Carpet cleaning machine

• US 5,987,696 A
• Filed: 12/24/1996
• Issued: 11/23/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 12/24/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kevin W. Wang
• Original Assignee: Kevin W. Wang
• Inventors: Wang, Kevin W.
• Primary Examiner(s): MOORE, CHRISTOPHER K
• Application Number:
  US08/774,088
• Time in Patent Office: 1,064 Days
• Field of Search: 15/321, 15/339, 15/319
• US Class Current: 15/319
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/40 Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4011 Regulation of the cleaning machine by electric means; Control systems and remote control systems therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4016 specially adapted for collecting fluids
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4058 for adjusting the height of the tool
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4069 Driving or transmission means for the cleaning tools
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4088 Supply pumps; Spraying devices; Supply conduits
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2201/00 Robotic cleaning machines, i.e. with automatic control of the travelling movement or the cleaning operation
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2805 Parameters or conditions being sensed
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2821 Pressure, vacuum level or airflow
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2831 Motor parameters, e.g. motor load or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2836 characterised by the parts which are controlled
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2842 Suction motors or blowers
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2857 User input or output elements for control, e.g. buttons, switches or displays
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2889 Safety or protection devices or systems, e.g. for prevention of motor over-heating or for protection of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2894 Details related to signal transmission in suction cleaners

Abstract

A microprocessor is used to control various components of a carpet cleaning machine to improve its functionality. In various aspects of the invention, the microprocessor is software controlled, and can provide sequential operating instructions to the operator, enforce start-up and shut down sequences, store an electronic record of operating parameters for future use, provide auto--and remote diagnostics, and provide remote control. In another aspect of the invention the microprocessor can affect the operation of the entire system by dynamically controlling the speed of the motor. In another aspect of the invention, a more effective muffler can be attached to the exhaust of the motor, thereby greatly reducing the noise level. In still other aspects of the invention, the microprocessor can operate an ignition kill switch to the motor, solenoid and/or clutch controls for the fluid and air pumps, an energy cutoff switch for the heater, and software updates via modem.

Claims

1. A carpet cleaning machine comprising:

a cleaning wand providing an air flow having a suction force and a cleaning fluid having a pressure; and

a microprocessor controlling at least one of the suction force, and fluid pressure provided by the wand.

2. The machine of claim 1 further comprising a fluid pump wherein the fluid pump provides the cleaning fluid to the cleaning wand;

and the microprocessor controls the fluid pressure of the cleaning fluid provided by the fluid pump.

3. The machine of claim 1 further comprising an air pump wherein the air pump provides the suction force to the cleaning wand;

and the microprocessor controls the suction force provided by the air pump.

4. The machine of claim 1 further comprising:

a fluid pump providing the fluid pressure to the cleaning wand;

an air pump providing the suction force to the cleaning wand;

a cleaning fluid reservoir containing the cleaning fluid;

a heater which heats the cleaning fluid in the reservoir to a set point temperature and having a shut-off control; and

the microprocessor controlling at least two of;

(a) the fluid pressure provided by the fluid pump;

(b) the suction force provided by the air pump; and

(c) the shut-off control of the heater.

5. The machine of claim 1 further comprising:

a fluid pump providing the fluid pressure to the cleaning wand;

an air pump providing the suction force to the cleaning wand;

a cleaning fluid reservoir containing the cleaning fluid;

a heater which heats the cleaning fluid in the reservoir to a set point temperature and having a shut-off control; and

the microprocessor controlling;

(a) the fluid pressure provided by the fluid pump;

(b) the suction force provided by the air pump; and

(c) the shut-off control of the heater.

6. The machine of claim 1 further comprising:

a fluid pump providing the fluid pressure to the cleaning wand;

an air pump providing the suction force to the cleaning wand;

the microprocessor dynamically controlling (a) the fluid pressure provided by the fluid pump and (b) the suction force provided by the air pump in response to an operation of the cleaning wand.

7. The machine of claim 1 further comprising a software based logic directing the microprocessor.

8. The machine of claim 7 further comprising a motor having a controllable speed, wherein the software based logic directs the microprocessor to control the speed of the motor, the fluid pressure and the suction force.

9. The machine of claim 7 further comprising a motor having an on/off switch, wherein the software based logic directs the microprocessor to control the on/off switch of the motor.

10. The machine of claim 7 furtherer comprising a fluid pump wherein the fluid pump has at least one of a solenoid control and a clutch control, wherein the software based logic directs the microprocessor to control the at least one of the solenoid control and clutch control of the fluid pump.

11. The machine of claim 7 further comprising an air pump wherein the air pump has a solenoid control, and the software based logic directs the microprocessor to control the solenoid control of the air pump.

12. The machine of claim 7 further comprising a fluid pump an air pump, and a motor having an on/off switch, the fluid pump having at least one of a solenoid control and a clutch control, and the air pump having a solenoid control, wherein the software based logic directs the microprocessor to control the on/off switch of the motor, the at least one of the solenoid control and clutch control of the fluid pump, and the solenoid control of the air pump.