Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.

Abstract: A molding removal tool assembly includes a handle having a first end and a second end. A plate is attached to the second end. The plate has a distal edge with respect to the handle. A blade is attached to the distal edge. The blade has a first side, a second side and a free edge. The blade has an opening therein extending into the first side and outwardly of the second side. The opening has a bottom edge. A tab is attached to the bottom edge and is angled toward the handle so that the plate extends over the tab. The free edge is configured to be extended between a wall surface and molding attached to the wall surface to urge the molding off of the wall surface with the tab.

Abstract: A floor treating system is provided including a power source having a rotatable drive shaft with an axis of rotation, a floor treating attachment, means for imparting an oscillating motion from the drive shaft to the floor treating attachment, a rug beating attachment, and means for imparting a vibrating motion from the drive shaft to the rug beating attachment. Multiple embodiments provide that the means for imparting an oscillating motion impart at least two speeds of oscillating motion. Embodiments include those with means for connecting floor treating attachments at at least two different distances from the drive shaft axis of rotation.

Abstract: A window cleaning assembly includes an elongated pole that has a first end and a second end. An axle is rotatably coupled to the pole adjacent to the first end. A brush head is mounted on the axle and is rotated when the axle rotates. The brush head includes a plurality of bristles that are positionable against a windshield of a vehicle. A motor is mounted on the pole and is mechanically coupled to the axle. The motor rotates the axle when the motor is turned on. A reservoir is in fluid communication with the brush head and is mounted on the pole. A pump is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The pump draws fluid from the reservoir and injects the fluid into the brush head so that the brush head can eject the fluid through apertures in the brush head.

Abstract: An escalator step cleaner for cleaning escalator steps having a plurality of parallel tread ridges separated by tread grooves has a cleaning pad assembly configured to extend generally perpendicular to the direction of motion of the escalator steps and clean the escalator steps while the escalator is in motion. The cleaning pad assembly has a rigid upper plate and a flexible disposable bottom pad having a cleaning contact surface. The contact surface carries a plurality of spaced parallel pad ridges separated by pad grooves that matingly engage between the tread ridges of the escalator steps and cause dislodgement of the accumulated debris. The cleaning pad assembly can be secured on a hand-held cleaning tool or on a motorized cleaning tool with rotating brushes and a vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for cleaning or otherwise treating a floored surface that includes a platform adapted to support the weight of an operator. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is capable of generally performing 360° turns to facilitate the treatment of difficult to access portions of the floored surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handheld floor treatment device, comprising a floor part (1), which has a liquid supply (11), and a liquid in-take (13) and a structurally separated suction unit that contains at least one suction turbine (17). The invention further relates to a handheld floor treatment device, comprising a floor part (1) having a bow (5), which encompasses the floor part (1) at least in some sections and which is connected to the floor part (1) by means of a first joint (4) that can be adjusted in the treatment direction (6), and further comprising a guide part (2) attached to the bow (5), the guide part having a handle (3).

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine is provided that includes a chassis that supports at least one cleaning element. The chassis is supported by a plurality of wheels, one which is steerable via a steering wheel that is interconnected to a housing also associated with the chassis. The chassis provided includes a plurality of movable housing members, one of which is associated with the steering wheel. To access the internal components of the floor cleaning machine, the front housing is rotated or moved away from the other housings wherein the steering wheel does not require disconnection to allow this movement.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for cleaning or otherwise treating a floored surface that includes a platform adapted to support the weight of an operator. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is capable of generally performing 360° turns to facilitate the treatment of difficult to access portions of the floored surface.

