Combined, E.g., With Signal Or Indicator Patents (Class 15/339)
  • Publication number: 20130180076
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for efficiently removing a pollutant source in a snout of a steel plating line such as a steel galvanizing line. The pollutant removing apparatus includes at least one pollutant collecting member connecting to a snout between a heating furnace and a plating tank, and a contact-free inducer varying magnetic field within the snout to forcibly guide, without contact, a pollutant source of a steel plate or a processing unit to the pollutant collecting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: POSCO
    Inventors: Tae-In Jang, Yong-Hun Kweon, Jung-Kuk Kim, Chang-Woon Jee
  • Patent number: 8484795
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method are provided for collecting debris from a tool. A housing defines a channel, at least one of the tool and the housing being selectively movable to operably orient the tool at a predefined reference relationship to the channel. A magnetic member is operable to demagnetize at least one of the tool and the debris. A windage source in fluid communication with the channel is operable to establish a windage contacting the tool to cooperate with the magnetic member in removing the debris from the tool. A conduit connected to the channel collects the removed debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Chad Francis Barclay, Joseph Charles Lutz, Kok Wah Jackie Tan, Kok Loong Teng
  • Patent number: 8484797
    Abstract: A cleaner which removes dirt from an additional cleaning apparatus automatically is provided. The cleaner includes a cleaning apparatus which is removably mounted in the cleaner and is dismounted from the cleaner to perform an additional cleaning operation, and includes a housing to store dirt therein, an outlet through which the dirt stored in the housing is discharged, and a movable cover movable between a closing position to close the outlet and an opening position to open the outlet, a receiving unit for receiving the cleaning apparatus, a conversion unit for converting the movable cover of the cleaning apparatus from the closing position to the opening position, a suction unit for drawing in dirt from a cleaning surface along with air, and a dust-collector which is fluidly connected to the suction unit and the cleaning apparatus to separate dirt from air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-Hun Yoo
  • Patent number: 8479355
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a filter, an optically sensitive filter replacement indicator associated with the filter, and a light source configured to provide light on the optically sensitive filter replacement indicator. The light source is variably energizable according to a selectable power level of the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Seyfettin Kara, Stefan Kreimeyer, Monika Seifert, Stefan Tiekoetter, Cornelius Wolf
  • Patent number: 8479354
    Abstract: The drill brush and vacuum attachment apparatus provides for attachment to a vacuum cleaner and to a drill. The diameter reduction of the shaft first end is removably chucked into a drill of choice. The drill thereby turns the shaft as the free-wheel sleeve is free to be held stationary by a user via the angled reaction bar. The bar with associated collar may adjustably positioned along the sleeve, then tightened in the desired position by the thumb screw. Various shapes and sizes of removable brushes and other tools may be threadably attached to the shaft second end and used to clean various work pieces, and especially to clean out pre-drilled holes. As a work piece is cleaned by brushes and tools, the vacuum connected to the free-wheel sleeve vacuum tube draws debris and potentially airborne materials in, thereby negating potential mess, material clouds, and ensures a healthy work place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Peter T. Doyle
  • Publication number: 20130167320
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a foot, a handle pivotally attached to the foot, a suction source, and a display disposed on one of the handle and the foot. The foot includes a suction nozzle. The handle is pivotal relative to the foot about an axis of rotation. The suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The display is for displaying content in a first orientation relative to the display and a second orientation relative to the display based on the position of the handle relative to the foot. The second orientation is different than the first orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew Q. Liu, Susan S. Roberts, Steven W. Kostreba
  • Patent number: 8468645
    Abstract: A cleaning robot having an exhaust air feedback function can utilize the vacuum suction force generated by a suction motor as well as spray exhaust air onto the surface to be cleaned by circulating the air using the suction motor, thereby improving foreign material removal efficiency. The cleaning robot includes a suction unit, a suction motor for drawing in foreign materials from the surface to be cleaned, along with air, through the suction unit, a dust collector for capturing the foreign materials, so that the air is exhausted through the suction motor, and an exhaust air feedback unit for feeding the air. The cleaning robot also includes a spray nozzle unit inserted into the suction unit and placed on the leading end of the suction unit, the spray nozzle unit spraying the air fed by the exhaust air feedback unit, to the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Hanool Robotics Corp.
