Surface cleaning device with triggerless fluid distribution mechanism
First Claim
1. An extractor comprising:
- a base movable along a surface to be cleaned, the base further comprising at least one wheel;
an upright portion pivotally coupled to a portion of the base, wherein the upright portion includes a supply tank and a handle configured to be gripped by a user to move the base along the surface to be cleaned;
a liquid distribution system including a distributor in fluid communication with the supply tank to deliver solution to the surface;
an encoder operable to generate a signal based on user-initiated movement of the base along the surface; and
a controller operatively connected to the encoder and the liquid distribution system, the controller being configured to operate in a distributing mode during movement of the base and in a non-distributing mode during movement of the base based on the signal during operation of the extractor, wherein the controller changes from the distributing mode to the non-distributing mode independent of user interaction with the extractor other than the user-initiated movement,wherein the signal is indicative of one or more attributes selected from a group consisting of movement in a forward direction, movement in a reverse direction, and speed of movement, andwherein distribution of the solution is initiated based on a forward rotation of the at least one wheel, and wherein the distribution of the solution is interrupted based on a reverse rotation of the at least one wheel.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Aspects of the present invention relate to a triggerless extractor surface cleaning device for cleaning a surface in which a cleaning solution is distributed to the surface and extracted using suction along with dirt and/or debris on the surface in a continuous operation as the extractor moves along the surface. The extractor further comprises an encoder positioned adjacent a wheel of the extractor for detecting a rotational direction and speed of the wheel to generate a signal. Based on receiving the signal, a controller controls operation of a valve to situationally distribute the cleaning solution to the surface depending on a forward rotation of the wheel and independent of user actuation of a trigger positioned on a handle used to propel the extractor along the surface. Distribution of the cleaning solution can be further optimized based on the detected rotational speed of the wheel.
49 Citations
11 Claims
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1. An extractor comprising:
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a base movable along a surface to be cleaned, the base further comprising at least one wheel; an upright portion pivotally coupled to a portion of the base, wherein the upright portion includes a supply tank and a handle configured to be gripped by a user to move the base along the surface to be cleaned; a liquid distribution system including a distributor in fluid communication with the supply tank to deliver solution to the surface; an encoder operable to generate a signal based on user-initiated movement of the base along the surface; and a controller operatively connected to the encoder and the liquid distribution system, the controller being configured to operate in a distributing mode during movement of the base and in a non-distributing mode during movement of the base based on the signal during operation of the extractor, wherein the controller changes from the distributing mode to the non-distributing mode independent of user interaction with the extractor other than the user-initiated movement, wherein the signal is indicative of one or more attributes selected from a group consisting of movement in a forward direction, movement in a reverse direction, and speed of movement, and wherein distribution of the solution is initiated based on a forward rotation of the at least one wheel, and wherein the distribution of the solution is interrupted based on a reverse rotation of the at least one wheel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification