Abstract: A surface treating apparatus having: a frame supported on wheels; fluid treatment applicator pivotally mounted to the frame; fluid treatment supply; a pump actuatable for moving the fluid supply to the surface; trigger mechanism responsive to rotation of a support wheel to actuate the pump; and a timer to limit the term of the pump actuation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel and highly effective design for the squeegee blades used to remove and collect used cleaning solution and other liquids from substantially flat surfaces in manual and motorized cleaning tools. In comparison to the prior art, the present invention provides the squeegee blade with controlled flexibility so that the blade contacts the surface to be cleaned with a wiping lip area that does not change with the applied pressure. As a result of the constant wiping area provided by this invention, the new squeegee blades can operate efficiently on uneven surfaces with reduced wear. Further, the constant contact area between squeegee blade and the surface to be cleaned provides an excellent sealing action, which in turn, leads to more effective removal of the used cleaning solution from the surface and minimizes losses in vacuum that removes the liquid.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for use on a surface and responsive to an operator. A head assembly is adapted to carry a device for engaging the surface. An actuator raises and lowers the head assembly relative to the surface. A position control responsive to operator input indicates a head position of the device relative to the surface or range of head positions of the device relative to the surface. The head position or the range of head positions indicates a distance or range of distances, respectively, between the device and the surface. A controller responsive to the position control selectively actuates the actuator to maintain the device in the head position or within the range of head positions as indicated by the position control. As a result, a repeatable position or range of positions of the brush head is obtained, the relative engagement between the head assembly and surface is controlled and the treatment of the surface by the head assembly is controlled.

Abstract: The present invention is floor conditioning system. The floor conditioning system improves the ease of use as compared to currently available sanding or polishing devices. Thereby, allowing the unsophisticated do-it-yourselfers to use a floor conditioning system. The floor conditioning system provides a random rotating orbital action which greatly improves the ability to control a floor conditioning system as well as providing a much nicer job of conditioning a floor. The floor conditioning system includes a main housing, wheel assembly, a handle assembly, a motor, a belt cover, a belt, a dust recovery system and orbital head assemblies.

Abstract: A border planing machine for wood floors comprising a footing provided with wheels and a handle, a structure which is hinged to the footing so as to rotate about a longitudinal axis and adapted to support abrasive disks on either side with respect to the longitudinal axis and to support elements for moving the disks so that the disks arranged on one side rotate in the opposite direction with respect to the disks arranged on the other side, and levers adapted to determine, following an actuation on the part of the operator, small rotations of the structure with respect to the longitudinal axis, in both directions.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the work output delivered to a floor surface by a work tool associated with a floor maintenance machine, such as a burnisher, is provided. In one embodiment, a voltage regulator regulates the voltage provided to the motor assembly that drives the work tool. A current sensor monitors the motor current drawn by the motor assembly and provides a signal representative thereof to a controller. The controller also receives as an input a work selector signal representative of a desired level of work output. Based on the work selector signal and the sensed motor current, the controller provides a control signal to an actuator. In response to the control signal, the actuator raises or lowers the work tool relative to the floor as need to control the work output delivered to the floor.

Abstract: An improved suspension system for coupling a surface maintenance tool or appliance to a surface maintenance machine is disclosed. In preferred embodiment, the suspension system includes a 4 bar linkage which permits the surface maintenance tool to be raised and lowered relative to the surface maintenance machine into selective contact with the floor surface, a spring assembly transferring spring force to the surface maintenance tool, and a selectively controllable actuator connected to the spring assembly for controlling a level of the spring force so that a controlled level of surface maintenance tool work is performed upon the floor surface.

Abstract: A cleaning device for smooth floor surfaces has a housing having a working chamber and a drive chamber. First and second cleaning rollers are rotatably supported in the working chamber and extend transversely to a working direction of the cleaning device substantially across an entire width of the cleaning device. A drive is arranged in the drive chamber and drives the first and second cleaning rollers about a horizontal axis of rotation. The first and second cleaning rollers are height-adjustably arranged in the housing such that an adjusting device acts on the first and second cleaning rollers and moves them into a working position or into a parking position, respectively. The first and second cleaning rollers have a mantle surface projecting in the working position downwardly past a bottom plate of the housing to act on a floor surface.

