AUTOMATED APPARATUS AND EQUIPPED TRASHCAN
First Claim
1. An automated cleaning device for cleaning a floor surface and steps, comprising:
- a housing and a power source disposed therein;
one or more cleaning mechanisms coupled to the housing;
a drive mechanism coupled to the power source, the drive mechanism driving the one or more cleaning mechanisms;
a sensor coupled to the housing for detecting objects that lie along a path of movement being traveled by the device;
a controller disposed in the housing and controlling the one or more cleaning mechanisms, the controller configured to communicate with a remote communication system; and
a leg movably coupled to the housing, the leg including a retracted position in which the leg is substantially disposed in the housing and an extended position in which at least a portion of the leg is disposed outside the housing, whereby the leg engages a surface adjacent to the device and lifts the housing away from the surface.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automated cleaning device for cleaning a floor surface and steps including a housing having a power source and a cleaning mechanism coupled thereto. A drive mechanism is coupled to the power source and can drive the cleaning mechanism. A sensor is provided that couples to the housing for detecting objects that lie along a path of movement being traveled by the apparatus. The apparatus further includes a leg movably coupled to the housing, such that the leg can move from a retracted position in which the leg is disposed in the housing to an extended position. As the leg moves to the extended position, the leg can engage a surface in which the device is positioned on and lift the housing away from the surface.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An automated cleaning device for cleaning a floor surface and steps, comprising:
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a housing and a power source disposed therein; one or more cleaning mechanisms coupled to the housing; a drive mechanism coupled to the power source, the drive mechanism driving the one or more cleaning mechanisms; a sensor coupled to the housing for detecting objects that lie along a path of movement being traveled by the device; a controller disposed in the housing and controlling the one or more cleaning mechanisms, the controller configured to communicate with a remote communication system; and a leg movably coupled to the housing, the leg including a retracted position in which the leg is substantially disposed in the housing and an extended position in which at least a portion of the leg is disposed outside the housing, whereby the leg engages a surface adjacent to the device and lifts the housing away from the surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An automated cleaning device for cleaning steps, comprising:
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an automated robot for cleaning, comprising; a housing and a power source disposed therein; one or more cleaning mechanisms coupled to the housing; a drive mechanism coupled to the power source, the drive mechanism driving the one or more cleaning mechanisms; a sensor coupled to the housing configured for detecting an elevation change and objects that lie along a path of movement being traveled by the robot; and a controller disposed in the housing and controlling the one or more cleaning mechanisms; and a collection device, comprising; a housing configured for receiving contents from the robot; a communication center and vacuum disposed within the housing, wherein the vacuum is adapted to transfer contents from the robot into the housing; and a docking station to which the robot couples to the collection device. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. A method for using an automated cleaning device to move up or down a step and clean the step, the device having a housing and a cleaning mechanism coupled thereto, a drive mechanism coupled to the cleaning mechanism, a sensor coupled to the housing, a controller, and a leg movably coupled to the housing, the method comprising:
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detecting a step with the sensor; transmitting a signal to the controller with the sensor; determining with the controller whether to move up or down the step; moving the leg into contact with a surface; lifting the housing away from the surface; tilting the leg at an angle and thereby moving at least a portion of the housing above the step; moving the portion of the housing into contact with the step; moving the leg into the housing; and cleaning the step. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification