Abstract: In a cleaning device, the scraping up body and the rotating body rolling the adhesive roll are rotatably supported to the frame, and the adhesive roll is rotatably arranged on the scraping up body and the rotating body in parallel.

Abstract: A burnishing machine having a burnishing motor in a motor compartment covered with a hood defining an air plenum having at least one air inlet positioned near the top of the hood spaced from the floor. The plenum includes a discharge outlet immediately adjacent the motor such that clean air is drawn through the air inlet, flows through the plenum to the discharge outlet for providing clean air to cool the burnishing motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle mounted sweeping apparatus to be mounted on a variety of vehicles for sweeping the inside surfaces of vessels such as a barge, generally comprising a rectangular steel base plate positioned horizontally with two perpendicular rectangular side plates attached to each end of the base plate. All three plates are attached to a rectangular steel frame which further comprises a mounting plate for attachment to a vehicle. The horizontal base plate and vertical side plates comprise multiple sweeping elements arranged in parallel rows perpendicular to the direction of vehicle travel and removeably attached to the outside surfaces of the plates, for replacement when worn.

Abstract: An automated erasure system that is suitable for erasure of non-permanent markings from boards is disclosed. The boards being erased can be whiteboards (whether electronic or not) or other boards (e.g., chalkboards).

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a chalkboard cleaning device that is mountable to a conventional chalkboard 12 providing means for selectively cleaning parts thereof. The present invention 10 is comprised of a rail 18 mounted to the top edge of an existing chalkboard 12 having the cleaning apparatus 20 attached thereto and extending from the top to the bottom edge of the board 12. The present invention 10 is comprised of an adjustable frame 30 and sponge 20 which is trimmed at the time of installation to fit the adjusted frame size. The frame 30 has a tensioned 40 rail 18 engaging element 27 for selectively moving the cleaning apparatus 20 to a desired point to be cleaned. Once positioned the apparatus 10 has a pump 26 and fluid containing reservoir 22 in communication with sponge 20 whereby pressure applied to the pump button 48 releases fluid 54 into the body of the sponge 20 whereupon movement of the cleaning apparatus by means of the handle 24 cleans the selected area.

Abstract: Orbital floor treatment device having a two-component flywheel which facilitates installation and reduces vibration.

Abstract: A mobile robot is described for random movement across a surface where a drive unit is arranged inside a top-hat. Cleaning equipment such as electrostatic dusters or equipment for vacuuming can be fixed to the top-hat so that the mobile robot functions as a cleaning robot.

Abstract: A bowling lane maintenance apparatus includes a transfer roller and a dressing oil tank configured to contain dressing oil. A wick is configured to pass dressing oil from the tank to the transfer roller. A buffer brush is configured to receive dressing oil from the transfer roller and spread the dressing oil on a bowling lane. The wick may comprise a foam material having a first region having a first capillarity and a second region having a second capillarity differing from the first capillarity. The wick may also be maintained in contact with the transfer roller.

Abstract: A retaining device for a steam swab includes a first primary clamp, a second primary clamp and an auxiliary clamp. Each of the first primary clamp, the second primary clamp and the auxiliary clamp are respectively pivotal relative to the upper casing and are provided with bosses so that a fabric of the steam swab is able to be securely clamped by the first primary clamp, the second primary clamp and the auxiliary clamp.

Abstract: A battery powered floor maintenance machine is alignable with a battery docking station that can slidably receive a spent battery assembly from the floor maintenance machine. The floor maintenance machine includes locking and aligning mechanisms to safely attach the machine to the docking station. Once attached, the battery assembly is slid onto the docking station for recharge. The floor machine can be removed from the docking station and attached to a second charging station with a fully charged battery assembly thereon. The battery assembly can be slid from the second charging station to the floor maintenance machine, allowing the machine to be returned to service.