Abstract: Floor treatment cleaning system (3) for a floor cleaning machine (1). The floor treatment cleaning system includes at least two treatment elements (7a, 7b) wherein each treatment element is equipped with cleaning means (11) and is eccentrically driven by driving means (15A) via at least two synchronized eccentric pivots (8), characterized in that the respective pivots revolve around their main rotation axes (13) in such a way that the at least two treatment elements perform opposite movements thereby transporting residues on the floor in a desired direction and balancing engine masses and friction. The treatment elements (7a, 7b) can be positioned in different ways: transversely relative to the moving direction of the machine (1) and parallel behind each other, transversely relative to the moving direction of the machine (1) and next to each other and in a V-shape or arcuate with the opening in the moving direction of the machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a splash guard that partially encircles a rotary floor cleaning apparatus allowing for support wheels to maneuver the apparatus when the rotary brushes are not in operation. The splash guard prevents cleansing material or debris from being splattered onto walls and other surfaces adjacent to the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly for displacing material present on a stable floor, including an unmanned self-propelled device having a frame, wherein the frame is provided with a slide for displacing the material and with at least one brush, wherein the assembly further includes setting means for automatically and selectively setting the intensity of the contact of the brush with the floor.

Abstract: A robot according to the present invention cleans the outer surface of a window/wall by performing automatic movement along the outer surface of the window/wall while being vacuum-sucked onto the outer surface. The robot includes a moving unit for moving the robot in a first direction, a direction changing unit for rotating the moving unit to change a movement direction of the robot, and a cleaning unit mounted on at least one side of the robot. The robot can prevent water used to clean the window or outer wall of a building from being dropped toward a lower story. Also, the robot can run smoothly so that it can achieve a satisfactory cleaning operation without forming spots. The robot uses a turntable system, so that it can also freely change the movement direction thereof about the center thereof up to 360° without requiring any radius of rotation, to easily approach even a dead zone.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.

Abstract: A cleaning tool including one or more of the following features in various embodiments: a mop head that pivots with respect to a handle assembly to dispose a motorized power head between a mopping position and a scrubbing position; a nozzle assembly connected to the handle assembly and in fluid communication with a liquid reservoir, the liquid disposed within the liquid reservoir ejected from the nozzle assembly in response to trigger control by an operator; an absorbent or soil attracting mopping cloth attached to a cartridge support; a mopping cartridge ejection member slidably disposed within the mopping platform and manipulated to eject the mopping cartridge from the mopping platform; and a mopping cloth ejection member disposed on a top surface of the mopping platform and manipulated to eject the mopping cloth from the mopping platform.

Abstract: A floor scrubber that includes a housing having a plurality of brush assemblies mounted therein. Each brush assembly is connected to a liquid supply by a tube. A disperser is mounted on each brush assembly and cleaning liquid flows from the liquid supply onto the disperser. As the brush assembly is rotated, the disperser rotates in unison with the assembly and the cleaning liquid is dispersed onto the bristles and onto the floor surface to be cleaned. The disperser includes a plurality of fins that aid in propelling the cleaning fluid onto the bristles.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a surface such as a driveway or a vertical wall which includes converting or retro-fitting a zero-turn radius (ZTR) or other type of mower to a cleaning apparatus. The conversion of the mower includes the steps of adding a water supply tank to the deck area of the mower and providing low pressure and high pressure flow lines. The low pressure flow lines are supplied via a low pressure pump. The high pressure flow lines are supplied by a separate high pressure pump unit. Plural solenoid valves are utilized in the method and system to control the flow of a cleaning solution for various method operations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor-cleaning appliance having a housing, on the underside of which is disposed at least one floor-cleaning tool adapted to be driven in rotation or oscillation, wherein the floor-cleaning appliance, for the purpose of cleaning a floor surface, can be guided manually by the user in an operating direction along the floor surface. In order to develop the floor-cleaning appliance such that it can be transported in a simple manner, it is proposed according to the invention that the floor-cleaning appliance has transporting wheels which are adapted to be rotatably fixed by the user, for the purpose of transporting the floor-cleaning appliance, on wheel bearings disposed on the side of the housing.

Abstract: A washing system for an elevated surface has a) a housing having a liquid application cleaning system therein; b) a support element that supports and elevates the washing system; c) a rigid member extending from a surface of the housing that faces away from a surface to be cleaned so that the cable, when supporting the cleaning system against the surface to be cleaned and connected to the housing at a connection point, exerts a rotational force on the cleaning system in relation to the fixed fulcrum at the roof top; and d) weights provided at a distance and direction from the connection point fulcrum to at least in part counterbalance the rotational force.

