spray gun connectable to the sprayer hose, and a functional generator. The functional generator includes first and second electrode chambers, which are separated by an ion exchange membrane. A flow path extends from the fluid source to the fitting and passes through the functional generator. The flow path is configured to combine all the fluid produced in the first and second electrode chambers to form a combined fluid on the cleaner. A control circuit is coupled to the pump and the functional generator and is configured to energize the pump to pump the fluid along the flow path and energize the functional generator to electrochemically activate the liquid that is passed through the functional generator.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Tennant CompanyInventor: Bruce F. Field
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Patent number: 8713749Abstract: A cleaner spotter tool for a wet/dry vacuum cleaner having a fluid containing tank, an extractor nozzle housing coupled to the tank, a fluid delivery pump mounted in the nozzle housing, a tubing fluidly coupled to both the tank and the pump for delivering fluid from the tank to the pump, and a spray nozzle on the nozzle housing coupled to the pump for spraying fluid out of the pump.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Koblenz Electrica S.A. de C.V.Inventors: Marco Antonio Cortes Ruiz, Felix Rodriguez Perfino, Richard Arthur Kohler
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Publication number: 20140115815Abstract: A cleaning vehicle includes a vehicle body, a cantilever system, and a cleaning apparatus. The cantilever system includes a rotary table fixed on the vehicle body, a first cantilever pivotably mounted on the rotary table, and a second cantilever pivotably connected to the first cantilever. The cleaning apparatus is fixed to one end of the second cantilever opposite to the first cantilever. The cleaning apparatus includes a bracket, a sweeping unit rotatably mounted to the bracket, a blower-vacuum unit, and a spraying unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.Inventors: KAI-MING LU, FENG LI
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Publication number: 20140115814Abstract: A cleaning vehicle includes a vehicle body, a cantilever system, and a cleaning apparatus. The cantilever system includes a rotary table fixed on the vehicle body, a first cantilever pivotably mounted on the rotary table, and a second cantilever pivotably connected to the first cantilever. The cleaning apparatus is fixed to one end of the second cantilever opposite to the first cantilever. The cantilever system further includes a first adjusting pole, a second adjusting pole, and a third adjusting pole, for adjusting the position and the angle of the cleaning apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTDInventors: Kai-Ming Lu, Feng Li
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Publication number: 20140115816Abstract: Rotary surface cleaning machines with recovery tanks and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative rotary surface cleaning machine in accordance with the present disclosure includes a base assembly, a support frame coupled to the base assembly, a recovery tank carried by the support frame, a vacuum blower, and a discharge pump. The vacuum blower draws a mixture of air and fluid from the base assembly to the recovery tank when the base assembly is in operation. Then the discharge pump discharges a liquid portion of the mixture from the recovery tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: SAPPHIRE SCIENTIFIC INC.Inventors: William Bruders, Brett Bartholmey, Bill Elmer Richardson, Kevin A. Wolfe, Keith Studebaker, Roy Studebaker
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Patent number: 8707510Abstract: An extraction cleaner comprises a fluid delivery system and a fluid recovery system. The fluid recovery system includes a centrifugal separator for separating a liquid and debris-entrained working air flow with a tangential air/water inlet, water outlet and air outlet at a lower portion of the separator. The air outlet has a vertical stand pipe that extends upwardly above the tangential air/water inlet and water outlet. The centrifugal separator can be mounted in a plurality of locations on the extraction cleaner thereby offering greater architectural flexibility.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.Inventor: Charles A. Reed, Jr.