Abstract: A blackboard eraser including a cube having two semi-cylindrical grooves symmetrically arranged in a longitudinal direction therein, and a central brush atop an elevated surface formed between the two grooves. A longitudinal groove is defined underneath each of the send-cylindrical grooves, and equal-length side brushes, which are affixed to an inner surface of a lid, are respectively positioned in the longitudinal grooves. Two grooves are arranged adjacent to each end of the semi-cylindrical grooves, which provide for a shaft affixed to each end of a roller to dispose therein. The brushes and the rollers form the eraser, which are enclosed within a closed chamber between the lid and the two semi-cylindrical grooves. When erasing chalk dust from a blackboard, the chalk dust sticks to the rollers and is carried to the side brushes. The side brushes then wipes the dust, which falls into the closed chamber.

Abstract: A floor care method and machine are disclosed, wherein a replaceable floor care element (e.g., a cleaning pad, a brush, a polishing pad, etc.) is easily attached to and detached from the rest of the machine. For attaching the floor care element, an operator positions the machine (minus any floor care element) over the such an element so that components on the machine and/or the floor care element cause the floor care element to operationally align with the rotatable drive of the machine so that rotation of the drive in the direction used during floor care operations causes the floor care element to securely attach to the drive. Alternatively, to detach the floor care element, the direction of rotation can be reversed. The machine can then be tilted upwardly onto its rear wheels and rolled to a location where the floor care element is not underneath the rest of the machine.

Abstract: A manipulator assembly for attachment to a bucket of a construction vehicle is disclosed. The manipulator assembly includes a universal attachment apparatus for attaching a utility tool to the bucket. The universal attachment apparatus includes a housing adapted to support the utility tool, at least one mounting bracket connected to the housing, and at least one mounting arm having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the mounting bracket. The mounting arms further include feet positioned adjacent the quick-release connector for allowing the utility tool to pivot relative to the bucket. A quick-release connector is mounted to the second end of the mounting arm for selectively securing the housing to the bucket. A biasing device is disposed on the quick-release connector for continuously urging the quick-release connector into engagement with the bucket.

Abstract: A squeegee blade includes a mounting plate with a surface. A relatively rigid support member is attached to the surface of the mounting plate and a relatively flexible blade is attached to the surface of the mounting plate adjacent to the support member so that the blade is supported by the support member against compression toward the mounting plate.

Abstract: A baseboard corner and edge cleaning machine comprises an upper trapezoidal-shaped plate having a bore. A bracket is connected to the upper trapezoidal-shaped plate. A support arm is attached to the bracket. A motor is seated inside the upper trapezoidal-shaped plate. An orbital is attached to and powered by the motor. A lower trapezoidal-shaped plate has rubber grommets and a bottom surface. The lower trapezoidal-shaped plate is attached to the upper trapezoidal-shaped plate. An adhesive scrubbing pad is peripherally attached to the baseboard corner and edge cleaning machine and an aggressive scrubbing pad is attached to the bottom surface of the lower trapezoidal-shaped plate.

Abstract: A machine for automatically applying lane dressing travels up and down the lane to apply dressing according to a certain predetermined and preselected pattern. A single dispensing head travels back and forth across the lane as the machine moves linearly along the lane so that dressing is transferred to a buffer brush that engages the lane surface and applies the dressing thereto. The oil pattern is determined by actuation and deactuation of the dispensing head as it traverses the lane, such control of the head being provided by a special pattern control device in the nature of a cylindrical pattern tube that extends alongside the path of travel of the dispensing head. A sensor on the dispensing head detects pattern structure on the control device to responsively actuate and deactuate the head. In a preferred form, such structure takes the form of a series of metallic strips extending parallel to the path of travel of the dispensing head and spaced circumferentially around the periphery of the pattern tube.

Abstract: In a cleaning device, the scraping up body and the rotating body rolling the adhesive roll are rotatably supported to the frame, and the adhesive roll is rotatably arranged on the scraping up body and the rotating body in parallel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a horizontally movable and downwardly biased appendage that extends laterally from a surface treating apparatus, such as a robotic floor cleaner. The robotic floor cleaner and/or appendage may use disposable cleaning sheets, such as dust clothes, wipes, sheet-brushes, and the like, to clean under objects or into corners but does not substantially interfere with the rotation of the surface treating apparatus about its axis when it is adjacent to encountered obstacles. The appendage can extend under low hanging obstructions to remove dirt, and reach into corners innavigable or unreachable by the robotic floor cleaner.