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 surface working apparatus includes a surface working head arrangement having a frame member and a plurality of surface working members arranged to depend therefrom in the direction of the surface to be worked, each of the plurality of surface working members being mounted resiliently relative to the frame member by one of a plurality of respective resilient mounting arrangements having a resilient member; and a surface working device with a support plate from which a surface working element is to depend from a lower surface thereof, the support plate includes an upper surface which has a central region with a recess provided for the receipt of a drive member for rotating the device, the recess including a formation for receiving a resilient member for engagement by the drive member.

Abstract: A floor care machine with an adjustable handle assembly that allows an operator to quickly and conveniently adjust the angular position of the handle relative to the floor working unit is provided. The handle adjustment assembly allows the operator to select the handle position by hand without bending or otherwise placing the operator in a non-preferred ergonomic position. The handle adjustment assembly features a clamping mechanism with an adjustment lever for securement and release of a frictional grip of the main handle member to maintain the position of the handle relative to the floor working unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (1) for a cleaning machine (2) comprising a number of electrically powered rotating disks (3,4) which carry a brush (5) and a hand-held shaft (6) with a fluid supply line (7) for the supply of cleaning fluid (43) to the aforementioned discs (3-4). In accordance with invention, at least two disks (3,4) mounted in mutually opposing directions of rotation and at a relative distance from one another are so arranged as to carry a brush, etc. (5) on their respective outer free end for pressing into contact with the intended surface (8) to be cleaned. The discs (3,4) are supported by a machine (12) supported in such a way as to be capable of pivoting about articulation extending in pairs at an angle to one another. A fluid with a pump is capable of attachment.

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 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: The oil application mechanism of a lane conditioning machine has a moving dispensing head that deposits intermittent streams of oil onto the rotating surface of a transfer roller under the control of a programmed control system as the machine moves down the lane. The transfer roller, in turn, transfers the oil to a rotating bristle-type applicator roller that engages the lane and lays down an oil film having a cross-sectional configuration that corresponds to a preselected pattern established by the control system. A smoothing assembly engages the oil immediately after it is deposited on the transfer roller and before it reaches the applicator roller so as to extend the deposit of oil completely around the circumference of the transfer roller in an even layer. The smoothing assembly includes a series of independent, spring-loaded pad units along the length of the transfer roller, each of which includes a section of fabric with a raised nab engaging the surface of the transfer roller.

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: An automatic blackboard erasing apparatus reciprocates, or moves back and forth, horizontally on a blackboard. The automatic blackboard erasing apparatus incorporates a housing, right and left erasing elements each having one or more brushes and one or more wiper members, a variable contact element for controlling the contact state of the erasing elements relative to the blackboard, a washing liquid supplier for providing washing liquid between the brushes and the surface of the blackboard, and a controller for controlling the operation of the erasing apparatus. When the erasing apparatus traverses to the right of the blackboard to erase the blackboard, the left erasing element is in contact with the blackboard, and the right erasing element is not in contact with the blackboard. When the erasing apparatus traverses to the left of the blackboard to erase the blackboard, the right erasing element is in contact with the blackboard.

Abstract: A gearbox arrangement couples an input shaft to an output shaft whereby the output shaft is driven by the input shaft in a constant rotational direction but at two different rotational speeds depending upon the particular direction of rotation of an input shaft for a given rotational speed of the input shaft. The input shaft has an input gear integral therewith and the output shaft has an output gear integral therewith. A first unidirectional clutch couples the input shaft with the output shaft such that rotation of the input shaft in a first input direction at a first input speed rotates the output shaft in a first output direction at a first output speed, but rotation of the input shaft in a second, opposite input direction causes the first unidirectional clutch to slip. An idler gear meshes with and is driven by the input gear. An intermediate shaft has a first intermediate gear integral therewith. The first intermediate gear is meshed with and driven by the idler gear.