Abstract: A power washer is provided with a transport frame, a wash unit and a gun. The wash unit and the gun may be separated from the transport frame to be used in multiple modes. Possible modes include a walk-behind mode, a spray mode and hand wash modes. A quick connection is also provided to make it easier to disconnect and reconnect various components of the power washer.

Abstract: A floor maintenance machine is provided. The machine can be used to clean hard or soft floors. A cleaning fluid is dispensed by a dispensing system containing at least two reservoirs, one for a diluting bulk fluid and another for cleaner concentrate. The dispensing system effects both a controlled ratio of bulk fluid to cleaner concentrate and the rate of cleaning solution dispensed for cleaning.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to the remote cleaning of outer surfaces of windows or facades of high rise buildings without the need for workers located outside the building wall. In fact, the cleaning operation effectively duplicates the conventional manual cleaning operation, such that a minimum of cleaning liquid is used, and no means is required for removal of excess cleaning liquid. The apparatus comprises a rectangular master frame and a parallelogram sub-frame contained therein, suspended from the top of the building to a position opposite a window to be cleaned. A novel cleaning tool, including mechanical scrubbing means e.g. a brush and mechanical scraping means e.g. squeegee and a washing liquid spray means, is carried on an insertion tool attached to the parallelogram sub-frame, and brought to bear against the window outer surface to be cleaned, as required.

Abstract: A power tool (10) is provided having a plastic casing (12) and a scraper blade (14). The blade (14) is caused to reciprocate by an internal low power rotary motor (24) which drives a cylinder cam (28) having a sinusoidal cam track (34). A pair of studs (36) ride in the cam track (34), and drive the reciprocal movement of the blade (14). The tool (10) is substantially sealed against liquid ingress by means of an elastomeric membrane within the casing (12), and may be used as a marine growth remover, for defouling boats and the like.

Abstract: Extraction surface cleaning wherein a cleaning liquid is applied to a surface to be cleaned and extracted to remove the soiled cleaning fluid from the surface, and the surface is heated prior to or concurrent with the application of the cleaning fluid to the surface. A method and apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A washing system for an elevated surface has a) a housing having a liquid application cleaning system therein; b) a support element that supports and elevates the washing system; c) a rigid member extending from a surface of the housing that faces away from a surface to be cleaned so that the cable, when supporting the cleaning system against the surface to be cleaned and connected to the housing at a connection point, exerts a rotational force on the cleaning system in relation to the fixed fulcrum at the roof top; and d) weights provided at a distance and direction from the connection point fulcrum to at least in part counterbalance the rotational force.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a height adjust mechanism disposed on the housing and a height adjust motor, disposed within said housing that controls a height of the height adjust mechanism. A position element is mounted to said housing. A sensor processor, mounted to said housing, is in communication with the position element to provide a signal that relates to a position of the height adjust mechanism based at least in part upon data received from the position element. A controller processor, mounted to said housing, is in communication with the sensor processor for selectively controlling a height of the height adjust mechanism relative to a subjacent surface on which the vacuum cleaner is positioned. A height adjust mechanism height motor controller is in communication with the controller processor, for driving the height adjust motor to locate the height adjust mechanism in an appropriate position relative to the subjacent surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile floor-cleaning machine having a rotationally drivable, disk-like cleaning tool which is detachably held on a tool holder, the tool holder being connected to a drive shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. In order to develop the floor-cleaning machine in such a way that the cleaning tool can be easily replaced, the invention proposes that said cleaning tool is adapted to be detachably latched to the tool holder and to be disconnected from the tool holder in the axial direction by means of an unlatching mechanism which is adapted to be operated by the user.