Abstract: An automatic floor cleaner uses a body member that has a change-of-direction driving mechanism such that when the body member encounters an impediment, the direction of travel of the body member is altered. An extension extends outwardly from the body member and has a cleaning implement removably secured thereto, the cleaning implement running along the ground and cleaning same during operation of the body member.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a floor surface includes a wheeled vehicle having a floor surface treating unit, a drive motor operable to propel the wheeled vehicle and a control system for controlling operation of the apparatus. A handle is mounted on the wheeled vehicle and has a traverse switch unit for selectively operating the apparatus between a traverse mode in which the vehicle is propelled by the drive motor to move relative to the floor surface and an idle mode in which the drive motor is ineffective to propel the vehicle. The traverse switch unit is mounted on the handle such that the traverse switch unit is accessible for movement by the operator toward the first position of the traverse switch unit corresponding to the traverse mode of the apparatus without the operator having to generally release the handle.

Abstract: A vibratory cleaning/polishing head secured to manually operated handle includes a detachable cleaning/polishing pad secured to the head, and a rechargeable battery and vibratory unit including a motor. In one embodiment, the vibratory unit and battery are substantially contained within the head housing. In another embodiment the vibratory unit and battery are situated atop of the housing.

Abstract: A motorized cleaning/polishing device includes a housing and a carrier with a detachable cleaning/polishing attachment. The housing contains a rechargeable battery, motor and flex mount having flexible pillars to which the carrier is mounted. The carrier is also coupled to the motor drive shaft via an eccentric element and bearing. The carrier may have a foam layer with hook fasteners adhered to its underside for removably attaching any one of various attachments to the carrier. Cleanser or polish can be impregnated in the attachment wet or dry, or it can be contained in a perforated or water dissolvable packet sandwiched between the carrier and the attachment. A removable scrub brush can also be attached to the carrier so that its bristle head orbits in front of the device. The device is particularly suited to orbit in the 2,500 to 10,000 OPM range.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for use with a conventional automobile hand polisher for use in polishing of floors. The device includes a detachable handle having a storage bin and an actuation leaver. The handle provides control of a high speed polisher in a stand-up position, the storage bin provides an area for the placement of weight and for storing of all items upon when not in use. By use of the disclosed handle, a high speed lightweight orbital polisher can be employed for providing a high gloss finish to most floor surfaces.

Abstract: A floor machine for cleaning floors with a rotary brush or buffer includes (1) a base assembly having a motor and skirt with no frame and (2) a handle and frame assembly. The frame/handle assembly can readily be attached to the base assembly by a simple engagement of the frame to a support mounted on the housing of the motor. This permits (1) the handle and frame assembly to be packaged in a shipping carton which need only be tall enough to accommodate the wheel diameter of the handle/frame assembly and (2) the base assembly of motor and skirt to be packaged in a second carton having a size which need only accommodate such base/motor and skirt assembly with no significant wasted space.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cleaning carpets, upholstered surfaces, and other surfaces is disclosed, the apparatus and method utilizing a combination of vibratory motion, controllable heat, and cleaning agents, the apparatus comprising a base plate, heating elements with electrical connections, and means for moving the base plate to produce a scrubbing motion, the method comprising a replaceable cleaning implement in combination with a mechanical scrubber, a cleaning agent, and controllable heat.

Abstract: An electric-motored floor-surface polisher includes a pair of pads juxtaposed in the front and rear or lateral direction of an apparatus frame, each pad being slidably supported to the apparatus frame. A drive pulley coupled to an output shaft of an electric motor to be rotated therewith.

