Abstract: Several methods of controlling a vacuum cleaner (10) using various types of sensors (94, 96, 97, 98) are provided. One method is based on a differential pressure between a suction airflow path and ambient air and includes: detecting the differential pressure, comparing the detected differential pressure to a predetermined threshold, and, when the detected differential pressure is less than the predetermined threshold, initiating a predetermined control procedure. A status indicator (164) is updated based on the detected differential pressure. Another method is based on a level of electrical current flowing through a brush motor (100). Still another method is based on a type or condition of the floor being traversed. Yet another method is based on a distance to a surface of a floor over which the vacuum cleaner is advancing. In another aspect of the invention, a vacuum cleaner is provided.

Abstract: A robot cleaner with a pivotable brush which pivots in accordance with a condition of a floor surface to be cleaned. The pivotal brush prevents overload to a suction motor caused by excessive contact of the brush with the floor surface to be cleaned. The robot cleaner includes a robot cleaner body with a hinge receiving portion, a brush frame with a hinge protrusion pivotally connected to the hinge receiving portion, and a suction port sealingly connected with the dust suction portion of the robot cleaner body. A brush cover is detachable from the brush frame via a brush cover locking mechanism. A rotatable brush is rotatably disposed between the brush frame and the brush cover.

Abstract: A hard surface cleaner includes a motorized scrub head, a fluid recovery device, a primary cleaning liquid component container, a cleaning agent container, a flow control device and a fluid flow path. The flow control device is configured to supply a flow of cleaning agent from the cleaning agent container at a flow rate of less than approximately 10 cubic centimeters per minute to a flow of primary cleaning liquid component from the primary cleaning liquid component container. The fluid flow path is configured to receive a flow of cleaning liquid, which comprises the cleaning agent and the primary cleaning liquid component.

Abstract: To treat a surface by a device attracted to the surface by vacuum, it is necessary in most cases to guide a working device with a certain contact pressure over the surface. To be able to set the contact pressure of the working device with little effort, the device according to the invention rests at three points on the surface, one support point being formed by the working device. The force of attraction of the device against the surface is, therefore, accurately distributed to the working device and the other two supports so that the pressure force of the working device can be specifically varied and also controlled by varying the vacuum between the device and the surface.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus comprises a fluid dispensing system including at least one fluid supply tank, a dispensing nozzle connected to the fluid supply tank through a fluid supply conduit for applying a cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned, a fluid recovery tank for holding recovered fluid, a suction nozzle, a working air conduit extending between the recovery tank and the suction nozzle, a vacuum source in fluid communication with the recovery tank for generating a flow of working air from the suction nozzle through the working air conduit and to the recovery tank to thereby recover fluid from the surface to be cleaned through the suction nozzle and working air conduit and into the recovery tank, and a power drive mechanism for selectively propelling the portable cleaning apparatus over the surface to be cleaned

Abstract: A robot vacuum cleaner comprises a cleaner body having a wheel disposed at a lower portion and a suction port through which contaminants are drawn in from a cleaning surface; and an air circulating mechanism for filtering out contaminants from the contaminant-laden air drawn in through the suction port and then jetting the contaminant-free air to an air jet opening to help dislodge contaminants from the cleaning surface. The air jet opening is adjacent to the suction port; and the two elements are surrounded by a sealing member for sealing off a portion between the cleaning surface and the cleaner body to prevent dislodged contaminants from being dispersed outwardly.

Abstract: A squeegee mount and assembly which cooperate to permit both pivotal and linear motion of the squeegee assembly relative to the machine frame. To avoid contact with a stationary object, the squeegee assembly can be both pivoted and linearly moved relative to the surface maintenance machine, thereby preventing damage to the squeegee assembly and/or the surface maintenance machine. The squeegee mounting assembly includes a mounting arm, a subframe, a return spring coupled between the subframe and the frame, and a stop. A squeegee assembly comprised of a squeegee blade, an arcuate squeegee blade holder, and a link which couples the blade holder to the squeegee mounting assembly. A guard rail is also coupled to one end of the blade holder and rotatively coupled along another end to the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor treatment system with a self-propelled and self-steering floor treatment unit, which comprises an electrically driven floor treatment assembly and also a rechargeable power supply unit, and with a central charging station for recharging the power supply unit, the floor treatment unit being capable of being electrically connected to the charging station by means of respective electrical connecting elements disposed on the charging station and the floor treatment unit. In order to develop the floor treatment system in such a way that improved electrical coupling of the respective connecting elements is made possible, it is proposed according to the invention that at least one of the respective connecting elements is spring-mounted.