    Inventors: Byung-Soo Kim, Jae-Young Choi, Se-Won Lee, Sang-Hee Kim
  • Publication number: 20130152965
    Abstract: A semiconductor cleaning device includes an external electrode opposed to a side surface of the semiconductor device; a base configured to allow arrangement of the semiconductor device, and having an opening positioned between the side surface of the semiconductor device in the arranged state and the external electrode, and located below the side surface of the semiconductor device; a frame having an electrically insulating property, being in contact with the external electrode, arranged on the base and opposed to the side surface of the semiconductor device; and suction means connected to the opening in the base and being capable of taking in the foreign matter through the opening. Thereby, the semiconductor cleaning device and a semiconductor cleaning method that can remove the foreign matter adhered to the side surface of the semiconductor device and can prevent re-adhesion of the removed foreign matter can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Akira OKADA, Takaya Noguchi, Hajime Akiyama
  • Publication number: 20130152333
    Abstract: A cordless, battery-powered system of cleaning products. The system of cleaning products includes devices such as upright vacuums (e.g., a stick vacuum, a lightweight upright vacuum, etc.), a hand-held vacuum, a carpet-cleaner, a canister vacuum, and the like. Each of the devices is powered by a battery pack which is interchangeable among the devices. The battery pack includes a combination of hardware and software for connecting to, identifying, and communicating with the cleaning products to ensure that each of the products receives the power necessary to ensure optimal performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: TECHTRONIC FLOOR CARE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Techtronic Floor Care Technoogy Limited
  • Patent number: 8465597
    Abstract: A modular recycling cleaning system comprising in combination: a pressure washing and control module, a vacuum motor assembly module, a reservoir module, an air/liquid separator module, a flexible hose system, a control system and a cleaning head, capable of being easily configured so as to function as any one of: a straight through pressure washer with cleaning liquid supplied from an external source; a straight through pressure washer with cleaning liquid supplied internally from an integral water reservoir; a recycling pressure washer with cleaning liquid being supplied and reused from an integral cleaning liquid reservoir replenished with cleaning liquid by means of a vacuum recovery system; a straight through pressure washer with recovery of contaminated cleaning liquid but without reuse; a conventional wet vacuum cleaning system or a conventional dry vacuum cleaning system. The appliance being capable of further configuration as a shampooing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: John C. Turner
  • Patent number: 8464392
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electric vacuum cleaner which can reliably absorb vibration accompanying driving of an electric blowing part. An electric blowing part 11 which is driven to generate a negative pressure is housed in a main body case 5. An energizing means 29 which energizes the electric blowing part 11 from the front side toward the center of gravity G of the electric blowing part 11 in a side view, and an energizing means 30 which energizes the electric blowing part 11 from the rear side, are provided on the main body case 5. Vibration accompanying driving of the electric blowing part 11 can be reliably absorbed by energizing of springs of the energizing means 29 and 30, and vibration can be isolated from the main body case 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Consumer Electronics Holdings Corporation, Toshiba Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Sato, Masatoshi Tanaka, Yoshiyuki Iwata
  • Patent number: 8454761
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the surface of a base, comprising: a base; a plurality of apertures flush with the surface of said base, said apertures being connected to a plurality of sub-channels and wherein said apertures are adapted to expel air; at least one air chamber operatively connected with said plurality of sub-channels; a main channel connected with said at least one air chamber; wherein said main channel is supplied from an air compressor; and a main valve located between said at least one air chamber and said main channel, wherein said main valve regulates the air flow from said main channel to said at least one air chamber, said valve being further adapted to close said main channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Fermin Esson
  • Publication number: 20130133154