Abstract: The mop can be enclosed in a housing. Backing members hold mopping members and both are preferably located below the housing. A series of gears transmit force from a single motor to two drive shafts that connect to the upper portion of the coupling member. Multiple gears in series create a path where energy and mechanical movement travels to the drive shaft. The drive shaft moves mopping members. Circular mopping members contact with the floor to wipe it clean. Dual circular mopping members made of disposable material such as paper or light cloth counter rotate to preserve axial stability.

Abstract: A robotic cleaning device includes a housing having a rounded leading portion and a non-circular trailing portion. The width of the trailing portion is no greater than that of the leading portion. The trailing portion can have an electrostatic skirt or bottom cover for cleaning a surface. The skirts can be in the form of a disposable ruffle.

Abstract: A dust collecting device is disclosed for use with cleaning equipment such as a vacuum cleaner. The device is a disposable dust ruffle made of an electet material. The ruffle prevents the equipment from spreading dust and itself acts as a dust magnet, both with respect to dust agitated by the machine and with respect to dust present in confined areas such as corners.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided including a motor, a belt that rotates in response to the motor, an extension arm, and a scrub head attached to the extension arm. The scrub head oscillates back in forth in response to rotation of the belt. The scrub head is adapted to allow the attachment of one or more cleaning pads. The cleaning pads may be doodlebug pads. A method is provided comprising causing a belt to rotate in response to a motor; and causing a scrub head attached to an extension arm to oscillate back and forth in response to rotation of the belt.

Abstract: A lane maintenance machine having wicks that absorb dressing from a reservoir and transfer it to the applicator of the machine has a gravity-fed dressing supply system that maintains the dressing at a substantially constant level within the wick reservoir. A small pilot chamber upstream from the reservoir and in open communication therewith at the same elevation as the reservoir has its fluid level directly controlled by a float sensor to in turn indirectly control the level within the wick reservoir. The float sensor within the pilot chamber provides a signal to a controller when the level within the pilot chamber drops below a predetermined point so that a control valve between the pilot chamber and the main supply tank opens to allow a makeup volume of dressing to flow by gravity from the main tank into the pilot chamber.

Abstract: A machine for automatically applying lane dressing travels up and down the lane to apply dressing according to a certain predetermined and preselected pattern. A single dispensing head travels back and forth across the lane as the machine moves linearly along the lane so that dressing is transferred to a buffer brush that engages the lane surface and applies the dressing thereto. The oil pattern is determined by actuation and deactuation of the dispensing head as it traverses the lane, such control of the head being provided by a special pattern control device in the nature of a cylindrical pattern tube that extends alongside the path of travel of the dispensing head. A sensor on the dispensing head detects pattern structure on the control device to responsively actuate and deactuate the head. In a preferred form, such structure takes the form of a series of metallic strips extending parallel to the path of travel of the dispensing head and spaced circumferentially around the periphery of the pattern tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for use with a conventional automobile hand polisher for use in polishing of floors. The device includes a detachable handle having a storage bin and an actuation leaver. The handle provides control of a high speed polisher in a stand-up position, the storage bin provides an area for the placement of weight and for storing of all items upon when not in use. By use of the disclosed handle, a high speed lightweight orbital polisher can be employed for providing a high gloss finish to most floor surfaces.

Abstract: A quick disconnect hub which is secured to the motor drive shaft receives a high pitch threaded pad driver disk to which a burnishing pad is mounted. The hub includes a conically tapered surface, as does the driver disk for centering. A spring-loaded locking pin extends between the burnishing motor and selectively locks the drive hub against rotation for removal of the driver disk by rotating approximately one or two times, thus allowing the removal of the pad driver from the motor and allowing the centered mounting of the burnishing pad to the driver remote from the machine. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an interlock switch is coupled to the spring-loaded locking pin such that, when the hub is locked against rotation for removal of the driver disk, the switch prevents inadvertent activation of the motor when the hub is locked.