Abstract: An unmanned vehicle for displacing manure in a stable or field which comprises a steering unit for steering the vehicle and a frame. Two wheels and a manure displacing blade which depend from the frame provide the entire support for the vehicle, the vehicle's center of gravity being in an axis which falls between the wheels and the blade. A freely turnable circular bumper is also carried by the frame and prevents the vehicle from colliding with obstacles in the area wherein it operates. The vehicle also includes orientation and steering components as well as sensors for controlling the course of travel of the vehicle within the area and, such as the circular bumper, to prevent it from colliding with obstacles in the area.

Abstract: A floor cleaner is provided for cleaning a floor, where the floor cleaner has a front and a rear and includes: a sweeper for sweeping the floor, a scrubber, connected to the sweeper and located in the rear of the sweeper, for wetting and cleaning the floor; and a burnisher, connected to the scrubber and located in the rear of the scrubber, for burnishing the floor.

Abstract: A power management system for a surface maintenance machine, such as a street sweeper is disclosed. The system includes a variable speed engine for transporting the surface maintenance machine, a hydraulic pump powered by the engine, a vacuum fan motor powered by the hydraulic pump, an engine speed sensor coupled to the engine, an electric proportional valve coupled between the hydraulic pump and the vacuum fan motor, said valve for selectively restricting a flow rate to the vacuum fan motor, and a control unit operatively coupled to the engine speed sensor and the proportional valve, said control unit receiving engine speed information from the engine speed sensor and communicating a predetermined signal to the proportional valve to control the flow rate to the vacuum fan motor as a function of engine speed. A method of managing engine power from a single-engine street sweeper is also disclosed.

Abstract: A street sweeper system is used typically in a motorized vehicle. The sweeper utilizes a cylindrical brush rotating about an axis generally perpendicular to the vehicle's direction of motion. A conveyor belt catches debris thrown forwards and upward by the brush and moves the debris to a hopper. A cutoff flap is mounted contacting a front portion of the brush. The cutoff flap deflects debris that moves upwards along a front portion of the brush back downwards to be recollected at the conveyor.

Abstract: A blower head, comprising a frame, a brush rotatably supported by the frame, a sweeper drive adapted for rotating said brush to sweep a surface, and a blower unit adapted for removing swept-up particles away from the surface. The frame includes a mouth portion and a throat portion. The brush is rotatably supported by the frame within the mouth portion. The sweeper drive rotates the brush to sweep particles such as snow or ice on a surface toward the frame. The mouth portion and the throat portion are constructed and arranged to funnel swept-up particles from the mouth portion and into the throat portion and the blower unit positioned therein. The blower head further includes an exit chute. The blower unit creates a pressure differential between the mouth portion and the exit chute sufficient to draw the swept-up particles from the mouth portion and into the throat portion, and to blow the swept-up particles out through the exit chute.

Abstract: A floor scrubber includes a forward cylindrical brush with adjustable down pressure. The cylindrical brush is sprayed uniformly with a controlled amount of water or solution and moves debris forward with a direct propelling action into a collection hopper. A set of three disc brushes is located behind the cylindrical brush, followed by a suction liquid recovery device for suctioning spent solution. A control system allows independent use of the forward cylindrical brush, or the rear disc brush set, or all brushes. A floor-engaging flap having a central opening extends transverse of the machine behind the cylindrical brush to channel water from the cylindrical brush to the disc brush set and then to the suction recovery device.

