With Mechanical Agitating Means Patents (Class 15/363)
  • Patent number: 11672392
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle including a housing that defines an inlet, a first shaft disposed at a side of the housing, a driver configured to rotate the first shaft, a rotating brush that extends along an axis and is configured to, based on rotation of the first shaft, rotate about the axis to thereby move dust on a surface to toward the inlet, a detachable cover configured to rotatably support a first end of the rotating brush, and a second shaft disposed at a second end of the rotating brush and configured to engage with the first shaft to rotate the rotating brush. The first shaft and the second shaft are configured to contact each other and to define first contact surfaces that have a spiral shape about the axis and that are configured to transfer rotational force from the first shaft to the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Phil Jae Hwang, Chung Jae Ryu, Chiwan Kim, Gyoungmin Lee, Yun Bo Park
  • Patent number: 11540684
    Abstract: A rolling brush assembly includes a rolling brush having a rolling brush roller, at least two brush bars, and a protruding strip extending lengthwise along an axis. Each brush bar extends lengthwise in a longitudinal direction of the rolling brush roller. The brush bars are arranged at intervals along a circumferential direction of the rolling brush roller with the protruding strip located between adjacent two brush bars. The at least two brush bars are fixed on the rolling brush roller in one of a flocking or an inserting manner. An engagement portion is formed between the brush bars and the rolling brush roller. A distance from an outer end of the engagement portion to the axis is less than a distance from an outer end of the protruding strip to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: SKYBEST ELECTRIC APPLIANCE (SUZHOU) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhenyu Xing, Dezhi Gu, Yewei Xue
  • Patent number: 11517161
    Abstract: A cleaning machine is provided, including at least one cleaning roller, a roller housing having a roller receptacle for the at least one cleaning roller, wherein the at least one cleaning roller is exchangeably positioned on the roller housing and the roller receptacle has an opening to the outside, a lid for closing the opening, and a locking device for fixing the lid to the roller housing, wherein at least one convex holding body is arranged on the roller housing, in that a pivotable bracket is arranged on the lid, in that at least one receptacle for the at least one holding body is arranged on the pivotable bracket, and wherein a release position of the pivotable bracket, the at least one holding body can dip into and/or exit the associated receptacle, and in a locking position, an exit of the holding body from the associated receptacle is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Oliver Buschle, Roland Jeutter, Dietmar Kull
  • Patent number: 11382468
    Abstract: Provided is a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body provided with a suction motor at the inside thereof and a handle at the outside thereof, and a suction nozzle connected to the cleaner body. The suction nozzle includes a housing of which at least a portion of a front side is opened to defined a front opening, a rotation cleaning part which is installed inside the housing, of which at least a portion is exposed through the front opening, and which is configured to clean a floor surface by a rotation operation thereof, and a sealing part protruding downward from a lower end of the housing and provided in rear of the front opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jinhyouk Shin, Moohyun Ko, Namil Woo, Donggeun Lee
  • Patent number: 11344644
    Abstract: An oral sanitation system may include a case including: a support portion defining a lower end of the case; and a container portion extending from the support portion. The container portion may define a wall extending from the support portion to a top end of the container portion. The oral sanitation system may further include a closure including a lid formed with a peripherally-extending wall; a lower cavity defined by the wall of the container portion; an upper cavity defined by the peripherally-extending wall of the closure; and a light-guiding floor that is substantially transparent to UVC light, the light-guiding floor forming a bottom of the container portion that is surrounded by the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: CUSTOM CLUB, INC.