Abstract: A self-propelled floor cleaner is provided having a random motion generator which enhances the maneuverability of the floor cleaner. The random motion generator is rotatably attached to the frame of the cleaner and propels the cleaner across the floor in a random motion. This random motion facilitates cleaning of the floor by making the cleaner easier to manipulate. The random motion generator includes a hollow spherical shell. In the preferred embodiment, the hollow spherical shell houses a weighted motor assembly which is rotatably mounted on a center fixed axle which extends diametrically between the first and second hemispherical halves and is attached thereto. The weighted motor assembly is comprised of a motor housing and a power source, such as batteries or cells. A motor is housed within the motor housing and rotates the motor housing about the center fixed axle.

Abstract: A floor care method and machine are disclosed, wherein a replaceable floor care element (e.g., a cleaning pad, a brush, a polishing pad, etc.) is easily attached to and detached from the rest of the machine. For attaching the floor care element, an operator positions the machine (minus any floor care element) over the such an element so that components on the machine and/or the floor care element cause the floor care element to operationally align with the rotatable drive of the machine so that rotation of the drive in the direction used during floor care operations causes the floor care element to securely attach to the drive. Alternatively, to detach the floor care element, the direction of rotation can be reversed. The machine can then be tilted upwardly onto its rear wheels and rolled to a location where the floor care element is not underneath the rest of the machine.

Abstract: A floor care machine that includes a deck having a motor, a rotatable floor care element for engaging a floor surface, and a handle apparatus pivotally mounted to the deck is provided. Additionally, there are first and second sets of wheels toward the rear of the deck and on opposite sides of handle apparatus pivot attachment points. In addition to the attachment points, the handle apparatus and the deck are coupled together by a rigid handle link which is pivotally attached to the deck at one end and pivotally attached to the handle apparatus at the other end. The handle link communicates deck pivot forces between the deck and the handle apparatus, and in particular, communicates such forces resulting from a compressing or decompressing of a compressible component provided along the length of the handle apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle mounted sweeping apparatus to be mounted on a variety of vehicles for sweeping the inside surfaces of vessels such as a barge, generally comprising a rectangular steel base plate positioned horizontally with two perpendicular rectangular side plates attached to each end of the base plate. All three plates are attached to a rectangular steel frame which further comprises a mounting plate for attachment to a vehicle. The horizontal base plate and vertical side plates comprise multiple sweeping elements arranged in parallel rows perpendicular to the direction of vehicle travel and removeably attached to the outside surfaces of the plates, for replacement when worn.

Abstract: A floor working machine includes a body frame (1), an electric drive unit (29), a pad unit including a first pad (21) and a second pad (21) having polishing surfaces (21a) for contacting a floor surface, the first pad and second pad being opposed to each other, and a pad control mechanism (50) for controlling the pad unit by using drive of the electric drive unit. The pad control mechanism (50) controls the first pad (21) and second pad (21) such that the first pad and second pad reciprocate, with the respective polishing surfaces (21a) contacting the floor surface, in a first direction (A) in which the first pad and second pad approach each other and in a second direction (B) in which the first pad and second pad move away from each other. A guiding device (23, 25) guides the first pad and second pad in reciprocating movement such that the first direction and second direction are linear and parallel to the floor surface.

Abstract: As the cleaning machine travels along the lane from the foul line toward the pin deck area, cleaning liquid is sprayed onto the lane surface in periodic discharges of relatively short duration. A soft, thin web of cloth material immediately behind the spray nozzles is looped under a transverse cushion or backup member and is pressed against the wetted lane surface to spread and meter out the liquid into a thin film that passes beneath the cushion as a bead or shallow pool of the liquid is pushed along ahead of the cushion. The film is subsequently lifted entirely off the lane surface to remove all traces of moisture, oil, and grime by a combination squeegee and vacuum head assembly immediately behind the spreading web assembly. Programmable controls on the machine permit the cleaning functions to be carried out in relation to the position of the machine on the lane.