Abstract: A sweeper includes a sweeper body mounted on at least one pair of wheels. At least one brush is coupled to a forward end of the sweeper body for sweeping garbage from a ground surface and a suction device is coupled to the sweeper body. The suction device communicates with the forward end of the sweeper body. A garbage container assembly is mounted inside the sweeper body, for receiving garbage drawn into the sweeper by the suction device. A basket is movable into and out of the garbage container assembly and a lift mechanism is coupled to an underside of the basket. The lift mechanism is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position, the basket is tiltable to dump garbage contained in the basket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning generally hard-to-reach or inaccessible areas uses a turbine blower attached to at least one duct for blowing debris located in the hard-to-reach or inaccessible area into an accessible area. The apparatus is most typically mounted on a street-cleaning machine that collects debris as the machine is driven over the debris. The duct can be directionally adjusted from a driver's position of the street-cleaning machine. Air flow volume per unit time can be adjusted from the driver's position. The debris is moved using the apparatus from the inaccessible or hard-to-reach area into an area that permits the street-cleaning machine to be driven over the debris to collect the debris.

Abstract: A floor surface treatment apparatus having a wheeled vehicle including a support for a floor surface treatment unit, the support being moveable relative to the vehicle. A floor surface treatment unit is pivotally carried by the support for swinging movement relative thereto. The support is configured to raise and lower the unit relative to the floor surface, upon movement of the support relative to the vehicle, through a range of working positions in which the unit maintains a generally vertical orientation relative to the floor surface and is generally in contact therewith and a servicing position in which the unit is swung up relative to the vehicle above the floor surface to a position in which the unit is generally angled relative to the floor surface.

Abstract: The invention provides debris collection devices that include a debris contacting mechanism, a debris transport mechanism that is configured to receive debris moved by the debris contacting mechanism at an inlet and move such debris towards a debris storage compartment, and a filter and vacuum assembly. The filter and vacuum assembly includes an inlet disposed downstream of the inlet of the transport mechanism and upstream of the debris storage compartment, relative to the path of transported debris. In operation, the filter and vacuum assembly generate a primary air flow that draws the airborne particles into the inlet of the transport mechanism, along a path proximate to the transport mechanism, into the inlet of the filter and vacuum assembly and through a filter located within the filter and vacuum assembly without generating a substantial airflow through the storage compartment. Related debris collection and processing systems and methods also are provided.

Abstract: A carpet extractor (10) operable in either a restorative cleaning mode or a maintenance cleaning mode includes a constant rate pump (96) which dispenses clean solution through a manually operated valve (98) to one of two lines (100, 102) having nozzles which restrict dispensing to high and low solution flow rates. In the preferred form, clean solution is dispensed at the high flow rate directly upon the carpeted surface and at the low rate upon the agitating brush (88). When restorative cleaning is desired, the valve (98) is manually moved to dispense at the high flow rate and a switch (110) is also manually moved resulting in the chassis (18) being propelled at a slow working speed. When maintenance cleaning is desired, the valve (98) is manually moved to dispense at the low flow rate and the switch (110) is also manually moved resulting in the chassis (18) being propelled at a fast working speed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a street sweeper. The street sweeper includes a water tank, a collection hopper delimiting a refuse accommodating space and having a filtering screen, water spraying nozzles connected to the water tank, brushes positioned close to the street, a refuse suction tube placed adjacent to the brushes, and a blower unit for inducing suction force in the refuse suction tube. The street sweeper is adapted for sucking and collecting refuse existing on the street through the refuse suction tube into the collection hopper while water is sprayed from the water spraying nozzles. An opening is defined through a bottom wall of the collection hopper. A water inlet hole to be communicated with the opening is defined through a wall of the water tank. A filter assembly is arranged between the opening of the collection hopper and the water inlet hole of the water tank.