    Abstract: Collected-dust-amount indicating device (16) includes a pointer tube, at least a part of which is configured with a transparent material. The pointer tube includes a first end portion to which a first pressure is applied, and a second end portion to which a second pressure is applied. In the inside of the pointer tube, a pointer is disposed which is displaced by a differential pressure between the first pressure applied to the first end portion and the second pressure applied to the second end portion. Moreover, a pointer spring is disposed to be accommodated in the pointer tube such that the pointer spring biases the pointer toward larger one of the first pressure and the second pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tooru Iwasa
  • Patent number: 8443485
    Abstract: A vacuum electronic power tool sense system senses the operation of a power tool that is plugged into an auxiliary outlet box and the vacuum source is automatically operated to facilitate user clean-up of debris generated by use of the power tool. The auxiliary outlet box can be removably mounted to the vacuum housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Kunz, Robert Bradus, John Cunningham, Larry T. Albert, David R. Beers
  • Publication number: 20130117959
    Abstract: A cleaning system includes a housing with a reservoir for holding waste, with the reservoir in fluid communication with a suction line, a pumping station for receiving waste from the reservoir, and a cleaning component for cleaning one or more surfaces on the housing or the station either automatically or based on an actuation signal input by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Stryker Corporation
  • Patent number: 8438693
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body capable of standing and inclining, an electric blower accommodated in the cleaner body, a floor nozzle capable of cleaning a surface while the cleaner body inclines, a mode detector detecting whether the cleaner body stands or inclines, and a controller controlling a power supplied to the electric blower. The controller is operable to supply a first power the electric blower if the mode detector detects that the cleaner body inclines, and to supply a second power lower than the first power to the electric blower if the mode detector detects that the cleaner body stands. This vacuum cleaner prevents the electric blower from overheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Tosiaki Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20130104929
    Abstract: A pulse detonation system is provided for delivering a shock wave to an operating device to clean accumulation or buildup of particles within the operating device. The pulse detonation system includes a support structure, a camera apparatus and a pulse detonation chamber. The pulse detonation chamber is supported by the support structure and extends into the interior portion of the operating device. The pulse detonation chamber receives fuel and air to create a shock wave. The shock wave exits the pulse detonation chamber and interacts with the buildup of particles in the operating device. The pulse detonation chamber includes a plurality of pulse detonation tubes that are detachable and portable, such that the pulse detonation system can be detached and moved from a first location to a second location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: BHA Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Tian Xuan Zhang, Peter Martin Maly, David M. Chapin
  • Patent number: 8429790
    Abstract: A vacuum grooming tool is disclosed that includes a vacuum nozzle attachable to a vacuum source and has a hollow body with a mouth opening. A grooming device selected from a variety of standard animal grooming hand tools, such as a shedding blade, rake or de-matting tool, may span the mouth opening. The grooming device is positioned such that the airflow created by the vacuum source flows over at least one side of the grooming device. A vacuum cleaning tool for removing any animal hair from a grooming tool is also disclosed. A vacuum plenum of the cleaning tool is attachable to a vacuum source and has an opening for cleaning the grooming tool in one pass. The cleaning tool can be mounted on a stationary support may also include a pivot-action mechanism that connects the vacuum grooming tool or the cleaning tool to the vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Hair Patrol LLC
    Inventor: James E. Freidell
  • Patent number: 8424152
    Abstract: An electrical appliance including a housing containing an electric motor and a storage battery pack for energizing the electric motor at an operating voltage of more than 42 volts. The storage battery pack includes a plurality of storage battery cells electrically connected so as to form at least two cell groups having a cell voltage of less than 42 volts. A connector assembly includes a bridge circuit configured to electrically connect the cell groups with each other so as to provide the operating voltage of more than 42 volts while establishing electrical connection between the storage battery pack and the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Oliver Liebig, Dirk Wegener
  • Patent number: 8424156