    Inventors: Craig Weiss, Blair Feldman, Quinn Fitzgerald, Chloe Georgiades, Elliot Raderman
  • Patent number: 11058275
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a wand that is configured to clean a surface, such as carpeting and rugs, are disclosed herein. While the described wand can comprise any suitable component that allows it to be used to clean a surface, in some cases, the wand includes a wand head having a shroud, with a jet orifice and a vacuum port being disposed within the shroud. In some such cases, the vacuum port includes a breaker bar that is recessed within the shroud such that a portion of the shroud extends past the breaker bar. Additionally, in some cases, the shroud further includes one or more rollers that are optionally adjustable in height such that the wand head can is useable by operators of varying heights. In some cases, the wand head is coupled to a vacuum tube that attaches to a vacuum. Additional implementations are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Z Intellectual Property Holding Company, LLC
    Inventors: John M. Hopkins, Gaylord M. Karren, James K. Stone, William R. Shupe
  • Patent number: 10292556
    Abstract: A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner including an agitator in the form of a brush bar, the brush bar including a plurality of radially extending bristles and a sealing material disposed between the bristles. The sealing material extends over substantially the entire circumferential and axial extent of the regions of the brush bar between the bristles. The cleaner head further includes a housing defining a chamber which at least partially surrounds the brush bar, a dirty air inlet in a lower part of the chamber and a front opening that exposes the brush bar at the front of the housing. The brush bar is supported for rotation with respect to the housing and arranged in the chamber such that the brush bar seals against the housing thereby restricting flow of air through the front opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: David Andrew Isley, Thomas Michael McVey, Stephen Benjamin Courtney
  • Patent number: 10265637
    Abstract: A ride-on, wheeled toy picks up small objects from a plane surface. The ride-on toy can be driven by the feet of a child sitting on the toy or by the hands of a person standing behind the toy. The pick-up mechanism of the toy is a continuous gear and belt system with flexible sweeping fins. The pick-up mechanism can be activated or deactivated by a push button or switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventors: Tova Bernbaum, Eliezer Leider
  • Patent number: 9526388
    Abstract: A slide shoe is detachably mounted on the underside of a cleaning head and has a hole congruent with the suction hole of the cleaning head. The slide shoe can be retrofitted to the cleaning head of an already existing floor vacuum cleaner. On its underside, the slide shoe has a slide surface that can be moved easily over a soft carpet. At the same time, the slide shoe mounted on the underside of the cleaning head increases the distance between the bearing surface of the cleaning head and the brush roller compared to the bearing surface of the cleaning head without a slide shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: WESSEL-WERK GMBH
    Inventors: Klaus-Dieter Riehl, Martin Zydke
  • Patent number: 9259128
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaning device comprises a unit (1) for aerodynamically affecting dust particles and/or a surface to be cleaned. The unit (1) comprises a housing (30) having a housing wall (31) encompassing two internal sections (20, 22), and a movable surface (11) arranged at an interface of the two sections (20, 22), wherein a portion (32) of the housing wall (31) delimiting a first section (20) is provided with at least one opening (21), and wherein means for actuating the movable surface (11) are arranged in a second section (22). A portion (33) of the housing wall (31) delimiting the second section (22) is adapted to at least hinder exchange of air between an inside of this section (22) and an outside of the housing (30) at the location of this section (22), in order to at least hinder a migration of dust to the second section (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Jan Frederik Suijver, Gerben Kooijman, Okke Ouweltjes, Jeroen Herman Lammers, Rene Henk Van Der Woude
  • Patent number: 9173535
    Abstract: A cleaning device (1) for cleaning a carpet (70) having face yarns (74) that extend over a distance of several millimeters from a generally planar backing (72) to define a carpet surface (76), comprising: an oscillator unit (30), including: an oscillator (32); an oscillation space (34) defined by or accommodating at least part of the oscillator, and accessible through a jet opening (36) via which ambient fluid is alternatingly drawn into the oscillation space and expelled from the oscillation space during operation of the oscillator; a nozzle (10), including a carpet surface penetrator (14) that defines said jet opening; a support structure (12) configured to support the nozzle against the carpet, such that, in a supported condition of the nozzle against the carpet, the penetrator penetrates the carpet surface and the jet opening is disposed at least partially below the carpet surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Jan Frederik Suijver, Daniel Uhlmann, Gerben Kooijman
  • Publication number: 20150107049
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a cleaning head having a suction nozzle adapted to be moved along a surface to be cleaned, and a hair collection assembly provided on the cleaning head and having a hair collection element adapted to collect hair from the surface to be cleaned as the cleaning head moves along the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Gary A. Kasper, Steve Butkiewicz