Abstract: A mobile sweeper having a wheel supported housing to be moved forward and backward over a surface to be swept of debris. A pair of parallel elongated rotary brushes are mounted in the housing for rotation and extend in the direction of their elongation transversely to the direction of normal forward movement of the housing. These rotating brushes project downwardly through a bottom opening in the housing for sweeping an underlying surface of leaves and other debris. The drive for the brushes drives the rotary brushes in counter rotation whereby debris is swept upwardly between the brushes. A vacuum shredder fan is also mounted in the housing and communicates through a vacuum chute with the bottom opening of the housing for drawing in debris swept up by the brushes and chipping, shredding or mulching and discharging the shredded debris through a discharge chute for collection.

Abstract: The control apparatus and vehicle of the invention for controlling a broom and blower system attached to the vehicle typically includes several modules (which may be software, hardware, or a combination of these) which interact to process command inputs. Thus, broom state, broom height, and broom direction command modules are all logically connected to a command input module. Similarly, blower state (blower on/off) and direction (blower left/right) modules are also logically connected to the command input module. The method of the invention for operating a broom and a blower includes the steps of receiving a command input, measuring the duration of the command input, and determining whether the command input is a broom state command, a broom height command, a broom direction command, a blower state command, or a blower direction command. If the command is one which requires selection of an intermediate position, then the command is followed as long as the command is entered.

Abstract: A robotic floor cleaning device comprises a chassis (10), motor-driven wheels (11) supporting the chassis (10), a motor-driven suction fan (9), a dirty air inlet (2) and a motor-driven rotatable agitator (4) at the dirty air inlet (2) for agitating the surface. A control system navigates the device around a room and distributes power to the motor-driven wheels (11) and to the agitator (4). The control system detects when the agitator (4) has jammed (100, 102) and, in the event of a jam, attempts to clear the jam (104, 106). After successfully clearing the jam the control system turns the agitator (4) off (114, 116, 118) or navigates the cleaning device around the location at which the jam occurred (119). The cleaning device can store the location of the jam for use in preventing further jams when the cleaning device returns to a similar position in the room.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a hard floor surface with a surface maintenance vehicle including the steps of generating a foam-like aerated cleaning liquid, selectively conveying the foam-like aerated cleaning liquid to the hard floor surface and a scrubbing medium operatively coupled to the surface maintenance vehicle, scrubbing the hard floor surface with said rotating scrubbing medium and said foam-like aerated cleaning liquid so as to loosen soil from the hard floor surface leaving behind a soiled solution of cleaning liquid and soil, and removing at least a portion of the soiled solution from the hard floor surface through a fluid recovery device. Additional aspects of the present invention include devices for performing the cleaning method.

Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum cleaner (10) comprising a main body (12) and a cleaner head (22) movably mounted theon, the cleaner head (22) having a downwardly directed suction opening (24), characterised in that the cleaner head (22) is mounted on the main body (12) by means of at least one articulating member (120), the or each articulating member (120) having a first end which is pivotably connected to the cleaner head (22) and a second end which is pivotably connected to the main body (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for floor cleaning, with several wheels 4, 5, 6 being attached to a frame R in such a way that a curve movement about a momentary center MP, MP1, MP2 can be performed and all momentary centers MP, MP1, MP2 form a momentary center axis MA extending substantially transversally to the frame R, and with a cleaning device 24a, 24b being received in the frame R, which cleaning device forms a cleaning surface area RF which is delimited by a circumferential edge. In order to reduce uncleaned residual surfaces when moving along contours it is provided in accordance with the invention that the momentary center axis MA forms at least one point of intersection S1, S2 in a section of the circumferential edge disposed in the zone of the longitudinal side of the frame R.

Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum cleaner (10) comprising dirt and dust separating apparatus (52) for separating dirt and dust from an airflow and having an inlet (59), and a cleaner head (22) having an outlet (32) communicating with the inlet (59) of the dirt and dust separating apparatus (52). The dirt and dust separating apparatus (52), or a part (58) thereof incorporating the inlet (59), is movable into an alternative position in which the outlet (32) of the cleaner head (22) is not in communication with the inlet (59) of the dirt and dust separating apparatus (52) and in which an alternative dirty air inlet (100) may be connected to the inlet (59) of the dirt and dust separating apparatus (52) characterized in that the inlet (59) of the dirt and dust separating apparatus (52) is adapted to cooperate releasably with the outlet (32) of the cleaner head (22).