Abstract: A pool cleaning device includes a housing assembly that has a base portion. The foot portion is for resting on a deck of a pool. A handle member slidably extends through the base portion of the housing assembly. The handle is to be gripped by hands of a user. The handle member is linearly oscillatable along an axis of the handle member. A head assembly is coupled to the handle member. The head assembly is positioned below the housing assembly such that the head assembly engages the walls of the pool. The head assembly is for facilitating cleaning of the walls of the pool when the handle member is oscillated along the axis of the handle member.

Abstract: A mobile robot is described for random movement across a surface where a drive unit is arranged inside a top-hat. Cleaning equipment such as electrostatic dusters or equipment for vacuuming can be fixed to the top-hat so that the mobile robot functions as a cleaning robot.

Abstract: A quick disconnect hub which is secured to the motor drive shaft receives a high pitch threaded pad driver disk to which a burnishing pad is mounted. The hub includes a conically tapered surface, as does the driver disk for centering. A spring-loaded locking pin extends between the burnishing motor and selectively locks the drive hub against rotation for removal of the driver disk by rotating approximately one or two times, thus allowing the removal of the pad driver from the motor and allowing the centered mounting of the burnishing pad to the driver remote from the machine. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an interlock switch is coupled to the spring-loaded locking pin such that, when the hub is locked against rotation for removal of the driver disk, the switch prevents inadvertent activation of the motor when the hub is locked.

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 relates to a surface-cleaning device (61, 63) which has a base part (69) and a cleaning part (67) having a substantially flat contact surface (71) for contact with a surface (41) to be cleaned and which is rotatable relative to the base part about an axis of rotation (77) extending substantially perpendicularly to the contact surface. According to the invention, the cleaning part is pivotable relative to the base part about a pivot axis (105) which extends transversely to the axis of rotation, and the base part is so constructed that a component (93) is present and exerts a pre-tension force, preferably a pre-tension torque (Mp) on the cleaning part about said pivot axis.

Abstract: A moving robot first moves straight in a first forward path. When encountering an obstacle such as shelf, the robot makes a U-turn to move straight in a backward path located with a prescribed distance away from the first forward path. When encountering another obstacle, the robot again makes a U-turn to move straight in a second forward path extending in the same direction as that of the first forward path but located with a distance away from the backward path. When the robot exceeding the point of the U-turn in the first forward path is detected during running in the second forward path, presence of a region where the robot has not run yet is recognized, and running in that region is carried out thereafter.

Abstract: A self-propelled bare floor cleaner is provided having a random motion generator which enhances the maneuverability of the bare floor cleaner. The random motion generator is rotatably attached to the frame of the cleaner and propels the cleaner across the floor in a random motion. This random motion facilitates cleaning of the floor by making the cleaner easier to manipulate. The random motion generator includes a hollow spherical shell. In the preferred embodiment, the hollow spherical shell houses a weighted motor assembly which is rotatably mounted on a center fixed axle which extends diametrically between the first and second hemispherical halves and is attached thereto. The weighted motor assembly is comprised of a motor housing and a power source, such as batteries or cells. A motor is housed within the motor housing and rotates the motor housing about the center fixed axle.

Abstract: A squeegee assembly of a floor surface treatment apparatus has an elongate frame member and a flange depending therefrom intermediate opposite ends of the frame member. A front squeegee blade, a spacer and a rear squeegee blade are arranged with the front squeegee blade nearer the flange than the rear squeegee blade and the spacer disposed intermediate the front and rear squeegee blades. A single clamping band abuts against the rear squeegee blade and has a quick-release mechanism selectively operable between an unclamped configuration and a clamped configuration in which the clamping band is releasably secured to the frame member and generally clamps the rear squeegee blade, the spacer and the front squeegee blade between the clamping band and the flange of the frame member. The rear blade extends lengthwise outward beyond the ends of the frame member.

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 burnishing machine having a burnishing motor in a motor compartment covered with a hood defining an air plenum having at least one air inlet positioned near the top of the hood spaced from the floor. The plenum includes a discharge outlet immediately adjacent the motor such that clean air is drawn through the air inlet, flows through the plenum to the discharge outlet for providing clean air to cool the burnishing motor.