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Patent number: 8695153Abstract: A surface cleaning head for cleaning a surface is provided that includes a housing that has a cleaning chamber surrounded by a peripheral wall and open at the bottom, and in which a cleaning nozzle is mounted on a spray arm and is freely rotatable about a rotational axis, and a jet pump for suctioning off cleaning fluid applied to a surface, the jet pump having a pump inlet channel connected to a combining channel via a mixing chamber, and a motive nozzle upstream from the combining channel. To improve the surface cleaning head, the pump inlet channel is oriented radially with respect to the spray arm and connected to the peripheral wall of the cleaning chamber, the diameter of the combining channel is 14 to 18 mm, and the distance between the motive nozzle and the combining channel is at least 10 mm.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Alfred Kärcher GmbH Co. KGInventors: Felix Treitz, Stefan Schilpp
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Patent number: 8689393Abstract: A device for cleaning a collector of a solar thermal electric power generation system is provided which does not need to secure any water source or the like and which improves the flexibility of selection of a place for installing the solar thermal electric power generation system. The cleaning device includes an air supply device and an air nozzle configured to blow air supplied from the air supply device, which are mounted on a self-propelled truck. The cleaning device is capable of blowing air blown from the air nozzle against a sunlight reflecting surface of a collector to clean up the sunlight reflecting surface. The air nozzle is configured to be capable of moving up and down. The cleaning device further includes a soiling degree measuring device for measuring soiling degrees of the sunlight reflecting surface before and after air blowing by the air nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hideaki Ota
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Patent number: 8689394Abstract: A washer-drier scrubbing machine includes a rotating roll brush the surface covered by spiked bristles facing upwards and towards the center near the front portion, and is covered by a casing which extends downwards and near the ground is provided with a “flap” having aligned openings oriented and facing the floor at the sides of the casing and facing the ground are sprayers fed with water-detergent mixtures pumped from a tank. Proximate the sprayers are arranged diffusers of compressed air which prevent the sprayed washing mixture from expanding outside the outline of the casing and being conveyed only towards the casing openings and towards a rotating brush and not beyond, on the track along which the machine proceeds the dirty water collected by the brush is sent to a tank through a separator which retains the high consistency dirt, and an intermediate container.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: Vittoria Bettuzzi
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Publication number: 20140090201Abstract: A surface treatment robot including a robot body, a differential drive system mounted on the robot body and configured to maneuver the robot over a cleaning surface, a liquid applicator carried by the robot body, and a collection assembly carried by the robot body and configured to remove waste from the cleaning surface. The robot body has a forward portion and a rear portion, with the forward portion preceding the rear portion as the robot moves in a forward direction over the cleaning surface. The liquid applicator is configured to dispense a liquid to the cleaning surface such that at least a portion of the liquid is dispensed rear of the collection assembly as the robot moves in the forward direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: iRobot CorporationInventor: Duane L. Gilbert, JR.
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Publication number: 20140082880Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring heat and/or sound during liquid extraction and/or cleaning processes are disclosed. A fluid extraction system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a fluid extractor having an outlet positioned to deliver extracted waste fluid, and a fluid tank operatively coupled to the extractor. A blower, having an air intake and an air outlet through which blower air passes, is operatively coupled to the extractor outlet to draw the extracted waste fluid from the extractor. A muffler is positioned at least partially within the liquid tank and has a flow path along which the blower air passes. In particular embodiments, the muffler can also provide a heat exchanger function, for example, to heat cleaning fluid provided to the extractor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: SAPPHIRE SCIENTIFICInventor: Michael James Roden
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Patent number: 8677552Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, and in particular a steam mop, comprises a steam delivery system for generating and distributing steam onto a surface to be cleaned. The steam mop further comprises a handle assembly mounted to a foot assembly that has a manifold configured to supply steam from a steam generator to the surface to be cleaned.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.Inventor: Alan J. Krebs
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Patent number: 8679335Abstract: The vacuum system (100) is mounted on a vehicle (102). It includes a dewatered solid matter compartment (142), a liquid matter compartment (144), a main flexible hose (130), and an immersible suction head (120) connected to a distal end of the main flexible hose (130). The suction head (120) includes a static dewatering screen filter (150) and a screen-washing arrangement (170) cooperating with the suction head (120). The screen-washing arrangement (170) is in fluid communication with the liquid matter compartment (144) through a high-pressure liquid circuit. The screen-washing arrangement (170) using the liquid matter from the liquid matter compartment (142) as a washing fluid. A method of separating solids and liquid fractions is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Saniprotex Inc.Inventor: Denis Dufort
