Method of vacuum adjustment in a cleaning machine

• US 6,176,940 B1
• Filed: 09/02/1998
• Issued: 01/23/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/24/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kevin Wang
• Original Assignee: Kevin Wang
• Inventors: Wang, Kevin
• Primary Examiner(s): Michalsky, Gerald A.
• Application Number:
  US09/146,327
• Time in Patent Office: 874 Days
• Field of Search: 134/21
• US Class Current: 134/21
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/34 Machines for treating carpets in position by liquid, foam, or vapour, e.g. by steam
• 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 11/4083 Liquid supply reservoirs; Preparation of the agents, e.g. mixing devices
• 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 9/2842 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 method of adjusting a vacuum level in a carpet cleaning machine comprising:

providing the cleaning machine with a vacuum line;

providing a vacuum sensor that senses the vacuum level in the vacuum line;

providing a solenoid operated vacuum relief that vents air into the vacuum line; and

controlling the vacuum relief with an electronically controlled control signal.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising controlling the control signal with a microprocessor.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising the microprocessor utilizing the control signal to maintain a vacuum level parameter with a desired range.

4. The method of claim 3 further comprising employing an electronic pressure transducer to transmit a vacuum level signal to the microprocessor, and using the vacuum level signal to derive the vacuum level parameter.