  • Publication number: 20150101145
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a base including a motor assembly and a wheel, wherein the wheel rotates around the motor assembly about an axis of rotation, the wheel extends radially outward from the motor assembly, and a portion of the motor assembly intersects a plane defined by the wheel perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Charles J. Morgan, Victor B. McClearen, Ernest M. Chavana, JR., Bruce M. Kiern, Charles A. Liter, George V. Hibbs, Dennis T. Lamb, Timothy Kolody, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Publication number: 20150040342
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a base having a foot with a suction nozzle and a handle assembly removably coupled to the foot. The handle assembly is movable between a first position, in which the handle assembly is connected to the foot, and a second position, in which the handle assembly is disconnected to the foot. The vacuum cleaner also includes a canister assembly supported by the base. The canister assembly is removable from the base. The vacuum cleaner further includes a latch supported by one of the foot and the handle assembly. The latch is engageable with the other of the foot and the handle assembly to selectively secure the handle assembly to the foot. The latch is inaccessible when the canister assembly is supported by the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Gregg A. Henderson
  • Publication number: 20150033498
    Abstract: A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner, comprising an agitator; and a housing defining a chamber which at least partially surrounds the agitator, a dirty air inlet in a lower part of the chamber and a dirty air outlet, wherein a partition is disposed between the agitator and the dirty air outlet such that the partition and the housing define a settling region of the chamber adjacent the dirty air outlet, the partition is provided with a first debris opening and a second debris opening disposed above the first debris opening such that, in use, debris swept past the first debris opening by the agitator is swept towards the second debris opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas Michael MCVEY
  • Publication number: 20140366316
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a multipurpose suction accessory which includes a cylindrical main body coupled to the handle pipe and including an introduction port formed on a lateral surface of the main body and a discharge port formed at one of both longitudinal end portions of the main body to communicate with the handle pipe, a cylindrical rotating body rotatably coupled to an outside of the main body and including a plurality of suction parts formed on a lateral surface of the rotating body and spaced a predetermined distance from each other in a circumferential direction, the suction ports being sequentially positioned to correspond to the introduction port of the main body by rotating the rotating body with respect to the main body, and a locker to restrict rotation of the rotating body with respect to the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae Gwang KIM, Dong Hun Yoo, Byung Jo Lee
  • Patent number: 8857013
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaning device comprises a unit (1) in which an oscillating airflow is generated which substantially zero net flow and an asymmetry between the suction and the blowing phases, such that in the blowing phase a jet is generated. A generator (31) which is needed for generating the oscillating airflow comprises a movable surface (30) which is integrated in a wall (12) of a housing (10) having an internal space (11) and at least one opening (13) for allowing air to flow to and from the internal space (11). The jet can be generates when the so-called Strouhal number, being the frequency of the movement of the movable surface (30) multiplied by a characteristic dimension of the opening (13) and divided by the velocity of the air in the opening (13), is not higher than a predetermined maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Gerben Kooijman, Jan Frederik Suijver, Yvonne Wendela Kruijt-Stegeman, Jeroen Herman Lammers
  • Patent number: 8840730
    Abstract: A machine for cleaning a head-disk assembly (HDA) of a hard disk drive (HDD) includes a nest that seals the HDA between an upper and lower portion during cleaning. An inlet port receives a gas and an exhaust port exhausts the gas and entrained particles. A shock drive delivers mechanical shocks to the nest and the HDA while the gas is flowing through the HDA. A blower may circulate the gas from the exhaust port to the inlet port. A filter may be coupled to the inlet port. The HDA nest may be movable along an axis of the mechanical shocks delivered by the shock drive. A blow tube may deliver gas to a screw hole and a coaxial vacuum tube may rest against a surface around the screw hole to encapsulate the blow tube during cleaning and remove the gas and particles from the screw hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Pranee Thonghara, Lie Dhani Hastama, Pattira Mokawan
  • Patent number: 8753571