    Abstract: A double suction type sterilizing vacuum cleaner includes a base seat and an upper cover mounted on an upper side of the base seat. A main suction port is provided in the base seat. A hitting device is mounted on the base seat and adapted to hit a cleaning object under the base seat. A sterilizing lamp is mounted in the base seat for sterilizing purposes. A dust collecting box is detachably mounted to the upper cover and defines an air channel in communication with the main suction port. A secondary suction port is provided in the dust collecting box and in communication with the air channel. When the main suction port is blocked, an ambient air can be supplied to the air channel through the secondary suction port, facilitating the release of the blocking situation in the main suction port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Yejen Appliances (Shenzhen) Limited
    Inventor: Pet-Cheng Hsu
  • Patent number: 8413294
    Abstract: A fan motor unit and a vacuum cleaner having the same are provided. The fan motor unit includes a motor assembly comprising an impeller and a motor, a first upper case configured to surround the motor assembly, the first upper case comprising an inlet tube in communication with an entry of the impeller, configured to a first lower case configured to surround a lower portion of the motor assembly, a damper and a pressure switch, each in communication with the inlet tube and, a warning member connected to the pressure switch, wherein when the pressure of the interior pressure of the motor assembly is below a predetermined value, external air is flowed through the damper and a warning is generated by the warning member and the pressure switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung-Jo Lee
  • Patent number: 8414670
    Abstract: A dust-sucking and air-cleaning composite structure is provided with a dust-sucking body and an air-cleaning body. The top surface of the air-cleaning body is provided with a vertically opening cavity. The cavity is recessed downward toward the interior of the air-cleaning body and has an opening facing upwardly. The inner profile of the cavity corresponds to the outer profile of the dust-sucking body, thereby allowing the dust-sucking body to be movably inserted into the cavity to be electrically coupled to the air-cleaning body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Wen Ching Lee
  • Publication number: 20130074281
    Abstract: A particle collecting apparatus is provided with a case, an ultrasonic generator, a gas supplying unit, a suction unit and a seal member. The case has one end, and defines a space at the one end. The ultrasonic generator is provided in the case, and generates ultrasonic waves towards the opening defined by the one end of the case. The gas supplying unit supplies gas to the space. The suction unit exhausts the space. The seal member has elasticity, and is provided at the one end so as to surround the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
  • Patent number: 8402597
    Abstract: A steam appliance having a water pump controlled by a motion switch response to movement of the appliance is provided. In one embodiment, a micro-switch is turned ON and OFF by movement of a micro-switch actuator in operative engagement with the towel frame at the base if the appliance. In another embodiment, the actuator is operatively connected to a mechanical pump to activate the pump. The motor switch or actuator will be displaced whenever the unit is moved by a user, thus causing the pump to pump water to the boiler. Steam is then fed to a steam pad that may have a replaceable fabric pad fit snugly on the frame to distribute clean steam to a surface to be steamed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: Maximilian Rosenzweig, Ognjen Vrdoljak
  • Publication number: 20130036572
    Abstract: [Object]An object is to easily suction dust/dirt on a cleaning portion of a mop as need arises without scattering the dust/dirt adhering to the mop when cleaning a floor with a vacuum cleaner while cleaning with the mop. [Solution]A mopstick (4) is inserted through an opening (13) on a cylindrical cleaning unit (6) of a mop dust suction device (3), which includes a hose coupling unit (7) detachably attached to a connection portion of a hose of a vacuum cleaner; a cleaning portion (5) of the mop is drawn into the cylindrical cleaning unit (6); the cleaning portion (5) of the mop is rotated in an arrow (B12) direction while the cleaning portion (5) of the mop is moved repeatedly in an arrow (A11) direction; and the dust/dirt adhering to the mop is easily suctioned and removed by suction force of a vacuum cleaner main body (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Keiichi Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8370990
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved structure for robotic cleaner primarily comprising of a chassis with plurality of spherical casters fixed to the periphery of bottom deck, a dust collector mounted on the chassis, a lifting actuation mechanism mounted on the chassis that includes a lifting power supply at least to drive two parallel and extendable first swing arms and two parallel and extending second swing arms through a relevant linking device, a first gear train and a second gear train that can pivotally rotate in reverse direction, a drive wheel mounted at the moveable end of the two parallel and extending first swing arms each, a driven wheel mounted at the moveable end of the two parallel and extending second swing arms each, plural advancing power supplies mounted at the middle section of the first swing arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: National Kaohsiung First University of Science