Abstract: A robotic surface treating device that can perform carpet sweeping, hard-surface dry sweeping/wiping, and hard-surface sweeping/mopping is disclosed. The robotic surface treating device includes a sweeper brush, a dust bin for collecting debris from the brush, a reel-to-reel sheet of cleaning material, and a fluid delivery system for delivering fluid from a fluid reservoir onto the sheet of cleaning material and/or onto the surface to be treated. The dust bin, reel-to-reel sheet of cleaning material, and the fluid reservoir are separately installed from the top of the device, and may be separately removed for replacement.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the floor scrubbing or finishing machines. There is provided a machine for scrubbing or finishing a floor surface comprising carriage means adapted for translational movement over a floor surface, a workhead, an electric motor carried by the carriage means and arranged in use to drive the workhead and battery support means adapted in use to support at least one battery as a source of electric power for driving the electric motor, wherein said battery support means are adapted to support said at least one battery so that said at least one battery can be positioned in a selected one of a range of positions relative to said workhead whereby the loading on said workhead can be varied as required.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for cleaning or otherwise treating a floored surface that includes a platform adapted to support the weight of an operator. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is capable of generally performing 360° turns to facilitate the treatment of difficult to access portions of the floored surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of a rotary style carpet cleaning machine incorporating a heated reservoir of a foaming-type cleaning solution are described. The heated solution increases the chemical cleaning activity of the solution while the agitation of the carpet pile provides additional cleaning capability. In certain embodiments, a quick discount is provided on the heater assembly to permit a stair/upholstery to utilize the heated cleaning solution in the rotary cleaning machine's reservoir.

Abstract: A debris removal tool is generally provided with a head unit having a base plate, at least one cutting tooth and a drive unit for rotating the base plate. A flex plate may be provided for biasing the base plate with respect to an axis of rotation. The cutting teeth may be removably and pivotably coupled with the base plate. An elongated handle may be provided for use with the head unit and may be pivotably secured there too. Rechargeable and disposable power sources may be used with the drive unit. Various embodiments that incorporate functional grips and brushes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surface treatment device, including a body, at least one actuable vibration component associated with the body, and a contact component associated with the body, the contact component configured to contact a target surface.

Abstract: A device and method for regulating the pressure between a floor cleaning implement (22) and a floor, wherein the floor cleaning implement (22) is coupled to a floor cleaning machine (10). The device of one embodiment comprises a cantilevered arm (28) coupled to the floor cleaning machine (10) and a sensor (30) coupled to the cantilevered arm (28) and positioned to sense deflection or other deformation of the cantilevered arm (28). An actuator (26) is coupled between the cantilevered arm (28) and cleaning implements (22). The actuator (26) is also coupled to the sensor (30) and adapted to receive signals from the sensor (30) to cause actuation of the actuator (26). When pressure other than a predetermined amount causes the cantilevered arm (28) to deform, the sensor (30) senses this deformation and cause the actuator (26) to actuate in a direction that allows the cantilevered arm (28) to return to a position in which the pressure is within the predetermined amount.

Abstract: This invention relates to new compositions and methods for cleaning textile substrates, especially carpet and upholstery fabrics. More particularly, this invention relates to liquid compositions that contain absorbent particles in a flowable fluid dispersion, which dries to a soil ladened powder, that can be removed by vacuuming, brushing, and/or laundering methods. The composition includes dispersion stabilizing additives such that the composition is presented as a stable dispersion or as a composition that may be easily redispersed prior to application.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine comprising a chassis which can travel over the floor along a travel direction and supports, on its side directed toward the floor, elements for cleaning the floor and, to the rear with respect to the floor cleaning elements along the travel direction of the chassis, a floor wiper which can move, with respect to the chassis, along a path which is substantially transverse to the travel direction of the chassis; the chassis is provided with steering elements which can be operated to change its travel direction; the machine further comprises actuation elements which act on the floor wiper to move the floor wiper along the path following an intervention performed on the steering elements to change the travel direction of the chassis.

Abstract: A self-propelled walk behind floor cleaning apparatus includes a frame. A plurality of floor engaging wheels support the frame above a floor and a brush assembly fixed to the frame agitates a fluid on the floor. A floating tank is supported by the frame.