    Abstract: In a method for sanitizing a touch screen of an electronic device, the electronic device includes a first motor roller and a second motor roller and a screen sanitization system. The first motor roller connects to the second motor roller through a flexible pipe that is filled with a sanitizer. The first motor roller is scrolled to clean and sanitize a first protective film using sanitizer when the first protective film is overlaid on the surface of the touch screen, and a second protective film is drawn to overlay on the surface of the touch screen. The second motor roller is scrolled to clean and sanitize the second protective film using the sanitizer when the second protective film is overlaid on the surface of the touch screen, and the first protective film is drawn to overlay on the surface of the touch screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Ta Hsu, Cho-Hao Wang
  • Publication number: 20140137366
    Abstract: A cleaner head comprising a main body rotatably coupled to a neck, and a locking arrangement operable to permit rotation of the main body relative to the neck when the cleaner head is positioned on a surface and to prevent rotation of the body relative to the next when the cleaner head is lifted off a surface. The locking arrangement therefore stops the cleaner head from rotating undesirably when the cleaner head is lifted away from a cleaning surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: India Shaw ELSDON, Simon Peter CROSS, Timothy Nicholas STICKNEY
  • Publication number: 20140115818
    Abstract: A switching mechanism for a vacuum cleaner having a vacuum generator and an agitator, comprising a vacuum generator switch, an agitator switch, and a coupler for coupling the agitator switch with the vacuum generator switch such that switching of the vacuum generator switch switches the agitator switch. The switching mechanism is configured such that, switching of at least one of the agitator switch and the vacuum generator switch uncouples the agitator switch from the vacuum generator switch. The switching mechanism is further configured such that, when the vacuum generator switch and the agitator switch are uncoupled from each other and the agitator switch is in its open state, switching of the vacuum generator switch from its closed state to its open state couples the agitator switch with the vacuum generator switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Oliver James GOULD
  • Publication number: 20130319469
    Abstract: A vacuum nozzle is angled to be able to vacuum both a floor portion and a floor molding at the same time. Unlike conventional vacuum nozzles that are flat, the nozzle as herein described is angled, typically at 90 degrees, to fit into the corner along where the wall meets the floor. The nozzle can also be used, for example, where the ceiling meets the wall, or any other such corner to provide a vacuum cleaning thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Richard Borges, SR., Joanny Borges
  • Patent number: 8584312
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning an object to be cleaned by allowing a cleaning medium caused to fly by an air flow to collide with the object to be cleaned is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning tank in which the cleaning medium is caused to fly by the air flow and which has an opening to allow the object to be cleaned to pass through; a cleaning medium accelerating part provided at a bottom part of the cleaning tank and to inject the air flow to cause the cleaning medium to fly; a hollow elongated member having substantially the same inner diameter as a diameter of the opening, connected outside the opening, and configured to form a movement path for the object to be cleaned; and a cleaning medium returning part to return the cleaning medium stagnant in the hollow elongated member into the cleaning tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Fuchigami, Tatsuya Satoh, Yoichi Okamoto, Yuusuke Taneda
  • Publication number: 20130263891
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing foreign material from an upwardly oriented surface of a body-in-white. The apparatus includes a vacuum member mounted to a frame for removing foreign material from the associated upwardly oriented surface and a soft-material brush mounted to the frame rearward of the vacuum member as defined by the direction of forward travel of the vehicle. The apparatus may also vertical adjustment device(s) configured to adjust and maintain vertical distance between the apparatus relative to the associated vehicle. Also disclosed herein is a method for removing foreign material from an upwardly oriented surface of a body-in-white that comprises using bringing the apparatus defined herein in proximate contact with at least one surface of a body-in-white as it progresses down a vehicle assembly line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Qian Jiao, Ryan Westbrook
  • Publication number: 20130212831
    Abstract: A floor tool for a surface treating appliance, comprising a suction opening through which a dirt-bearing fluid flow enters the floor tool, and an agitating apparatus comprising a rotatable body having an outer surface which is substantially covered with filaments having a surface resistivity in the range from 1×10?5 to 1×1012 ?/sq.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: Dyson Technology Limited
  • Patent number: 8510908
    Abstract: A surface treating head assembly for an appliance such as a vacuum cleaner includes a head and a piston assembly operable to apply a force to the head. The piston assembly is connected to the main motor of the vacuum cleaner by a valve. When the valve is opened, suction airflow flows through tubes connecting the motor to the piston assembly. The resulting suction force causes the piston assembly to contract, thereby drawing the cleaner head downwards. Thus, the head is urged towards the floor surface so as to improve the efficiency of a cleaning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Scott Andrew Maguire, Paul Dawson, Matthew Charles Edward Wilson