    Inventors: Jyh-Cheng Yu, Shu-Jung Chang
  • Patent number: 8365348
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing having at least one holding device configured to receive a vacuuming tool in a parked position and at least one illumination device associated with the holding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Mark Hanschur, Volker Gerth, Klemens Andrup, Martin Roth
  • Patent number: 8359703
    Abstract: An autonomous coverage robot includes a body having at least one outer wall, a drive system disposed on the body and configured to maneuver the robot over a work surface, and a cleaning assembly carried by the body. The cleaning assembly includes first and second cleaning rollers rotatably coupled to the body, a suction assembly having a channel disposed adjacent at least one of the cleaning rollers, and a container in fluid communication with the channel. The container is configured to collect debris drawn into the channel. The suction assembly is configured to draw debris removed from the work surface by at least one of the cleaning rollers into the channel, and the container has a wall common with the at least one outer wall of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Selma Svendsen, Daniel N. Ozick, Christopher M. Casey, Deepak Ramesh Kapoor, Tony L. Campbell, Chikyung Won, Christopher John Morse, Scott Thomas Burnett
  • Publication number: 20130014341
    Abstract: A screen cleaning system cleans debris from a material catching screen surrounded by a frame. A hollow vacuum arm which moves over the screen. The arm has a slot in a side which is adjacent to the screen. The arm includes an inner arm pivotally coupled to a duct and an outer arm which movable with respect to the inner arm. The arm is moved by an actuator mechanism which includes a first pulley coupled to a drive shaft, a second pulley coupled to an end of the arm, a belt drivingly coupling the first pulley to the second pulley. The outer arm is slidably coupled to the inner arm and a spring is biased to urge the outer arm radially inwardly. A track is formed by the frame and a roller rides along the track and is rotatably coupled to an end of the outer arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: JAMES M. HERSHBARGER, Nathan R. Vandike
  • Patent number: 8353074
    Abstract: 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 shuttling plate slidably mounted beneath the foot assembly, wherein the shuttle plate is configured to selectively divert steam through one of a pair of steam distributors positioned at a forward and rearward portion of the foot assembly dependent on the cleaning stroke direction of the steam mop. In one embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a vacuum source mounted thereto and at least one suction nozzle connected to the vacuum source and adapted to contact the surface to be cleaned and to draw moisture and debris from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J. Krebs
  • Publication number: 20130007981
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body having a suction source for generating a suction force; a suction nozzle assembly to draw in a dust or dirt from a surface to be cleaned by using the suction force of the suction source; a cyclone unit to separate the dust or dirt drawn in through the suction nozzle assembly from an air; a dust bin detachably disposed to the cleaner body to collect the dust or dirt separated at the cyclone unit; and a shredder to shred a paper, the shredder being detachably communicated with an opening of the dust bin to collect the shredded paper into the dust bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jang-keun Oh, Jun-hwa Lee, Sung-cheol Lee, Jae-jin Aum, Chang-hyun Park, Jun-hoo Choe, Yong-jae Yong, Kang Kim
  • Patent number: 8341802
    Abstract: A robot cleaner that is capable of preventing dust collected in a dust tank from flowing backward outside when a situation in which the dust may be discharged outside occurs includes a cleaner body, a dust tank mounted in the cleaner body to collect dust, and a backward-flow preventing device to prevent dust from flowing backward outside through a suction port of the dust tank. The backward-flow preventing device includes a shutter unit to open and close the suction port and a stopper unit to drive the shutter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Won Kim, Jae Man Joo, Jun Pyo Hong, Chang Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 8332991
    Abstract: A robotic vacuum cleaner having a main module and a cleaning head being connected with the main module by means of a suction hose. The main module comprises a debris compartment (8) for accommodating a disposable debris bag (9), which compartment (8) is covered by a hinging cover (18). A hinging part (20) of a suction tube (12) is attached to the hinging cover (18) and a stationary part (21) of the suction tube (12) is connected with an opening (13) to be connected with the suction hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Hans J. Blaak, Harrie W. J. Baltussen, Pritesh R. Patel, Auke-Jan Veenstra