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 wiper assembly for surface maintenance vehicles has a non-destructive failure mode when impacting stationary objects, or otherwise becoming subject to instantaneous or rapidly increasing resistance to forward movement, due to an improved mechanical coupling. The improved mechanical coupling for a wiper assembly absorbs some of the impact stresses imparted to the wiper assembly. Portions of each improved mechanical coupling designed to absorb the stress forces deforms most nearest the location of increasing resistance to forward movement, and may either become fully disconnected if the stress force reaches a threshold force value or recoils to the original mounting location after absorbing forces that are less that said threshold force value. The threshold value force at which a wiper assembly dislodges from its mounting location is designed to avoid damage to the wiper assembly, the articulated mounting member (if any), and the maintenance vehicle itself.

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.

Abstract: In order to facilitate moving with a cleaner comprised, on one side, of two parallel brush-rollers secured to a frame and actuated so as to rotate in opposite directions and, on the other side, of a push bar attached to the frame, it is suggested by the invention that the push bar be fixed at a distance from the frame in the direction of the rotating axis of the brush-rollers and rotationally fixed to the frame to enable a rotation following a cycle parallel to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A floor care machine realized in the form of a floor polishing machine contains a driven pad, the height of which pad can be adjusted automatically to adjust the application pressure to take the characteristics of the floor into consideration. For this purpose, between the driving element and the driven element, there is a transmission element which forms a torque regulator. For this purpose, the driven element can be rotated with respect to the driving element opposite to the working direction of rotation and can also be displaced axially, whereby the transmission element with a clamping element automatically regulates the displacement and rotation, thereby acting as a torque regulator to regulate the height of the pad with respect to the floor as a function of the torque.

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

Abstract: A device for cleaning floors or other hard surfaces is disclosed. The device includes a moving absorbent surface (such as a roller cover), a shear member, and optionally a pump. The absorbent surface contacts a hard surface as it is being cleaned. The absorbent surface is adapted to scrub the hard surface and remove a waste fluid from the hard surface. The shear member may take various forms, such as a fixed blade or a squeeze roller. The shear member selectively contacts the absorbent outer surface of the roller and channels away a fluid previously absorbed in the absorbent outer surface of the roller. The pump conveys away a fluid removed from the roller by the shear member. The device may be used much like a mop for cleaning floors, and is particularly suited for residential use by consumers.

Abstract: A burnisher of a relatively small size and light weight is provided. Such a burnisher is easier to transport between buildings and sites within a building, is more conveniently stored in small closets and is more maneuverable in congested and tight areas, such as retail aisles or healthcare facility rooms.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mop wherein a cylindrical member is fixed in a groove of a sponge. The cylindrical member has a smaller length than the sponge and a flat surface located midway between a first end and second ends thereof. The flat surface is located in a same horizontal plane as first and seconds lands defined by the groove in the sponge. A single screw is turned into the cylindrical member at the center of the flat surface and a handle is turned onto the screw until an end of the handle engages the flat surface. A roller with a smaller diameter than the diameter of the cylindrical member has a first axial projection, which is located in a first opening in a strap, and a second axial projection which is in a second opening in the strap. The strap is flexed and the first and second axial projections on the cylindrical member are located in third and fourth openings in the strap such that the roller and cylindrical member are parallel to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for applying to a floor (2) a sheet material drawn from a reel (5) of a strip (6), which device comprises a frame (7) and two rollers (8, 9) guided in rotation on the frame around parallel axes, on which a strip (6) of material (4) is disposed so that a generator of each roller is selectively placed in contact with the floor (2) by an application means during the utilization of the device (1) in a back-and-forth movement; a handle (3) articulated to the frame (7) around an axis (3A) parallel to the axes of the rollers; a means for controlling the feeding of the strip (6) so as to ensure the replenishment of the material placed in contact with the floor (2) and the winding of the soiled strip (6) onto a receiving mandrel (12).