Abstract: An air barrier or skirt apparatus for a surface treating machine having a brush chamber and a rotatable brush substantially disposed within the brush chamber. The air barrier or skirt apparatus is disposed adjacent either end of the rotatable brush and extend from the brush chamber to a surface to be cleaned. The air barrier or skirt apparatus comprises an inner flexible member and an outer flexible member. The inner flexible member and the outer flexible member are coupled to each other at predetermined attachment regions, with the predetermined attachment regions defining first and second dimensions on the inner and outer flexible members, respectively. The first dimension of the inner flexible member is less than the second dimension of the outer flexible member, so that when the inner and outer flexible members are coupled to each other at the predetermined attachment regions the inner flexible member is formed into a non-planar configuration.

Abstract: A blower head, comprising a frame, a brush rotatably supported by the frame, a sweeper drive adapted for rotating said brush to sweep a surface, and a blower unit adapted for removing swept-up particles away from the surface. The frame includes a mouth portion and a throat portion. The brush is rotatably supported by the frame within the mouth portion. The sweeper drive rotates the brush to sweep particles such as snow or ice on a surface toward the frame. The mouth portion and the throat portion are constructed and arranged to funnel swept-up particles from the mouth portion and into the throat portion and the blower unit positioned therein. The blower head further includes an exit chute. The blower unit creates a pressure differential between the mouth portion and the exit chute sufficient to draw the swept-up particles from the mouth portion and into the throat portion, and to blow the swept-up particles out through the exit chute.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extraction cleaning machine including condition sensors for generating condition signals representative of a condition of the surface being cleaned, a controller, and variable-control cleaning systems, wherein the controller sends control signals to the variable-control cleaning systems in response to sensor signals received from the condition sensors. The invention further relates to a self-propelled extraction cleaning machine, and to an extraction cleaning machine including condition sensors and audible or visual indicators to notify the operator of the condition of the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: A riding floor scrubber (10) is disclosed having a relatively narrow cleaning width for passing through relatively narrow passages such as conventional doorways. The riding floor scrubber (10) includes a recovery tank (16) that is vertically and laterally arranged and removably attached to the back of a clean solution tank (14). The clean solution tank (14) includes spaced parallel side portions (26, 28) and the recovery tank (16) extends between the rear ends of the side portions (26, 28). The recovery tank (16) is secured by first and second brackets (42) that extend into recesses (44) on the clean solution tank (14), with the bottom of the recovery tank (16) including a lip portion (46) resting on a metal plate (20) of a chassis (18), with a battery pack (52) being supported on the plate (20) between the side portions (26, 28) of the clean solution tank (14).

Abstract: A mobile debris collection machine with an improved filter system includes a chassis, wheels for supporting the chassis, a debris collection device on the chassis, a debris container on the chassis, and a vacuum system on the chassis for moving dust and debris from the debris collector to the container. The vacuum system includes a dust and debris inlet, a vacuum fan, a dust and debris conduit extending from the inlet to a deflector which directs dust and debris from the inlet toward an area adjacent the vacuum chamber which is positioned above the debris container. There is a first filter stage upstream of the vacuum fan and attached thereto for rotation with the fan. There are a plurality of second filter stages, each downstream of the vacuum fan with the air flow from the vacuum fan being generally equally divided between the plurality of second filter stages. There is an air outlet for each second filter stage and a diffuser mounted in connection with each air outlet.

Abstract: A remote-controlled mobile cleaning device for removal and collection of high radioactive waste debris in a spent nuclear fuel process and fabrication area, such as a hot-cell, is disclosed. The device includes navigation means for moving it to the desired cleaning location and climbing over such obstacles as electrical cables and pneumatic tubes placed on the hotcell floor to be cleaned, suction and collection means for dislodging, filtering, and capturing high radioactive waste debris, and cover means for protecting suction and collection means. The device that is operated by remote control cleans and collects loose dry spent nuclear fuel powder and other high-radioactive waste debris adhered to both the contaminated in-cell floor and the in-cell spent nuclear fuel process and fabrication equipment, without spreading inside the hot-cell.