  • Publication number: 20120311812
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner to perform a plurality of cleaning functions includes a main body including a suction motor, a nozzle to suction air and foreign material by using a suction power generated by the suction motor, and a handle disposed between the nozzle and the main body to be gripped by a user. A communication unit receives power information from an external, and a power management unit receives the power information from the communication unit. The power management unit determines a number of cleaning functions available to the vacuum cleaner among the plurality of cleaning functions based on the received power information, and a display unit displays the number of the cleaning functions determined by the power management unit to be available to the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Daehwan Park
  • Publication number: 20120312327
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a cleaning device for a ceiling transport facility in which a plurality of locations to be cleaned can be cleaned appropriately while avoiding having insufficient suction power for the plurality of cleaning suction portions. A travelling guide portion for a transport carriage is provided on the ceiling side. The cleaning carriage that can travel along the travelling guide portion is provided with a plurality of cleaning suction portions for performing suctioning action on a plurality of locations to be cleaned in the travelling guide portion and a vacuum cleaner which is in communication with the plurality of cleaning suction portions. The plurality of cleaning suction portions are divided to a plurality of functioning units. And an interrupting device is provided for selectively permitting and preventing the communication of each of the plurality of the functioning units with the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: DAIFUKU CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichi MORIMOTO, Tadahiro YOSHIMOTO, Yuji BABA
  • Publication number: 20120291809
    Abstract: A cleaning system includes a robotic cleaner and an evacuation station. The robotic cleaner can dock with the evacuation station to have debris evacuated by the evacuation station. The robotic cleaner includes a bin to store debris, and the bin includes a port door through which the debris can be evacuated into the evacuation station. The evacuation station includes a vacuum motor to evacuate the bin of the robotic cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Tucker Kuhe, Jennifer Smith, Sam Duffley
  • Patent number: 8312590
    Abstract: Embodiments of a switched reluctance (SR) motor for use in a integrated vacuum system for a vehicle are disclosed. The SR motor may receive input voltage directly from an electrical storage device used to start up an engine of the vehicle. The SR motor may include an encoder that triggers an optical sensor to provide signals to a motor controller. The motor controller may energize stator poles based on the received signals. The encoder may be mechanically phase-advanced with respect to poles of the rotor to ensure proper start-up of the SR motor. Commutations of the motor may occur before a point of maximum inductance where the rotor and stator are aligned. In a preferred embodiment, the input voltage received by the SR motor is in a range of 9-16 Volts DC, a maximum drawn current is 36 amps, and the phase advance is between 9-11 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Shop Vac Corporation
    Inventors: Neil N. Norell, Matthew L. Huff, James M. Robitaille
  • Patent number: 8302248
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner attachment and a method of control of the vacuum cleaner attachment are described. The vacuum cleaner attachment comprises an ultraviolet light source to irradiate and disinfect various cleaning surfaces. Various embodiments of the attachment include one or more safety features concerning activation, enabling, and disabling of the ultraviolet light source based on various parameters such as distance between the attachment and a cleaning surface, time that such a distance is greater than a predetermined time period, and temperature of the ultraviolet light source in order to enable safe and effective operation of the attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Ernest Matthew Chavana, Jr., Steven Wayne Myers
  • Publication number: 20120272473
    Abstract: A vacuum accessory tool comprises a nozzle body that forms a suction nozzle and at least one light emitting element that emits light in an ultraviolet (UV) spectrum that will illuminate stains on the surface to be cleaned. The light is projected forwardly of the suction nozzle body so that stains on the surface will be visible to a user as the vacuum accessory tool is moved over the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: BISSELL HOMECARE, INC.