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for a head of a surface maintenance machine, said assembly comprising: scrubbing means for directly contacting, scrubbing/maintaining surfaces such as floors, walls and the like; support means for the scrubbing means, whereunder the scrubbing means are arranged; buffer means arranged on the opposite side of the support means to the scrubbing means, for absorbing forces exerted during operation of the surface maintenance machine; coupling means in association with the buffer means for coupling the scrubbing means to a motor of the surface maintenance machine, wherein the buffer means are centrally positioned with regard to the coupling and scrubbing

Abstract: A floor care machine such as a burnisher may operate in a manual or automatic mode for controlling the operating pressure of the working unit, such as a brush or pad. The illustrated machine has a motor and pad driver assembly mounted for height adjustment by an actuator. In the automatic mode, a transducer senses motor current (i.e., load) and generates a signal representative of the actual operating pressure exerted by the pad on the floor. A microprocessor-based controller controls the actuator to adjust the height of the pad relative to the floor, and thus adjusts the pad pressure on the floor, according to a setting selected by the operator. The controller is programmed to reduce the effect of "hunting" by entering a Lock Mode after operation has achieved predetermined conditions. System operation remains in the Lock Mode as long as other criteria are met, and operation returns to a Hunt Mode if these other criteria are not met.

Abstract: An automatic floor washing apparatus that washes and polishes the floor at one time with the provision of through holes or apertures for the nonwoven disc pad fixed to a pad base, which is driven by means of a motor at high speeds. With the structure thus arranged, it is possible to reduce the working steps significantly unlike the conventional cleaning operation where the floor washing and polishing is carried out by separate machines, a floor washing apparatus and a high-speed polisher, individually.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for cleaning substantially planar surfaces such as glass-walled buildings. The device includes a boom and a guide structure pivotally connected to the boom to guide the boom in a forward and a reverse direction along the surface. Preferably, the guide structure is a plurality of skis. The guide structure is covered with mops which contact the surface. The boom is preferably moved in the forward and reverse directions along the surface by a tow line, a plurality of support lines, and a winch. The path of the boom is preferably guided by a pair of pulleys engaging a guide line anchored at the top and bottom of the surface.

Abstract: A molded pad driver for use with floor maintenance machines including structure that defines a circular disc-like body, the body defining a driving surface that is abuttably engageable with a driven surface of a floor maintenance pad to which it is attached. The driving surface is at least partially defined by a plurality of sets of protrusions with each set of protrusions preferably consisting of a plurality of protruding members arranged in a circular patterns, such that each protruding member of a set is at a slightly different orientation with respect to all of the members of a set, as viewed from a plane parallel to a plane of the pad driver. Each protruding member preferably consists of an arrowhead member including a stanchion that extends axially from a base surface on the pad driver and terminates in an arcuate crossbar that extends generally laterally with respect to the rotational axis of the pad driver.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a frame, a tank mounted on the frame, swing arms pivotally secured to the frame, drying units secured to a pair of swing arms for removing the liquid from a surface, roller assemblies rotatably secured to a pair of swing arms for forcing the liquid on the surface toward the drying unit. Each of the drying units and the roller assemblies define a collection region for collecting the liquid and the apparatus includes a means for generating air flow that is secured to the frame for removing liquid from the collection region.

Abstract: A device for cleaning floors or other hard surfaces is disclosed. The device includes a moving absorbent surface (such as a roller cover), a shear member, and optionally a pump. The absorbent surface contacts a hard surface as it is being cleaned. The absorbent surface is adapted to scrub the hard surface and remove a waste fluid from the hard surface. The shear member may take various forms, such as a fixed blade or a squeeze roller. The shear member selectively contacts the absorbent outer surface of the roller and channels away a fluid previously absorbed in the absorbent outer surface of the roller. The pump conveys away a fluid removed from the roller by the shear member. The device may be used much like a mop for cleaning floors, and is particularly suited for residential use by consumers.