  • Publication number: 20130174372
    Abstract: A floor tool for a vacuum cleaning appliance, comprising a main body connected to a conduit, the main body comprising, a supporting member adapted to support a cleaning element and a suction nozzle adjacent an edge of the supporting member, wherein the suction nozzle defines a suction chamber, and wherein the suction chamber includes a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet in communication with the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
  • Publication number: 20130152334
    Abstract: A pick-up head system for use with a surface cleaning vehicle comprises a housing having a substantially hollow interior and a suctioning bottom opening. A debris suctioning inlet in the housing is disposed adjacent the first end of the housing for suctioning debris into the housing. A debris outlet in the housing is open in fluid communication and debris transfer relation to the substantially hollow interior of the housing. Debris is suctioned into the substantially hollow interior of the housing through the debris suctioning inlet, and is discharged from the housing through the debris outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Roger P. Vanderlinden
  • Publication number: 20130145572
    Abstract: A mobile robot that includes a body, a drive system movably supporting the body above a cleaning surface, and a cleaning system arranged to clean the cleaning surface. The robot further includes a controller in communication with at least one of the drive system and the cleaning system and a super-hydrophobic coating applied to at least one of the drive system, the cleaning system, and the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas P. Schregardus, Michael G. Rider
  • Patent number: 8458850
    Abstract: An upright bare floor cleaner with a handle assembly pivotally mounted to a base assembly. The base assembly has a sweeper that includes a rotatably driven brush adapted to sweep dust and dirt particles into a removable dirt receptacle. The handle includes a water tank to store a quantity of water and a fluid distribution system that includes a heater and a spray nozzle. Steam is generated by the heater and is distributed to a removable mop cloth that applies the steam to the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Kasper, Joseph M. White, John L. Jansen, Aaron P. Griffith
  • Publication number: 20130111694
    Abstract: A base plate for a vacuum cleaner is described. In some embodiments, the base plate includes a first portion adapted to support a motor, a second portion including a beater bar housing, wherein the base bottom includes magnesium and is of unitary construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Charles Jeff Morgan, Victor Brent McClearen, Ernest Matthew Chavana, JR., Bruce M. Kiern, Charles Andrew Liter, George Virgle Hibbs, Dennis Thomas Lamb, Timothy Kolody, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Publication number: 20130111698
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner base housing including a motor including a shaft and a wheel mount, wherein the motor is housed within the wheel mount described. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing includes a first wheel mount including a substantially circular outer surface. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing includes a second wheel mount including a substantially circular outer surface. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing the first wheel mount and the second wheel mount are co-axial.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Charles Jeff Morgan, Victor Brent McClearen, Ernest Matthew Chavana, JR., Bruce M. Kiern, Charles Andrew Liter, George Virgle Hibbs, Dennis Thomas Lamb, Timothy Kolody, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Publication number: 20130086769
    Abstract: A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a main body, a front agitator and a rear agitator, each agitator being rotatable relative to the main body, a mechanism for rotating the front agitator and the rear agitator, and a surface agitating edge located between the front agitator and the rear agitator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Mark Iles, Spencer James Robert Arthey, Scott Andrew Maguire
  • Publication number: 20120317749
    Abstract: A floor care apparatus includes a vacuum cleaning unit having a suction generator and a dirt collection vessel. The floor care apparatus also includes a wand assembly having a wand element and a flexible hose. A brush member is carried on the wand element. The brush member is freely slidable along the wand element between a storage position and a use position. A lock ring is provided on the brush member. The lock ring is rotatable with respect to the brush member between a locking position and an unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Anthony E. Spiggle
  • Publication number: 20120246864
    Abstract: Devices for cleaning and preparing pavement cracks for sealing are disclosed. An example device comprises a wire brush assembly for removal of mid and large-sized debris, an air blaster for removal of fine-grained particulate, a heat lance, and a vacuum for controlled removal of debris and particulates. The example device would also have means for attachment to an air compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
    Inventor: Yong Cho
  • Publication number: 20120180813