    Inventor: Aaron P. Griffith
  • Patent number: 8296899
    Abstract: A robotic vacuum cleaner comprising sensor means for detecting physical contact with stationary objects in the environment of the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner comprises a handle (1) for carrying the vacuum cleaner by hand (3). The handle (1) can be in a second position whereby the handle (1) is located close to the body (4) of the vacuum cleaner, whereby the sensor means detect forces exerted on the handle (1) during operation of the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Auke-Jan Veenstra
  • Publication number: 20120260944
    Abstract: A remote-controlled, autonomous, or semi-autonomous vacuum cleaner for raised floor environments comprises a vacuum cleaner especially configured to clean tight, hard-to-reach areas, such as the space between the floor and the raised panels of a raised access floor system and a control module for remotely operating the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: MARTINS MAINTENANCE, INC.
    Inventors: Manuel E. Martins, JR., Marek Sadowski, Tomasz Czarnecki, Roman Iwaszko, Franciszek Miklaszewicz, Lukasz Kszonowski
  • Publication number: 20120260455
    Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust reflux type cleaning robot. In the cleaning robot, foreign substances along with air are sucked into a suction unit by a suction motor, and the foreign substances are collected in a dust collecting unit while the air from which the foreign substances have been removed is discharged to the outside via the suction motor. The cleaning robot includes an exhaust reflux unit which has the suction motor and is provided with left and right air passages disposed on opposite sides of the suction motor, a discharge nozzle unit which is connected to the left and right air passages, a suction unit which is configured such that the discharge nozzle unit is disposed in front of the suction unit, and a sterilization anion generating unit which generates sterilization anions to sterilize air discharged via the suction motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: HANOOL ROBOTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Byung-Soo Kim, Byung-Soo Lee, Nam-Su Lee, Dong-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 8286300
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for controlling current in a switched reluctance motor by changing a dwell state including starting the motor in a normal mode, measuring current in the motor, comparing the measured current to a first threshold, triggering an interrupt if the measured current exceeds the first threshold, keeping a count of consecutive readings exceeding the first threshold, changing the dwell state from a first state to a second state if the measured current exceeds the first threshold and the count equals a set value, changing the dwell state from a second state to a third state if the measured current exceeds a second threshold, and triggering a fault condition if the measured current in the third state exceeds a third threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Shop Vac Corporation
    Inventors: Neil N. Norell, James M. Robitaille, Matthew L. Huff
  • Publication number: 20120246863
    Abstract: Presented herein are various techniques for cooling a UV light source and keeping it within a predetermined temperature range. One embodiment is directed to using Venturi pump for the thermal control. Another embodiment employs a mechanical or electrical self-adjusting valve. Another embodiment is directed to using a forced air system to actively blow air across the light source. Examples of the device are an air cleaner, a vacuum cleaner, a mobile floor-sanitizer, and a hand-held sanitizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Ryan J. Douglas
  • Publication number: 20120240348
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus cleaning method that includes: containing a cleaning gas in a reaction tube without generating a gas flow of the cleaning gas in the reaction tube by supplying the cleaning gas into the reaction tube and by completely stopping exhaustion of the cleaning gas from the reaction tube or by exhausting the cleaning gas at an exhausting rate which substantially does not affect uniform diffusion of the cleaning gas in the reaction tube from at a point of time of a period from a predetermined point of time before the cleaning gas is supplied into the reaction tube to a point of time when several seconds are elapsed after starting of supply of the cleaning gas into the reaction tube; and thereafter exhausting the cleaning gas from the reaction tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Kazuyuki OKUDA, Toru Kagaya, Masanori Sakai
  • Publication number: 20120227209