Abstract: A combined floor scrubbing/floor burnishing apparatus comprises a machine frame (16) supporting a motor-driven surface-working head arrangement (27), a device (10) for selectively varying the pressure exerted by the head arrangement on the surface, and a unit means (40) for selectively varying the speed at which the head arrangement is driven by the motor so that the higher operational speeds required of the surface-working head arrangement can be readily achieved at the reburied lower application pressures and vice versa.

Abstract: A head for a floor cleaning machine has a plate rotatable about an upright plate axis and formed offset therefrom with a plurality of downwardly open pockets, respective bearings seated in the pockets, and respective rods rotatable in the bearings about respective tool axes intersecting and forming a very small acute angle with the plate axis. Respective mounting sleeves fixed on the rods are each formed with a plurality of axially downwardly extending and radially deflectable retaining fingers each in turn having an outwardly directed barb and respective tool elements each have an upper side turned toward the plate and an opposite lower side and are each formed with a central throughgoing hole in turn formed with a downwardly directed shoulder and receiving the respective mounting sleeve with the respective barbs engaged over the shoulder and retaining the respective element on the respective mounting sleeve. Respective seal assemblies on the plate and elements annularly surround each rod.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a semiconductor wafer. The apparatus preferably includes a brush holder that may include a base and a connection stud extending from the base. The base preferably includes a first plurality of openings and a receiving lip for receiving a brush that is disposed on its lower surface. The openings preferably serve to pass a cleaning solution to the brush during cleaning of a semiconductor wafer. The brush preferably includes a substantially flexible material and a plurality of protrusions for contacting a semiconductor wafer. A backing plate preferably is attached to one side of the brush for connecting the brush to the brush holder. The backing plate preferably includes a plurality of openings arranged to match the first plurality of openings on the base of the brush holder.

Abstract: A scrubber including a longitudinal support having opposed, upper and lower ends. A handgrip is secured to the upper end of the longitudinal support, and a motor is secured to the lower end of the longitudinal support. The motor has an articulating drive shaft extending therefrom. A cleaning pad is secured to the bottom of the drive shaft. A housing encloses the drive shaft. The housing includes relatively articulating, lower and upper portions spaced from the drive shaft. The lower portion is secured to the top of the cleaning pad so as to rotate therewith. The upper portion is secured to the lower end of the longitudinal support so as to remain stationary as the drive shaft, cleaning pad and lower portion of the housing are rotated by the motor. A liquid reservoir, in selective fluid communication with the cleaning pad, is secured to the longitudinal support.

Abstract: A wheel driven suction nozzle having an upper body attached to an under body. An opening is formed at a front of the upper body which provides access to a suction cavity. An agitator covered with a fluff material is removably rotatably mounted within the cavity and extends partially out a bottom of the under body to clean and shine bare floors. A cover is hingedly mounted to the upper body and movable between an open position which provides access to the cavity and allows for removal of the agitator, and a closed position which covers the cavity and prevents removal of the agitator. A cogged front pulley is attached to one end of the agitator. A cogged belt is driven by a rear cogged pulley and engages the front pulley whereby rotation of the rear pulley rotates the agitator. A front gear is rigidly connected to the rear pulley and engages a rear gear which is rigidly connected to an axle shaft.

Abstract: The invention is a single-wheel floor-polishing machine provided with drive wheel comprising two coaxial, opposite cup-shaped elements connected with each other by means of one or more traction elastic elements suitable for raising the polishing wheel from the floor. The upper cup is mechanically connected with the electric motor and the lower cup is connected with the rigid rotary plate that supports the polishing wheel. The polishing wheel rotation generates a centrifugal air vortex under the polishing wheel itself, which results in the formation of an area below normal atmospheric pressure, as a consequence of which the polishing wheel is attracted to the floor. In the starting phase the polishing wheel is raised from the ground and free to rotate; the polishing wheel does not overheat because the pressure is automatically regulated according to the polishing wheel rotation speed, to the type of floor and to the elasticity of the traction springs.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine of the type having a fluid driven scrub brush utilizes fluid pressure for applying down force on the scrub brush to a floor surface being cleaned. The fluid pressure applied is controlled by a fluid pressure regulator which has a movable valve element and an electrical coil for controlling the position of the movable valve element. There is a feedback circuit for controlling current through the coil which includes a source of power and a pulse width modulation switching device. The switching device in turn is controlled by a comparison between the current sensed in the coil circuit and an operator set value for the desired current to provide a desired down force on the cleaning brush.

