Abstract:
Certain embodiments include a fluid recovery system. The fluid recovery system includes a vacuum system that applies a suction force on fluids on the floor surface to draw fluids to a fluid recovery tank. A reservoir is operably coupled to a recovery hose. The reservoir includes an inlet passage, an outlet passage leading to the recovery hose, and a fluid trap portion positioned between the inlet and outlet passages. The reservoir permits passage therethrough of fluids suctioned by the vacuum system from the floor to the recovery hose, and traps a backflow of fluids from the recovery hose in the fluid trap portion when the vacuum system stops suctioning fluids from the floor to the recovery hose. The reservoir is shaped to be generally self-cleaning and clears most fluids trapped in the fluid trap portion when the vacuum system starts suctioning fluids from the floor to the recovery hose.
Abstract:
A battery-powered vehicle and a vehicle battery maintenance system that includes a battery charger that monitors energy consumption data from the vehicle battery to generate charging instructions to a charger. A central data unit (CDU) can determine whether if a vehicle electrical load is consuming too much energy and then generate instructions to the vehicle controller to limit the energy consumption. The CDU can notify an offsite central computer if the battery has not been charged according to charging instructions.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention provide a cleaning apparatus, such as a battery- powered vacuum cleaner, that has a body and a cleaning wand. The apparatus operates in a multiple power mode, uses a wireless system to allow an operator interface to be provided on the cleaning wand and/or uses a motion detector on the cleaning wand to operate the cleaning apparatus in an intelligent manner. In cases where the cleaning apparatus is a battery-powered apparatus, the use of a multiple power mode, wireless system and/or a motion detector helps to extend the life of a battery.
Abstract:
An apparatus (14, 500) and method are provided to clean and sanitize livestock carcasses. The apparatus (14, 500) includes a livestock carcass travel path (18, 504), at least one liquid dispenser (38, 550) configured to dispense liquid (41, 200) to the carcass travel path (18, 504), and at least one treatment electrode (40, 554). A control circuit (32, 320) is configured to cause an alternating electric field to be generated between the electrode (40, 554) and a surface of a carcass along the travel path (18, 504), through the dispensed liquid (41, 200).
Abstract:
A releasable squeegee assembly for coupling to a surface maintenance machine and including a compliant bushing and an over-center lever attached to a pull rod and compliant spring. The compliant bushing is compressed via said over-center lever with said compliant spring providing a spring force. A bushing sleeve is provided to limit the degree of compression of said compliant bushing by the over-center lever. A method of coupling a squeegee assembly to a surface maintenance machine is also provided.
Abstract:
A floor surface maintenance vehicle including a frame, a plurality of wheels, a cleaning component extending from an underside of the frame, a steering wheel having a central aperture and rotatable about a central axis, and a steering wheel hub located within the central aperture of the steering wheel and having a panel, wherein the panel is stationary relative to the central axis. Buttons are provided on the panel, including a first button that is C-shaped and extends around a portion of a periphery of the panel. The C-shaped button may by used to control frequently used functions such as cleaning functions or operation of a horn, for example.
Abstract:
A hand-held spray bottle (10, 400, 500, 500') is provided, which includes a liquid reservoir (12, 52, 88, 510), a liquid outlet (14, 74, 89, 508), an electrolysis cell (18, 50, 80, 406, 552, 708, 804), a power source (32, 402, 542) and a DC-to-DC converter (1004). The electrolysis cell (18, 50, 80, 406, 552, 708, 804) is carried by the spray bottle (10, 400, 500, 500') and is fluidically coupled between the reservoir (12, 52, 88, 510) and the liquid outlet (14, 74, 89, 508). The power source (32, 402, 542) is carried by the spray bottle (10, 400, 500, 500') and has a voltage output. The DC-to-DC converter (1004) is coupled between the voltage output and the electrolysis cell (18, 50, 80, 406, 552, 708, 804) and provides a stepped-up voltage, which is greater than the voltage output of the power source (32, 402, 542), to energize the electrolysis cell (18, 50, 80, 406, 552, 708, 804).
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are provided for energizing an electrolysis cell (10, 50, 72) receiving a liquid to be electrochemically activated and contacting the liquid with an exposed, conductive tip (104) of a voltage detector (120). The voltage detector (120) generates a humanly-perceptible indicator (106) as a function of charge movement sensed by the voltage detector (120) through the liquid.
Abstract:
An external filter box for a surface maintenance machine having a hopper with selective communication being provided between the filter box and the hopper to permit dusty air to flow from the hopper to the filter box and to permit dust and debris captured by the filter box to flow into the hopper. In one example, the hopper includes a prefilter assembly which is coupled to an inlet of the filter box during a sweeping operation and which is removed away from the filter box during a hopper dump procedure.