    Abstract: A wafer chuck is cleaned using a cleaning cap to remove processing residue and particulate matter. The cleaning cap is configured to overlie and align with the wafer chuck and includes a base and a first roller connected to the base and having wound therearound a cleaning cloth. The cleaning cap further includes a second roller connected to the base and having attached thereto a free end of the cleaning cloth. During use, the cleaning cloth winds upon the second roller from the first roller when the second roller rotates about its axis. The cleaning cap can be positioned relative the wafer chuck by way of a manipulator to ensure the cleaning cloth contacts the wafer chuck with sufficient force. The cleaning cloth rubs the wafer chuck with both translational motion and rotational motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jui-Chun Peng, Heng-Jen Lee
  • Patent number: 8214967
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor tool for a surface treating appliance including, a sole plate comprising a floor engaging surface having forward and rearward floor contacting edges and a suction opening, a head which is pivotable relative to the sole plate about an articulation axis between forward and rearward positions, the head having a front sole plate engaging edge and a back sole plate engaging edge, and a connecting arm comprising an outlet in communication with the suction opening, at least a portion of the floor engaging surface of the sole plate extends beyond the back sole plate engaging edge of the head when the head is in the rearward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Alexander Stuart Knox, Tan Yeou Ren, Sai Her Bong
  • Publication number: 20120110778
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a hair collection assembly having a hair collection element adapted to collection hair from a surface to be cleaned. The hair collection element is configured to collect hair on the surface to be cleaned substantially only when the cleaning head is moved in a first direction and substantially not when the cleaning head is moved in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: BISSELL HOMECARE, INC.
    Inventors: George Moyher, JR., Steve Butkiewicz
  • Publication number: 20120110777
    Abstract: The device for cleaning grooved surfaces of a moving transport, such as escalators and moving walkways, includes a frame supporting at least one vacuum pump and a plurality of vacuum heads and a plurality of brush heads. A carriage is attached relative to the frame to which at least one of the plurality of vacuum heads and brush heads are slidably attached. The carriage can be attached to the frame in a multitude of ways, including utilizing a four-bar linkage. The carriage is positionable between a stored position and a deployed position. Additionally, the carriage can be angularly adjustable to align with a horizontal plane of the grooved surface. A handle can be pivotably attached to the frame wherein pivotable movement of the handle is mechanically coupled to movement of the carriage between the stored and deployable positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: William Hachtmann
  • Publication number: 20120084938
    Abstract: Used in a mobile robotic vacuum cleaner, a detachable roller brush device is disclosed to include a mounting device, and a roller brush having one end thereof detachably connectable to the driving shaft of the driving device and an opposite end thereof rotatably and detachably connectable to the mounting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Wanda FU
  • Publication number: 20120054981
    Abstract: A brush attachment for a rotary carpet cleaning machine may have interchangeable heads. The brush attachment may also be used on extraction machines to provide both carpet brushing and extraction simultaneously. The interchangeable heads may be used (for example, more firm heads, or more soft heads) to provide different cleaning conditions, depending on the surface to be brushed. Springs may be provided with the brush attachment to permit the attachment to float on the machine. In other words, the springs may permit the brush attachment surfaces to be angled relative to the cleaning face of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: WAYNE CANTRELL
  • Publication number: 20120024316
    Abstract: A suction cup for a mobile cleaning device for cleaning a hose filter. The suction cup has a base body with an outer circumference secured with respect to the hose filter. And, the suction cup has a through-opening with an inner circumference and a longitudinal axis. The suction cup also has a first felt seal secured with respect to the base body outer circumference, and a second felt seal secured with respect to the through-opening inner circumference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Christian Reining
  • Publication number: 20110214250
    Abstract: A handle for a wand of a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a handgrip portion and a conduit for receiving an air flow. The handle includes an aperture for admitting ambient air into the conduit. A first valve occludes a first portion of the aperture, and a second valve occludes a second portion of the aperture. A control mechanism moves the first and second valves away from the aperture to admit ambient air into the conduit. To vary the air flow into the conduit, the control mechanism includes a first manually operable actuator located on the handle for moving both of the first and second valves away from the aperture, and a second manually operable actuator is located on the handle for moving only one of the first and second valves away from its respective portion of the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: David Andrew McLeod, Matthew John Dobson, Sean Ventress
  • Publication number: 20110209304