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Patent number: 8677555Abstract: A mobile cleaning system to be used for cleaning organic liquids from a hard surface includes tanks for storing water, and for storing used, dirty water after cleanup. A water-based cleaner is sprayed onto the spill, which can be, but need not be, done in connection with the cleanup system. The system then sprays heated fresh water under high pressure onto the spill. A high throughput vacuum system removes the hot water and the spill materials concurrently as the hot water is applied to the treated area. The vacuumed liquids are stored in an on-board tank for later disposal.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2009Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Annihilator Cleaning Equipment, LLCInventor: Erick McCallum
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Publication number: 20140075710Abstract: A cleaning pad for use with a surface cleaning appliance, such as a steam mop, includes a cleaning composition and at least one visually discernible indicator that alerts a user to the condition of the cleaning pad. The visually discernible indicator can change color as the cleaning composition is consumed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.Inventor: Eric J. Hansen
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Publication number: 20140076359Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning pad and a grout cleaning tape. The grout cleaning tape can be provided as a replaceable grout cleaning cartridge containing a supply reel of grout cleaning tape that can be rolled across grout line grooves with an applicator roller. The grout cleaning tape can include a composition therein that is configured to be activated or enhanced by steam and transferred into the grout line to be cleaned when steam is applied to the tape.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.Inventor: Eric J. Hansen
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Patent number: 8668397Abstract: A hand-held portable electric or manual toothbrush that is capable of delivering and removing fluid while the toothbrush is being used. A fluid delivery tube delivers fluid from a clean fluid repository to the head of the toothbrush. A fluid removal tube removes used fluid from the user's mouth. The clean fluid is delivered via a pump positioned within a cavity of the toothbrush. The used fluid is removed via a vacuum positioned within the cavity of the toothbrush. This invention enables everyone, including the young, elderly, busy, healthy, sick, disabled, handicapped, and immobile, to brush anytime and anywhere. As a result, this invention would greatly improve the oral health of the general population.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventor: Afsoon Barkhordar
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Patent number: 8667637Abstract: A diffuser with an absorbent substrate for holding a steam diffusible composition, such as a fragrance for mounting on a steam frame of a steam appliance is provided. The steam appliance has a water pump for selectively injecting water from a reservoir to a boiler to generate steam fed into a steam frame with a fabric pad or steam pocket mounted thereon. The steam envelopes the diffuser to dispense a fragrance or other material in the absorbable substrate into the generated steam in response to a user use or movement of the appliance. When steam is generated and passes the diffuser, the composition is heated to a temperature it will vaporize and be distributed with the steam through the fabric pad or steam pocket.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2009Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating LLCInventors: Ognjen Vrdoljak, Charles Boulos
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Publication number: 20140060588Abstract: The washing device for cleaning parts, such as machine parts or the like, characterized in that its housing has a circular cross-sectional shape, that its tank at a distance above the bottom of the washing device has a bottom wall with a central exit opening for the cleaning liquid which is connected by a line section to the suction opening of the pump arranged under the bottom wall, that a filter housing with a filter is inserted into the connection line, and that downstream of the filter housing a two-way distributor is inserted into the connection line from which a further line is branched off that leads through the wall of the housing into the tank and introduces the cleaning agent at said place into the tank in such a manner that the cleaning agent is put into rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Inventor: Robert Sporer
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Publication number: 20140053363Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus comprising a steam generator 21 for providing a steam cleaning mode, a rotary brush 25 for providing a dry cleaning mode, a switch 17 operable to select the steam and/or dry cleaning mode, an upstanding handle 13, and a switch 15 disposed adjacent the upper end of the handle 13 which can be actuated to operate the cleaner in accordance with the selected mode(s). A user is thus able to operate the cleaner to provide the selected mode(s) of cleaning by actuating the switch 15 which is conveniently located on the handle 13.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: HOOVER LIMITEDInventors: Davide Barlotti, Jin Jin Luo
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Publication number: 20140041146Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: Karcher North America, Inc.Inventors: Daniel C. Venard, Adam Bearup