Abstract: A riding type sweeper with a rear-mounted engine and a driven sweeper roller located between the front axle and the rear axle, wherein the sweeper roller transports the dirt into a coarse dirt container disposed behind the sweeper roller, from which the fine dirt is suctioned off by a filter blower unit. The filter blower unit is arranged in the region before the rear-mounted engine in a vertically superpositioned arrangement, with the blower turbine together with the fine filter being arranged in a common box.

Abstract: A rideable carpet cleaning system in which the assembly that is ridden is releasably attached to a power bonnet assembly to facilitate storage cleaning and repair. The system is battery operated and includes a forward mounted steering assembly. The bonnet assembly is mounted partially forward of the steering wheel and a link-pin feature allows the operator to lower or raise the assembly for engagement or storage purposes, as desired, with minimum effort.

Abstract: A utility type surface cleaning vehicle comprises a unitary frame utility type tractor defining a longitudinal axis and having a front end and a back end, left and right driven rear wheels and at least one steerable front wheel and a trailer connecting mechanism. A debris hopper is removably connectable to the utility type tractor via the trailer connecting means. A main surface cleaning apparatus is operatively mountable on the unitary frame utility type tractor between the front end and the back end thereof, and is connected in debris depositing relation via a debris transfer mechanism to the debris hopper.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning floors having an undercarriage including front and rear axles (1,3) bearing at least one wheel (2,4) and a driver's seat. A steering mechanism is connected to one of the axles (1,3) for steering the apparatus. There are provided front cleaning element (5) near the front axle (1) for carrying out a first cleaning step and rear cleaning element (6) for carrying out a second cleaning step. The front and rear axles (1,3) are operatively connected in order to steer both axles in a predetermined relationship, such that the front and rear cleaning elements (5,6) follow substantially the same path.

Abstract: A debris suctioning and separating apparatus for use in a surface sweeping vehicle having an elongate cylindrically-shaped rotating sweeping broom, a debris receiving and retaining hopper, and a debris conveying mechanism to receive debris from said rotating sweeping broom and convey it to said hopper, comprises a debris separator that is mounted on the surface sweeping vehicle exteriorly to the hopper and has an air inlet for receiving debrisladen air into the debris separator, an air outlet for exhausting separated air from the debris separator, and a debris release outlet for selectively releasing separated debris from the debris separator. A fan is operatively mounted at the air outlet of the debris separator, to draw the debris-laden air through the air inlet and into the debris separator, and to exhaust the separated air from the debris separator to ambient surroundings.

Abstract: A mechanical surface sweeping vehicle has a cylindrically-shaped rotating sweeping broom to propel forwardly debris disposed on a contacted portion of a surface being cleaned, thereby creating a forwardly propelled stream of debris. A mechanical debris elevator is disposed to receive and retain the forwardly propelled stream of debris and to deposit the received and retained debris into the hopper. A deflector flap is disposed forwardly of the rotating sweeping broom and immediately rearwardly of the debris accepting lower end portion of the mechanical debris elevator, to receive at least a portion of the forwardly propelled stream of debris and to deflect it upwardly and forwardly onto the mechanical debris elevator.

Abstract: A wheel supported sweeping machine includes a hopper which is movable between operating and non-operating positions and a conveyor which is adjacent the hopper and is similarly movable between a lower operating position and a raised non-operating position. There is a cylindrical brush mounted on the frame which directs debris into the conveyor, with the conveyor raising the debris for deposit into an opening in the upper end of the hopper, which is aligned with a similar opening in the conveyor. At times, debris may fall into the space between the conveyor enclosure and hopper. A debris collecting ramp is located beneath the hopper and extends upwardly and rearwardly toward the hopper from the conveyor enclosure. There is a seal between the ramp and conveyor enclosure which prevents debris from falling downwardly until the conveyor enclosure has been raised, at which time, the debris will be deposited by the ramp through a lower opening in the conveyor enclosure to an area in the front of the brush.