Abstract: A bowling lane maintenance machine is operable at different speeds for applying selected lane dressing profiles to the lane and for reducing the time required for performing lane maintenance, including cleaning. In the preferred machine, absorbent wicks are used to transfer lane dressing from a reservoir to an applicator assembly. Lane dressing is recycled through an overflow in the reservoir to maintain a constant level and thereby maintaining a constant transfer rate through the wicks. The preferred machine also includes a cleaning assembly for applying a cleaning liquid to the lane and removing the liquid into a spent liquid storage tank. A vacuum pump induces air flow through the cleaning assembly for removing spent cleaning liquid which subjects the liquid in the tank to foaming. A controller stops the vacuum pump for a selected time in order to allow the foam to settle and then restarts the pump.

Abstract: A drive disk for the rotary tool of a machine for conditioning and/or maintaining floors includes a rigid circular plate and a circular diaphragm. In accordance with the invention, the drive disk includes a sealed axial passage passing through it and discharging at one end via a first central orifice in said rigid circular plate and at the other end via a second central orifice in said diaphragm.

Abstract: A light-weight, high-speed, electrically powered manually directed floor polisher for cleaning and polishing a floor, the polisher having a carriage on which is mounted wheels, a motor, an electronic motor controller means for providing the current and voltage to operate the motor, cooling means for cooling the motor and its controller, the controller including a power factor correction device, a polishing pad, means engaged to the polishing pad and the brushless D.C. motor for rotating the polishing pad, the polishing pad fixed on the carriage so that substantially the entire area of its polishing face is in contact with the surface during operation of the polisher, and a detachable free-floating handle rotatably mounted to the carriage to direct transport of the polisher when in operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a base such as brushing or rubbing a floor, with the aid of a rotating member, is described. The apparatus contains a frame or chassis, a coupling means which couples to the rotating member, a means for driving the rotating member and a means for varying the magnitude and position of the pressing force of the rotating member relative to the base.

Abstract: A coupler is disclosed for coupling floor maintenance pads to a pad driven disc. The coupler has one part which is mounted to or from an integral part of the driver disc and a second part which snaps onto the first part for holding and centering a maintenance pad to a disc. A spring lock arrangement is provided for preventing the coupler from separating and comprises a spring clip carried by the retainer engageable with recesses formed on an axially extending locking post forming part of the base part. The spring clip is held to the retainer by a pair of keepers which define slots having diverging cross-sections. The spring clips include a pair of elongate legs interconnected by a bridging segment on one end and a pair of finger engageable pressure pads on opposite ends by which the spring clip is squeezed to spread apart the legs. Both the retainer and base include fluid supply openings through which floor treating fluids can be dispensed onto the floor.

Abstract: A mobile surface scrubber for scrubbing a surface wetted with cleaning solution. The scrubber comprises a frame, a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted on the frame, scrub brush means attached to the frame and positioned to scrub the wetted surface as the scrubber is transported over the surface, and a recovery system for recovering cleaning solution from the surface. The recovery system includes a return tank for retaining recovered cleaning solution, a rear squeegee pivotally connected to the frame, and left and right side squeegees mounted on the frame. The rear squeegee is positionable to contact the surface behind the scrub brush means when the scrubber is transported in the forward direction. The side squeegees are unvaryingly oriented with respect to the frame and positionable to contact the surface on opposite sides of the scrub brush means.