Abstract: In order to provide a hand-held cleaning/polishing machine, comprising a holding device for holding the cleaning/polishing machine, a drive motor, a tool head for one or more cleaning tools and/or polishing tools, which has a tool drive shaft driven by the drive motor, and a transmission device for transmitting torque from the drive motor to the tool drive shaft, which is universally usable, it is provided that at least one coupling for connecting at least one first fluid line is arranged on the holding device and that at least one second fluid line leads to the tool head from the at least one coupling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved grout tool generally employed with a multi-functional surface cleaning machine having a fluid tank, a pump, and at least one receptacle for holding concentrated cleaning chemicals. In one embodiment, the grout tool employs fluid jets, adjustably connected via brackets, such that the jets are positioned at an angle relative to the grout tool body to allow fluid to hit a surface of an angle.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.

Abstract: A floor-scrubbing machine is provided having a main body and a cleaning fluid delivery system. At least one rotatable brush having a brush body and bristles extending from the brush body is included. The brush is carried by the main body whereby the bristles of the brush engage the floor being scrubbed. A fluid distributor is provided to distribute cleaning fluid supplied to the fluid distributor to the brush. The brush defines a recess having a sidewall and at least one opening formed in the sidewall for distributing the cleaning solution radially outward.

Abstract: A rear squeegee linkage for surface cleaning equipment, which uses a pair of compliant bushings for improved shock absorption. The actuator is mounted with a pair of clevis pins and cotter pins, and may be replaced if needed without screwing or unscrewing any bolts or screws, or resetting any springs.

Abstract: A low-profile side squeegee assembly for surface maintenance vehicles, capable of cleaning under so-called “toe kicks”. In contrast with typical suspensions that are mounted directly above the center of the squeegee assembly, and are therefore too tall to fit under toe kicks, a low-profile suspension attaches at the ends of a squeegee assembly, and uses torsion springs to provide a downward force on the squeegee assembly. In order to counteract any potential twisting effects that might result from suspending the squeegee from the ends rather than the center, the squeegee assembly is mounted at an angle.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a surface is provided including a base for movement along a surface, a suction nozzle associated with the base, and a suction source for drawing liquid and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle. The cleaning device further includes a brush assembly operatively connected to the base, wherein the brush assembly has at least one brush, which includes a first set of pliable elements extending downwardly from the brush and contacting the surface. The pliable elements slope downwardly and outwardly with the first set of pliable elements having at least a first group of pliable elements and a second group of pliable elements, wherein each of the pliable elements of the second group of the first set extend downwardly from the brush at a length less than the first group of the first set and the second group of pliable elements of the first set being positioned inwardly from the first group of the pliable elements of the first set.

Abstract: The splash guard comprises an apron defining a horseshoe shape having an open rear end along a vertical plane. A rectangular frame encloses the open rear end. The rectangular frame has a centre of gravity rearward of the vertical plane, to keep the rear end of the apron taut. The rectangular frame also has adjustment clamps to allow the adjustment of the width thereof to different floor-scrubbing machines. In another aspect, the apron has a double thickness along each end of the horseshoe shape, to prevent buckling of the apron near the open rear end thereof.

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 relates to a surface treating machine which comprises a frame (1) and an undercarriage (2, 3) to enable the machine to move over a surface (S). A head (5) is supported by the frame and includes a drive motor (13) and a tool (6) for directly contacting, scrubbing or treating said surface (S). The tool is rotatably drivable by means of the motor. Cardanic drive and coupling means (16) is connected to the tool (6) in a rotationally fixed manner on one end and connected to the drive motor (13) on the other end. Support and spring means (8, 9, 17) for the tool (6), are forcing the tool (6) against the surface (S) with an controlled uneven pressure distribution around the circumference of the tool (6).

Abstract: A detergent composition and/or solution for floors comprising a hydrophilic shear-thinning polymer at very low level for improved cleaning end result. The solution can be used with conventional implements known in the art, including sponges, cloths and/or sponge, string, and/or strip mops and floor cloths such as those sold at retail and speciality stores. In a most preferred embodiment, the solution is used with a cleaning pad comprising an effective amount of a superabsorbent material, said pad preferably being part of cleaning implement comprising a handle and said cleaning pad preferably being removable. The detergent composition preferably contains a limited amount of a detergent surfactant, preferably linear in structure and relatively hydrophilic, the level of solvent in the formula preferably being kept below about 5.0%, and the pH preferably being maintained above about 9.