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner lint brush accessory system having a lint brush and cradle. The lint brush has longitudinally opposed handle and brush portions. The brush portion has a brush material adapted to remove fibrous substances from a surface to be cleaned. The cradle has a chamber opening leading to a chamber. The chamber extends in the longitudinal direction and is adapted to longitudinally receive at least the brush portion of the lint brush, the chamber has at least one brush cleaning pad adapted to engage the brush material and remove the fibrous substances from the brush material. The chamber further includes an air outlet spaced from the chamber opening. The air outlet is selectively connectable to a vacuum passage of a vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Robert R. Niederman, Thomas Josefsson, John C. Morphey, Brian Wang Sun
  • Publication number: 20110107552
    Abstract: A squeegee assembly for a floor surface maintenance machine having a tabbed frame, an apertured front squeegee blade adapted to receive at least portions of the tabs of said frame, a tabbed vacuum core having a surface adapted to receive portions of the tabs of the frame, a rear squeegee blade having apertures adapted to receive at least portions of the tabs of the vacuum core; and a clamp band for securing the frame, front and rear squeegee blades and vacuum core together. A method of quickly and efficiently assembling a squeegee assembly is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: TENNANT COMPANY
    Inventors: Kevin L. Shinler, Coert Verhoeve
  • Publication number: 20110107551
    Abstract: A flexible attachment mechanism used in conjunction with a push broom or floor squeegee having a handle and a broom head or squeegee blade to provide a flexible attachment mechanism at the junction where the broom head or squeegee blade handle is connected to the broom head or squeegee blade support frame. The flexible attachment mechanism allows the broom head or squeegee blade to flex up and down causing the flexible attachment mechanism to be pre-loaded when pushing with the handle and upon releasing the downward movement during a normal sweeping action, the pre-loaded flexible attachment mechanism springs up, which in turn causes the broom head or squeegee blade to spring upwardly to kick the debris further away from the broom head or squeegee blade holder. Furthermore, the new innovation allows heavy equipment to run over the handle and/or cleaning head and flex thus reduce handle and/or cleaning head damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Simon Ralph Cassar
  • Publication number: 20110088206
    Abstract: An upright surface treating appliance includes a main body and a cleaner head connected to a yoke. The main body is rotatable relative to the yoke about a first axis for movement between an upright position and a reclined position. A stand is moveable relative to both the main body and the yoke, preferably also about this first axis between a supporting position for supporting the main body in its upright position, and a retracted position. The stand is biased towards its retracted position by a spring. An actuator is rotatable about a second axis spaced from the first axis to move the stand away from its supporting position against the biasing force of the torsion spring. A drive member drives rotation of the actuator about the second axis as the main body is moved from a reclined position to an upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Matthew William FORD, Andrew James Wills
  • Publication number: 20110088207
    Abstract: Provided is a nozzle for a vacuum cleaner. The nozzle for the vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle body defining an outer appearance thereof, a vibration member disposed in the nozzle body, the vibration member separating foreign substances from a surface to be cleaned, a driving motor providing a driving force to the vibration member, and a power transmission unit configured to convert a rotation movement of the driving motor into a linear movement of the vibration member. The vibration member repeatedly strikes the surface to be cleaned by the driving force of the driving motor. The nozzle for the vacuum is advantageous in that it can easily suck dusts scattered during cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Seung-Heun Lim
  • Publication number: 20110072611
    Abstract: A suction head of a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The suction head includes a housing forming an external appearance, a plurality of suction holes formed in the bottom of the housing, and a sweeper disposed between the suction holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: ACE Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung Whan Lee
  • Publication number: 20110010886
    Abstract: A surface treating head includes a main body; a brush unit; and a drive mechanism for moving the brush unit relative to the main body between a stowed position and a deployed position. The drive mechanism includes a pressure chamber and a valve unit for varying the pressure within the chamber. The valve unit includes a housing, a valve located within the housing and, disposed on the housing, an actuator moveable relative to the housing through engagement with a surface to be treated for operating the valve and at least one surface engaging member extending downwardly beyond the actuator. The housing is moveable relative to the main body to maintain the surface engaging member in contact with the surface to be treated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Spencer James Robert ARTHEY, Stephen Robert Dimbylow, Alistair William Skuse