    Abstract: A harness system for a backpack appliance may include a base, a waist support, a support member coupled to the base and adapted to couple to the appliance, and at least one shoulder strap. The shoulder strap may have a first end coupled to the base and a second end configured to couple to the appliance. The base may be configured to couple with the appliance. A method of supporting an appliance on a user may include coupling the appliance to a harness system, disposing a coupler adjacent a position on the user's back, and supporting the appliance with a support member in a pendulumlike manner. The pendulum may have a rest position, and the method may include biasing the appliance toward the rest position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventor: Richard W. VINSON
  • Patent number: 8256060
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pulse cleaner for cleaning a diesel exhaust aftertreatment device. The pulse cleaner includes a cabinet, a diesel exhaust aftertreatment device mount positioned within the cabinet for mounting the diesel exhaust aftertreatment device during pulse cleaning, and a collection filter positioned within the cabinet for collecting material displaced from the diesel exhaust aftertreatment device during cleaning. The pulse cleaner can be equipped with features such as an exhaust aftertreatment device core temperature sensor, an air flow concentrator or an air swirling vane. The pulse cleaner can also include adapters for providing system compatibility with different styles of exhaust aftertreatment devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne M. Wagner, Mary Joanne Lorenzen, John T. Herman
  • Publication number: 20120216366
    Abstract: A steam cleaner capable of automatically sweeping includes a main body; a handle arranged at an upper end of the main body; and a cleaning towel arranged at a bottom of the main body. The main body is provided with a shell, an inner cavity of the shell is provided with a steam generating device, and the inner cavity of the shell is further provided with a telescopic sweeping device, and wherein the shell or the handle is provided with a switch for controlling the sweeping device to be telescopic and sweep the floor. The switch controls the sweeping device to be telescopic and sweep the floor. A user only needs to press or rotate the switch, so that the sweeping device can be automatically outwardly extended to sweep the floor; and after cleaning, the user only needs to press or rotate the switch so that the sweeping device can be inwardly retracted, and the steam cleaning function is recovered, therefore, the steam cleaner is very convenient to be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: XIOTIN INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Oscar Chow
  • Publication number: 20120216365
    Abstract: A steam cleaner capable of automatically absorbing dust includes a main body; a handle arranged at an upper end of the main body; and a cleaning towel arranged at a bottom of the main body. The main body is provided with a shell, an inner cavity of the shell is provided with a steam generating device, and the inner cavity of the shell is further provided with a dust absorbing device, and wherein the dust absorbing device includes a telescopic dust absorbing head, and the shell or the handle is provided with a switch for controlling the dust absorbing head to be telescopic and absorb the dust. The shell of the steam cleaner is internally provided with the dust absorbing device with the telescopic dust absorbing head; and the switch controls the dust absorbing head to be telescopic and absorb the dust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: XIOTIN INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Oscar CHOW
  • Publication number: 20120216363
    Abstract: A dry type cleaning case cleans a cleaning object by causing a cleaning medium to fly by an airflow and contact the cleaning object. The dry type cleaning case includes an internal space in which the cleaning medium is caused to fly; an opening that comes in contact with the cleaning object so that the cleaning medium collides with the cleaning object; a ventilation path through which air from outside is passed to the internal space; a suction opening configured to generate a revolving airflow in the internal space by suctioning the air that is guided into the internal space through the ventilation path; a porous unit configured to pass removed matter that is removed from the cleaning object to a side of the suction opening; and a humidifying unit configured to increase humidity in an area where the cleaning medium flies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yoichi OKAMOTO, Akihiro Fuchigami, Kohji Tsukahara, Shozo Murata, Yusuke Taneda